Europe's first urban planning -- Downtown Lisbon's broad squares and pedestrian streets

Baixa, or downtown Lisbon, is the heart of the city. It is 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 is currently being considered to be listed as a World Heritage Site, pending much-needed renovation of many of the buildings).

It remains an imposing district, with elegant squares, pedestrianized streets, cafes, and shops. Old tramcars, street performers, tiled Art Deco shopfronts, elaborately decorated pastry shops, and street vendors selling everything from flowers to souvenirs, 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 TIPS

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 is 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 stops) and walk.
Recommended HOTELS: Heritage Avenida da Liberdade, Hotel Britania, Hotel Metropole, Aparthotel VIP Eden
Recommended RESTAURANTS: Gambrinus, Terreiro do Paço, Eleven
MAP of Baixa: Where to locate all of Baixa's sights

Baixa ACCOMMODATION

Hotels: Heritage Avenida da Liberdade, Hotel Britania, Hotel Metropole, Avenida Palace, Lisboa Plaza, Hotel Veneza, Hotel Marquês Pombal, Hotel Mundial
Hostels: Lounge Hostel, Travellers House, Dom Sancho I, Danubio Residencial, Pensão Monumental, Pensão Lafonense, Pensão New Aljubarrota, Pensão Modelo, Residencial Castromira, Pouso dos Anjos
Apartments: Search for your Baixa apartment

Baixa ATTRACTIONS

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.

Lisbon DISTRICTS

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

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