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Baixa (Downtown)

Sandwiched between Lisbon's hills, the Baixa, or "Down Town," extends from the Praça do Comércio along the riverfront to the bustling Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon's primary boulevard. Following the total devastation caused by the 1755 earthquake, the visionary Marquês de Pombal seized the opportunity to revamp the entire area, employing a pre-established grid system for reconstruction, marking one of the world's earliest large-scale town-planning endeavours.

Completed within a decade, the streets were meticulously categorised based on specific trades, such as Rua dos Sapateiros (cobblers), Rua da Prata (silver), and Rua do Ouro (gold). The neoclassical charm of the Baixa, known as the "Pombaline" style, is best experienced through the majestic triumphal arch on Praça do Comércio, leading to the iconic Rua Augusta. Today, this vibrant district boasts pedestrian-friendly streets dotted with traditional shops, quaint cafés, and bustling squares, offering a delightful blend of history and modernity. Explore the Baixa's captivating allure with MADABOUTLISBON.COM as your trusted guide to Lisbon's treasures.

Top Attractions

Praça do Comércio

A huge square in the Baixa which has played a pivotal role in Portugal's history.

Elevador de Santa Justa

This elevator has lifted people to the Largo do Carmo since the early 20th Century.

Rossio Square

A hub of activity in the Baixa and a great place to watch the world go by.

São Domingos Church

Built in 1241 and was once the largest church in Lisbon.

Edward VII Park

Dedicated to the King of England who vistted in 1902.

MUDE - Design & Fashion Museum

One of the best collections of its kind.

Praça da Figueira

Once a market square but now it"s a major hub for trams and buses.

Lisboa Story Centre

A hour long interactive exhibit about the history of Lisbon.

Wine Tasting at the Sala Ogival

Wine Tasting at the Sala Ogival

Sala Ogival

The Wines of Portugal Tasting Room, known as Sala Ogival, sits conveniently on the western side of Praça do Comércio in Lisbon. From Tuesday to Saturday, visitors can indulge in wine tastings featuring more than 1000 exquisite Portuguese wines from different regions. Whether you're flying solo or exploring with a group, these tastings offer a delightful journey through Portugal's renowned wine culture.

Beyond the daily tastings, the Wines of Portugal Tasting Room hosts a diverse array of wine-related events, including new wine launches, producer showcases, workshops, and themed gatherings. Admission is complimentary, but for tastings, guests can purchase an Enocard for €4.00, granting access to sample two to four wines from a selection of 32 options spanning various regions. The Enocard is rechargeable, allowing for continued exploration of Portugal's rich winemaking heritage during future visits.

711, 794, 714, 732, 735, 736, 728, 759, 760, 781, 782, 794 | 15E, 25E
Tuesday - Saturday: 11h00 - 19h00, Sunday & Monday: CLOSED
Praça do Comércio, 1100 - 148 Lisboa, Portugal. | 38º 42' 28.7" N | 09º 08' 8.6" W
+351 213 420 690 | sala.ogival@viniportugal.pt |  Website

Praça do Município

Located west of the Praça do Comércio, located along Rua do Arsenal, lies the prominent Praça do Município, serving as the hub of Lisbon's municipal governance. Like its neighboring Praça do Comércio, this square was reconstructed following the devastating earthquake, under the visionary design of Eugene Carvalho dos Santos. Encircled by Neo-Classical edifices housing various administrative offices, including the Appeals Court and Navy Arsenal, the focal point remains the majestic City Hall. Erected between 1865 and 1880, and crafted by architect Domingues Parente da Silva, its grandeur is accentuated by a triangular tympanum adorned with the city's emblem. Notably, the establishment of the Portuguese Republic in 1910 marked a historic moment within these precincts.

Visitors can partake in a complimentary guided tour on Sunday mornings, delving into the interior adorned with remarkable artworks, including a depiction of the Marquês de Pombal amidst Lisbon's reconstruction. Additionally, the city's Pelourinho, a sobering relic of public punishment, stands as a poignant reminder of bygone eras, featuring three twisted fluted columns crowned by a brass globe, erected in the 18th century.

