Guidebook for Lisbon
Shopping
This is the nearest supermarket, right next to Rossio train station.
Open from 8.30am to 9pm.
1249-970
This is the nearest supermarket, right next to Rossio train station.
Open from 8.30am to 9pm.
R. dos Correeiros 8
8 Rua dos CorreeirosSmall supermarket.
Tourists love this old-fashioned shop that has been offering cans of fish since the 1930s.
The attraction is the precious retro packaging and the charm of the interior, looking just like it did eight decades ago, with a mosaic stone floor and a wooden cash register.
53 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Conserveira de Lisboa
34 Rua dos BacalhoeirosTourists love this old-fashioned shop that has been offering cans of fish since the 1930s.
The attraction is the precious retro packaging and the charm of the interior, looking just like it did eight decades ago, with a mosaic stone floor and a wooden cash register.
This health food store includes a cafeteria serving inexpensive vegetarian or simply healthy dishes such as quiches and salads.
Before or after a meal, get your dose of healthy products (many of them vegan and organic) and vitamin supplements to take home.
There are several branches in the city, with the most accessible found downtown by Rossio Square and another facing the El Corte Inglés department store not far from the Gulbenkian Museum.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Celeiro Drogaria
65 R. 1º de DezembroThis health food store includes a cafeteria serving inexpensive vegetarian or simply healthy dishes such as quiches and salads.
Before or after a meal, get your dose of healthy products (many of them vegan and organic) and vitamin supplements to take home.
There are several branches in the city, with the most accessible found downtown by Rossio Square and another facing the El Corte Inglés department store not far from the Gulbenkian Museum.
Founded in 1830, this little "doll hospital" was considered one of the coolest toy stores in the world by "Reader's Digest." It's also a workshop for the restoration of dolls, stuffed toys and porcelains, as well as an exhibition space of old dolls.
Following tradition, each "patient" in need of treatment will be taken to one of the specialized rooms: for plastic surgery where they're restored and painted, or for transplants of new legs, arms, or heads.
Those that are abandoned by their owners end up in the residential room where they're displayed to visitors, remembering that everything can be (re)invented and fixed, creating a magical world of "make believe" that feeds the imagination.
Dolls Hospital
7 Praça da FigueiraFounded in 1830, this little "doll hospital" was considered one of the coolest toy stores in the world by "Reader's Digest." It's also a workshop for the restoration of dolls, stuffed toys and porcelains, as well as an exhibition space of old dolls.
Following tradition, each "patient" in need of treatment will be taken to one of the specialized rooms: for plastic surgery where they're restored and painted, or for transplants of new legs, arms, or heads.
Those that are abandoned by their owners end up in the residential room where they're displayed to visitors, remembering that everything can be (re)invented and fixed, creating a magical world of "make believe" that feeds the imagination.
This shop dates from a time when butter (the “manteiga” in the name) was still sold by the kilo, wrapped in paper. It opened in 1890, making it one of Lisbon’s oldest. Over the years it has come to sell much more than butter, and survives to this day thanks to the quality of its products and to tourist curiosity, as it maintains the original decor. One of the curious finds inside is a machine from 1923 that still cuts the hams.
It offers a variety of traditional Portuguese products, from cheese to cod, to the wines, olive oils and hams that are seen hanging from the ceiling.
As in the good old days, you may try everything before you buy.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Manteigaria Silva
This shop dates from a time when butter (the “manteiga” in the name) was still sold by the kilo, wrapped in paper. It opened in 1890, making it one of Lisbon’s oldest. Over the years it has come to sell much more than butter, and survives to this day thanks to the quality of its products and to tourist curiosity, as it maintains the original decor. One of the curious finds inside is a machine from 1923 that still cuts the hams.
It offers a variety of traditional Portuguese products, from cheese to cod, to the wines, olive oils and hams that are seen hanging from the ceiling.
As in the good old days, you may try everything before you buy.
Food Scene
If you google Casa do Alentejo and see the pictures, you'll understand why we recommend paying a visit. The food might not be great but the architecture and history of the place are worthwhile.
R. das Portas de Santo Antão 58
58 Rua das Portas de Santo AntãoIf you google Casa do Alentejo and see the pictures, you'll understand why we recommend paying a visit. The food might not be great but the architecture and history of the place are worthwhile.
It's almost two centuries old (it was founded in 1829) but holds on to its reputation as one of Lisbon's best cafés and pastry shops (it was the official confectioner of the royal family and has won international prizes in Vienna, Paris, and the United States).
It's particularly famous for its Christmas cake ("Bolo Rei" or "King Cake"), a national tradition that started when the original owner brought a recipe from Paris in 1850.
At any other time of the year this is also a safe bet to try dozens of traditional Portuguese pastries or to pick up a birthday cake.
