Baixa

Lisbon District

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

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

Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa

Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa

4 out of 5
Rua dos Correeiros, 204, Lisbon
The price is RM539 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM539
RM611 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,096 reviews)
"Great location. Wonderful front desk staff! Helpful, friendly, good recommendations for restaurants, arranged taxis for trips. Elevador restaurant was convenient and good. Bed was comfy, room was somewhat small but sufficient. Nice to have coffee and water, and mini bar included if you prefer."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa
Rossio Plaza Hotel

Rossio Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is RM825 per night from 5 Nov to 6 Nov
RM825
RM914 total
5 Nov - 6 Nov
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! (1,313 reviews)
"Room was spotless and cleaned every day. Staff were very helpful"

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Rossio Plaza Hotel
Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa

4 out of 5
Rua do Comércio, 93 - 63, Lisbon, Lisboa
The price is RM749 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM749
RM833 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (618 reviews)
"Great location and is walkable to all restaurants and site scenes."

Reviewed on 9 Oct 2025

Pestana Rua Augusta - Lisboa
Browns Central Hotel

Browns Central Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua da Assuncao, nº75, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star boutique hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Loved the hotel! It was centrally located and was a great boutique hotel. I highly recommend. The staff, especially in the bar area were super friendly."

Reviewed on 7 Oct 2025

Browns Central Hotel
Hotel da Baixa

Hotel da Baixa

4 out of 5
231 Rua da Prata, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,004 reviews)
"The hotel was clean, the staff were friendly, and whenever I asked for something, they responded quickly and handled it efficiently. I’ve never experienced such a comfortable and perfect service before."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Hotel da Baixa
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 191-197, Lisbon, Lisbon
The price is RM619 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
RM619
RM695 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (1,033 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay. The room was clean and comfortable, with an amazing view. The staff was friendly and helpful. We look forward to staying there on our next visit to Lisbon."

Reviewed on 10 Oct 2025

Esqina Cosmopolitan 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 views and a sunset as well as a couple

Chiado

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

Spend some time visiting places like Bertrand while getting to know Chiado, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Chiado Stop or Lg. Academia Nacional Belas AR Stop to see more of the area.

Chiado
Castle of Sao Jorge featuring 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 showing street scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

4/5(7 area reviews)

River views, historical sites and bars highlight some notable features of Sé. Make a stop by Lisbon Cathedral or Fundacao Jose Saramago 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 of the city at Socorro Stop or Martim Moniz Station.

Mouraria
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Bairro Alto

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

You might take some time to check out the lively bars in Bairro Alto. Spend some time visiting top spots like Fado in Chiado, and catch the metro at Elevador da Glória Stop or São Pedro de Alcântara Stop to see more of the area.

Bairro Alto
Lisbon District featuring 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 of the city at Rua de São Paulo Stop or R. Vitor Cordon Stop.

Cais do Sodré


Baixa