• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
GO TO EXPAT LIVING SINGAPORE
GET OUR NEWSLETTER

Expat Living Hong Kong HomepageExpat Living Hong Kong

Moving to Hong Kong and not sure where to start? Expat Living is the essential lifestyle guide to living in Hong Kong.

Menu
  • Living In Hong Kong
      • Living Here
      • Where To Live
      • Schools
      • For Guys
        • Driving in Hong KongBuying a car in Hong Kong
        • HKIL - mandarin courses for kidsGive Your Kids a Language Lift
        • Hong Kong People - Brenda HojgaardHK People: 10 minutes with Brenda Hojgaard
        • womens tailor Hong KongOur top picks for men’s tailors
      • View all
    Close
  • Things To Do
      • Things To Do
      • What’s On/Calendar
      • Competitions & Offers
        • Hikes5 things to take on every hike
        • Earth spinning for trivia quiz questions on geography20 Quiz Questions on Geography
        • Waterfall BayWaterfalls in Hong Kong: 5 of our faves!
        • Museums in Hong Kong - Museum of Art12 of the best museums in Hong Kong
      • View all
    Close
  • Kids
      • Activities & Things To Do
      • Education & Enrichment
      • Health & Wellness
      • Mums & Babies
      • Podcasts
      • Kids Offers
        • where to buy kids' furniture in Hong Kong - Indigo KidsKids’ bedroom inspo: Beds, rugs, & more!
        • HKIL - mandarin courses for kidsGive Your Kids a Language Lift
        • Family with money for web article on how to teach kids about money5 ways to teach kids about money
        • head lice in Hong KongHead Lice in Children: What You Should Know!
      • View all
    Close
  • Homes
      • Home Décor
      • Readers Homes
        • Revamping a Hong Kong village house
        • where to buy kids' furniture in Hong Kong - Indigo KidsKids’ bedroom inspo: Beds, rugs, & more!
        • Time to spruce up your space?
        • See inside a Shui Hau village house
      • View all
    Close
  • Travel
      • Short Breaks
      • Further Afield
      • Travel News & Offers
        • Earth spinning for trivia quiz questions on geography20 Quiz Questions on Geography
        • Son Doong CaveJourney into the world’s largest cave
        • Hong Kong outlying islands, adventure guide to Cheung Chau, Lantau, Peng Chau, Lamma island, Hong KongAdventure guide to HK’s outlying islands
        • Little Tai Hang Hotel & Serviced Apartments windowCheck out this staycation in Tai Hang
      • View all
    Close
  • Wine & Dine
      • Recipes & Groceries
      • Bars & Restaurants
        • Coffee - for web article on coffee shops that open early in Hong KongCoffee shops that open early in HK
        • There are several supermarket chains in Hong Kong which stock imported brandsWhere to find your fave grocery brands
        • Indian-Restarants-New-Punjab-ClubTop Indian restaurants to try
        • OM Tapas eggTasty tapas restaurant in the heart of HK
      • View all
    Close
  • Style & Beauty
      • Fashion
      • Hair & Beauty
        • glow spa eye treatmentsTips and treatments for beautiful eyes
        • womens tailor Hong KongOur top picks for men’s tailors
        • Shopping in Hong Kong - K11 MuseaThe ultimate guide to shopping in HK
        • Skincare in Hong Kong: So good botanicalsSkincare solution for HK’s climate
      • View all
    Close
  • Health & Fitness
      • Medical & Dental
      • Fitness
      • Wellness
        • Arm exercises: Up fitness - exercise 43 easy exercises to tone up your arms
        • Divorce: estranged coupleDivorce: how to break up with dignity
        • Dr Lauren Bramley and Partners, kids' health, Hong Kong children's health, medical, Hong Kong Health, paediatrics5 questions you should ask about your kids’ health
        • SugarIs your family eating too much sugar?
      • View all
    Close
  • Shop
      • Magazine
      • Advertise With Us
        • December – February 2021
        • DEC-FEB 2020 – $36 (USUAL PRICE $48)
        • City Guide 2020-2021
        • City Guide 2020-2021 – $28
      • View all
    Close
Home » Travel » Further Afield » 48 hours in Bairro Alto, Lisbon

