Largo do Chiado – the little square that has it all

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Updated 11/11/23. Largo do Chiado (Chiado Square) is the little square that has it all. The beautiful plaza has always been popular with Lisbon’s literary class and movers and shakers. Today it is bustling with tourists, as it has so many classy options for shopping, dining, and lodging.

Additionally, the Chiado neighborhood is flat (once you get there), central, and has a transportation hub below it.

What to see in Largo do Chiado Square

Statue of the poet Andre Ribeiro

Street musicians play in front of the statue of poet Andre Ribeiro, known as "O Chiado." in Lisbon's Largo do Chiado Square. The sqaure is paved in black and white Portuguese cobblestones, or calçada portuguesa
There will often be musicians entertaining crowds at Largo do Chiado Square

At the heart of Largo do Chiado Square, a jovial statue of the 16th-century poet, André Ribeiro sits on a pedestal. Ribeiro, who lived up the street on Rua Garrett, was nicknamed “O Chiado.” “Chiado” means “The Squeak,” in Portuguese. Largo is a plaza, or square.

All around, the plaza is paved with intricate black and white stone inlays. In my opinion, this is one of the best back-and-white cobblestone mosaics in the city. To learn where else to look, see my Portuguese pavement: Black and white cobblestones in Lisbon

The bronze statue depicts the famous poet André Ribeiro striking a pose as if he is telling a satirical joke. You can sit here to enjoy the beautiful scenery as you wait for Lisbon nightlife to kick start. 

You can unwind here after a long day of exploring Lisbon streets and viewpoints. On some days you’ll find a group of musicians performing on this street. Right across, there are nice restaurants, cafes, and bars serving delicious Lisbon cuisine and cocktails. 

Statue of Fernando Pessoa – a popular figure at Chiado Square

Statue of poet Fernando Pessoa, seated in front of Cafe A Brasileira, in Lisbon, and an empty seat for you.

Another place you can spend some time is at the statue of Fernando Pessoa, a 4-minute walk from the Carmo ruins. Designed by master sculptor Lagoa Henriques, the sculpture sits in front of Café A Brasileira. The sculpture is meant to commemorate Fernando Pessoa, a famous 20th-century Portuguese writer, and poet.

Unveiled in 1988, on the poet’s birthday, the bronze statue depicts Pessoa seated on a chair, his left arm resting on a table, and his other arm halfway suspended as if expressing a point.  He is depicted seated in figure 4 sitting posture, his left ankle over his right ankle.

The sculpture accurately depicts the poet, an old-time frequent visitor at the emblematic Café A Brasileira. You can take a selfie here and afterward head to the Brazilian café for a coffee treat.  It’s usually busy around noon and from 6 pm and 9 pm.

Here I am fooling around on the Largo do Chiado Square

What’s in and around Largo do Chiado Square?        

Metro station

The Baixa-Chiado subway station below is where Lisbon’s blue and green metro lines connect. 

The subway has been operating since 1998 and has two entrances. You can use the Baixa city center or the Chiado Square entrance.

If you’re in Baixa, you can opt to walk uphill to Chiado. Alternatively, you can use the escalators at the Metro Station. To learn more about Lisbon’s subway system, read my Lisbon Metro: A helpful guide to the Lisbon subway

Largo do Chiado, 8, the Palácio Pinto Basto, was once a diplomatic residence. Today, the elegant stone building houses the Fidelidade Contemporary Arts Center in Lisbon, Portugal

When you come up from the metro station, you are facing the beautiful PalácIo Pinto Basto at Largo do Chiado,8.

According to https://www.e-chiado.pt/patrimonio/palacio-pinto-basto/ 

the Palácio Pinto Basto was built in 1791.  From 1802 – 1809, it was the French diplomatic residence, and it then passed to British diplomats from 1809 until 1816.

José Ferreira Pinto Basto (1774 – 1839), one of Portugal’s great movers and shakers purchased the building in 1820

The palácio Basto housed some of Lisbon’s earliest great hotels, including The Hotel Peninsular (1848 – 1889)  and the Grande Hotel du Matta (1889).

Today the building houses Fidelidade Arte, an exibition space for contemporary art.  https://www.fidelidadearte.pt/exposicoes/

Underground parking

If you’re driving and need a place to park, Baixa-Chiado metro station has underground parking.

The parking fees can be steep if you pay at the gate – fees can be up to 60€ a day.

If you want to save money, reserve your space using the Telepark website – you’ll pay about 25€ for one day.