711, 794, 714, 732, 735, 736, 728, 759, 760, 781, 782, 794 | 15E, 25E, 28E
Praça do Município, Lisboa, Portugal. | 38° 42' 28.97" N | 09° 08' 21.1" W
Praça do Município

Praça do Município

NARC - Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros

NARC - Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros

NARC - Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros


Airport Transfer
Explore the rich archaeological heritage of Lisbon at the Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros. Located in the basement of the Lisbon headquarters of Millennium bcp Bank near the Rua Augusta triumphal arch, this archaeological site offers a captivating journey into Lisbon's past. Uncover ancient artefacts and remnants dating back centuries, providing insights into the city's historical evolution.

Discover the remains of Roman structures, medieval buildings, and traces of Lisbon's Moorish occupation, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the city. As you wander through the excavated ruins, imagine the bustling streets and daily life of past civilizations.

Enhance your visit with informative exhibits and displays that provide context to the archaeological findings, allowing for a deeper understanding of Lisbon's rich heritage. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the city's roots, the Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros promises a fascinating exploration. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into Lisbon's archaeological wonders and embark on a journey through time.

711, 794, 714, 732, 735, 736 | 12E, 25E
Monday - Saturday: 10h00 - 12h00/14h00 - 17h00, Sunday: CLOSED | FREE
Rua dos Correeiros 21 (NARC entry) 9 (reception desk), 1100-061 Lisbon, Portugal.
38º 42' 35.9" N | 09º 08' 13.5" W
+351 211 131 004 |  Website

Rua das Portas de Santo Antão

Running parallel to the Praça Restauradores starting from behind the national theatre is the pedestrianised Rua das Portas de Santo Antão which has a concentration of restaurants. If you're prepared to run the gauntlet of waiters trying to entice you into their particular establishment, you're guaranteed to find the eatery of your liking.

One of the most striking and famous restaurants is the Casa do Alentejo housed within a curious 17th-century arabesque building. Access is through a small door that transports you off the street straight into another time and space. A former Moorish palace, the interior is spectacular, the azulejo lined dining rooms have open fireplaces and the food is typically Alentejana.

Casa do Alentejo
Daily: 10h00 - 15:00/19:00 - 23:00
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 58 1150-264 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 57.3" N | 09° 08' 24.2" W | +351 213 469 231
casadoalentejo@mail.telepac.pt | Website
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão

Rua das Portas de Santo Antão

Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade

Often likened to the Champs-Elysees in Paris the Avenida da Liberdade is a 90 metre wide boulevard which runs a mile from the Praça dos Restauradores north to the Praça do Marquês de Pombal. Its origins lie over an 18th-century park called Passeio Público. Its greenery is preserved in the central esplanade. Here you'll find an epitaph in honour of the 50,000 Portuguese who fell in World War I, designed in 1931 by Rebelo de Andrade and Maximiano Alves. The few remaining mansions lining the boulevard have been well preserved and house some of Lisbon's most prestigious hotels and luxury shops.

At the South end of Avenida da Liberdade, you'll find the Praça dos Restauradores which commemorates the restoration of the Portuguese monarchy after 60 years of Spanish rule in 1640. The obelisk in the centre is attributed to this act. It displays the names and dates of the battles fought during the Portuguese Restoration War. Here too you'll find the Palácio Foz, a neo-classical palace designed by Francisco Xavier Fabri and built following the 1755 earthquake. Originally built for the Marquês de Castelo Melhor, it now houses one of Lisbon's tourist offices and an art gallery.

TOP ACCOMMODATION SUGGESTIONS

Internacional Design Hotel

Internacional Design Hotel ★ ★ ★ ★

This Boutique Hotel is located just a few minutes off Rossio Square in Lisbon's Historical City Centre. Flexible and varied in nature, offering a lot more than just one style, the new Internacional Design Hotel is truly International. With a trendy, sophisticated and modern setting, in this Luxury Boutique Hotel, the design element is present in the meticulous creation of every ambience, which involves all the senses to free the mind and awaken the dream. Everything has been worked in detail, the aromas, the touch, images and sounds, all the flavours you can taste, emblematic and inspiring, unique.

