Hello out there! Sorry it has been a while and I PROMISE I wont take as long as a break as I just did. I was off work for the COVID-19 Pandemic and had all sorts of extra time on my hands (and this is how live ~ laugh ~ e amar was born) and have since started back to work. I have been trying to find a balance between continuing to blog, work and of course the most important job – being a loving and attentive wife and mamma (well trying)! 

So lets continue with Lisbon by looking into all of the neighbourhoods I mentioned in my last post about Lisbon. There are 5 main historic areas (Baixa, Chaido, Bairro Alto, Alfama, and Belém) and 2 newer modern areas (Praça do Marquês de Pombal – Part of the Baxia District and Parque das Nações). I suggested staying in the middle (Baxia) that way it is easy to get around all the areas of Lisbon and this is also where most of the shops are found including a variety of delicious restaurants to eat authentic Portuguese food (drooling just thinking about it)! I am going to start with the Baxia district. 

Baxia 

Baxia is Lisbon’s heart – Lisbon’s downtown area. It was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake by Marques of Pombal using neoclassical architecture. Most houses are covered in tiles or as the Portuguese say  ″azulejos″ – typical Portuguese style as you will see this through out most of Portugal.  These tiles create beautiful works of art all over the city.  

Its streets are filled during the day with both locals and tourists. In the Baxia district there are several tourist attractions, and as mentioned above -shops, restaurants, and hotels.  The district extends from the banks of the Rio Tejo (south) all the way to the modern section of Praça Marquês de Pombal (north) and is between the two hills of the districts of Alfama and Chiado.

My ‘MUST SEE’ in the Baxia District: 

Below I have listed my must sees in the Baxia district. I have labelled them in order going from South to North (that way its easy to follow along when you visit Lisbon – Your Welcome!)  

1. Praça do Comércio – This is the cities grandest plaza. It is basically Lisbon’s meeting spot. It is surrounded by impressive buildings and the Triumphal Arch to the north of the square. The statue of King Joseph the 1st (King of Portugal during the earthquake) is in the centre of the square.  This site was home to the royal palace before the earthquake of 1755 destroyed it. Lisbon’s main tourist office is located in this square. You will pass by this square several times on your stay in Lisbon. 
2. Triumphal Arch and Rua Augusta – As you are walking north from the Comércio square you will see the Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta that symbolises the rebirth of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake. You are able to climb the top of the Arch for breathtaking views of the river and the district. After visiting the Arch – travel north up the beautiful pedestrian street – Rua Augusta. This road used to be specialised for trades most known trades are of Gold and Silver and this is why it is also know as ‘Rua do Ouro and Rua da Prata’  (gold and silver streets).
3. Elevador de Santa Justa – as you are walking up Rua Augusta you will see this lift. Due to the cities steep streets in 1902 Lisbon built this lift to link the districts of Baxia to Bairro Alto. It climbs 150ft, the tourist line up is long so expect to wait in line for some time in the summer months. The view of the Baxia district is seen from a observation deck at the top of this lift.  If you have a metro card (which you can get a 24 hour one – then the cost is free if not then you will be paying a 5.5€ ticket. So my advice GET the metro card so that you can avoid that cost and have access to transportation around the city.  It costs about 7€ for the transportation card (worth it). Although its not worth taking the lift to the next district just yet. 
4. Praça da Figueira  – If you skip the lift and continue on to Rua Augusta you come to this square.  This is where most city tour buses start their tours. There is also a  statue of King John the 1st right in the middle of the square that was placed in 1970. This square is probably one of the cheapest locations for shops, restaurants, and hotel stays. 
5. Igreja de Sāo Domingos – this church has survived many natural disasters. The interior is still fire damaged from the 1959 fire. Some say that there is still a lingering burning smell in the church. It is very dark – making it kind of a creepy attraction if your into that sort of thing! 
6. Praça dom Pedro IV (Rossio) – This square contains the Rossio Train station that looks more like a palace then a train station.  Here you can grab a train (or just take a look at the beautiful architecture) to go to near by cities in Portugal. In this square is also home of the popular bar called ‘A Ginjinha‘ – which is home to the traditional cherry liqueur. This bar opened in 1840 and has been run by the same family for generations. Ginjinha was the old home remedy used to cure small illnesses (like colds).  There is a beautiful fountain in the middle of this square and the column of Pedro IV of Portugal. D. Maria II National Theatre, and the popular Café Nicola (was opened over 200 years ago!) are also found here. This is one of the best areas to stay at if in Lisbon (but of course runs higher in price).
7. Praça dos Restauradores – This square was made to commemorate the independence of Portugal from Spain in 1640. In the centre of the square is a large pillar dedicated to this. The popular Edén Hotel is located on one side of the square which use to be a cinema. This square also comes before the popular street of Liberdade (Avenida Liberdade). This avenue is lined with designer shops, designer hotels, and fancy boutiques. 
8. Praça Marquês de Pombal –  this is an important roundabout of the city as it houses the Statue of Marquês de Pombal. It links the three most popular streets in Lisbon. Due to this it is very busy with traffic during the day – so if you can wait until the sun starts to sets as there is less traffic and better views.
9. Parque Eduardo VII  –  This park is extending up the hill from the roundabout of where the statue of Marquês de Pombal is.  The park is named after England’s King Edward VII,  visited in 1902. Many events happen in this park. The last time I was there – Red Bull races were held here. 

Visiting all the above locations should take approximately 2-3 hours depending how long you are at each location. You can also start at the Parque Eduardo VII and work your way down. Its up to you and how you want to explore Lisbon! The metro ⁄ bus system are great options to travel between each destination (if you don’t want to walk) and there are affordable 24-48 hours passes to get rather then having to pay each time you get on a bus (it will cost you more to pay individually).  All passes can be purchased at metro stations. 

Thanks for reading! And remember to – Live ~ Laugh ~ E amar!