Another reason to visit is the beautiful interior that despite renovations over the years has always kept its elegant, classic look with a marble counter and mirrored ceiling.
Upstairs, up a wooden staircase, is a dining area which serves reasonably-priced Portuguese dishes at lunchtime.
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Confeitaria Nacional
18B Praça da FigueiraIt's almost two centuries old (it was founded in 1829) but holds on to its reputation as one of Lisbon's best cafés and pastry shops (it was the official confectioner of the royal family and has won international prizes in Vienna, Paris, and the United States).
It's particularly famous for its Christmas cake ("Bolo Rei" or "King Cake"), a national tradition that started when the original owner brought a recipe from Paris in 1850.
At any other time of the year this is also a safe bet to try dozens of traditional Portuguese pastries or to pick up a birthday cake.
Another reason to visit is the beautiful interior that despite renovations over the years has always kept its elegant, classic look with a marble counter and mirrored ceiling.
Upstairs, up a wooden staircase, is a dining area which serves reasonably-priced Portuguese dishes at lunchtime.
Lisbon's oldest café (opened in 1782) is known for its literary references, including its period as a second home to Fernando Pessoa. When he wasn't at A Brasileira, the famous Portuguese poet used to always sit and write at the same table and you'll now see his portrait on the walls.
Other famous personalities of Portuguese culture such as painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso and poet Cesário Verde were also regular clients.
Today most come here for a drink and people-watching at the outdoor tables facing Comércio Square, but it also serves lunches and dinners of Portuguese cuisine inside.
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Martinho da Arcada
3 Praça do ComércioLisbon's oldest café (opened in 1782) is known for its literary references, including its period as a second home to Fernando Pessoa. When he wasn't at A Brasileira, the famous Portuguese poet used to always sit and write at the same table and you'll now see his portrait on the walls.
Other famous personalities of Portuguese culture such as painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso and poet Cesário Verde were also regular clients.
Today most come here for a drink and people-watching at the outdoor tables facing Comércio Square, but it also serves lunches and dinners of Portuguese cuisine inside.
Ask for the owner (Ana) and give her our love (Fred and Joana, from Alfama-te).
A former customs warehouse between downtown and Alfama is now a restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine with a few international inspirations. The menu changes regularly, but you’ll usually find dishes "from the garden", “from the poultry pen", "from the sea," and "from the butcher", and may even be surprised by special events like "battles" between chefs and wine producers.
The space has kept the old stone floor and has a contemporary décor in red and orange tones, which add to the cozy ambience.
Some nights, after dinner, they push the tables aside and give great dancing parties with a DJ. Maybe you'll get lucky.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Alfândega
98 Rua da AlfândegaAsk for the owner (Ana) and give her our love (Fred and Joana, from Alfama-te).
A former customs warehouse between downtown and Alfama is now a restaurant serving Portuguese cuisine with a few international inspirations. The menu changes regularly, but you’ll usually find dishes "from the garden", “from the poultry pen", "from the sea," and "from the butcher", and may even be surprised by special events like "battles" between chefs and wine producers.
The space has kept the old stone floor and has a contemporary décor in red and orange tones, which add to the cozy ambience.
Some nights, after dinner, they push the tables aside and give great dancing parties with a DJ. Maybe you'll get lucky.
Ask for Marcus and give him our love (Fred and Joana from Alfama-te). Marcus and his mother had a lot of work to put that place together. They're just great and the place is very charming. You can find portuguese tapas and great portuguese wine. Tell Marcus to call his mother to the table and put yourselves in her hands. You wont regret it.
Canto Saudade
6 Campo das CebolasAsk for Marcus and give him our love (Fred and Joana from Alfama-te). Marcus and his mother had a lot of work to put that place together. They're just great and the place is very charming. You can find portuguese tapas and great portuguese wine. Tell Marcus to call his mother to the table and put yourselves in her hands. You wont regret it.
This space has had several lives throughout its over 100 years. It started as a milk shop in 1907, decades later it became a café, and more recently it was turned into a restaurant.
It’s an authentic Art Nouveau monument, retaining much of the original look, including tile panels inside and on the façade.
The specialty is veal or shrimp kebabs, and grilled meat and fish, with potatoes, rice and salad on the side.
It also offers a small terrace.
Leitaria A Camponeza
155 R. dos SapateirosThis space has had several lives throughout its over 100 years. It started as a milk shop in 1907, decades later it became a café, and more recently it was turned into a restaurant.
It’s an authentic Art Nouveau monument, retaining much of the original look, including tile panels inside and on the façade.
The specialty is veal or shrimp kebabs, and grilled meat and fish, with potatoes, rice and salad on the side.
It also offers a small terrace.
