Baixa

The Baixa of Lisbon, or as the locals call it «a Baixa» (pronounced baisha) is the very center of the city. An area of great historical importance and a perfect first stop on your visit.

Following the devastating earthquake of 1755, the Marquês de Pombal oversaw the urban reconstruction project that brought great progress to the city — and whose results can still be enjoyed today.

The Baixa district was home to Portugal's first sewage network, and its buildings were world pioneers in earthquake-resistant construction. To test the buildings' resistance to tremors, troops were marched through the streets.

Another innovation was the use of prefabricated components for rapid construction. For example, windows were manufactured in just two sizes for all the buildings erected in the area — larger ones for the main façade and smaller ones for the secondary windows.

From the Baixa you can look up and you'll see the Santa Justa Lift on the side of Chiado and the São Jorge Castle on the side of Alfama.

Another feature the Marquis of Pombal incorporated into the rebuilding of the Baixa was its layout. If you look at a map of central Lisbon, you'll see it is made up of straight streets running perpendicular to the main street: Rua Augusta.

Rua Augusta is the popular pedestrian street in the city center, lined with shops and restaurants. Its two ends meet Rossio Square and Praça do Comércio.

So whenever you want to find the most central point in Lisbon, you know what to look for: Rua Augusta.

It's a great place to stay in Lisbon, and an absolute must-visit. Don't hesitate to search for hotels in the area. It's the perfect place to base yourself.

How to get there

Trams 28 and 15, Metro Baixa – Chiado