Vitória

University neighborhood with student energy. Historic buildings but modern vibe. Affordable places to eat with a younger crowd. Safe during the day, nightlife is more student party scene. Skip the Miradouro viewpoint after dark.

The university area with a split personality - shopping streets and cafes during the day, student bars at night. Younger crowd, especially around Praça Carlos Alberto where bars and restaurants fill the square. Part of the historic center with old buildings and tile work, but the vibe is modern and energetic. Students eat alone in casual places all the time between classes. Safe during the day with people everywhere from shopping and university. Gets lively at night but more student party than Baixa's intense bar scene. English works in most restaurants and bars since they get international students and tourists. Miradouro da Vitória viewpoint has city views - go during the day, not at night when groups hang out there. Mix of locals and tourists gives it an authentic feel without being too inaccessible.