Top Attractions in Baixa & Rossio

The Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown area, and one of the most important sightseeing districts.

It contains everything, from historic squares to an eccentric wrought-iron street lift, to museums, to shops, historic cafés and restaurants.

Starting from Terreiro do Paço facing the River Tejo, explore the Baixa grid along the eighteenth-century streets running up to the Rossio.

To locate the attractions, use the map below.

1. Terreiro do Paço

With beautiful eighteenth century symmetrical buildings and arcades facing the River Tejo, Terreiro do Paço is one of the most important squares in Lisbon. The large open space, mostly pedestrian, is a must-see destination for visitors to Lisbon. Read More

2. Lisbon Story Centre

Take a 60-minute journey through the city’s history from its foundation to modern times at Lisbon Story Centre, an interactive museum that traces Lisbon’s key events and episodes in a fun but accurate way. Read More

3. Arco da Rua Augusta

Pedestrianised since the 1980s with Portuguese calçada, Rua Augusta is the main commercial street in the Baixa. For panoramic views of the Baixa grid, Terreiro do Paço and the River Tejo, take the lift to the terrace of the prominent arch of Rua Augusta. Read More

4. MUDE

MUDE is a museum that celebrates the history of fashion and design of the last three quarters of the past century. Read More

5. Núcleo Arqueológico

Discover a hidden and fascinating archaeological museum beneath the streets of the Baixa. Take a guided tour that goes through the cramped tunnels and distinct layers that uncover several periods of Lisbon’s occupation. Admission is free. Read More

6. Elevador de Santa Justa

The giant Elevador de Santa Justa is Lisbon’s only public vertical lift. Santa Justa together with the city’s three funiculars – Bica, Glória and Lavra – help make Lisbon’s hills a little more manageable. Read More

7. Rossio

Visit the iconic Rossio and admire its fountains and architecture. Be amazed by the grand neoclassical Teatro Nacional D. Maria II on the north side of the square. Read More

8. Praça da Figueira

In between the adjacent Rossio and the nearby Martim Moniz, Praça da Figueira is home to Confeitaria Nacional, the oldest patisserie in Lisbon, founded in 1829. Read More

9. Igreja de São Domingos

The Saint Dominic’s Church, dating from 1241, survived the great earthquake of 1755 and a fire in 1959 that completely destroyed it. Don’t miss a visit to its unique interior, so different from the idea one makes of it from the outside. Read More

10. Rua das Portas de Santo Antão

A pedestrianized street known for its seafood restaurants, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão has a unique atmosphere in the heart of Lisbon. Read More

11. Ascensor do Lavra

The oldest, and least touristy, of all three funiculars still operating in Lisbon is rather tucked away but takes you on a short, steep journey up the hillside. From there, walk the short distance to a tiny garden – Jardim do Torel – with a wonderful viewpoint over the city. Read More

12. Ascensor da Glória

From Praça dos Restauradores, the funicular climbs Calçada da Glória, leading up to the Bairro Alto neighbourhood. In a couple of minutes you’ll be looking at Lisbon’s rooftops. Read More