Lisbon Tram Trip: Explore Baixa & Chiado
In the Baixa neighborhood, the square-shaped hills of Bairro Alto are known as Baixa & Chiado. It’s easy to find, as it’s near the Baixa/Chiado metro station. From the square, Josio Square, walk along Augusta Street to Comercio Square, which faces the wide Teju River. We recommend five more hot spots that can be reached by tram in Lisbon.
Rossio,
the starting point of your Lisbon adventure
Lisbon Revelation Tour
A square in the center of the Baixa & Chiado neighborhood. The center of the square is dominated by the imposing statue of King Pedro IV, who became Brazil’s first emperor. Behind the statue, an opera theater looms large, and in front of it, a baroque fountain spouts cool water. You can spend time sitting by the fountain or grab a coffee at one of the surrounding open-air cafes. Bringing the square to life is the wavy cobblestone flooring of the Calçada Portuguesa.
Next to Josio is Plaza Figueira and above is Plaza Hestauradores. The Josio train station, on the way to Plaza de Hestauradores, is a building in itself. Its combination of late Manueline and Romantic styles creates a bizarre atmosphere that looks like something out of a fantasy movie.
Praça da Figueira,
a small but central transportation hub
Half Day Sightseeing Tour on a Private Electric Tuk Tuk
In the center of this small square stands a bronze equestrian statue of João I, father of King Enrique the Navigator. Sometimes a market is held here. Stalls selling sausages, cheese, beer, and more circle the statue, with tables set up in between for a festive atmosphere. Just looking at it is enough to get your endorphins pumping. When you get hungry, it’s fun to try all the different flavors. It’s also a hub of transportation, with bus 737 to and from São Jorge Castle and trams running all over Lisbon.
Rua Augusta,
Lisbon’s shopping mecca
Small Group Walking Tour
A pedestrianized avenue that stretches in a straight line from Rossio Square to Comercio Square. Both sides of the street are lined with SPA brands such as Zara, Mango, and Pool & Bear. Due to its location, even if you’re not shopping, you’ll walk there at least once. At lunchtime, open-air tables are set up in the center of the street, and street artists perform to liven things up. Be wary of pickpockets lurking on Augusta, though, as they often pretend to be tourists.
Comercio Square
(Praça do Comércio)
Lisbon Revelation Tour
On the wide, ocean-like banks of the Teju River is Comercio Square, which means “trade”. The name comes from the trading pier where merchants used to come and go.
As you look out over the square from the river, you’ll be greeted by the pure white Arch of Triumph. To the right of the arch is the Martinho da Arcada, the favorite café of the poet Fernando Pessoa, who was known as the “dreamer of Lisbon“.
Comercio Square is said to be the largest square in Lisbon. It’s a wide, open square with open-air cafes and restaurants around the perimeter and the Tejo River right in front of it, so it has a great view and atmosphere. It’s definitely worth a visit on your trip to Lisbon.
Bairro Alto
for the night owls
Unlimited Beer & Sangria 4 bars
Locals will tell you to head to Bairro Alto at night. Often referred to as Lisbon’s “bohemia district,” it’s where artists gather and home to the bars, open-air restaurants, and fado houses that make up Lisbon’s nightlife scene. It’s a great place to go bar-hopping late at night, wandering the lit alleyways. For those who love to shop, the neighborhood is as fun by day as it is by night. The trendy editorial shops and local designers’ workshops around Francisco Real Park are a great place to pick up a bargain.
Santa Justa Lift
(Elevador de Santa Justa)
Private City Kickstart Tour
The long lines you’ll encounter on Augusta Street are almost always for the Santa Justa Lift. This public elevator has been in operation since July 10, 1927, for nearly a hundred years. If you’re thinking, “Where have I seen this before? It even looks like the Eiffel Tower!” you’re a keen traveler. The steelwork of Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a pupil of Gustave Eiffel, is elegant.
It is considered one of the 1001 buildings to see before you die and has become a Lisbon institution. The view from the observation deck is better than the elevator. The elevator can be used by scanning your transportation card like a tram ride, but you’ll need to buy a separate ticket to see it from the top.
Other Lisbon hot spots
Pink Street is a hotspot that’s become a mainstay among Lisbon’s youth.
Pink Street is quiet during the day, but at night it really comes alive with delicious restaurants. It’s a great place to stop for a quick photo op.
National Pantheon (Panteão Nacional), the tomb of Portugal’s greatest minds
This baroque marble building is a sight to behold. Originally built as the Church of Santa Engrácia, over time it became a pantheon that houses the tombs of those who have contributed to the country. There’s a terrace on the fourth floor with views of Alfama. However, there is no elevator.
