Time for A Brasileira in Chiado, Lisbon

Perched next to the statue of Ferdinand Pessoa infront of A Brasileira

I stumbled on Chiado after I had taken the wrong tram from Estrella. I had wanted to take Tram 28 back to Martim Moniz but instead got on another that stopped right bang in the middle of Chiado. It was the last stop. As usual I became engrossed in my surroundings only to shriek after a few minutes of aimless walking at what was before me. A Brasileira! This was at the very top of my list of restaurants and cafés and here I was standing right before it. A Brasileira (The Brazilian Lady Cafe) is on Rua Garrett right opposite the Baixa-Chiado tram stop. It is one of the world’s oldest and most famous cafés. It is credited with being the first establishment to import Brazilian coffee into Portugal in the 19th century and became a meeting point for the coolest intellectuals and creative people in Lisbon.

Chiado of course has more to offer. It has a plethora of shops, theatres, bookshops, squares, bars, restaurants and other entertainment establishments as well as some of Lisbon’s cultural centres such as museums. The statue of Ferdinand Pessoa and the waterfront are particularly notable. Rua Garett in Chiado is probably a street that inspired other streets and avenues in Europe. It is absolutely charming. Chiado has a reputation and deservedly so for being the haunting grounds of Lisbon’s art students. Alongside Alfama, Baixa and Bairro Alto, Chiado is a must visit.

Inside – A Brasileira