Orientation

Lisbon was built on seven hills and navigating the complex streets of Lisbon requires patience and a healthy desire for exercise. The city is divided in three main neighborhoods, Baixa is the low district located in the valley, the Bairro Alto is the high district and the Alfama.

The Baixa which is the commercial center of Lisbon is located in the center of town, between the other two districts. In a network of small, mostly pedestrian streets begining at the Rossio and ending at the Praça do Comércio.

On the west of Baixa an elegant historic outdoor elevator lifts you up to the Bairro Alto's upscale shopping district, the Chiado. The Bairro Alto is a is a chic Bohemian neighborhood full of Fado bars, trendy restaurants and steep cobble stoned streets, tropical parks, and Baroque churches

Alfama is the district east of Baixa. It is Lisbon's famous medieval neighborhood comprising the Moorish quarter, which is the oldest district of the city is picturesque with narrow winding streets and flowers flowing over balconies.The rolling streets change names about every three steps, and streets that share a name may not actually be the same street. Maps are available for free at the tourist offices but are not comprehensive.