Bairro Alto

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bairro Alto (literally upper quarter in Portuguese) is an area of central Lisbon, Portugal. It functions as a residential, shopping and entertainment district. Bairro Alto is one of the oldest districts of Lisbon, and it used to have a poor reputation until not so long ago. However, it was always a popular place. Dozens of fado singing clubs animated the area. All the major Portuguese newspapers had their offices in there. Prostitution was visible and considerable. Lisbon's dirty underground culture was based here.

Since the 1990s, the Bairro Alto went through some major changes. Lisbon's city council made extensive repairs, dozens of new restaurants, clubs and trendy shops were opened, and many young people moved in. Cars were banned (except for residents and emergency vehicles) and streets are now pleasant. Today, the Bairro Alto (or just the Bairro) is the heart of Lisbon's youth and of the Portuguese capital's nightlife. Lisbon's Punk, Gay, Metal, Goth, Hip Hop and Reggae scenes, all have the Bairro as their home, due to the number of clubs and bars dedicated to each of them. The fado, Portugal's national song, still survives in the new Lisbon's nightlife. During daytime, the Bairro is still a traditional district where old people go shop their groceries, while the younger generations visit art galleries like Zé dos Bois, bookshops like Ler Devagar or arty gift shops like Hold Me.

If you are interested in a mini-guide to the more alternative, local and cheap bars in Bairro Alto, this student guide to the Lisbon nightlife offers plenty of suggestions.

Coordinates: 38°42′44″N, 9°08′42″W