Baixa: Lisbon Neighborhood Guide

<h2><strong>Baixa</strong></h2><p>Baixa is the heart of Lisbon. Wandering through its grand avenues, you can admire historic landmarks, boutique shops, and a lively street life. The iconic Praça do Comércio, also known as Commerce Square, stands as a centerpiece, offering a picturesque waterfront view of the Tagus River.</p><h2><strong>History of Baixa</strong></h2><h3><strong>A Brief History</strong></h3><p>Following the massive 1755 earthquake, which dramatically reshaped Lisbon, <a href="https://www.britannica.com/place/Baixa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Baixa was rebuilt under the leadership of the Marquis of Pombal. </a>This rebuild turned Baixa into one of the first examples of urban planning in Europe. With its grid layout and grandiose squares, Baixa was designed to be both functional and resistant to future natural disasters.</p><h2><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Rossio%20Square%20Night.jpg"></strong></h2><h2><strong>Things to Do and See in Baixa, Lisbon</strong></h2><h3><strong>Major Attractions and Hidden Gems</strong></h3><p><strong>Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV)</strong></p><p>The heart of downtown Lisbon for centuries, Rossio Square boasts beautiful wavy-patterned cobblestones, the impressive Rossio Train Station with its Manueline façade, the National Theatre D. Maria II, and two ornate fountains on either side.</p><p><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Pra%C3%A7a%20do%20Com%C3%A9rcio.jpg"></strong></p><p><strong>Praça do Comércio</strong></p><p>This grand square, also known as Terreiro do Paço, is the iconic face of Baixa. Framed by its symmetrical arcades and the statue of King José I in the center, it offers a panoramic view of the Tagus River.</p><p><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/IMG_7919.jpeg"></p><p><strong>Santa Justa Lift</strong></p><p>An iron structure built in the 19th century, this elevator offers a quick ride (and an even quicker view) of downtown Lisbon.</p><p><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Arco.jpg"></p><p><strong>Rua Augusta Arch</strong></p><p>A triumphal arch at the end of Rua Augusta, climb its viewpoints for a breathtaking sight of Baixa's layout and the river beyond.</p><p><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Igreja.jpg"></p><p><strong>Igreja de São Domingos</strong></p><p>Once a significant religious hub, this church has survived earthquakes and fires, standing today as a testament to resilience.</p><p><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/MUDE.jpg"></strong></p><p><strong>MUDE - Museum of Design and Fashion</strong></p><p>Housed in a former bank building, this museum celebrates design and fashion's evolution, displaying a fascinating collection ranging from clothing to furniture.</p><p><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/IMG_7794.jpeg"></strong></p><p><strong>Carmo Convent Ruins</strong></p><p>Technically in Chiado, You’ll find these on beautiful gothic ruins on the edge of Baixa. They are a reminder of the 1755 earthquake's devastation. The site now houses an archaeological museum.&nbsp;</p><h3><strong>Hidden Gems</strong></h3><p><strong> Edifício dos Leões - The Bank of Portugal Building</strong></p><p><strong> </strong>A nice “hidden gem” is Edifício dos Leões which you’ll also find on the map of our walking route in this guide. It’s a very imposing and beautiful building.</p><p><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Castelo%20de%20Sao%20Jorge%203.jpg"></strong></p><p><strong>Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara</strong></p><p>A fantastic viewpoint offering splendid views of the city.</p><h2><strong>Mercado da Baixa, Lisbon</strong></h2><h3><strong>Baixa Market</strong></h3><p>The Mercado da Baixa is a cozy market square that has its roots in the 18th century, initially serving as an open-air space for vendors after the 1755 earthquake. Enjoy traditional Portuguese cheeses and meats, wines and local crafts here.