This café is part of a popular vintage shop. It serves salads and sandwiches, but best of all are its teas. There is a large variety of them, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the pavement tables.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
A Outra Face da Lua (Baixa)
22 R. da AssunçãoThis café is part of a popular vintage shop. It serves salads and sandwiches, but best of all are its teas. There is a large variety of them, which can be enjoyed inside or out on the pavement tables.
A century-old space was turned into this bakery where everything is made on the premises. In the arched interior it serves breakfast and snacks from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 8AM.
The specialty is the croissants, with close to a dozen varieties, but there’s also traditional bread, quiches and salads.
The decor consists of antique pieces, from scales to a 100% Portuguese coffee machine dating back to the 1950s.
51 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fábrica Lisboa
121 R. da MadalenaA century-old space was turned into this bakery where everything is made on the premises. In the arched interior it serves breakfast and snacks from Tuesday to Sunday, starting at 8AM.
The specialty is the croissants, with close to a dozen varieties, but there’s also traditional bread, quiches and salads.
The decor consists of antique pieces, from scales to a 100% Portuguese coffee machine dating back to the 1950s.
Many swear that the best ice cream in town is found not in the famous Santini but in Fragoleto.
The owner learned the art of ice-cream-making in Italy, and offers many choices made with seasonal fruits, as well as a soy option for vegans or the lactose intolerant.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gelados Fragoleto
15 Rua do ComércioMany swear that the best ice cream in town is found not in the famous Santini but in Fragoleto.
The owner learned the art of ice-cream-making in Italy, and offers many choices made with seasonal fruits, as well as a soy option for vegans or the lactose intolerant.
The name describes the location (it translates to “by the cathedral”), and it’s a cafe with outdoor seating in the shade. It serves light meals throughout the day (from noon to midnight), and has a small but inviting interior filled with natural light for the colder days.
It serves gins and mojitos, which may also accompany a menu of carpaccios, piadinas, tartare, sandwiches and salads.
AO PE DA SE
31 Cruzes da SéThe name describes the location (it translates to “by the cathedral”), and it’s a cafe with outdoor seating in the shade. It serves light meals throughout the day (from noon to midnight), and has a small but inviting interior filled with natural light for the colder days.
It serves gins and mojitos, which may also accompany a menu of carpaccios, piadinas, tartare, sandwiches and salads.
Whether as a meeting spot for friends or a place for solitary reading, many Lisboetas will say this is their favorite café.
National and international periodicals are available to accompany a meal of light Austrian-Portuguese specialties and a variety of salads.
This is also a good place for Sunday brunch.
139 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pois Café
93 R. de São João da PraçaWhether as a meeting spot for friends or a place for solitary reading, many Lisboetas will say this is their favorite café.
National and international periodicals are available to accompany a meal of light Austrian-Portuguese specialties and a variety of salads.
This is also a good place for Sunday brunch.
Real Sociedade is the name of the restaurant that is also a bar and is also a place for live music if you know to play the Piano. João is the owner and singer, if you decide to defy him he will sing a song with you. João is a friend so give him a hug from me (Fred from Alfama-te).
R. dos Remédios 145
145 Rua dos RemédiosReal Sociedade is the name of the restaurant that is also a bar and is also a place for live music if you know to play the Piano. João is the owner and singer, if you decide to defy him he will sing a song with you. João is a friend so give him a hug from me (Fred from Alfama-te).
Drinks & Nightlife
Last year they wanted to refurbish the building where this antique liquor shop is located and close the place. Fred gathered hundreds of people and even the tv was there to stop this from happening.
R. Portas de Santo Antão 7
7 Rua das Portas de Santo AntãoLast year they wanted to refurbish the building where this antique liquor shop is located and close the place. Fred gathered hundreds of people and even the tv was there to stop this from happening.
Here is the famous "pink street". You can't miss it. Don't take just for us, here is what the NY Times has to say about it:
"For decades, streetwalkers and sailors were the main denizens of Rua Nova do Carvalho, a dockside lane of seedy nightclubs named for Rotterdam, Liverpool, Copenhagen and other ports.
These days, all types walk the street, which has been closed to traffic, painted a cheerful shade of pink and elevated into Lisbon’s most bustling new party strip, thanks to a combination of enterprising bar owners and municipal action.
Tin is in at Sol e Pesca (Rua Nova do Carvalho 44). Stacked in illuminated glass cabinets, hundreds of cans of tinned fish line the maritime-themed bar, a former fishing tackle shop. Drinkers can indulge in sardines in tomato sauce (4.90 euros, or about $5.30 at $1.05 to the euro), mackerel roe (€9.50) and other briny bounty with their shots of ginjinha cherry liquor (€2).
Gin is in a few steps away at Lateral (Avenida Barbosa du Bocage 107A), which serves multiple boutique varieties of the liquor, such as Bloom (€8) and Berkeley Square (€12). Slip into one of the classic wooden school chairs and you’ll also get an education in neo-Portuguese cuisine, from scrambled eggs with lush farinheira sausage (€7.20) to tuna focaccia with wasabi mustard (€9.50).
