Bairro Alto

{Bairro Alto}

We arrived in the late afternoon in Lisbon. After having a shower in our holiday apartment (Principe Real quarter) to combat fatigue, we followed our hosts recommendation and got a Merienda in that new snack bar near our apartment. Refreshed and full of excitement we started to explore the nearby Bairro Alto area. It was Sunday around 5 pm, and Bairro Alto have not woken up yet.

Bairro Alto means literally "Upper District" or "High Area". This quarter is truly at the top of Lisbon's 7 hills. Lisbon is the city of cobblestone pavements and plaças. Back at home in Berlin I would hate it, but here in Lisbon you have to love it. We strolled around the empty, cobbled and narrow ginnels. Although the big earthquake in 1755 did not result in big damage to the Bairro Alto, most buildings are restored.

{1. Typical for Bairro Alto is the hanging laundry in the windows}

A typical image of Bairro Alto is the hanging laundry in the windows. It feels good being in the South again. A warm and sunny place is everything what we always need after a long, dark and frosty winter. The light is one of the most fascinating thing in Lisbon. Especially before and during "Lusco-Fusco" (Engl. dusk / sunset) it seems like this city is  covered with a golden veil. Lisbon's light is defining.

{2. More hanging laundry}

The streets were quite. We have only met few residents, and the rest were tourist/travellers like us. Bairro Alto sleeps at day time but as soon as the sun vanished it transforms into Lisbon's party and night life quarter. Best place to gather with friends,  bar-hopping and just have a drink outside and enjoy Lisbon's mild nights.

{3. A traditional Lisbon house with azulejos on the façade // cobblestone steps}

At Bairro Alto's main commercial streets: Rua do Norte, Rua da Atalaia, and Rua do Diario de Noticias, you will find trendy and alternative shops. Here, some addresses:

Crumpler
Rua do Norte 22
- The famous brand for handbags and backpacks.

Adidas by Sneakers Delight
Rua do Norte 30
- For classical models, special Adidas editions and more.

Lomo (Lomographic Embassy)
Rua da Atalaia 31
- Lomographer's heaven.