The historic bairro of Nossa Senhora da Lapa (Our Lady of Lapa), commonly known just as Lapa, was once mainly inhabited by Portuguese aristocracy, that built their opulent and magnificent palaces and convents in and around this calm and quiet bairro. These palaces still stand today and have been converted into embassies, consulates and official residences, but also into hotels and hostels. Their lavishness contrasts with the neighbouring bairro of Madragoa, were the impact of sailors, fishermen and fishwives (varinas) that inhabited it during the Portuguese Age of Discovery is still represented today by the popular Casas de Fado (Fado Houses), highlighted during the Santos festivities - when Lisbon really comes alive for a whole week. Calm, but outgoing students will feel right at home in Lapa. You can go down to Estrela for a walk in the garden in the afternoon, and to Santos afterwards to enjoy the nightlife. When you finally return to Lapa, you can rest peacefully as the bairro is pretty quiet. Along the bairro, and especially right in front of the Basílica da Estrela, there are bus and tram stops that can take you directly to many of Lisbon's other neighbourhoods.