Location

The Old City, Baixa, Parque and Gulbenkian

Between the hills of the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts lies Baixa, the heart of Old Lisbon. Rebuilt to the designs of the Marques de Pombal after the Great Earthquake of 1755, the geometrically laid out streets contain some enchanting examples of early Classical architecture. The main pedestrian thoroughfare, the Rua Augusta, stretches inland from the Praca do Comercio, on the river-front, through an impressive archway to the Praca de Rossio with its wonderfully restored art nouveau railway station. The Rua Augusta and the surrounding streets are a delight for both serious and window shoppers alike. Here you will find a vast array of wonderful old shops and boutiques selling everything from high class leather goods, designer fashions, jewellery, gifts, fine wines and speciality foods to the magnificent two-storey furrier’s, specialising in furs from Siberia. There is something for everyone. Just off the Rua Augusta is an absolute ‘must’ to see, and ride on. The ornate Elevador da Santa Justa, designed and built by a pupil of Eiffel is just one of the many gems to be found and explored in Baixa. Leading gently uphill from the Praca de Rossio in the expansive, tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon’s ‘Green Mile’. Avenida da Liberdade is home to theatres, cafes, restaurants and some very exclusive shops. Within easy reach is the vintage Elevador Gloria, a street cable-car climbing up to the Bairro Alto and splendid views across Baixa towards the Castle and Alfama. Another street cable-car, the Elevador Lavra, will take you to the wonderful Campo Martires da Patria. At the end of the Avenida da Liberdade is Lisbon’s finest park, Parque Eduardo VII. The magnificent statue of the Marques de Pombal welcomes you into this formal park with its historical hothouses full of tropical plants and ornate Pavilhão dos Desportos. The panoramic view of Lisbon from the fountains at the top of the park is breathtaking. Above and slightly beyond the park is the world famous Calouste Gulbenkian Museum of Modern Art. This is definitely the place for lovers of modern art.

Wining & Dining
The Casa Do Alentejo Restaurant (58, Rua Portas de Santo Antão) – situated on the first floor of this one time Neo-Moorish palace with its stunning tiled walls - well worth a visit! Cais da Ribeira Restaurant near Cais do Sodré station – this exceedingly popular seafood restaurant with it’s riverside views is found in the Armazem, an attractive converted warehouse Café Nicola, with its original art deco interior is our favourite café in Baixa. Gijinha Sem Rival (7, Rua Portas de Santo Antão) – a tiny liqueur house that sells just one thing – Ginjinha – Try it – It’s something else!

Transport from the Airport
The Aerobus will take you directly to the area and through it from Avenida da Liberdade right to Cais do Sodré with frequent stops in between. The bus has an automatic stop indicator so it’s easy to get off at the right place! The journey takes between 30 – 40 mins and at present costs around €3 per head. The journey by taxi as far as Rossio takes about 25 mins and will cost around €12. From the airport you can take the metro until Baixa / Chiado.