Things to do in Baixa, Lisbon

Lisbon's lower town was rebuilt after 1755 on Pombal's earthquake-proof grid plan, making it one of Europe's first planned city centers. It is known for uniform Pombaline buildings and black-and-white cobbled sidewalks.

"Lisbon's lower town was rebuilt after 1755 on Pombal's earthquake-proof grid plan, making it one of "

An iron elevator built in 1902, inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It connects the lower town with the Bairro Alto.

"An iron elevator built in 1902, inspired by the Eiffel Tower. It connects the lower town with the Ba"

A vast harborfront square on the site of the royal palace destroyed in the earthquake. It has a grand triumphal arch and statues recalling Lisbon's golden age and its recovery after the quake.

"A vast harborfront square on the site of the royal palace destroyed in the earthquake. It has a gran"

A tiny, historic ginjinha bar that opens at 7am and serves ginjinha, Portugal's traditional sour cherry liqueur. The cherries are soaked in aguardente and served in the glass.

"A tiny, historic ginjinha bar that opens at 7am and serves ginjinha, Portugal's traditional sour che"

Lisbon's grand Champs-Élysées-style avenue. Its wide sidewalks and many trees make it feel and function like a park.

"Lisbon's grand Champs-Élysées-style avenue. Its wide sidewalks and many trees make it feel and funct"

One of Lisbon's first farm-to-table restaurants, with a seasonal menu and natural, biodynamic wines. It mixes fine and rustic dining with dishes like beef tartare, sardine toast and mushroom ice cream.

"One of Lisbon's first farm-to-table restaurants, with a seasonal menu and natural, biodynamic wines."

Cash-only spot for traditional bifanas, thin-sliced pork sandwiches that cost only a couple of euros. Top them with sweet mustard and chili oil.

"Cash-only spot for traditional bifanas, thin-sliced pork sandwiches that cost only a couple of euros"

One of the few buildings to survive the 1755 earthquake. Its scarred pillars still recall the disaster.

"One of the few buildings to survive the 1755 earthquake. Its scarred pillars still recall the disast"

A long-running pastry shop that had the first telephone line installed in Portugal. It is a good stop for a traditional Lisbon breakfast of espresso (bica) with pastries such as mini bolas de Berlim and pão de Deus.

"A long-running pastry shop that had the first telephone line installed in Portugal. It is a good sto"

A modern public lift that helps visitors climb from downtown toward the castle.

"A modern public lift that helps visitors climb from downtown toward the castle."

A historic waterfront landing on the Tagus in front of Praça do Comércio.

"A historic waterfront landing on the Tagus in front of Praça do Comércio."

A triumphal arch commemorating Lisbon's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. Visitors can climb it for spectacular views of the square and city.

"A triumphal arch commemorating Lisbon's reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. Visitors can climb"

Lisbon's main pedestrian street, full of shops and restaurants, entered through the Rua Augusta Arch.

"Lisbon's main pedestrian street, full of shops and restaurants, entered through the Rua Augusta Arch"

A historic cafe and restaurant dating back to 1782, said to be the oldest cafe in Lisbon. It has an outdoor patio under the arches with a view of the square, and locals say it still serves the best pastéis de bacalhau (cod cutlets).

"A historic cafe and restaurant dating back to 1782, said to be the oldest cafe in Lisbon. It has an "

A local favourite in a touristy area, packed with locals and known for charcoal-roasted chicken served with house peri peri sauce in a distinctive jar. The host calls it a hidden gem with exceptionally tender chicken served with rice.

"A local favourite in a touristy area, packed with locals and known for charcoal-roasted chicken serv"