Hospital de Bonecas

Somewhere between creepy and enchanting.

The story goes that Dona Carlotta, out of boredom, started sewing dolls in front of her flower shop and telling children stories while their mothers shopped at the market. The kids would bring their sick dolls, and the old lady would heal them. This business has been around since 1830, and the order book is so full that there’s a waiting list of several years. Interestingly, until the well-known earthquake, the largest hospital in the city — for humans — stood on this spot.

Oddly enough, despite its prime city location, the shop is seldom busy. Those who express interest at the counter pay a small solidarity fee and receive a guided tour of the upper floor. It’s an absolute parallel world, not just for children under ten. And, of course, there’s the nearby Mercado da Baixa: completely touristy but with fantastic culinary offerings. If you develop a taste for it, just a few meters away is Manteigaria Silva, where you can buy more treats.