Baixa Travel Guide

Lisbon District

Santa Justa Elevator showing landscape views and a city
Baixa
Santa Justa Elevator which includes a square or plaza, a city and a fountain
Santa Justa Elevator which includes a city and heritage elements
Rossio Square featuring a square or plaza and a fountain

Baixa is a sophisticated district of downtown Lisbon. It has picturesque squares, pedestrianised streets and avenues lined with elegant shops, cafés and theatres.

History

Baixa ‘Pombalina’ takes its name from ‘Marquês de Pombal’, PortugalOpens in a new window’s Secretary of State, who undertook the responsibility of rebuilding Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. So as not to allow history to repeat itself, Baxia displays some of the first examples of earthquake-resistant construction. In the 20th Century, new developments like banks, hotels, shops and offices replaced older buildings in this area. However, the neighbourhood still retains its traditional charming atmosphere.

Elevador de Santa Justa or Carmo Lift

This iron elevator is decorated in the Neo-Gothic style and was built in 1902 to transport people between the downtown Baixa district and the Bairro Alto and Chiado districts. It stands 45-metres high, and leads to a terrace offering stunning views of the city. Today it is a popular tourist attraction.

Rossio or Dom Pedro IV Square

Rossio is Lisbon’s main square, a lively space known for its beautifully designed mosaic pavements. In the centre of the square are two baroque fountains and a statue of King Pedro IV. The Dona Maria II Theatre, cafés, restaurants and the grand Rossio Train Station line the square. Nearby is one of the city's main pedestrian streets, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão. Here you will find Teatro Politeama, (Lisbon's biggest Broadway-style musicals theatre), Coliseu dos Recreios and Casa do Alentejo, an 1800's building with a beautiful Moorish courtyard at the entrance.

Praça do Comércio or Terreiro do Paço

Praça do Comércio or Terreiro do Paço is Lisbon's biggest square. It faces the river and houses an impressive monument to King José I. Surrounded by arcaded buildings, which hold government offices, historic cafés, restaurants with tables outside, the tourist office this is a great spot for sightseeing or just a spot of lunch. It’s also home to the Museum Lisbon Story Centre, where you can learn about the first settlers, through the Age of Discovery and the Great Earthquake, all the way to the city you see today, designed by Marquês de Pombal.

Rua Augusta Arch

The Praça do Comércio is another classic Portuguese square and home to the Rua Augusta Arch. This is a stone arch was designed as a gateway to the city, specifically to Rua Augusta. A beautiful grand clock can be seen on the side of the arch, facing Rua Augusta. Restored in 2013, the arch has an elevator, which takes you to a viewpoint that offers stunning views over the city. Rua Augusta is also home to MUDE (or the Design and Fashion Museum), which displays innovative international and national design and fashion pieces.

Food and Drinks

You’ll find most of the area’s bars, cafés and restaurants are located in Rossio square, Praça do Comércio, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão and Rua Augusta. Café Nicola is the classic place to taste a strong Portuguese coffee and the tiny Café ‘A Ginjinha’ is the best spot to drink Ginja, a typical liqueur made of cherry.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Baixa

Rossio Plaza Hotel

Rossio Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,300 reviews)
"There are many pickpockets."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

4 out of 5
Rua do Comércio, 93 - 63, Lisbon, Lisboa
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹15,222 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹15,222
₹16,947 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (550 reviews)
"Staff were incredibly helpful and pleasant."

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa
Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG

4 out of 5
Rua Dom Antaoo de Almada, 4, Lisbon, Lisbon District
The price is ₹17,520 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹17,520
₹19,383 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (264 reviews)
"Amazing property!"

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG
Lisboa Carmo Hotel

Lisboa Carmo Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Oliveira ao Carmo 1-3, Largo do Camo, Lisbon
The price is ₹16,285 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹16,285
₹18,074 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (989 reviews)
"This hotel is in an excellent location. It is walking distance to all the places you want to see. The metro and train stations are all within 10 minutes walk. The breakfast was a perfect variety of items."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Lisboa Carmo Hotel
Stay Hotel Lisboa Centro Chiado

Stay Hotel Lisboa Centro Chiado

4 out of 5
57 Rua do Crucifixo, Lisbon
The price is ₹9,813 per night from 29 Jul to 30 Jul
₹9,813
₹11,213 total
29 Jul - 30 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (342 reviews)
"We liked the way the hotel was decorated - nice but not formal. Our room was spacious. The ac was on a timer of sorts and it kept getting hot. The pillows were not comfortable, but the bed was. The breakfast was very tasty. Our room was not sound proofed from the outside and it was terribly noisy ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Stay Hotel Lisboa Centro Chiado
Hotel Moon & Sun Lisboa

Hotel Moon & Sun Lisboa

4 out of 5
200 Rua Áurea, Lisbon
The price is ₹13,257 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹13,257
₹14,867 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (372 reviews)
"The Moon & Sun hotel is simply wonderful. We spent 3 days before our cruise here, the rooms, the service and food at their restaurant was excellent. The location is ideal for exploring the beautiful sites of Lisbon. Thank Moon and Sun for a wonderful stay, we will be back!"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hotel Moon & Sun Lisboa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Baixa

Chiado which includes views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bertrand while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado
Castle of Sao Jorge which includes heritage architecture and a coastal town

Castelo

Castelo is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Castle of São Jorge or Olisipónia.

Castelo
Lisbon Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, street scenes and a city

4/5(7 area reviews)

River views, historical sites and bars highlight some notable features of Sé. Make a stop by Lisbon Cathedral or Santo Antonio Church while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Limoeiro Stop or Sé Stop to get around town.

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Mouraria

While you're in Mouraria, take in top sights like Martim Moniz Square or Avenida Almirante Reis, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Socorro Stop or Martim Moniz Station.

Mouraria
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Bairro Alto

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto
Lisbon District showing food

Cais do Sodré

If you're spending time in Cais do Sodré, check out sights like Mercado da Ribeira or Pink Street and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Rua de São Paulo Stop or R. Vitor Cordon Stop.

Cais do Sodré

Baixa Travel Guide