The heart of Lisbon’s downtown business district, Baixa is home to upscale shops and fashion boutiques, grand squares, and imposing buildings.
However, there is much more to the area than that, with everything from world-class museums to Michelin-starred restaurants, Romain ruins and local food markets, and even the oldest bookstore in the world.
You will almost certainly find yourself in the area at some point during your time in the city, so if you’re wondering what to do while you’re there, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight of the best things to do in Lisbon’s Baixa neighborhood.
01
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Stroll through the largest square in the city
Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), on the banks of the Tagus River, is Lisbon’s meeting place. Flanked by impressive buildings and a majestic triumphal arch, with a conspicuous statue of King Joseph 1 on horseback in the center, it is the former site of a royal palace that was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
These days most of the buildings have been converted to bars and restaurants, and while you’ll pay more for the location, they’re a great place to enjoy a drink and people-watch. Lisbon’s main tourist office is also located here. Once you’ve finished exploring the square, you’re in the perfect place to start a stroll along the boardwalk.
02
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Take an elevator ride with a difference
You know that a city has steep streets when you build an elevator to carry people between them, and in 1902, Lisbon did exactly that. The magnificent cast iron Santa Justa Elevator was designed by an apprentice to Gustave Eiffel, and it shows.
The elevator goes up 150 feet to the Plaza del Carmo, which links Baixa (the “lower city”) with Bairro Alto (the “upper city”). Popular with tourists, expect long lines in the summer and an expensive ticket if you don’t already have a day pass or metro card.
If you’re more interested in the view than the ride, save time and money by taking the free modern elevators nearby. However, you will still have to pay a small fee to climb the stairs to the observation deck at the top.
03
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Immerse yourself in the oldest bookstore in the world
It is a little known fact that the oldest bookstore in the world is located right in the heart of downtown Lisbon. Declared as such by the Guinness Book of Records, Bertrand first opened its doors in 1732, and apart from a brief hiatus after the 1755 earthquake caused major damage, it has been operating in Baixa ever since.
Divided into several sections, with books for sale in Portuguese and English, trained staff, a cafeteria, and little reading nooks, it’s the perfect place for bookworms to get lost for an hour or two.
Bertrand Chiado is located on Rua Garrett, just below the large shopping center and the Baixa-Chiado metro station.
04
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Admire Rossio station (and maybe even take a train)
Looking more like a palace than a transportation hub, Rossio Station is a destination unto itself, whether you’re taking a train or not.
Formerly known as Central Station, even the Starbucks downstairs doesn’t detract from its great looks.
Found on the edge of the large square of the same name, Rossio Station is now the starting point for those taking the train to Sintra. If you plan on heading to this popular destination, take note of the nearly two-mile tunnel you travel through immediately after exiting the station; It was one of the largest Portuguese engineering projects of the 19th century.
Continue to 5 of 8 below.
05
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Enjoy a meal in a restaurant with two Michelin stars
Only five restaurants in Portugal have been awarded a second Michelin star, and Chef José Avillez’s Belcanto is one of them.
The tasting menus take the diner on a cultural journey while eating, with a wide range of small plates focused on Portuguese cuisine. There is also an extensive wine list.
With smart and lively staff, Belcanto’s atmosphere feels friendlier and less stuffy than many other high-end restaurants. However, with only ten tables, you will typically need to book months in advance or desperately wait for a cancellation.
06
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Visit the design and fashion museum
If your interests tend towards fashion and industrial design, you will definitely want to head to Museu Do Design E Da Moda (MUDE). Housed in a former multi-story bank building, the museum opened in 2009 and has arguably the best 20th century fashion collections in Europe.
With over 2000 items in the collection, from clothing to typewriters, jewelry, furniture and much more, the displays change on a very regular basis. Open from Tuesday to Sunday, admission is free.
07
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Explore the ruins of Romain dating back 2000 years
When excavation work was carried out under the headquarters of Portugal’s bcp Millennium bank in the early 1990s, workers uncovered archaeological remains dating from pre-Roman times.
The bank helped preserve these remains and present them for display, and it is now possible to take a tour of the underground ruins, renamed Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros , and see the artifacts that were discovered.
Highly rated tours are free, available Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, and last about an hour. It is advisable to book one or two days in advance, since spaces are limited.
08
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Dine at the Food Court of the Mercado da Baixa
Since 1885, on the last Sunday of each month, a small square in the Baixa district has been transformed into a gastronomic destination. Tents pop up, vendors prepare their wares, and hungry visitors flock to sample some of the best local food and drink options.
Wine, cheese, cured meat and other artisan products are everywhere, and if you are looking for a smoked chourico sausage, a creamy wedge of azeitão cheese or a large glass of red or white sangria, you won’t have to look far. Find them.
The prices are very reasonable, so the best way to experience the Mercado da Baixa is to wander the stalls and try a small amount of whatever you fancy. If you find yourself in the city at the right time, this is a must see.