You’ll find robust tapas dishes at Povo (Rua Nova do Carvalho 32-36), but the real star is the Portuguese language itself. Within the intimate chapel-vaulted, candlelit space, local poets give readings and young practitioners of fado, Portugal’s melancholy folk music, perform concerts. It all goes down smoothly with Povo’s several varieties of caipirinhas (€6).
More spirited soundtracks abound next door. Lined with red velvet banquettes and tasseled lamps, Bar da Velha Senhora (Rua Nova do Carvalho 40) is a bordello-like den with burlesque shows and cabaret, jazz and flamenco acts. For a harder edge, order a Super Bock beer (€2) and crowd the stage at Tokyo (Rua Nova do Carvalho 12), a “rock bar” where albums decorate the wall and phrases from iconic songs (“We are the champions …”) are stenciled on the bar.
The street’s most medieval space hosts its most modern performers. Stony and vaulted, the cavernous Music Box club (Rua Nova do Carvalho 24) is a sonic cathedral where you’ll hear Portuguese indie rock, Brazilian hip-hop, minimalist drum ’n’ bass collectives, funk and electro D.J.s. An absinthe (€6) makes everyone fast friends."
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rua Nova do Carvalho
Rua Nova do CarvalhoHere is the famous "pink street". You can't miss it. Don't take just for us, here is what the NY Times has to say about it:
"For decades, streetwalkers and sailors were the main denizens of Rua Nova do Carvalho, a dockside lane of seedy nightclubs named for Rotterdam, Liverpool, Copenhagen and other ports.
These days, all types walk the street, which has been closed to traffic, painted a cheerful shade of pink and elevated into Lisbon’s most bustling new party strip, thanks to a combination of enterprising bar owners and municipal action.
Tin is in at Sol e Pesca (Rua Nova do Carvalho 44). Stacked in illuminated glass cabinets, hundreds of cans of tinned fish line the maritime-themed bar, a former fishing tackle shop. Drinkers can indulge in sardines in tomato sauce (4.90 euros, or about $5.30 at $1.05 to the euro), mackerel roe (€9.50) and other briny bounty with their shots of ginjinha cherry liquor (€2).
Gin is in a few steps away at Lateral (Avenida Barbosa du Bocage 107A), which serves multiple boutique varieties of the liquor, such as Bloom (€8) and Berkeley Square (€12). Slip into one of the classic wooden school chairs and you’ll also get an education in neo-Portuguese cuisine, from scrambled eggs with lush farinheira sausage (€7.20) to tuna focaccia with wasabi mustard (€9.50).
You’ll find robust tapas dishes at Povo (Rua Nova do Carvalho 32-36), but the real star is the Portuguese language itself. Within the intimate chapel-vaulted, candlelit space, local poets give readings and young practitioners of fado, Portugal’s melancholy folk music, perform concerts. It all goes down smoothly with Povo’s several varieties of caipirinhas (€6).
More spirited soundtracks abound next door. Lined with red velvet banquettes and tasseled lamps, Bar da Velha Senhora (Rua Nova do Carvalho 40) is a bordello-like den with burlesque shows and cabaret, jazz and flamenco acts. For a harder edge, order a Super Bock beer (€2) and crowd the stage at Tokyo (Rua Nova do Carvalho 12), a “rock bar” where albums decorate the wall and phrases from iconic songs (“We are the champions …”) are stenciled on the bar.
The street’s most medieval space hosts its most modern performers. Stony and vaulted, the cavernous Music Box club (Rua Nova do Carvalho 24) is a sonic cathedral where you’ll hear Portuguese indie rock, Brazilian hip-hop, minimalist drum ’n’ bass collectives, funk and electro D.J.s. An absinthe (€6) makes everyone fast friends."
"Partly owned by actor John Malkovich, this is trendiest club in Lisbon and one of Europe's most fashionable one (especially when it comes to the facility), attracted by visiting stars like Cameron Diaz and Prince. It is a stylish place, with a spacious interior decorated with funky and retro furniture. Top DJ's spinning cutting-edge music downstairs in a frenzied dance floor, while the upper floor has a more relaxed atmosphere with an alternate soundtrack. A balcony runs around the building and overlooks the river, while an airy rooftop terrace is a great place to see the sunrise early in the morning. As expected, everyone tries to come here, so expect very selective doormen and long queues on weekends. This is the place to spend the night in Lisbon."
This is what a google search can tell you about Lux. What we can add is that don't go before 2/3 am or it will be you and 25 other tourists. Get there after warming up in Cais do Sodré. Don't worry about the queue, look at it as an opportunity to meet local people. The price tag is usually around 12-16eur. Remember its a selected ambiance, meaning that flip flops may not be a good idea or too much alcohol in your system already.
