Any first time visitor to Lisbon needs to take at least a day exploring the streets of the Baixa district. Baixa is the very centre of Lisbon, and sits nestled between the oldest district in Lisbon, Alfama, and the very popular Bairro Alto. Not only is this area full of unique attractions in Lisbon to discover, it’s also home to some of the best shopping streets in Lisbon too. If you’re wondering what to see in Baixa, this major tourist area of the Portuguese capital has a lot to offer.
Today, Baixa is a beautiful district, but in 1755 an earthquake completely destroyed the area. The neoclassical buildings you see today, along with the impressive grid system of the streets, make Baixa one of the finest architectural achievements in Europe. Baixa is one of the best areas in Lisbon to visit on foot too, as much of it is pedestrianized, and the main attractions in Baixa are within walking distance of one another.
From old trams to vintage shops, quaint restaurants, and unique museums, Baixa is a must-see in Lisbon. Here are some tips regarding what to see in Baixa for first time visitors, as well as where to eat in Baixa and where to stay.
What to see in Baixa
Praça do Comercio and Arco da Rua Augusta
One of the highlights of Lisbon’s historic centre is Praça do Comercio. It’s one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, and before planes became popular this square was where visitors would disembark from their sea voyages. It was once the home of the Royal Palace, but following the 1755 earthquake, when everything was rebuilt, it grew to represent a new era, where trade and the bourgeois class were favoured. The statue in the centre of the square shows Jose I on horseback, and is a prominent feature.
Visiting this square is one of the best things to do in Lisbon. It’s also home to the famous Arco da Rua Augusta, which wasn’t completed until the late 19th century. Throughout the arch you can see important historical Portuguese figures carved into it, and if you have time you can climb to the top and get some pretty impressive views of the Baixa district below. Praça do Comercio is the perfect place to start exploring Lisbon’s city centre from.
Cais das Colunas
Before leaving Praça do Comercio, don’t forget to head towards the waterfront and visit the Cais das Colunas. The marble steps leading up to the columns once welcomed heads of state to Lisbon, such as Queen Elizabeth II. The columns were built following the earthquake, and are meant to be replicas of those found in Soloman’s temple – representing wisdom and devotion. It’s one of the most popular things to see in Baixa, and is a great attraction to add to your list of free things to do in Lisbon as well.
Santa Justa Lift
One of the more unusual things to do in Lisbon is to take a ride up the Santa Justa Lift, and take advantage of its viewing platform. The lift was opened at the beginning of the 20th century, and is a very popular way to get between Baixa and Barrio Alto without having to walk up the hill. Its iron structure definitely stands out among the neoclassical buildings of Baixa.
A return ticket (including the viewing platform) costs just over €5, so it’s a good attraction to go to if you’re visiting Lisbon on a budget. If you only have one day in Lisbon, this should be on your list of things to see in Baixa.
Teatro Nacional D. Maria II & Praça Dom Pedro IV
The Teatro Nacional D. Maria II is one of the most prestigious theatres in Portugal, and sits at the far end of Praça Dom Pedro IV, also known as Rossio Square. It was built in the mid-19th century and sits where the Estaus Palace once stood, which is famous for being the headquarters of the Portuguese Inquisition. If you don’t have time to catch a performance, there are guided tours inside the theatre every Monday. It’s a beautiful building to look at from the outside and Rossio Square is also one of the top things to see in Baixa.
Ginjinha Sem Rival
If you’re wondering what to see in Baixa that some tourists may miss out on, just around the corner from Rossio Square is Ginjinha Sem Rival. This bar famously rivals the nearby A Ginjinha Espinheira, and serves the iconic Ginjinha drink that Lisbon is known for. Ginjinha is a must-try drink in Lisbon, which is essentially a sour cherry liquor that’s often served with a cherry inside the glass. The bar is very small, so it’s somewhere that you would stop at for only a few moments before continuing on your way.
