Cross the street, just in front of the Hotel’s main entrance, and go straight and then down, along Rua das Amoreiras, to the busy square, called Largo do Rato. Turn right to Avenida Álvares Cabral and walk until the end of it, where you will find a small roundabout and the entrance to Jardim da Estrela (Estrela Gardens), one of the loveliest in Lisbon, which is worth a visit. After relaxing, sheltered by the shadow of the timeless trees, cross the Gardens to the other side and and you will face one of the most amazing buildings in town: the Basílica da Estrela. This is a magnificent church, built in the 18th century, in late-baroque and neoclassic styles.
When you reach Largo do Rato, you can also choose to cross it and go left to Rua da Escola Politécnica which will take you to Cais do Sodré, by the River Tagus. However, the street changes its name along the way: Rua D. Pedro V, Rua de S. Pedro de Alcântara, Rua da Misericórdia and Rua do Alecrim. At the beginning of Rua da Escola Politécnica, you find on your left hand side the Science and Natural History Museums. Further away, in Rua de S. Pedro de Alcântara, you have, on the left, a marvellous view over the city, from a belvedere with the same name.
Continue to stroll along the same street and you will reach a small square (Largo da Misericórdia) with a church to your left, which is one of the most precious baroque jewels in Portugal: Igreja de S. Roque. This you cannot tell from its façade, so you have to go inside to see its richly decorated chapels and museum.
Continue along Rua da Misericórdia down to a crossroad, where you have the both famous Largo do Chiado on your left and Praça Luís de Camões on your right. There are two beautiful churches, facing each other (Igreja do Loreto e Igreja da Encarnação) which provide this square with a lovely setting.
Before going all down the hill, through Rua do Alecrim, be sure that you stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants located in Bairro Alto, which covers all the area to the right of Rua D. Pedro V, Rua de S. Pedro de Alcântara and Rua da Misericórdia. This is actually one of the oldest and most typical quarters in Lisbon, which boasts its Fado Houses, lovely narrow streets and vibrant nightlife.