697 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LuxFrágil
"Partly owned by actor John Malkovich, this is trendiest club in Lisbon and one of Europe's most fashionable one (especially when it comes to the facility), attracted by visiting stars like Cameron Diaz and Prince. It is a stylish place, with a spacious interior decorated with funky and retro furniture. Top DJ's spinning cutting-edge music downstairs in a frenzied dance floor, while the upper floor has a more relaxed atmosphere with an alternate soundtrack. A balcony runs around the building and overlooks the river, while an airy rooftop terrace is a great place to see the sunrise early in the morning. As expected, everyone tries to come here, so expect very selective doormen and long queues on weekends. This is the place to spend the night in Lisbon."
This is what a google search can tell you about Lux. What we can add is that don't go before 2/3 am or it will be you and 25 other tourists. Get there after warming up in Cais do Sodré. Don't worry about the queue, look at it as an opportunity to meet local people. The price tag is usually around 12-16eur. Remember its a selected ambiance, meaning that flip flops may not be a good idea or too much alcohol in your system already.
Fado for locals with locals, with some chouriço and red wine. A must go place to experience street fado (not the touristic fancy one)
241 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tasca Do Chico
39 R. do Diário de NotíciasFado for locals with locals, with some chouriço and red wine. A must go place to experience street fado (not the touristic fancy one)
A place for some home made portuguese petiscos (tapas) and to listen to some local fado singers. The ambiance is great.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tasca Bela
190 R. dos RemédiosA place for some home made portuguese petiscos (tapas) and to listen to some local fado singers. The ambiance is great.
Ask for Mira, the owner and give her our love (Fred and Joana from Alfama-te). If the bar is empty its because you went to soon. The ambiance is just great, with artists, musicians, locals, anybody and everybody. It's not fancy, its simple but its all about the people, just talk to any one. That's the spirit of that place.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tejo Bar
1A Beco do VigárioAsk for Mira, the owner and give her our love (Fred and Joana from Alfama-te). If the bar is empty its because you went to soon. The ambiance is just great, with artists, musicians, locals, anybody and everybody. It's not fancy, its simple but its all about the people, just talk to any one. That's the spirit of that place.
Lusitano is a centenary social club. It has a 1920's feel to it but you can attend a yoga class, a samba workshop or a 1960's rock concert. Just check it out. It also has a pool table. Go mingle :)
Lusitano Clube
29 Escolas GeraisLusitano is a centenary social club. It has a 1920's feel to it but you can attend a yoga class, a samba workshop or a 1960's rock concert. Just check it out. It also has a pool table. Go mingle :)
Only opens on fridays, saturdays and sundays. It's owned by Oquestrada (a portuguese band, check it) and the ambiance is quite unique in a vintage kind of way. Sometimes they have some live music that can go from Fado to African beats or from Jazz to Moldavian Folk. One of the owners plays bass with a bucket, a stick and cord.
TascaBeat do Rosário
Travessa de São João da PraçaOnly opens on fridays, saturdays and sundays. It's owned by Oquestrada (a portuguese band, check it) and the ambiance is quite unique in a vintage kind of way. Sometimes they have some live music that can go from Fado to African beats or from Jazz to Moldavian Folk. One of the owners plays bass with a bucket, a stick and cord.
Getting Around
This where you can take a train to Sintra. It will take 40 min, give or take. Sintra is worth a visit, don't miss it.
383 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rossio - Lisboa station
125 R. 1º de DezembroThis where you can take a train to Sintra. It will take 40 min, give or take. Sintra is worth a visit, don't miss it.
This is Cais do Sodré train station. Take the train to Estoril and then hop off. Its almost on the beach. Walk the coast line to Cascais and visit that beautiful village. All in a walking distance, check out Praia da Conceição and keep walking as close to the waterfront as you can to Praia dos Pescadores and further on to Guia. There you can rent a bike and go all the way to Praia do Guincho - a surf haven. To get back take the train in Cascais back to Cais do Sodré.
885 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cais do Sodre station
This is Cais do Sodré train station. Take the train to Estoril and then hop off. Its almost on the beach. Walk the coast line to Cascais and visit that beautiful village. All in a walking distance, check out Praia da Conceição and keep walking as close to the waterfront as you can to Praia dos Pescadores and further on to Guia. There you can rent a bike and go all the way to Praia do Guincho - a surf haven. To get back take the train in Cascais back to Cais do Sodré.
Sightseeing
Downtown Lisbon, with Rua Augusta at its center, is an 18th-century district, completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake which had destroyed most of it. It was Europe's worst-recorded earthquake but it also led to the continent's first neoclassical urban planning with the world's first large-scale earthquake-proof construction.
Its grid was given precise geometric specifications and each street was named after different trades (shoes, gilding, saddlery, gold, and silver).
