Baixa - Rossio
The centre of Lisbon and a hive of activity
Baixa - Rossio is the central district in Lisbon city and is flanked by impressive squares, plenty of shopping and it’s here you will also find the entrance to the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift). This entire area was flattened by an earthquake in 1755 and rebuilt and you’ll notice that this district has a lot of symmetry to it compared to the rest of the city.
Praça Dom Pedro IV or Rossio Square is the central square and this was the communal area that was the preferred location for social events in Lisbon, including the many executions of the Portuguese Inquisition. Today Rossio is still a popular location for locals and tourists alike to meet up and often there is a food market at Rossio Square selling local food, wine, beers and gifts. These markets are great places to grab a hot or cold snack and a cold drink.
Close to the square is a train station with the same name. The facade of Rossio Train Station is magnificent and it's here where you can get the train to Sintra, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Walk up from Rossio and you will find the main boulevard in Lisbon, Avenida da Liberdade. The Avenue is packed full of the worlds top fashion houses including, Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and many other global brands.
Heading towards the river you’ll find Rua Augusta. This street is packed with eateries and more affordable shopping than Avenue Liberdade. Continue through the arch at the end of Rua Augusta and you’ll enter the most impressive Lisbon square, Praca Comercio.