48 hours in Bairro Alto, Lisbon

21 February, 2018 by Belinda Bath 4 Min Read

https://expatliving.hk/48-hours-bairro-alto-lisbon/

Exploring the funky Bairro Alto neighbourhood, in Central Lisbon, was my favourite part of our recent trip to Portugal. It’s a vibrant area in a city that is fast becoming a firm go-to destination.

Bairro Alto emerged as the result of urban expansion in the 16th century outside the walls of the historical centre. The quaint cobblestone-lined streets are filled with restaurants, bars and shops showcasing local designers and wares. An equally vibrant street-art scene adds to the beautiful hues of the city. You can’t help but be in awe of the coloured tiles (azulejos) that adorn all the old buildings – vibrant colours in shades of yellow, blue and green, and all with intricate designs. The tiles serve not only as a visual aesthetic but a functional one as well, working as insulation to keep the buildings cool in summer and warm in winter. It really is a visual feast.

TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
The beautiful hues of the city on display. Picture: BELINDA BATH

Go out early to explore the streets, and come back in the afternoon for a well-earned siesta before the night kicks off. Here are just some of the highlights.

Heading down Calçada do Combro, you’ll pass Igreja de Santa Caterina, also known as Paulistas Church – easily missed but absolutely worth venturing into. Originally part of a convent from 1647, the interior has the most magnificent baroque decorations in gold. Continue onto Rua do Poço dos Negros, and you’ll find The Mill, a wonderful place to have breakfast. Founded by Madeline and Paul, it’s a Portuguese-Australian partnership serving the best coffee we found in Lisbon and beautiful fresh contemporary food with an Australian twist (even Vegemite on toast!). themill.pt/our-story

Stunning architecture. Picture: BELINDA BATH

After you’ve whiled away a couple of hours in these streets and watched the famous No. 28 tram rattle past on the half hour, you can walk up to the tram stop and jump aboard to do the full circuit. It’s a fun way to get your bearings and see this wonderful city. If you’re lucky, you may even get a seat – push the window right down and watch the world go by. lisbon.net/tram

TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
The world-famous No.28 tram. Picture: BELINDA BATH

Lisbon is famous for its Portuguese tarts (pastel de nata), and finding a great version of these treats isn’t hard. Head to Manteigaria in Rua do Loreto for some of the best. You can go inside and watch them rolling out the pastry and filling the shells. Be warned, you won’t be able to stop at only one! Take your tarts and go and sit in the quaint city square, Praça Luís de Camões, just opposite; it features a large statue of the legendary poet from the 16th century.

TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
A selection of legendary Portugese tarts. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
Culinary treats abounded. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
It was a cheese lover’s paradise. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath

Pop into Le Consulat, the former Brazilian Consulate, which combines luxury accommodation, art and creation all in one location. Head to their terrace for afternoon drinks overlooking Praça Luís de Camões. leconsulat.pt

If you’re looking for some unique gifts, look no further than Claus Porto. This store’s beautiful range of hand-crafted soaps and fine fragrances are all wrapped in stunning packaging illustrated with beautiful artwork. The candle range is particularly hard to go past. clausporto.com

TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
Claus Porto was full of beautiful things. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
Daffodil and blue is always pleasing to the eye. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
Beautiful ceramics. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
More colourful displays. Picture: BELINDA BATH

There are so many wonderful petiscos bars and restaurants to explore in the Bairro Alto, with many of the restaurants spilling out onto the street. It’s the balmy nights, outdoor seating and festive decorations down narrow cobblestoned streets that make the experience that much more exciting. For fabulous cocktails and rooftop views you must pop in to The Insólito. Housed in a quirky old building and decorated in vintage candelabras and old curios, it has one of the first lifts ever to be fitted in Lisbon (only room for two people at a time), which takes you up to the rooftop. The views overlooking Castelo de S. Jorge are spectacular, especially at dusk. theinsolito.pt

TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
Enjoy some local fare: Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
Bairro Alto is full of beautiful architecture. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
Catch a ride, Lisbon-style. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
A classic Portugese colour palette. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
A vintage chic interior. Picture: BELINDA BATH
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath
TL- Lisbon -Belinda Bath

A fun way to get around Lisbon is by tuk-tuk, brightly coloured and often decorated in Portuguese tile motifs. They will take you wherever you want to go, or you can do a half-day tour and see the sights. Beware, though: the suspension isn’t always great on the cobblestoned roads! tuk-tuk-lisboa.pt/en

Here are some other great links to the coolest spots and happening places in Lisbon: lisbonlux.com lisboacool.com/en

Belinda’s Lisbon photos are available to purchase from her website, including beautifully designed montages. belindabathimages.com

For more see our travel section:

Hot new hotel openings for 2018

Move over Bali and discover Bintan island

Have you been California dreaming?

This article first appeared in the February/March 2018 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.

Categories: Further Afield Travel Tags: Bairro Alto Lisbon Portugal Travel Travel Adventure

You May Also Like

Top skiing destinations - Whistler, Canada

Stunning ski stays in Europe and beyond

Where to stay and what to do in Thailand - Merdeka

Quick getaways: Where to go in Thailand

Best places to go shopping in Singapore

Primary Sidebar

Expat Living Hong Kong 🇭🇰

expatlivinghk

Open
When it comes to hiking - Hong Kong has it all! 

From easy family-friendly walks and circuits to longer walks and some challenging hikes for the super fit! 

Check out our great guide - link in the bio.
Open
In the mood for a sweet treat? These chewy salted caramel and chocolate cookies are delicious with a cuppa or warmed and crumbled over ice cream.

This recipe makes about 25 cookies.

Ingredients

5 tablespoons butter or margarine, softened (or as an alternative, substitute half of the butter with natural peanut butter)
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup plain flour
6 tablespoons cocoa or cacao
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon sea salt flakes
1 cup chocolate chips
1 Mars Bar, chopped

Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg and vanilla, then beat well.
4. Combine flour, cocoa (or cacao), baking soda and half of the salt; gradually blend into the creamed mixture.  5.Stir in the chocolate chips and Mars Bar pieces.
6. Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture onto a lined cookie sheet.
7. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes. Tip: do not over-bake! The cookies should be soft, they’ll puff up while baking and flatten while cooling.
8. Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet onto wire rack.
9. Sprinkle with remaining sea salt flakes.
Enjoy!
Open
If you're looking for a fascinating (albeit a touch morbid) read this weekend - then look no further.

'Women, Crime and The Courts' charts a hundred years of Hong Kong's women who find themselves on the wrong side of the law.  

Gripping stuff!
Open
Pui O Beach - just lovely 📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
Expat Living's Leanda shares a delicious Dukkah-roasted Cauliflower recipe: “A tasty and substantial dish that will keep you full and satisfied without any guilt!"

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 cans of 400g chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Olive oil
1 tablespoon dukkah spice
A pinch of salt
1 /3 cup pine nuts
1 /2 cup pomegranate seeds
Large handful of fresh mint, roughly chopped
1 avocado (1/2 for dressing & 1/2 for garnish)
1 /2 cup Greek yoghurt
Handful of fresh mint, roughly chopped
Zest and juice of 1 lime. 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius.

2. Place the cauliflower and chickpeas onto two large baking trays, and drizzle with the oil.

3. Top with dukkah, salt, and toss to combine. Roast for 18 to 20 minutes, or until golden brown.

4. For the dressing, place the avocado, yoghurt, mint, lemon zest and juice, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Using a hand-held blender or a food processor, blend until smooth and creamy.