3 Rua Da Betesga, (Ao Rossio), 1100-090, Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 46.9" N | 09° 08' 18.4" W

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Hotel Santa Justa

Hotel Santa Justa ★ ★ ★ ★

Design Boutique 4-star Hotel located in the commercial and financial centre of Lisbon; the Baixa. Also located in the surroundings of one of the most famous monuments in the city, the "Elevador de Santa Justa". Its excellent location between Praçca do Rossio, Chiado and Praça do Comércio, allows Santa Justa Hotel to offer its guests the best shopping and cultural attractions.

Besides the surrounding tranquillity, courtesy, elegance, comfort are the charms and grandeur of the Santa Justa Hotel. Enjoy the light, enjoy the history, enjoy Lisbon, enjoy Santa Justa Hotel. The Santa Justa Hotel consists of two Pombalines buildings XVIII and XIX century.

204 Rúa dos Correeiros,1100-170 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 49.8" N | 09° 08' 20.3" W

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Hotel Avenida Palace

Hotel Avenida Palace ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This 19th-century building overlooks Restauradores Square and offers views of St. George's Castle in central Lisbon. It features classic rooms and free valet parking. Avenida Palace enjoys a popular location at the end of Avenida da Liberdade. The metro station and Eduardo VII Park are a short walk away. Rooms at Avenida have antique-style furnishings and marble bathrooms. They are fully air-conditioned and have satellite TV. Wi-Fi access is available. A large buffet breakfast is served daily in Avenida's grand Palace Lounge. There is also a library with books in many languages. Daily newspapers are available upon request. Avenida Palace's 5th-floor gym offers modern fitness facilities. Guests can also choose from a variety of massage services.

1 Rua De Dezembro, 123, Santa Maria Maior, 1200-359 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 50.0" N | 09° 08' 25.1" W

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Terra Nova by Populi

Although located in close proximity to many cafés/restaurants geared for tourists Populi stands out as a restaurant of a high standard. Good friendly service and welcoming atmosphere good for lunch or evening meals. The tapas menu is a good introduction to Portuguese food.

Daily: 09h30 – 02h00
85/86 Ala Nascente Terreiro do Paço, 1100-148 Lisboa, Portugal.
38º 42' 26.7" N | 09º 08' 14.3" W | +351 218 877 395
geral@terranovabypopuli.pt | Website | Facebook


Leitaria Camponeza

This century-old café was once a diary and is located just off Rossio Square on the Rua dos Sapateiros. One gets the sense of a very Portuguese'ish atmosphere aided by the azuleijos tiles on the walls. The food is unpretentious, wholesome, well prepared, tasty, good value and very popular! Look out for their seafood skewers - they are to die for.

Monday - Saturday: 07h45 – 19h00, Sunday: CLOSED
155 Rua dos Sapateiros, 1100-557 Lisboa, Portugal.
38° 42' 37.1"N | 09° 08' 17.0"W | +351 213 425 112

Only 6.5km (4 miles) South of Lisbon Portela Airport Website

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Much of the Baixa district is pedestrianised but it can be reached from the North on the Avenida da Liberdade, East and West on the N6 (Avenida 24 Julho).
Latitude - 38º 42' 49.8" | Longitude - 09º 08' 20.3"

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Urban train services (Comboios Urbanos) the Baixa's train station Rossio,
• Linha de Azambuja Timetable

Intercity train services (Comboios Intercidades)
The closest intercity train staion is Oriente station which also serves intercity trains from both the North and South, including the Alfa Pendular Timetable

Trains of Portugal Website
The Blue line (Linha Azul) runs northwest-southeast to Avenida (de Librdade), Restauradores, Baixa-Chiado and Terreiro do Paço (Praça do Comércio): Website
The Green line (Linha Verde) runs North-South to Baixa-Chiado: Website
Carris bus routes to The Alfama from various areas around the city: Website
• 709: Restauradores - Campo Ourique (Prazeres): Timetable
• 737: Praça da Figueira - Castelo (castle) via the cathedral: Timetable
• 15E: Praça Figueira - Algés (Jardim) via Belém: Timetable
• 28E: Praça Martim Moniz - Campo Ourique (Prazeres): Timetable