Baixa, or downtown Lisbon, is the heart of the city. It's the main shopping and banking district that stretches from the riverfront to the main avenue (Avenida da Liberdade), with streets named according to the shopkeepers and craftsmen who traded in the area.
It was completely rebuilt after the Great Earthquake of 1755, with streets flanked by uniform, neoclassical buildings. This was Europe's first great example of neoclassical design and urban planning, and one of the finest European architectural achievements of the age (it's currently being considered to be listed as a World Heritage Site).
It remains an imposing district, with elegant squares, pedestrianized streets, cafes, and shops. Old
trams, street performers, tiled Art Deco shopfronts, and elaborately-decorated pastry shops all lend a special charm to the area.
Watch it all from a table outside Nicola Café in Rossio Square, facing the monumental National Theater and Saint George's Castle, and as you stroll down the pedestrian Rua Augusta, past the triumphal arch, into the majestic Comercio Square.
Baixa is a great place to stay, because it's within walking distance of major attractions, with excellent transport connections and close to shops, restaurants, and cafés. Many of its buildings have been renovated and are now tourist apartments.
See many of Baixa's attractions and ride Lisbon's metro, buses, and trams for FREE with the Lisboa Card.
The area's top 3 sights: Comercio
Square, Rossio Square,
Santa Justa
Elevator
Don't forget to: Look down at the cobbled mosaic pavements as you
walk down Avenida da Liberdade, past Restauradores, Rossio, and Rua Augusta.
Off the beaten path: It's hardly a secret, but the nondescript
façade of "Casa do Alentejo" in Rua das Portas
de Santo Antão may prevent you from finding its beautiful Moorish interior.
Transportation: Take the metro (Avenida, Restauradores, Rossio, Baixa-Chiado, or Terreiro do Paço stations) and walk.
Comercio
Square - Monumental riverside square.
Municipal
Square - Home of the City Hall palace.
Rua
Augusta - The city's main shopping street.
Conceição
Velha Church - Church that survived the Great Earthquake.
Santa
Justa Elevator - An Eiffel Tower-like landmark with views over the city.
Rossio
Square - Lisbon's elegant main square.
Figueira
Square - Busy square and transporation hub.
São
Domingos Church - A church marked by tragedy.
Rua das
Portas de Santo Antão - Pedestrian street lined with seafood restaurants.
Rossio
Station - A monumental train station.
Restauradores
Square - Large busy square.
Avenida
da Liberdade - The city's main avenue.
Marquês de
Pombal Square - A roundabout dedicated to one of the city's historical figures.
Edward
VII Park - The city's largest park.
Baixa -
Broad squares, 18th century architecture, patterned pavements, popular
cafes
Bairro
Alto & Chiado - Vibrant nightlife, picturesque streets, classic and
alternative culture, chic shopping, restaurants
Belem -
The Age of Discovery, grandiose monuments, museums
Alfama -
Medieval maze, spectacular views, an imposing castle, the sounds of Fado
Uptown -
Masterpieces and museum treasures, shopping malls
Parque
das Nações - The 21st century by the Tagus; futuristic architecture
Book your room for free (no booking fees) and pay later at the hotel:
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