In the 20th century most of the buildings were taken over by banks and offices, deserting the area of residents, who moved up to the Avenidas Novas district. Many of the buildings were eventually left abandoned, but the neighborhood is now being reborn as a commercial and tourist area.
Some of the streets are pedestrianized and connect a number of monumental neoclassical squares, from Rossio and its cafés to the waterfront Praça do Comércio overlooked by a triumphal arch, to the attractive Praça do Município.
At the moment there are renovation plans for the entire district, the biggest since the 18th-century reconstruction, and there's hope that it will end up being recognized as a World Heritage Site.
216 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rua Augusta
64 R. de São NicolauDowntown Lisbon, with Rua Augusta at its center, is an 18th-century district, completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake which had destroyed most of it. It was Europe's worst-recorded earthquake but it also led to the continent's first neoclassical urban planning with the world's first large-scale earthquake-proof construction.
Its grid was given precise geometric specifications and each street was named after different trades (shoes, gilding, saddlery, gold, and silver).
In the 20th century most of the buildings were taken over by banks and offices, deserting the area of residents, who moved up to the Avenidas Novas district. Many of the buildings were eventually left abandoned, but the neighborhood is now being reborn as a commercial and tourist area.
Some of the streets are pedestrianized and connect a number of monumental neoclassical squares, from Rossio and its cafés to the waterfront Praça do Comércio overlooked by a triumphal arch, to the attractive Praça do Município.
At the moment there are renovation plans for the entire district, the biggest since the 18th-century reconstruction, and there's hope that it will end up being recognized as a World Heritage Site.
Lisbon's grandest square faces the river, and was originally designed to welcome those arriving in the city by boat.
What you see today is the 18th-century version, as the original square, named "Terreiro do Paço" and home to the royal palace, was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. It was rebuilt with a triumphal arch facing the Tagus, and the surrounding arcaded buildings held government offices for many years.
At the center is a monument to King José I.
The square is also home to the city's oldest café, "Martinho da Arcada", and to the monumental Pousada hotel.
There is also a tourist office, while across from it is the Lisboa Story Center, which presents the history of the city.
Under the arcades are cafés and restaurants with tables outside.
717 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Praça do Comércio
Praça do ComércioLisbon's grandest square faces the river, and was originally designed to welcome those arriving in the city by boat.
What you see today is the 18th-century version, as the original square, named "Terreiro do Paço" and home to the royal palace, was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. It was rebuilt with a triumphal arch facing the Tagus, and the surrounding arcaded buildings held government offices for many years.
At the center is a monument to King José I.
The square is also home to the city's oldest café, "Martinho da Arcada", and to the monumental Pousada hotel.
There is also a tourist office, while across from it is the Lisboa Story Center, which presents the history of the city.
Under the arcades are cafés and restaurants with tables outside.
It's best known as "Rua Augusta Arch" but its main façade faces Praça do Comércio. It's a triumphal arch designed in 1775 as a gateway to the city, but the version seen today dates from a century later, 1875.
Sculptures at the top represent Glory crowning Genius and Valor. Below them are images of national heroes Vasco da Gama, the Marquis of Pombal, Nuno Alvares Pereira and Viriato.
On the side facing Rua Augusta is a monumental clock featuring naturalistic motifs.
The entire monument was restored in 2013 and had an elevator placed inside to allow tourist visits to the terrace which is a beautiful viewpoint over Praça do Comércio and all of downtown.
215 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Arco da Rua Augusta
2 R. AugustaIt's best known as "Rua Augusta Arch" but its main façade faces Praça do Comércio. It's a triumphal arch designed in 1775 as a gateway to the city, but the version seen today dates from a century later, 1875.
Sculptures at the top represent Glory crowning Genius and Valor. Below them are images of national heroes Vasco da Gama, the Marquis of Pombal, Nuno Alvares Pereira and Viriato.
On the side facing Rua Augusta is a monumental clock featuring naturalistic motifs.
The entire monument was restored in 2013 and had an elevator placed inside to allow tourist visits to the terrace which is a beautiful viewpoint over Praça do Comércio and all of downtown.
Inaugurated in 1902 as public transportion linking Baixa (downtown) and the Chiado district, this 45m-high (148 ft) elevator is one of Lisbon's main landmarks. It's one of the city's most visited and most photographed monuments, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view from the top. The neo-Gothic iron tower is embellished with ornamented designs, and covers two elegant wooden cabins carrying 20 passengers at a time.
It was designed by Raul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer of French descent, who used the techniques and the materials in vogue in France at the time, as seen in the Eiffel Tower a few years earlier.
There are two entrances, one at the bottom, in Rua de Santa Justa (in Baixa), and another at the top, on Largo do Carmo (in Chiado). Entering through Largo do Carmo gives you direct access to the top of the tower, via a spiral staircase.