</p><h2><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Rua%20Augusta%203.jpg"></strong></h2><h2><strong>Baixa, Lisbon Shopping</strong></h2><h3><strong>Top Shopping Streets in Baixa</strong></h3><p><strong>Rua Augusta</strong></p><p>The main street in Baixa, and a very nice one to stroll through. Admire the beautiful buildings and enjoy lovely shops and cafes. The mosaic pavements and the Triumphal Arch at the end leading to the Praça do Comércio are iconic sights.</p><p><strong>Rua da Prata</strong></p><p>Parallel to Rua Augusta, this street is more quiet, but also has some lovely fashion stores, shoe shops, and a few traditional Lisbon shops that have been around for generations.</p><p><strong>Armazéns do Chiado</strong></p><p>Not a street, but a very nice shopping center located on the edge of Baixa, in the Chiado district. It offers a range of international and local brands, along with dining options.</p><p><strong>Rua do Ouro</strong></p><p>As the name (Gold Street) suggests, it's known for its jewelry shops. You'll find modern designs and also traditional Portuguese jewelry work here.</p><h3><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Cork%20%26%20Co.jpg">Recommended Stores for Souvenirs and Unique Finds</strong></h3><p><strong>A Vida Portuguesa</strong></p><p>Located on Rua Anchieta, this store offers a nostalgic trip through time, selling products that evoke old-world Portugal – from soaps to canned sardines in beautifully designed tins.</p><p><strong>Lisbon Lovers</strong></p><p>This shop has some beautifully designed and unique souvenirs.</p><p><strong>Cork &amp; Co</strong></p><p>Portugal is the world's top cork producer, and this store showcases the versatility of the material with everything from cork hats and bags to furniture.</p><p><strong>Luvaria Ulisses</strong></p><p>A traditional glove shop on Rua do Carmo that's been crafting custom leather gloves since the 1920s. It’s a tiny store, but stepping inside is like entering a different era.</p><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=1lHyEov9ECuaIL5zvCUZJuqdw1PCZeVk&amp;ehbc=2E312" width="960" height="540" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe><h2><strong>Baixa Map &amp; Walking Route</strong></h2><h3><strong>Map &amp; Route</strong></h3><p>Above is a map of Baixa, with a self guided walking tour along the best things to see.</p><h2><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Em%20Alta%20Na%20Baixa.JPG"></strong></h2><h2><strong>Best Restaurants Baixa</strong></h2><h3><strong>The Best Places to Eat</strong></h3><p>Baixa has many great restaurants, both traditional Portuguese ones and international cuisine. Here are some of my top picks to enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner. <strong>Taberna da Baixa</strong></p><p>Small plates of Tapas, seafood and cured meats, alongside a selection of draft beer and wine, all served in a welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere.</p><p>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Taberna+da+Baixa/@38.7115689,-9.1389794,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0xd1934784f6aa619:0x3644aaad93efb390!8m2!3d38.7115689!4d-9.1364045!16s%2Fg%2F11b6njd6l6?entry=ttu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">R. dos Fanqueiros 161, 1100-042 Lisboa, Portugal</a></p><p><strong>Em Alta Na Baixa</strong></p><p>They offer a menu featuring both traditional Portuguese and modern dishes, accompanied by a wide selection of wines, cocktails, and drinks.</p><p>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/place/Em+Alta+Na+Baixa/@38.710622,-9.1390321,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0xd193479b179918b:0x6b72c104cba8e0f9!8m2!3d38.710622!4d-9.1364518!16s%2Fg%2F11b809jzn9?entry=ttu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">R. de São Nicolau 22, 1100-061 Lisboa, Portugal</a></p><p><strong>O Arco</strong></p><p>Traditional Portuguese restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine in a very cozy atmosphere.