Things to do in Santa Maria Maior

Activities, attractions and tours

Commerce Square which includes street scenes, a city and night scenes
Commerce Square which includes street scenes, a city and night scenes
Miradouro de Santa Luzia featuring night scenes, a coastal town and a city
Santa Maria Maior which includes landscape views and a city
Rua Augusta Arch which includes heritage elements and street scenes as well as a small group of people
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Top places to visit

1. Rossio Square

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.
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Rossio Square featuring a fountain and a square or plaza

2. Castle of São Jorge

The Castle of São Jorge is a huge medieval structure that overlooks the city. Take a guided tour to learn about Lisbon’s past and enjoy views across the capital from the castle’s grounds.
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Castle of Sao Jorge featuring a castle, a city and views

3. Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.
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Santa Justa Elevator showing views, landscape views and a city

4. Commerce Square

Commerce Square, or the Praça do Comércio, is a meeting place for locals and a great spot to bask in the sun along the riverfront. This was the site of the royal palace for many centuries, until the Great Earthquake of 1755. The palace was remodeled into an elaborate stone monument that marks the point of entry to the city. Today the square offers many places to sit and relax in between visits to the surrounding sites of the central Baixa district.
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Commerce Square in Lisbon

5. Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral (the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa) is a must-see for lovers of architecture. It is the oldest religious structure in Lisbon and has been modified several times, so it reflects many different architectural styles.
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Lisbon Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, street scenes and a city

6. Rua Augusta Arch

Designed to symbolize the city’s recovery from a devastating natural disaster, Rua Augusta Arch is an icon of Lisbon and an important symbol of its resilience. Ride the elevator to the top for panoramas across downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus.
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Rua Augusta Arch featuring heritage elements and street scenes as well as a small group of people

7. Restauradores Square

Restauradores Square is surrounded by buildings of architectural interest, but it is the 98-foot (30-meter) tall obelisk in the center that will immediately attract your eye. Gaze up at the soaring monument and then look around at the other landmarks in the square, including the magnificent Foz Palace, which once served as the chief residence of the Marquis of Foz.
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Restauradores Square featuring a square or plaza, a city and a monument

8. Lisboa Story Centre

Two stylized ravens welcome visitors outside the door of the Lisboa Story Centre. The ravens are the city’s mascots that legend says accompanied the remains of patron St. Vincent on a sea voyage back to Lisbon. Enter the interpretive historical showcase and pick up a multilingual audio guide to learn the progression of events for Europe’s westernmost city.
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Lisboa Story Centre showing interior views

9. Carmo Convent

Part of the Museu Arqueológico do Carno, the ruins of the Carmo Convent serve as a haunting reminder of the mid 18th-century earthquake that lay waste to the city of Lisbon. Stroll around the evocative roofless ruins of the convent and ponder the devastating effects of the 1755 earthquake. Delve into Lisbon’s history while viewing the exhibits at the on-site archaeological museum.
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Carmo Convent featuring heritage architecture

What to do in Santa Maria Maior

Popular places to visit

Rossio Square showing heritage elements, street scenes and a fountain

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.

Rossio Square
Avenida da Liberdade featuring a city and a statue or sculpture

Avenida da Liberdade

You can browse for souvenirs when you visit Avenida da Liberdade, a popular shopping spot in Santo Antonio. Discover the charming cafes in this family-friendly area, or seek out the local tours.

Avenida da Liberdade
Campo Grande which includes a pond and a park

Campo Grande

You can learn about the history of Alvalade with a stop at Campo Grande. While in this family-friendly area, you can savor the top-notch restaurants.

Campo Grande
Belem Tower showing a sunset, general coastal views and a bridge

Belém Tower

Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the northern bank of the Tagus River in the Belém district of Lisbon.

Belém Tower
Lisbon City Center showing a monument and a statue or sculpture

Marquis of Pombal Square

Learn about the local history of Lisbon when you spend time at Marquis of Pombal Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Marquis of Pombal Square
Castle of Sao Jorge featuring a castle, a city and views

Castle of São Jorge

This medieval fortress offers insight into Lisbon’s long history as well as stunning views of the city and river below.

Castle of São Jorge
Lisbon Oceanarium featuring interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people

Lisbon Oceanarium

Enjoy an underwater adventure at one of the world’s largest and most diverse aquariums right on Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Santa Justa Elevator showing night scenes, outdoor eating and nightlife

Santa Justa Elevator

Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift.

Santa Justa Elevator
Carcavelos beach in Lisbon, Portugal

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside, or seek out its surfing spots.

Carcavelos Beach
Alfama Lisbon Cityscape

Lisbon

Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a coastal town and a lake or waterhole

Lisbon District

Lisbon, Portugal - train 28.

Estrela

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Maria Maior worth visiting?
Providing a blend of history and culture, there are many things to do in Santa Maria Maior. When you're here, visit Castle of São Jorge, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santa Maria Maior?
Once you've visited major attractions like Castle of São Jorge, spend some time exploring the shopping and dining scene in Santa Maria Maior.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Maria Maior?
The top tourist attraction near Santa Maria Maior is Castle of São Jorge, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Maria Maior?
With a three-day vacation in Santa Maria Maior, you'll easily be able to enjoy the area's many awesome sights, including Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral.
Is Santa Maria Maior a walkable neighborhood?
It's easy to explore Santa Maria Maior by foot, with top attractions like Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral just a short walk away. Well-known neighborhoods like Baixa and Santo Antonio are also located only 0.32 kilometers and 2 kilometers from the center of Santa Maria Maior, so you can keep your adventure going — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in Santa Maria Maior with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Santa Maria Maior with kids.

What to do in Santa Maria Maior for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Santa Maria Maior for adults including Campo Pequeno Bullring.
Are there free things to do in Santa Maria Maior?
You won't have to hunt high and low for free things to do in Santa Maria Maior. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll share their recommendations for places you can enjoy at zero cost. A good free option to explore is Lisbon Cathedral.