If you pay through the website, you can check in and out as you please. But be sure to activate the ‘ExpressWay’ feature to avoid paying double.

Livraria Bertrand

Interior shot of Lisbon's Livraria Bertrand bookstore

Livraria Bertrand is the longest continually running bookstore in the world, an accolade also listed in the Guinness Book of Records.

Built in 1732, the bookstore has been open for 290 years now.

Livraria Bertrand is a dedicated corner for intellectuals. Previous generations of Portuguese writers and intellectuals would meet here to interact with like-minded people.

It has an extensive collection of materials you can explore – from classic books, bestsellers, newspapers, and magazines. While most books are in Portuguese, they have a small section for English readers. To learn about Lisbon’s other great bookstores, read my 7 great bookstores in Lisbon

Armazéns do Chiado Shopping Center

Armazens Do Chiado Shopping Center at the end of Lisbon's Rua Garrett

Armazéns do Chiado Shopping center offers six-stories of retail shops. Its upper floor hosts a food-court that serves Portuguese cuisines, wines, cocktails, and champagnes. Official website: https://armazensdochiado.com/

Michelin Star restaurants near Largo do Chiado

Alma

In Portuguese, Alma means ‘soul’ – a fitting name for a restaurant that gives you a soul-stirring contemporary experience. The space the restaurant occupies was once used by the famous Bertrand bookstore as a warehouse.

It’s now been re-invented into a 2-Michelin star restaurant, serving a range of dishes including Portuguese cuisine, Mediterranean dishes, and European flavors.   

As a guest, you can treat your taste buds to different menus. One of the menus is Costa A Costa, a marine-inspired menu that serves Portugal’s fish and seafood. Also on the menu is ‘Alma’, featuring signature dishes from Portuguese Chefs. The third option is the A La Carte menu.

When you check into the Alma, the staff will treat you to a friendly welcome, and even help you make a choice on what to eat. They explain every type of dish you order, and even how to eat it. Also, they serve one dish, at a time – every time you finish your serving (about 2-4 bites), they bring another.  Their menu options can be pricey with each meal costing around €175. Official site: https://www.almalisboa.pt/en

Belcanto

Belcanto is another two-star Michelin restaurant you can pop in for a luxury dining experience. It holds the accolade as one of the world’s prestigious restaurants (Top 100 worldwide).  Like the Alma, they have two tasting menus, and a la carte option. The a la carte option gives you a taste of contemporary Portuguese cuisine.

You can also opt to eat at the chef table for a unique dish served straight by the chefs. The quiet, elegant ambience inside Belcanto combined with tasty meals will take you on a unique sensory and gastronomic journey. Official site: https://www.belcanto.pt/

Let’s say you’re on a tighter budget

A Casa da India

You would think it’s an Indian restaurant, but no. You will get local game and seafood here cooked in a traditional Portuguese style, for a fair price. They serve .70€ pints of Sagres during Happy Hour from 3 pm until 6 pm

Due west of Largo do Chiado and Largo de Camões at Rua do Loreto, 49

Pastéis de Nata

A Pastel de Nata custard tart from Manteigaria bakery in Lisbon

These yellow custard creme tarts are a Lisbon staple. At Rua do Loreto, 2 you will find the award-winning Manteigaria Fábrica de Pastéis de Nata. They have stores all over town. You would be wise not to pass them by. They will make you smile for only 1.25€

A Padaria Portuguesa bakery is at Largo do Chiado 44. They also have shops all over the city.

The previously mentioned Cafe A Brasileira also serves Pastéis de Nata, among many other items. I think we are setting up for a pretty good contest here to see which bakery has the best Pastéis de Nata in Lisbon. Read more here, The big difference between Pastéis de Belém and Pastéis de Nata

For more information on where to eat in Chiado, see my 7 of the Best Restaurants in Chiado

Churches near Largo do Chiado

Igreja do Loreto

Also known as `the church for Italians’, Igreja do Loreto is a magnificent cathedral sanctuary with a deep history.    Built-in 1518 for Italians, the church features neo-classical and baroque architecture.  You can stop by here to admire the church’s beauty or rest after a walk in the capital.

  Igreja da Encarnação

Ceiling of Lisbon's Nossa Senhora da Encarnação church
Ceiling of Lisbon’s Nossa Senhora da Encarnação church

Igreja de Encarnação is an old church well-recognized for its stunning façade.

