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Baixa – Strolling and shopping
After a massive earthquake that destroyed the city in 1755, Baixa became the jewel of the crown, after being completely rebuilt following the latests trends of urban architecture of that time.
Terreiro do Paço, the main square of Lisbon, hosts nowadays several government institutions, cultural venues as well the oldest café/restaurant in the city, Martinho da Arcada – where Fernando Pessoa, who still has a table permanently reserved, used to write.
The wide streets, formerly organized by guilds, where each one would be specific to a kind of merchant, are now filled with international brands.
Few have remained with their original display. Anyhow, you can still find the city’s historical remaining shops and bakeries – those deserve definitely a visit!
The area is crowded and vibrant, hundreds of visitors and locals walk its streets, either for shopping, eating or just strolling. The amount of churches and chapels is quite impressive and the sound of their bells punctuate the time going by.
Eat and Drink
Gingjinha do Rossio
The legendary “Ginjinha” bar.
This typical portuguese liquor is made with a cherry like berry called Ginja. It’s mandatory to drink (at least one).
Largo São Domingos 8 // 9am-10pm – Daily
Casa do Alentejo
Beautiful and exotic – this place is a hidden jewel in the centre of Lisbon.
A Moorish-style Palace gives his charm to a delicious and traditional cuisine from the Alentejo region.
Rua Portas de Santo Antão, 58 // 10am – 11pm Daily
A Licorista
It is becoming to be a hard task to find a good, honest restaurant in downtown nowadays. Being one of the most crowded areas in the city, unfortunately a lot of restaurants have overcharged prices and bad quality food. However, we can assure you that this is not the case for the Licorista.
A simple place where the the food is good – particularly the fish and the seafood.
R. dos Sapateiros 218 // 12pm-3pm | 7pm-10:15pm – From Monday to Saturday
Pastelaria Suiça
A long-standing patisserie that opened in the 20’s.
The interior was sadly modernized, but nevertheless, it still remains a Lisbon icon.
Praça Dom Pedro IV 96 a 104 // 7am-10pm – Daily
Fábrica Lisboa
With its fun and vintage decoration, the word is out about some of the best croissants in town. However, their only promise is: “surely the best croissants in the building!”.
R. da Madalena 121 // 8am-8pm – From Tuesday to Friday | 8am-7pm – Saturdays and Sundays
Confeitaria Nacional
One of the oldest (and more beautiful) pastry shops in Europe.
Praça da Figueira 18B // 8am-8pm – From Monday to Saturday | 9am-8pm – Sunday
Tasca Kome
This is not just a sushi restaurant, it is a well done version of Japanese home made cooking.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you can’t choose.
R. da Madalena 57 // 12pm-2:30pm | 7pm-10pm – From Tuesday to Saturday
Martinho da Arcada
Casa do Alentejo
Do and See
Ruinas do Carmo
The place where it used to be a convent and one of the most important churches of the city, is now a reminder of the big earthquake of 1755.
This is where the Santa Justa lift will lead you, so, if you don’t want to wait in line, you can enter directly trough Largo do Carmo.
Ó Galeria
An illustration art gallery.
After achieved great success in Oporto, the gallery is also in Lisbon since 2015.
R. São Cristóvão 7 // 11am-8pm – Monday to Saturday
Cais das Colunas
What was once the most important and noble entrance to Lisbon, is now one of the most popular places to hang out on the sunniest days.
Hospital das Bonecas
Opened in 1830, this museum/atelier hosts an amazing collection of dolls and toys from all times.
A must go (if you don’t think dolls are creepy).
Praça da Figueira, 7 // 10am-7pm – From Monday to Friday | 10am-7pm – Saturdays
Hospital das Bonecas
Ó Galeria
Shopping
Garrafeira Nacional
A great selection of wines and beverages, mostly from Portugal, in all price ranges.
The staff is really helpful and knowledge. They can provide packages, so you can take the wine in your suitcase.
R. de Santa Justa 18 // 9:30am-7:30pm – From Monday to Saturday
Chapelaria Azevedo
Opened since 1886, this historical shop creates personalized hats, in all sizes and shapes.
A visit is worth, even if you’re not a fan of this trend.
Praça Dom Pedro IV, 73 // 9:30am-7pm – Monday to Saturday
A Outra Face da Lua
A beautifully decorated vintage shop and its indoor cafe.
R. Assunção 22 // 10am-10:30pm – From Monday to Friday | 2pm-9pm – Saturdays
Drogaria Oriental
A traditional drug store that has products from old portuguese brands. Soaps, lotions, toothpastes… all in very reasonable prices.
R. dos Fanqueiros 236 // 9am-7pm – Monday to Saturday
Chapelaria Azevedo
Drogaria Oriental