Praça da Figueira
Another important square that’s worth stopping at if it’s your first time in Lisbon is Praça da Figueira. It’s one of the main squares in Baixa, but prior to the 1755 earthquake this space was used by a hospital and no square physically existed. It may not be one of the top things to see in Baixa, but it’s home to a number of restaurants and cafes that are slightly less touristy than other parts of the district.
Most tourists will probably pass by Praça da Figueira as they head to other attractions in Lisbon, or use it solely to catch a bus from. In the evening this square is a hot spot for people trying to sell drugs to passersby, but all you have to do is ignore them or politely decline and they will leave you alone. Don’t let this deter you from visiting during the day.
Where to eat in Baixa
Cafe do Rio
As you can imagine, there’s no end in sight when it comes to restaurants in Baixa. That being said, a lot of them are overpriced and very touristy, which is what you should avoid if you want to have a good dining experience in Lisbon.
Cafe do Rio is the perfect option for lunch or dinner, as it’s situated very close to Praça do Comercio. They specialize in unique craft burgers which are served without the bun, in an inviting and chilled atmosphere. They have a wide variety of burgers on the menu, including a good selection of vegetarian burgers. Compared to a lot of restaurants in Baixa, the prices here are very reasonable, and they offer some of the best burgers in Lisbon too.
Mercado da Figueira
We came across Mercado da Figueira by chance, as we were making our way through Praça da Figueira. It’s a bit of a hidden gem in Lisbon, as the sign outside can easily be missed. Inside is a small grocery store as well a cafe where you can get everything from fresh orange juice to sandwiches. We noticed a lot of locals eating here or taking things to go, and the prices were very cheap compared to other cafes in the area. This market is also a unique thing to see in Lisbon if you want to get off the beaten path.
Where to stay in Baixa
The Visionaire Apartments
Places to stay in Lisbon’s city centre don’t come much better than The Visionaire Apartments, located in Praça da Figueira. The apartments are located in what was once a 16th century merchant’s house, and they’re designed to reflect the age of exploration. Throughout the apartments, as well as the common spaces, you’ll find a mixture of Portuguese, African, and oriental influences that all tie in to one of the most important parts of Portuguese history. If this isn’t a unique place to stay in Lisbon, then I don’t know what is. It’s a haven for history lovers.
We stayed in a 1 bedroom apartment with city and castle views, which included a large living room with a balcony overlooking the square. There was also a kitchen and dining table, a very spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower, and a beautifully designed modern bedroom. The decor of the apartment perfectly matched the common area, oozing history and a blend of cultures.
What I personally loved about this rental apartment in Lisbon was the mini history lessons that were printed on the walls. This is designed so that visitors can learn more about the inspiration behind The Visionaire Apartments and get more of an appreciation for Lisbon before heading out to explore the city.
As much as I loved our apartment, the highlight for me was the common area. It really felt like you had been transported back in time and were in the home of a merchant. The tapestries, books, artwork, and extra decorations such as the spice bowls and globes all worked together to create an incredible atmosphere. Plus, there is a giant rhino in the corner, which has an interesting history behind it.
The Visionaire Apartments has a contactless check-in system in place. At the beginning of the day you’ll receive a code by email that grants you entry to the main building and your apartment. If you love history, culture, and unique places to stay then you’ll enjoy staying here.
>> Click here for the most up to date prices at The Visionaire Apartments <<
The Baixa district of Lisbon is just one of many important areas of the city. If this is your first time visiting Lisbon, or if you didn’t have time to walk around the streets of Baixa on your last trip to the Portuguese capital, then you’re in for a treat. Hopefully my short list focusing on what to see in Baixa will help you put the finishing touches on your itinerary. There are plenty more things to see in Baixa that aren’t in this post, but these are the highlights that you really shouldn’t miss out on.
Have you wandered around Baixa before? Let me know what other things to see in Baixa I should add to my list for next time. Also, feel free to check out my blog post about Belem if you’re planning on visiting this district. And as always, don’t forget to follow my travels on Instagram too.
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