Baixa

Lisbon District

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

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

Things to do


Top hotels in Baixa

Rossio Plaza Hotel

Rossio Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
The price is P11,901 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P11,901
P13,154 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,292 reviews)
"Had a wonderful stay at this hotel. Location was amazing, we were walking distance to all shopping, restaurants, and sights. Staff was extremely pleasant and helpful."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 191-197, Lisbon, Lisbon
The price is P6,630 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,630
P7,567 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
Great location
"We stayed here 4 nights. The location is excellent as it is in walking distance to most everything."

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

4 out of 5
Rua do Comércio, 93 - 63, Lisbon, Lisboa
The price is P10,935 per night from Aug 7 to Aug 8
P10,935
P12,130 total
Aug 7 - Aug 8
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (564 reviews)
"From check in to check out, we had a great experience. The staff are wonderful, the beds comfortable, and you are located just steps away from Commerce Square. We have found our forever hotel for any time we are in Lisbon."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa
Stay Hotel Lisboa Centro Chiado

Stay Hotel Lisboa Centro Chiado

4 out of 5
57 Rua do Crucifixo, Lisbon
The price is P8,854 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P8,854
P9,924 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (346 reviews)
"Amazing location!"

Reviewed on Jul 31, 2025

Stay Hotel Lisboa Centro Chiado
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 P11,444 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P11,444
P12,669 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (270 reviews)
"The property was clean and most of the staff was very helpful. The room was a bit small but comfortable."

Reviewed on Aug 4, 2025

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG
Esqina Urban Lodge

Esqina Urban Lodge

4 out of 5
Rua dos Sapateiros 92, Lisbon
The price is P7,496 per night from Aug 18 to Aug 19
P7,496
P8,484 total
Aug 18 - Aug 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star guesthouse in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"Clean and centrally located"

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Esqina Urban Lodge
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 showing a sunset and views as well as a couple

Chiado

You might take some time to check out the abundant dining options in Chiado. Spend some time visiting top spots like Bertrand, and catch 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 which includes a church or cathedral, street scenes and a city

River views, historic 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 the city at Socorro Stop or Martim Moniz Station.

Mouraria
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Bairro Alto

Spend some time visiting places like Fado in Chiado while getting to know Bairro Alto, and be sure to check out the lively bars. You can hop aboard 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 the city at Rua de São Paulo Stop or R. Vitor Cordon Stop.

Cais do Sodré

Baixa