Estrela Guide: What It’s Like to Live in Estrela, Lisbon

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A tranquil park scene in Portugal features a pond surrounded by trees and lush greenery on a sunny day. A white statue stands in the center of the pond. In the background, people are seen walking and enjoying the scenic park.

Estrela, a charming, quieter neighbourhood just outside the busy centre of Lisbon, offers a perfect balance of convenience and tranquility for those seeking to make it their home. As with most neighbourhoods in Lisbon, Estrela is quite small so it doesn’t talk long to walk to nearby neighbourhoods like Campo de Ourique or 

One of Estrela’s main attractions is its abundance of green spaces, most notably the Jardim da Estrela. This beautiful park is a haven for relaxation and socialising, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The unique integration of Portuguese and foreign residents in Estrela has contributed to its popularity and vibrant community atmosphere. While small, it’s just about large enough for a short job around, although you will have to do quite a few laps to get a good workout here. 

Estrela is known for its charming and colourful streets, lined with independent shops and restaurants that cater to a diverse range of tastes. The neighbourhood’s growing appeal has led to an increase in house prices, but many residents feel that the quality of life offered by Estrela justifies the cost. The area strikes a perfect balance between being close to the city centre and maintaining a calm and peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal choice for those who want to be near the action without the noise and inconvenience of living in the heart of the city.

The neighbourhood is also well-connected by public transportation, with easy access to buses and trams that can take you to other parts of the city. Although slightly outside of the city centre, it’s also possible to walk to the heart of the city if you wish. 

For families, Estrela is particularly appealing due to its safety, family-friendly atmosphere, and the presence of good schools in the area. The Jardim da Estrela is a popular spot for children to play and for families to spend time together, and there are plenty of other green spaces and parks nearby for outdoor activities.

Overall, Estrela offers a high quality of life for those seeking a vibrant yet peaceful neighbourhood that combines the best of Lisbon’s charm and convenience. Its unique blend of Portuguese and international residents, coupled with its attractive location and abundance of amenities, make it a highly desirable place to call home in the Portuguese capital.

What’s in the neighbourhood

  • Basílica da Estrela: A magnificent basilica built in 1790, housing the tomb of Queen Maria I and a remarkable baroque nativity scene with over 500 terracotta and cork images. Visitors can climb the steep stairs to the roof by the ornate dome for panoramic views of the city.
  • Jardim da Estrela: A romantic English-style park laid out in 1852, featuring duck ponds, outdoor cafés, a wrought-iron bandstand, sculptures, and exotic plants. It’s a popular spot for picnics and local families, and hosts a crafts and design market on the first weekend of each month, as well as music festivals during the summer.
  • Palacete do Visconde de Sacavém: A romantic residence built in the late 1800s, located on Rua do Sacramento à Lapa, featuring neo-Manueline windows with exuberant ceramics and tiles with naturalistic motifs.
  • English Cemetery: The resting place of Lisbon’s British (or Anglican) community, most notably the tomb of novelist Henry Fielding, author of “Tom Jones,” and a plaque commemorating Thomas Barclay, the first American consul in France and Morocco. The cemetery reveals the local Anglo-Portuguese culture since the 17th century through its gravestones.