The church was once destroyed by an earthquake in 1755, but it was rebuilt in the 18th century. The Baroque style architecture and the ornate interior make this church of point of interest to those visiting.

Statue of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Encarnação, Lisbon

At the main altar stands a magnificent sculpture of Our Lady of the Incarnation and the church ceiling features beautiful frescoes.

Hostels and Hotels Near Largo do Chiado

Lookout Hostel

Lookout Hostel is one of the best hostels to stay in while vacationing in Chiado district. Guests who have been here loved the service, ambiance, and staff. It has all the amenities you would need for a cozy night: think WIFI, breakfast, and evening entertainment.  It’s situated in an ideal location where it’s only a few minutes from Chiado’s favorite attractions, luxury restaurants, and bars.

You can also enjoy stunning views of the city as the hostel stands at a vantage point.  Even if you check in alone, you’ll make friends as everyone here is super nice, and welcoming. To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/lookout-lisbon-hostel.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Hotel do Chiado

Hotel do Chiado is a 4-star hotel based at the center of Largo do Chiado.  Overlooking the Tagus River, it’s one of a few elegant hotels in Lisbon with a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic views.  You can have your buffet breakfast or dinner on the rooftop terrace overlooking the hilly Chiado district or Tagus River. 

Amenities include free WIFI, free breakfast, private parking, 24-hour security, and taxi service. Their relaxed, soundproof rooms include housekeeping, air conditioning, flat Screen TV with cable, a minibar, and a private balcony. 

The hotel is based in a perfect location for those who want to explore Lisbon’s gems.  It’s a 2-minute walk from the Baixa-Chiado Metro station, or if you’re coming from Rossio Square – it’s just 5 minutes.  Attractions like the Santa Justa Elevator, the Carmo Convent, and the Carmo Fountain are all within walking distance. Your stay here will be a delightful one. To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/lookout-lisbon-hostel.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

 Lisboa Pessoa Hotel

Lisboa Pessoa hotel is owned by a Portuguese family. Inside it’s decorated to commemorate the life and works of Portuguese literary writer Fernando Pessoa.

The rooms are engraved with a heteronym dedicated to the famous Portuguese writer. It has all the top-rated amenities, and the concierge has been praised for being welcoming and friendly.

The boutique hotel has a rooftop bar where you can sip your drink as you admire the city’s view. Also, the hotel’s location is walking distance from some of Lisbon’s favorite destinations like the Carmo convent, train station, Rossio, and he Santa Justa Lift.

To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/lisboa-pessoa.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

 Bairro Alto Hotel

Bairro Alto is a 5-star hotel located at right on Largo do Chiado at the Bairro Alto and Chiado district border.  Tucked between historic buildings, Bairro Alto hotel is a few minutes walk from countless tourist destinations like the Carmo Convent. The hotel features Portuguese architecture with individually decorated deluxe-level rooms.  The rooms include a lounge area with mini-bars, TV, and WIFI. 

What makes Bairro Alto unique is the cocktail bar that sits on its rooftop with a terrace that overlooks the Tejo River and the city. You can take your meals or drink either in their mini bars or cafes or sit at the bar’s rooftop terrace for an unforgettable experience.

To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/bairro-alto.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Where is Largo do Chiado?

GPS Coordinates: 38.71075559022736, -9.14250961573591

Located at the center of the Chiado neighborhood, Largo do Chiado is bounded on the west by Rua da Misericórdia / Rua do Alecrim and the Praça Luís de Camões. To the east is the Rua Garrett shopping street.

Largo do Chiado is based in the heart of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. The popular district square is centered between Bairro Alto and Baixa Pombalina neighborhoods. You can get to this historic capital by either taking the Blue or Green metro lines – you would exit at the Baixa-Chiado Metro station. You can also walk from Rua do Carmo to get to Chiado shopping center.

Is Chiado a good neighborhood?

As one of the liveliest neighborhoods in central Lisbon, Chiado is one of the safest places. But generally, Lisbon is safe. If you have concerns about security, see my article, 20 tips for staying safe in Lisbon Portugal

As a precaution, if you’re vacationing in Chiado, be vigilant of pickpocketing – it’s common in crowded places or when riding on trams.

If you are looking for something central, with lots of options – Chiado is a great choice. The neighborhood is surrounded by Baixa, Cais do Sodré, and Bairro Alto – all happening areas that you will probably want to spend time in. To learn more about the other neighborhoods, read my Best neighborhoods to stay in Lisbon

What else is near Largo do Chiado?

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