</p><p>Location: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=O+Arco&amp;sca_esv=569725060&amp;rlz=1C1CHBD_enNL853NL853&amp;tbm=lcl&amp;sxsrf=AM9HkKnQCdygz5Qrxxvze-fdME46YDiKKw%3A1696087371595&amp;ei=Sz0YZePrI5G1i-gPwpa9wAo&amp;ved=0ahUKEwijvarq0dKBAxWR2gIHHUJLD6gQ4dUDCAk&amp;uact=5&amp;oq=O+Arco&amp;gs_lp=Eg1nd3Mtd2l6LWxvY2FsIgZPIEFyY28yCBAAGIoFGJECMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAEMgUQABiABDIFEAAYgAQyBRAAGIAESPkCUABYAHAAeACQAQCYAXGgAXGqAQMwLjG4AQPIAQD4AQL4AQGIBgE&amp;sclient=gws-wiz-local#rlfi=hd:;si:4772571007879424661,l,CgZPIEFyY29I7_Dz5pWrgIAIWhAQABABGAAYASIGbyBhcmNvkgEVcG9ydHVndWVzZV9yZXN0YXVyYW50mgEkQ2hkRFNVaE5NRzluUzBWSlEwRm5TVVJOY2t0aVFsOTNSUkFCqgE7EAEqCiIGbyBhcmNvKAAyHxABIhtscrVF_XHMBN_s0VPzz7TNB2cYiqTSjnNbXVkyChACIgZvIGFyY28,y,MfKmBKybTWs;mv:[[39.18652754438102,-8.569368219964124],[38.45360920099925,-9.604829645745372]]" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">R. dos Sapateiros 161 163, 1100-577 Lisboa, Portugal</a></p><p><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Tram%2028%20Cute.jpg"></p><h2><strong>Tram 28 Baixa</strong></h2><h3><strong>Route Details Through Baixa</strong></h3><p>Tram 28 is one of <a href="https://tour-shark.com/inspiration/tram-28-route-guide-best-stops-including-map" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Lisbon's most iconic trams, taking riders on a journey through many of the city's historic neighborhoods.</a> As it winds its way through Baixa, you'll be treated to picturesque views of the district's grand squares, neoclassical facades, and bustling pedestrian streets.</p><p>In Baixa, Tram 28 primarily runs along Rua da Conceição, which offers a central view of this grid-like district. From here, it makes its way towards the Alfama district, climbing the city's steep hills.</p><p><strong>Tips for a Pleasant Ride and Where to Hop On/Off</strong></p><ol><li><strong>Timing:</strong> The tram can get extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. For a more comfortable experience, try riding early in the morning or late in the afternoon.</li><li><strong>Beware of Pickpockets:</strong> Like many popular tourist attractions worldwide, Tram 28 attracts pickpockets. Always keep an eye on your belongings and be wary of anyone standing too close or behaving suspiciously.</li><li><strong>Hop On/Off Points in and near Baixa:</strong></li></ol><ul><li><strong>Praça Martim Moniz:</strong> This square is a common starting point for many looking to ride the tram from its beginning.</li><li><strong>Rua da Conceição:</strong> If you're already in Baixa and wish to jump on, this is a good spot. Just make sure to wave the tram down as it approaches.</li></ul><h2><strong>Is Baixa, Lisbon Safe?</strong></h2><h3><strong>Safety</strong></h3><p>Yes, Lisbon is a very safe city in general, and Baixa is one of its safest areas, even at night. Just use your common sense as you would do anywhere.</p><h2><strong><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Sintra%20small%20tower.jpg"></strong></h2><h2><strong>Lisbon Tours &amp; Activities</strong></h2><h3><strong>City Tours, Day Trips and More</strong></h3><p>Lisbon has so much to see and do. A great way to experience it is with a guided city tour! Or perhaps you'd like to see the city from the water and take a tagus cruise. There are also many fantastic day trips to be made from Lisbon, such as Obidos, Fatima, Sintra, Cascais, Evora and much more.</p><p><a href="https://tour-shark.com/location/lisbon" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">For Lisbon city tours, Tagus river cruises, day trips from Lisbon, and more things to do; you can view this page.</a></p><p><img src="https://tuneverse.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/blog/Mike%20Williams.jpg"></p><h2><strong>Thank you for Reading</strong></h2><h3><strong>More Guides</strong></h3><p>This was my guide to the lovely Baixa neighbourhood in Lisbon! I hope it gave you a picture of what Baixa has to offer. Be sure to check out my other Lisbon guides listed below. <a href="https://tour-shark.com/location/lisbon/inspiration" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">You can find all of my Lisbon Guides on this page</a>. Safe travels!</p><p><em>Mike</em></p>

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Baixa, Lisbon Guide: Learn all you need to know about Lisbon's central area, including the best things to do, where to eat,  hidden gems,  and more!

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I am an avid traveller turned Lisbon local. Happy to share my insights about Portugal!

Baixa: Lisbon Neighborhood Guide

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