Top Things to Do in Lisbon’s Baixa Neighborhood

The heart of Lisbon’s downtown commercial district, Baixa is home to high-end shopping and fashionable boutiques, grand squares, and imposing buildings. However, there’s plenty more to explore here than just retail therapy, from world-class museums and Michelin-starred restaurants to Roman ruins and local food markets. Here are eight of the top attractions to enrich your visit to Lisbon’s Baixa neighborhood.

Stroll Through the City’s Grandest Plaza

Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), on the banks of the Tagus River, is Lisbon’s main meeting spot. Flanked by impressive buildings and a majestic triumphal arch, with a statue of King Jose I on horseback at its center, it was once the site of a royal palace destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.

Nowadays, the buildings host various bars and restaurants. While prices may be higher due to the location, the square is a fantastic place for enjoying a drink and some people-watching. The city’s main tourism office is also conveniently located here, making it an ideal starting point for a stroll along the waterfront.

Take an Elevator Ride With a Difference

Lisbon’s steep streets lead to the creation of unique public transport options, including the cast-iron Elevador de Santa Justa. Designed by an apprentice to Gustave Eiffel, this elevator climbs 150 feet to Carmo Square, connecting Baixa with Bairro Alto.

While it is a popular tourist attraction, expect long lines in the summer. Alternatively, visitors interested primarily in the views can save time and money by using nearby modern elevators; however, access to the viewing platform at the top incurs a small fee.

Immerse Yourself in the World’s Oldest Bookshop

The oldest bookstore in the world, Bertrand, is situated in the heart of downtown Lisbon. Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records, the store first opened its doors in 1732. Despite a temporary closure following the devastating 1755 earthquake, it has been serving literature lovers in Baixa since then.

Featuring Portuguese and English books among its many sections, the bookstore offers a café and cozy reading corners, providing an ideal retreat for book lovers to lose track of time.

Admire Rossio Station (and Maybe Even Take a Train)

Rossio Station, formerly known as Central Station, offers a stunning façade that resembles a palace rather than a transportation hub. Even with modern conveniences nearby, it remains a significant architectural treasure.

The station serves as the departure point for trains heading to popular destinations like Sintra. Notably, the nearly two-mile tunnel you travel through after leaving the station was a major engineering achievement in 19th-century Portugal.

Enjoy a Meal at a Two Michelin Star Restaurant

Belcanto, helmed by renowned chef José Avillez, is one of Portugal’s few two Michelin-starred restaurants. The tasting menus embark diners on a culinary journey through Portuguese cuisine, complemented by a notable wine selection.

Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Belcanto radiates a more welcoming vibe compared to typical high-end dining establishments. Nevertheless, with only ten tables, making reservations well in advance is advisable due to high demand.

Visit the Museum of Design and Fashion

If fashion and industrial design pique your interest, the Museu Do Design E Da Moda (MUDE) should be on your itinerary. Opened in 2009 within a former bank building, it boasts exceptional collections of 20th-century fashion.

With over 2,000 items that range from clothing to furnishings, and changes in displays occurring frequently, visitors can enjoy a fresh experience each time they visit. Best of all, admission is free, making it an ideal spot to explore from Tuesday to Sunday.

Explore Roman Ruins Dating Back 2000 Years

During excavations beneath the Millennium bcp bank headquarters in the early 1990s, archaeologists uncovered remains from pre-Roman times. These remnants have since been preserved, allowing tours of the underground ruins known as Núcleo Arqueológico da Rua dos Correeiros.

Highly-rated tours occur Monday through Saturday, with the exception of public holidays. These free tours last around one hour, and it’s advisable to reserve spots a day or two in advance due to limited availability.

Dine Out at the Mercado da Baixa Food Court

Since 1885, the last Sunday of each month transforms a small square in Baixa into a bustling food market featuring local delicacies. With vendors offering a variety of items, this is a path to sample the best of Lisbon’s culinary offerings.

Expect to find an array of wines, cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal products. Whether savoring chourico sausage, creamy azeitão cheese, or enjoying a refreshing glass of sangria, visitors will discover a myriad of options awaiting at the stalls.

With reasonable prices, the best way to experience Mercado da Baixa is through casual exploration and sampling a little of everything that appeals to you. If you’re lucky enough to be in town during market day, it’s certainly an opportunity not to miss.