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Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

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Overview

Wedged between Bairro Alto and Rato, Príncipe Real is an open-minded, bohemian-flavoured corner of Lisbon, perfect for lazy days spent exploring markets, antique stores and hip boutiques. Artists, up-and-coming designers and the gay community all call this enclave home. Santos, west of Cais Sodré, fancies itself a design district and is home to one of Lisbon's biggest concentrations of late-night clubs, near Av 24 de Julho. Lovely, mostly residential Estrela, west of Bairro Alto, is a parish of tree-lined streets and leafy parks anchored by its monumental 18th-century basilica.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • Front view on the Basilica da Estrela from the streets of Lisbon timelapse hyperlapse, Portugal. Traffic on the street and blue sky
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clube de futebol estrela da amadora

    Basílica da Estrela

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    The curvaceous, sugar-white dome and twin belfries of Basílica da Estrela are visible from afar. The echoing interior is awash with pink-and-black marble,…

  • (GERMANY OUT) The Puppet Museum (Museu da Marioneta) in Lisbon, Portugal  (Photo by Forster/ullstein bild via Getty Images)

    Museu da Marioneta

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    Discover your inner child at the surprisingly enchanting Museu da Marioneta, a veritable Geppetto’s workshop housed in the 17th-century Convento das…

  • Casa Fernando Pessoa

    Casa Fernando Pessoa

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    Immerse yourself in the life and work of Portuguese modernist founder and author Fernando Pessoa as you wander through his old apartment, browse through…

  • Palácio da Assembleia da República

    Palácio da Assembleia da República

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    The columned, temple-like Palácio da Assembleia da República (Palácio de São Bento) is where Portugal’s parliament, the Assembleia da República, makes its…

  • Lavadouro das Francesinhas

    Lavadouro das Francesinhas

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    Most folks walk right past one of Lisbon's only surviving public laundromats – there's no sign other than 'CML' inscripted across the doorframe – and this…

  • Casa Museu de Amália Rodrigues

    Casa Museu de Amália Rodrigues

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    A pilgrimage site for fado fans, this is where the Rainha do Fado (Queen of Fado) Amália Rodrigues (1920-99) lived; note the calçada portuguesa …

  • Jardim Botânico

    Jardim Botânico

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    Nurtured by green-fingered students, the Jardim Botânico is a quiet, 1500-species pocket of lushness fresh off a €500,000 renovation that mostly improved…

  • Jardim da Estrela

    Jardim da Estrela

    Príncipe Real, Santos & Estrela

    Seeking green respite? Opposite the Basílica da Estrela, this 1852 green space is perfect for a stroll, with paths weaving past pine, monkey-puzzle and…

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