Praça do Comércio Travel Guide: Lisbon's Golden Gateway

The Praça do Comércio is a stunning and historic site in Lisbon. It is located directly next to the Tagus River, and its main characteristics are the bright yellow buildings, massive arch, and an open square. It is still called Terreiro do Paaco by many locals since this was previously the place where the Royal Palace was situated until the 1755 earthquake.

It is one of the leading tourist sites today among tourists and the residents of Lisbon. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Praça do Comércio, including travel tips and the best things to do in the area.

What Makes Praça do Comércio Special?

Praça do Comércio is not any other tourist attraction. It is the centre of Lisboa's social life. Locals visit here to appreciate the fresh river air, reunite with friends, and attend festivals. The square is enormous, open-air, and welcoming. It is possible to walk everywhere freely and enjoy the peaceful environment.

The square features yellow buildings with a Pombaline appearance, giving it a classic look. The middle one is the statue of King Jose I, who helped in the reconstruction of Lisbon following the devastating earthquake.

The square also boasts of a spectacular riverfront. Here you may see ferries going by across the Tagus river or sit on the steps and bask in the sunshine. It is the most ideal location in Lisbon for photography, as the large area, water, and buildings form an ideal backdrop.

Where Is Praça do Comércio Located?

The square is in the heart of Lisbon’s downtown, right at the waterfront. It connects important city areas:

• To the North: Rua Augusta (shopping street)

• To the East: Alfama (oldest neighborhood)

• To the West: Cais do Sodré (nightlife + Time Out Market)

• To the South: Tagus River (great views and cruises)

This makes it one of the easiest places to reach in the city.

How to Get to Praça do Comércio

You can easily reach Praça do Comércio by Metro. The closest station is Terreiro do Paço (Blue Line), just a 1-minute walk (120–150 meters) from the square, with a fare of €1.80 using a Viva Viagem card. If you arrive at Baixa-Chiado (Green/Blue Line), it’s about a 7-minute walk (550–650 meters) through the downtown area.

For trams, both Tram 15, heading toward Belém, and the iconic Tram 28 are convenient options. Tram rides typically cost €3.00. If you want to take Tram 28, the starting point at Martim Moniz is approximately a 10-minute walk (about 800 meters) from the square.

Many city buses also pass through Baixa and the riverfront. Bus fares are usually €1.80 with a Viva Viagem card or around €2.00–€2.50 if purchased on board, making them an affordable option.

The simplest way to get to Praça do Comércio from Lisbon Airport is to take the Metro to Baixa-Chiado and then walk. The whole journey takes around 25 minutes and costs €1.80.

Walking is also a great choice. If you’re staying in Baixa, Chiado, Rossio, Alfama, or Mouraria, you can reach Praça do Comércio comfortably on foot within 5–15 minutes, depending on your exact location.

Best Time to Visit (Local Insights)

Morning: Calm, perfect for photos and enjoying the empty square.

Afternoon: Lively with tourists, locals, and performers.

Sunset: Golden light on the river, best view of the Tagus.

Night: Soft lighting, safe ambience, and a beautiful atmosphere for slow walks.

Locals often visit in the evening, especially during summer when temperatures drop.

Top Things to Do in Praça do Comércio

Below are the best activities with local tips and deeper information.

1. Visit Arco da Rua Augusta (Rua Augusta Arch)

This huge stone archway is the entrance to Baixa. It features statues of famous people, such as Vasco da Gama. The best part, though, is the viewpoint at the top, which provides you a 360-degree view of the Castle of São Jorge and the Baixa district.

• Castle of São Jorge

• Baixa district

• Carmo Convent ruins

• Tagus River

• The entire square

Local Tip: Visit early in the morning or 1 hour before sunset for the best lighting and fewer crowds.

2. Relax at Cais das Colunas (Riverside Columns)

At the end of the square, you can see two marble columns coming out of the water. This was once the ceremonial entrance for kings and explorers who came by boat.