5. On the stove, heat the pine nuts in a pan at medium heat until slightly browned.

6. Top the cauliflower and chickpeas with the mint, pomegranate seeds and remaining avocado. Drizzle with the avocado dressing, sprinkle pine nuts and serve!
Open
Happy Valentine’s Day from the Expat Living Team ❤️
Open
🏮 Gong Hei Fat Choy to all our friends celebrating Chinese New Year!
Open
In celebration of Chinese New Year, we are giving ten lucky readers the chance to win a $250 voucher to spend at PizzaExpress!
Open
📷 @colsimphoto
Open
🏮Begin the Year of the Ox the right way by sharing a meal to welcome the new lunar year together – be it at home our out and about! Check out the full listing on our website - link in bio 🏮
Open
Our CNY Sale starts today! Grab a year's subscription for just $68 (usually $192). Visit 👉 expatliving.hk/sale/IG

🎁 If you'd like to buy this as a gift, go to expatliving.hk/sale/gift/IG

You'll get free access to the digital edition on the Magzter app too!

.
#expatlivinghk #ighk #hkexpats #hongkong #hksales
Open
If you're an experienced hiker looking for a new challenge this weekend – how about The Twins.... at night?

📷 @lailasophiashah
Open
Ever wondered what it is like to live in Hung Hom? EL reader Veronica Valdivieso gives us the lowdown. For the full story and Veronica's recommendations see our DEC-FEB issue✨📖
Open
🎉 We're so pleased to announce the winners of our Readers' Choice Awards! Congrats to all the companies who were voted among the best in Hong Kong, and to the voters who won the amazing prizes. See the full results online now at 👉 expatliving.hk/readerschoice

.
#expatlivinghk #hkbusiness #hongkongbusiness #elhkreaderschoice #hkexpats
Open
Pieces for your dining room mood board!🪑We are feeling these tones 🤎
Open
Thanks Julianna for this delicious 
Easy Blueberry Oreo Cheesecake to start the weekend!
Serves 4, or 2 if you're hungry😉

Preparation time: 15 mins Ingredients:
• 6 digestive biscuits
• 50g butter 
• 250g cream cheese (1 brick) 
• 6 Oreo biscuits
• 125g blueberries (1 box)
• 100g milk or whipped cream 
• 5 tablespoons sugar

Instructions:
For crust:
1. Crush digestive biscuits in a big bowl and add melted butter.
2. Press together at the base of the cake mould.
3. Set aside to cool.

For filling: 
1. Beat cream cheese, sugar and milk or whipped cream on medium speed in a bowl until it is smooth and creamy. 
2. Add crushed Oreos and beat until they mix evenly. 
3. Pour the filling over the cooled crust.
4. Freeze for two hours and top with blueberries!🫐
Open
If you’re looking for a place to live in Hong Kong - particularly if you’re moving here and want an easy landing pad - a serviced apartment can be a godsend! @hongkongparkview is like a mini town with everything you need from a Clubhouse with full facilities to a toy shop, clothes and food shop! 🏞🛍
Open
Read our Winter issue on any device for free 👉 expatliving.hk/digital/ig.
Inside: Two inspiring home reno stories, great dining room furniture ideas, insider's guide to Hung Hom Bay and plenty of other great reads, including easy dessert recipes!
Open
How cool is this - Hong Kong-based @ovolohotels is the first hotel group to go entirely vegetarian across its restaurants, bars and food services for a year! 🌱This move is the latest in the group’s series of eco-friendly initiatives, and doesn’t this look delicious!👏🏻
Open
If we’ve learnt anything this last year it’s how much a magical view can do for your mind🌿These are just some of the properties showcased by @knightfrank 🙌🏼 Head to knightfrank.com.hk to see what’s currently available! 🏞
  • COMPETITIONS & OFFERS
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Subscribe

© 2021 Expat Living Hong Kong, All Rights Reserved.