Independente

Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré


On the edge of the Bairro Alto, this superstylish hostel has 11 dorm rooms (with six to 12 beds in each) and four mid-century-modern-leaning minimalist suites with balconies overlooking the Rio Tejo. There are two great restaurants here: Decadente – modern Portuguese, creative cocktails – and the more chef-driven and pricier Insólito (mains €20).

Light sleepers beware: noise can be an issue.

Next door, Suites & Terrace offers more heterogeneously decorated private rooms (with Indian tapestries, tattered antiques and classic Portuguese film posters).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Bairro Alto, Chiado & Cais do Sodré attractions

1. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

0.02 MILES

Hitch a ride on vintage Ascensor da Glória from Praça dos Restauradores, or huff your way up steep Calçada da Glória to this terrific hilltop viewpoint…

2. Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara

0.04 MILES

This convent is small in size but grand in baroque decor. The inconspicuous box-like facade hides a chapel (1690s), and a church (1681) that survived the…

3. Igreja & Museu São Roque

0.11 MILES

The plain facade of 16th-century Jesuit Igreja de São Roque belies its dazzling interior of gold, marble and Florentine azulejos – bankrolled by Brazilian…

4. Convento dos Cardaes

0.16 MILES

The inconspicuous, graffitied white facade of this 17th-century fort-like convent contrasts with the rich blue-and-white tiles and gilded carvings of the…

5. Praça da Alegria

0.21 MILES

Swooping palms and banyan trees shade tranquil Praça da Alegria, which is actually more round than square. Look out for the bronze bust of 19th-century…

6. Jardim do Príncipe Real

0.24 MILES

Shaded by a giant cedar tree, this is a relaxing shady plaza with an al fresco cafe for watching the world go slowly by. The surrounding district is…

7. Casa do Ferreira das Tabuletas

0.25 MILES

The eye-catching Casa do Ferreira das Tabuletas dates to 1864. Its trompe l’œil azulejos (hand-painted tiles) depict allegorical figures and the elements.

8. Rossio

0.29 MILES

Simply known as Rossio to locals, Praça Dom Pedro IV has 24-hour buzz. Shoeshiners, lottery-ticket sellers, hash-peddlers and office workers drift across…