Bica Travel Guide

Lisbon District

Photo by Joao Santana
Photo by David Holroyd
Photo by J-Kristof Dufresne
Photo by Dominik Majewski
Photo by Maria Vittoria Fronda

Bica is a neighbourhood located in the centre of old Lisbon in the Santa Catarina parish. This location is just steps away from the Tagus River, next to the neighbourhoods of Chiado and Bairro Alto. This is the ideal place to visit if you are looking to experience the historical charm of the streets of Lisbon.

Bica Lift

There are four funiculars in Lisbon: Lavra, Glória, Santa Justa and Bica Lift. Although the original funiculars were brown and hydro-powered, they are now yellow and powered by electricity. This is a fun mode of public transportation that offers splendid views. The Bica Funicular was opened in 1892 and is the longest of all the four lifts. It was constructed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard, connecting ‘Calçada do Combro and ‘S. Paulo Street’, crossing ‘Bica de Duarte Belo’, one of Lisbon's most photographed street framed by coloured houses. You can see hip bars at night and the Tagus River in the distance while travelling on the funicular.

Santa Catarina Belvedere

This is a beautiful viewpoint located between the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts and is popular for the stunning terrace views overlooking the Tagus River.

Camões Square

This square is named after one of Portugal’s greatest 16th-century writers and is located in the heart of Chiado. A popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, the place is always packed with folks sitting on the steps of the poet's monument, drinking a ‘ginginha’ or beer and preparing to embark on a night out on the town.

Brasileira Café

This is a 19th century café located on Rua Garrett, beautifully decorated with wooden booths and wall mirrors. Sitting on the terrace of this café you’ll find the statue of famous 20th century Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa. It’s a nice place to have a coffee and sample the traditional custard tart whilst enjoying one of Lisbon’s liveliest streets.

Bairro Alto

This is the bohemian district and one of the oldest areas of town. Here you can find galleries, bars, restaurants, art schools and cool shops. At night this area gets crowded with locals and tourists enjoying the nightlife. In the old days, writers and journalists frequented this neighbourhood but it was also looked upon with suspicion due to prostitution. Nowadays it’s a neighbourhood of design hostels, trendy restaurants and lively bars.

Food, Shopping and Nightilfe

This neighbourhood has plenty of restaurants to choose from, where traditional and trendy restaurants blend with one another. Popular spots for food include Calçada do Combro, Travessa das Mercês, Rua da Rosa. Check out Bairro Alto for modern international cuisine, such as Italian, Morroccan, Indian and Thai. For traditional Portuguese food head to Rua da Atalaia or Rua da Barroca.

If you’re after a little shopping, head down Rua do Norte, Rua da Rosa and Rua da Atalaia. You’ll find Portuguese designers shops and the best, original gifts to take back home with you.

If you’re after a night on the town, check out the bars and clubs around Rua do Diário de Noticias, Rua da Barroca and Rua da Atalaia. The bars close at 2am but the party continues on in the streets. Rua Bica Duarte Belo is also a nightlife hotspot with people sitting on the street-side steps, sipping drinks, chatting and enjoying themselves.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Bica

Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is ₹20,297 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹20,297
₹22,327 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,112 reviews)
"The property is clean and modern. There is also a well equipped gym, a decent sized swimming pool, and two restaurants. We only had a few drinks at one of the restaurant bars and the service was excellent. The only hiccup was that one of the room card stopped working on two occasions during our three ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is ₹11,711 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
₹11,711
₹13,228 total
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,124 reviews)
"We love it here!"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is ₹9,765 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹9,765
₹11,163 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,016 reviews)
"Modern and close to the airport."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel

EPIC SANA Marques Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Fontes de Pereira de Melo, 8, Lisbon
The price is ₹25,633 per night from 8 Aug to 9 Aug
₹25,633
₹27,983 total
8 Aug - 9 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,086 reviews)
"Really lovely hotel, stayed in the Deluxe Twin room, which was very spacious. Breakfast was included in our deal but I think if it isn’t, it’s worth the extra as there’s so much to choose from. I’d recommend use of the spa but just know that it needs to be accessed by the lift on the left side of ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
Hotel Mundial

Hotel Mundial

4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
The price is ₹17,279 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹17,279
₹19,129 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and an on-site winery. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,071 reviews)
"Fantastic location, clean and tidy rooms, friendly staff. View from top floor restaurant (where we had breakfast) and the roof top bar were great. Would recommend"

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Hotel Mundial
Holiday Inn Lisbon by IHG

Holiday Inn Lisbon by IHG

4 out of 5
Avenida Antonio Jose De Almeida 28-A, Lisbon
The price is ₹8,521 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
₹8,521
₹11,366 total
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,011 reviews)
"We had a wonderful stay at this hotel. The staff were exceptionally informative and helpful throughout our visit, which made a big difference. The location was perfect—convenient and enjoyable to explore. Overall, a great experience and we would definitely return!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Lisbon by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Bica

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Bairro Alto

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto
Lisbon District showing food

Cais do Sodré

If you're spending time in Cais do Sodré, check out sights like Mercado da Ribeira or Pink Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rua de São Paulo Stop or R. Vitor Cordon Stop.

Cais do Sodré
Chiado which includes views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bertrand while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado
Botanical Garden which includes a garden

Príncipe Real

4.5/5(77 area reviews)

Noted for its gardens and cafes, there's plenty to explore in Príncipe Real. Top attractions like Avenida da Liberdade and National Museum of Natural History are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Príncipe Real Stop or Rato Station to see more of the city.

Príncipe Real
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Santos

4.5/5(24 area reviews)

Museums, restaurants and waterfront views highlight some notable features of Santos. Make a stop by National Museum of Ancient Art or Puppet Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Rua de São João da Mata Stop or Santos-o-velho Stop to get around town.

Santos
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Lapa

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Lapa. Spend some time visiting top spots like National Museum of Ancient Art, and catch the metro at Rua Santana à Lapa Stop or R. S. Domingos à Lapa Stop to see more of the area.

Lapa

Bica Travel Guide