626 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ascensor de Santa Justa
R. do OuroInaugurated in 1902 as public transportion linking Baixa (downtown) and the Chiado district, this 45m-high (148 ft) elevator is one of Lisbon's main landmarks. It's one of the city's most visited and most photographed monuments, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view from the top. The neo-Gothic iron tower is embellished with ornamented designs, and covers two elegant wooden cabins carrying 20 passengers at a time.
It was designed by Raul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer of French descent, who used the techniques and the materials in vogue in France at the time, as seen in the Eiffel Tower a few years earlier.
There are two entrances, one at the bottom, in Rua de Santa Justa (in Baixa), and another at the top, on Largo do Carmo (in Chiado). Entering through Largo do Carmo gives you direct access to the top of the tower, via a spiral staircase.
An old Jewish temple was turned into a Catholic church in 1496 and given the name of Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Mercy). It was also given a beautiful Manueline façade showing Our Lady of Mercy protecting King Manuel I, and that façade was the only thing that survived the 1755 earthquake.
The interior had to be rebuilt (notice the stucco ceiling showing the Virgin being blessed by God and surrounded by angels), and it was renamed Conceição Velha.
It's located east of Praça do Comércio, and you'll find it on your way from there to Casa dos Bicos, another partial survivor of the earthquake.
Old Church of Our Lady of the Conception
108 Rua da AlfândegaAn old Jewish temple was turned into a Catholic church in 1496 and given the name of Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Mercy). It was also given a beautiful Manueline façade showing Our Lady of Mercy protecting King Manuel I, and that façade was the only thing that survived the 1755 earthquake.
The interior had to be rebuilt (notice the stucco ceiling showing the Virgin being blessed by God and surrounded by angels), and it was renamed Conceição Velha.
It's located east of Praça do Comércio, and you'll find it on your way from there to Casa dos Bicos, another partial survivor of the earthquake.
It's just down the street from the apartment. You should pay a visit.
Almost 100,000 Jews fled to Portugal after being expelled from Spain in 1492. That’s a significant number for a country that at the time had a population of just about one million. King Manuel I was tolerant of the Jewish community, but in 1497 was pressured by Spain to expel it, although he chose to simply force it to convert to Christianity. Later, in Lisbon, in 1506, a mob chased, tortured and killed hundreds of people accused of being Jews. It happened for three days during Holy Week around Rossio Square and São Domingos Church. To remember this event, a monument to Judaism was placed on the site, in 2008, by a wall covered with “Lisbon, City of Tolerance” written in 34 languages.
That square is a vivid symbol of tolerance. You'll see there people from every continent, chatting, selling, buying, etc. Don't be just one more that passes along without seeing. And now that you're at it try both ginginhas - it's a game: find the two rival ancient shops that sell this traditional liquor.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Iglesia de Sao Domingos (Santa Justa y Rufina)
Largo São DomingosIt's just down the street from the apartment. You should pay a visit.
Almost 100,000 Jews fled to Portugal after being expelled from Spain in 1492. That’s a significant number for a country that at the time had a population of just about one million. King Manuel I was tolerant of the Jewish community, but in 1497 was pressured by Spain to expel it, although he chose to simply force it to convert to Christianity. Later, in Lisbon, in 1506, a mob chased, tortured and killed hundreds of people accused of being Jews. It happened for three days during Holy Week around Rossio Square and São Domingos Church. To remember this event, a monument to Judaism was placed on the site, in 2008, by a wall covered with “Lisbon, City of Tolerance” written in 34 languages.
That square is a vivid symbol of tolerance. You'll see there people from every continent, chatting, selling, buying, etc. Don't be just one more that passes along without seeing. And now that you're at it try both ginginhas - it's a game: find the two rival ancient shops that sell this traditional liquor.
Arts & Culture
Lisbon's Design and Fashion Museum opened in 2009 after a few years as the Design Museum in the Belém Cultural Center (from 1999 to 2006). At this new location (a former bank headquarters) it mixes fashion and design collected by Portuguese businessman Francisco Capelo, with pieces from the mid-1800s to the present.
It's considered one of the best design museums in Europe, with great design names represented next to the top international fashion designers, like Charles & Ray Eames, Le Corbusier, Tom Dixon, Philippe Starck, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Versace, and also Tommy Hilfiger, who offered one of his pieces.
The space, which hasn't been fully renovated, also presents several temporary exhibitions. After the renovation, scheduled for completion in late 2018, the total exhibition area will be 14,000m2, which will make this one of the largest design museums in Europe.
During the renovation works, the collection will be shown in other parts of the city. When the museum reopens, it will have a new auditorium, a small cafeteria and a restaurant on the rooftop, overlooking the castle and the triumphal arch.
