Rossio Square

Rossio Square featuring a square or plaza, street scenes and a fountain
Rossio Square
Rossio Square
Rossio Square
Rossio Square


See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.

Stroll across the vast square and note the unusual wave-like mosaic pavement underfoot. The curving lines, which alternate between lighter and darker stone, create an impression of movement. Although the square was founded in the 13th century, the pavement was only added in the mid 19th century. After being installed here, this style of pavement grew in popularity, spreading across Portugal and eventually showing up overseas in former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil.

At the center of the square you’ll see the tall monument to Dom Pedro IV, a former Portuguese king and the first emperor of Brazil.

Note the two large fountains on either side of the monument. Erected in 1889, these two Baroque fountains are identical and feature sculptures depicting mythical figures. Consider coming back to the square at night to see the fountains lit up. Look to the north end of the square to see the neoclassical-style National Theatre of D. Maria II, Lisbon’s premier performance venue for the dramatic arts.

Pause for a coffee and some people-watching at one of the surrounding cafés, some of which have been here for a century or more. Their outdoor terraces are excellent spots from which to observe the action on the square, whether it be street performers entertaining tourists, businesspeople having their shoes shined, or friends embracing each other upon greeting.

Find Rossio Square in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. To get here, ride the metro to Rossio Station. Being a public place, Rossio Square is open 24/7 and no admission fee is charged.

Plan a trip to see Rossio Square

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Reviews of Rossio Square

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
303
5 - Excellent 34%
4 - Good
491
4 - Good 56%
3 - Okay
86
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Watch out for drug dealers

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A main square where most transport links are

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Plenty of hot meal outlets and tiny corner shops but it lacks any easy walk-in shop for tourists to buy cold foods without having to speak. Is one of the defining central points. A reference point to reach Commercial square + the sea front from, down the street you can see an arch in: and Rossio rail station. Go up the escalators through that station to reach the high level of Bairro Alto, as the nearby giant elevator is entirely a tourist thing with long queues, upwards it's too busy to use as the transport service it was built to be!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A central location with several cafes around. Useful if you’re early for your trip!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must see and definitely busy with tourists.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Collected a train for Sintra

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Things to do near Rossio Square

At Rossio Square, immerse yourself in vibrant local culture with various activities including art exhibitions and lively street performances. Consider arranging guided tours to explore the area's rich history, or indulge in scenic boat tours along the Tagus River. For the adventurous, nearby adventure parks offer thrilling experiences, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy during your visit to this iconic Lisbon destination.

Shopping

Avenida da Liberdade, located 966m from Rossio Square, offers a vibrant shopping experience with a blend of business and family vibes. Mercado da Ribeira, also 966m away, provides a bustling atmosphere perfect for local delicacies and gifts. The Armazens do Chiado Mall, just 322m away, boasts entertainment and family-friendly options.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Fado in Chiado, where live music enchants your senses, just 483m away. For a tranquil escape, Floresta de Monsanto Park, located 4.8km away, offers serene nature walks and relaxation amidst lush greenery, perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating.

Adventure

Experience breathtaking views on the Telecabine Lisbon Cable Car, situated 8.0km from Rossio Square. For adrenaline seekers, the Autódromo Fernanda Pires da Silva offers thrilling motor racing 22.5km away. For water enthusiasts, Clube Nacional de Natação, only 1.3km away, provides exciting water sports activities.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Rossio Square is vibrant, with the National Theatre of D. Maria II offering captivating performances just 161m away. Nearby, Trindade Theater, 322m away, and Sao Luis Municipal Theater, 644m away, both provide an enchanting mix of culture and romance in a lively atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Rossio Square

Rossio Square offers a delightful blend of culture and outdoor experiences for travellers. You can explore the vibrant piazza, enjoy stunning lookout points, and visit fascinating museums in and around the area. This lively square is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local city atmosphere and discover the rich history that Lisbon has to offer.

  • Marquis of Pombal Square: A grand monument dedicated to the Marquis of Pombal, this square is a vibrant hub surrounded by stunning gardens and impressive architecture. The square embodies the spirit of Lisbon’s recovery after the 1755 earthquake, making it a cultural landmark.
  • Santa Justa Elevator: An iconic piece of engineering, this neogothic lift offers breathtaking views of the city. Ascend to the top for panoramic vistas of Lisbon’s charming rooftops and vibrant streets, enhancing your cultural experience.
  • Castle of São Jorge: Perched on a hill, this historic castle provides a romantic atmosphere with its ancient walls and lush gardens. Explore its rich history while enjoying stunning views over the city and the Tagus River.

Best time to go to Rossio Square

The best time to visit Rossio Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.0°F (22.2°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
September70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rossio Square

To save money on your visit to Rossio Square, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation prices. Booking about a month in advance or checking last-minute deals on Expedia can yield significant savings. Consider staying on a Monday for the best rates, and use Expedia's tools to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels. For public transport, walking is a great option given the area's compact nature. Combining your hotel with flights and activities through an Expedia package can also help reduce overall costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rossio Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Rossio Square about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Rossio Square is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Rossio Square is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you wish to stay in. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Rossio Square with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.