5 small squares in Lisbon

The intimately small square is right in the centre of the city but the feel is almost rural, as if you were transported to a village in the countryside, far away from the traffic and noise of the city. The garden that occupies the square is lined with trees and has a lively kiosk and an art museum.

The Carmo square is the calmest spot in Chiado, far from the busy streets of this elegant district. It has restaurants with outdoor terraces, a kiosk, a museum and a church. It is also the entry point to the lift of Santa Justa and to the viewpoint of the Carmo terraces.

This Parisian-style square located in the lower part of the city, at the river level, was for many decades a shabby area where you really wouldn’t feel comfortable at night, given the many illegal activities that went on there. Now all that has changed and the square and the adjoining streets are the heart of Lisbon’s nightlife.

This closed square is where you’ll find the imposing church of São Miguel, with its steps where people sit on warm nights drinking and enjoying the scenery. You’ll also find many fado restaurants here that provide a lively soundtrack to the daily life of the square’s residents and visitors.

Largo da Parada lies in an easy-going part of town, in a quarter that’s appreciated by locals for its shopping opportunities and family feel. It’s a nice place to observe the local residents living their daily lives.