221 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
MUDE
24 R. AugustaLisbon's Design and Fashion Museum opened in 2009 after a few years as the Design Museum in the Belém Cultural Center (from 1999 to 2006). At this new location (a former bank headquarters) it mixes fashion and design collected by Portuguese businessman Francisco Capelo, with pieces from the mid-1800s to the present.
It's considered one of the best design museums in Europe, with great design names represented next to the top international fashion designers, like Charles & Ray Eames, Le Corbusier, Tom Dixon, Philippe Starck, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Dior, Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, Versace, and also Tommy Hilfiger, who offered one of his pieces.
The space, which hasn't been fully renovated, also presents several temporary exhibitions. After the renovation, scheduled for completion in late 2018, the total exhibition area will be 14,000m2, which will make this one of the largest design museums in Europe.
During the renovation works, the collection will be shown in other parts of the city. When the museum reopens, it will have a new auditorium, a small cafeteria and a restaurant on the rooftop, overlooking the castle and the triumphal arch.
Don't miss out on this. A large part of one of the wings of Praça do Comércio was taken over by this space telling the story of Lisbon through models and multimedia displays. Organized chronologically, it focuses on the main events and personalities that shaped the city over the centuries.
The exhibition highlights five of the most dramatic episodes in the city's history and is divided into six sections. The first one tells the myths and facts of the Portuguese capital's first settlers, another one focuses on the "global city" resulting from the Age of Discovery, a third space is dedicated to the Great Earthquake of 1755 followed by "Pombaline Lisbon" or the state-of-the-art city redesigned by the Marquis of Pombal. That reconstruction led to the square where this museum is found, so another area is reserved for the life in the square over time.
Finally, the last space focuses on general aspects of the city and there's a gift shop to get your Lisbon souvenirs.
There will also be temporary exhibitions and everything is accompanied by commentary through a multilingual audioguide.
66 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Historia de Lisboa
78 Praça do ComércioDon't miss out on this. A large part of one of the wings of Praça do Comércio was taken over by this space telling the story of Lisbon through models and multimedia displays. Organized chronologically, it focuses on the main events and personalities that shaped the city over the centuries.
The exhibition highlights five of the most dramatic episodes in the city's history and is divided into six sections. The first one tells the myths and facts of the Portuguese capital's first settlers, another one focuses on the "global city" resulting from the Age of Discovery, a third space is dedicated to the Great Earthquake of 1755 followed by "Pombaline Lisbon" or the state-of-the-art city redesigned by the Marquis of Pombal. That reconstruction led to the square where this museum is found, so another area is reserved for the life in the square over time.
Finally, the last space focuses on general aspects of the city and there's a gift shop to get your Lisbon souvenirs.
There will also be temporary exhibitions and everything is accompanied by commentary through a multilingual audioguide.
The neoclassical Dona Maria II National Theater faces Rossio, Lisbon's main square.
It was built between 1842 and 1846 with a pediment crowned by a statue of playwright Gil Vicente, known as "Portugal's Shakespeare."
Every year it presents a season of classic plays in its beautiful interior, and there is a pleasant restaurant ("Amo-te Lisboa") with views of the bustle around Rossio Station.
147 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II
Praça Dom Pedro IVThe neoclassical Dona Maria II National Theater faces Rossio, Lisbon's main square.
It was built between 1842 and 1846 with a pediment crowned by a statue of playwright Gil Vicente, known as "Portugal's Shakespeare."
Every year it presents a season of classic plays in its beautiful interior, and there is a pleasant restaurant ("Amo-te Lisboa") with views of the bustle around Rossio Station.
Everything Else
It’s one of Lisbon’s most beautiful and most curious façades, a relic rich in Art Nouveau ornamentation. Found on number 229 of Rua dos Sapateiros by Rossio Square, it hides what was one of the first movie theaters in Portugal. It opened in 1907, and in addition to film screenings it also featured live entertainment and children’s theater. It was considered a luxurious cinema, with a capacity for 100 people.
The carved ornamentation at the entrance frames tile panels depicting female figures. Interestingly, since 1994 the interior is occupied by live female figures, since it was turned into a space for strip/peep shows.
Despite today’s less-dignified use of the interior, the façade remains internationally recognized as one of the finest for a cinema of its time.
R. dos Sapateiros 229
229 Rua dos SapateirosIt’s one of Lisbon’s most beautiful and most curious façades, a relic rich in Art Nouveau ornamentation. Found on number 229 of Rua dos Sapateiros by Rossio Square, it hides what was one of the first movie theaters in Portugal. It opened in 1907, and in addition to film screenings it also featured live entertainment and children’s theater. It was considered a luxurious cinema, with a capacity for 100 people.
The carved ornamentation at the entrance frames tile panels depicting female figures. Interestingly, since 1994 the interior is occupied by live female figures, since it was turned into a space for strip/peep shows.
Despite today’s less-dignified use of the interior, the façade remains internationally recognized as one of the finest for a cinema of its time.