Now, it's a calm platform by the river.

Things to do here:

• Watch the ferries crossing the river.

• Take iconic photos with water views

• Enjoy the street musicians.

• Sit on the stone steps and feel the breeze

Local Tip:This is the best place in the area for sunset photography.

3. Explore Lisboa Story Centre

This museum lets you explore the history of Lisbon, from the Roman era to now. The exhibits are easy to understand because they use 4D technology, stories, and dioramas.

Highlights:

• 1755 earthquake simulation

• History of Portuguese explorers

• Models of old Lisbon

• Audio-guided explanation in many languages

Local Tip: Ideal for first-time visitors seeking a comprehensive understanding of the city.

4. Enjoy the Square's Arcades

There are cafés, restaurants, souvenir shops, and government offices in the arcades around the square. These arcades were built after the earthquake and keep the style of traditional Portuguese buildings.

You can walk under the arches to escape the sun and admire the details.

5. Visit Martinho da Arcada Café

This café, which opened in 1782, is one of the oldest in Lisbon. Fernando Pessoa, Portugal’s most famous poet, used to sit here and write.

Try:

• Espresso

• Portuguese pastries

• Simple lunch dishes

Local Tip: Sit inside for a historical atmosphere.

6. Check Out the King José I Statue

In the middle is a bronze statue of King José I on horseback. It honors the way he led the rebuilding of Lisbon. You can walk around the statue and take pictures with the square behind it.

Local Insight: This is a popular meeting point for walking tours.

7. Attend Events, Festivals, and Concerts

Praça do Comércio hosts many public events throughout the year:

• New Year’s Eve fireworks

• Christmas market

• Summer music festivals

• National Day celebrations

• Public light shows on the Arch

Local Tip: Check local event schedules before your visit, as some major shows can transform the entire square.

What to Do Near Praça do Comércio (Walking Distance)

Here are nearby attractions you can easily walk to from the square.

1. Rua Augusta Street

The main pedestrian street connecting Praça do Comércio to Rossio Square. Filled with:

• Street artists

• Shops

• Cafés

• Ice cream stands

• Souvenir stores

A great place for casual strolls.

2. Alfama District

A 5–10-minute walk east leads you to Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood. Alfama is full of:

• Fado music bars

• Narrow streets

• Old houses

• Miradouros (viewpoints)

Must-see spots:

• Lisbon Cathedral

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia

• Fado Museum

3. Santa Justa Lift

A historic iron elevator built in 1902 by a student of Gustave Eiffel. It connects Baixa to the Carmo district.

Local Tip:Instead of waiting in line at the bottom, walk to the top from Chiado side—it’s free.

4. Rossio Square

One of Lisbon’s main squares with wave-patterned cobblestones and a lively atmosphere.

5. Time Out Market (Mercado da Ribeira)

Just a 12-minute walk away. Great place to try many Portuguese dishes in one location.

Where to Eat Around Praça do Comércio

You can find great food with traditional Portuguese flavors at Praça do Comércio. Bacalhau à Brás, grilled sardines, Pastel de Nata, bifana sandwiches, Caldo Verde, and seafood rice are all excellent local foods to try. Museu da Cerveja is a wonderful place to try local beers.

The Can is a great place to enjoy modern food. Café Martinho da Arcada is a wonderful place to get traditional sandwiches. Another excellent location for traditional sandwiches is Nova Pombalina. Restaurants in and around Baixa also offer affordable lunch menus every day, making them a wonderful option for visitors to Lisbon.

Local Secrets & Hidden Tips

Here are things many tourists don’t know:

• Best sunrise spot: Cais das Colunas

• Cheapest view in Lisbon: Rua Augusta Arch (very affordable fee)

• Quietest time: Early morning before 9 AM

• Best nearby bakery: Confeitaria Nacional (opened in 1829, near Rossio)

• Where locals relax: Ribeira das Naus waterfront (5 minutes from the square)