All the main activities in the city took place here. Some streets still maintain in their names a sort of echo of those times: the Merchants Street, Bainharia Street (where sword scabbards where made), among other examples. In the 13th century the city has grown, the old walls were overturned and the population occupied areas along the river, like the Ribeira.
The Fado (traditional portuguese music) houses, like the famous Casa da Mariquinhas, are also in Bairro da Sé. Some typical taverns, with traditional snacks and drinks, can be found there too.