Santos is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Lisbon, covering the Alcantra, Lapa and Madragoa areas. It’s known for possessing the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair.
Santos was formerly an industrial area, but was gentrified around 2006 and turned into a cool design district with a distinct party vibe. The most popular restored streets of Santos are Rua das Janelas Verdes and Rua do Sacramento à Lapa, where the original 18th century buildings now house trendy bars and pubs.
Santos is home to Lisbon’s Institute of Visual Arts, Marketing and Design (IADE), making it a popular area for students and architecture or design lovers.
Necessidades Palace
Necessidades Palace is located in Largo das Necessidades, Alcantra, and was completed just five years before the Earthquake of 1755. Today it is the area’s only surviving historic royal residence.
Down the ages it has been used as a convent, a hospice and today it is the home of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Although you cannot visit the interior, the glimpses of this pink palace, visible from the 25 Abril Bridge, are stunning.
25 Abril Bridge
Facing the Tagus River, 25 Abril Bridge is very similar in design to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, constructed by the same American company. This iconic bridge links the capital to the south of the country. Its original name was Salazar Bridge (named after Portugal's former dictator), but its name was changed to that of the date of the revolution that brought democracy to Portugal- 25 April 1974.
NMAA, Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga
The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is one of the best historical museums in Lisbon and, on top of its exhibitions, offers beautiful views from its rooftop gardens. Inside it has an incredible selection of Portuguese and European art, which you can peruse and your leisure.
Leonel Moura Arte
Up the road from the Museum of Ancient Art, the Leonel Moura Arte is a unique concept gallery which exhibits the ‘works’ of several robotic artists, which are programmed to create paintings. A great institution that really questions the definition of art, it’s located on the Rua das Janelas Verdes.
Museu do Oriente
The Museu do Oriente displays a blend of European and Asian art, culture and history, all dated from the arrival of the Portuguese in the East. You can admire Indo-Portuguese pieces, Chinese ceramics, masks, paintings, as well as Hindu and Buddhist pieces.
Museu da Marioneta
Housed in an 18th Century convent since 2001, the museum displays a collection of puppets from around the world and hosts puppet shows for children. Some of the more remarkable pieces include the wood string puppets from Mandalay.
Food and Drinks
Santos is home to Lisbon’s old fishing neighbourhood and is a great place to try traditional ‘pestiscos’ (tapas) and the famous grilled sardines. In Lapa, you will find one of the most popular Fado restaurants in Lisbon, Senhor Vinho, which has been open and running since 1975. You’ll also find a great selection of trendy bars and restaurants at the marina under the 25 Abril Bridge.
Nightlife
Although Santos is peaceful during the day, at night, especially on weekends, it becomes a popular nightspot. People head to hip local bars and clubs for drinks. Dancing usually goes on until dawn, especially around Avenida 24 de Julho.
