Walking around Lisbon's many neighborhoods is one of the best ways to experience the charm and character of this exciting city. The Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district and is full of narrow, sloping streets, traditional houses, small squares, picturesque cathedrals, outdoor cafés, and fado houses. Nothing quite captures the spirit of Lisbon like the Alfama district. Other neighborhoods worth exploring include Downtown (Baixa) and Chiado, Lisbon's elegant shopping district.
Lisbon has a vibrant cultural identity. Museums and art galleries abound, but its musical traditions are perhaps what make Lisbon so special. An evening of fado music is a quintessential Lisbon experience. Fado is a classic Portuguese musical genre that began around the 1820s. Fado is a melancholy style of music featuring a singer and a guitar player and often revolves around themes of poverty and life at sea. There are several fado houses scattered throughout Lisbon where visitors can experience this unique Portuguese tradition. |