Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco), Lisbon: Address, Phone Number, Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco) Reviews: 4.5/5
Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
4.5
About
One of the biggest squares in Europe, this stylish area in downtown Lisbon often displays beautiful works of art and sculpture, and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Baixa, Rossio & Restauradores
A pending candidate to become a World Heritage Site, Lisbon's downtown (the "Baixa Pombalina", or simply "Baixa") is a perfect example of anti-earthquake construction, having been rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake by the famous Marquês de Pombal (hence its name). Its offer is vast: restaurants and cafes in Rossio and Restauradores, outlets and shops in the Áurea, Augusta, Prata and other famous streets, the imponent Praça do Comércio and its Arch, the luxury shops along the Avenida da Liberdade, this is the beating heart of the city center. The Baixa also grants easy access to trains leading to Sintra, the trams that go around the Castle hill, old neighborhoods or even take you to Belém, and Lisbon's traditional restaurants and cafes. Considering a visit to the Fashion and Design Museum (free entrance) and don't forget to try the famous liquor, "ginjinha"!
How to get there
- Terreiro do Paço • 2 min walk
- Baixa/Chiado • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,549 within 3 miles

STŌ Mercearia
117
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Contemporary • Portuguese

Lisboa Tu & Eu 2
988
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Portuguese • Vegetarian Friendly

Sala
171
0.2 mi$$$$ • Mediterranean • European • Healthy

Restaurante Solar dos Bicos
991
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • European

DaPrata52
2,667
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Contemporary

Antiga Wine Bar
112
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Pub • Fusion • Wine Bar

Maria Catita
2,899
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Mediterranean • Healthy

Gelato Therapy
349
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert

Hamburgueria Gourmet - Cafe do Rio
1,936
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • International • European • Healthy

Velha Gaiteira
526
0.2 mi$ • Mediterranean • European • Spanish
Attractions
745 within 6 miles

Arco do Triunfo
5,829
0.1 miMonuments & Statues

Monument to King José I
323
0.1 miMonuments & Statues

Museu da Cerveja
179
435 ftSpeciality Museums

Mirante Belvedere, do Arco da Rua Augusta
191
0.1 miLookouts

Rua Augusta
2,541
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas

Centro Interpretativo da História do Bacalhau
6
461 ftSpeciality Museums

Cais das Colunas
75
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Scenic Walking Areas

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceicao Velha
66
0.1 miChurches & Cathedrals

Fundação José Saramago
309
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Homenagem a Jose Saramago
1
0.1 miMonuments & Statues
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
16,761 reviews
Excellent
9,123
Very good
6,151
Average
1,279
Poor
134
Terrible
74
Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,194 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a lovely water-front square, the largest in Lisbon and one of the largest in Europe. Led by the Marquis of Pombal, the area was completely redesigned after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake that destroyed much of Lisbon. A triumphal arch, the Arco da Rua Augusta, is flanked on both sides by a symmetrical design of yellow-hued buildings. The centerpiece of the square is an equestrian statue of King José I inaugurated in 1775. A monument honoring the Marquis of Pombal, who really deserves the credit for this beautiful space, is located further north on the Ave da Liberdade. Praca do Comercio is conveniently located near Belem, making it the perfect ending to your sightseeing. The Time Out Market is nearby, as well as numerous restaurants/cafes on R. Augusta.
Written November 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mairwen1
United Kingdom6,324 contributions
Mar 2020
We loved Lisbon and we had 5 days here but even if you only have a day in Lisbon, then this is a beautiful, open waterfront square that you don't want to miss. It is an excellent place to start exploring Lisbon because the Tourist Information centre is here and trams run past here constantly.
You enter via a gleaming white triumphal arch. The old royal palace and arcaded walkway wraps around three sides of the plaza. The fourth side opens up to the harbour, where we sat to watch the sun set across the water.
Taking centre stage is the 14 m tall statue of King José I (1750 – 1777). He sits upright, on his horse and is wearing the emperor's mantle although most of my attention was taken with his rather spectacular feathered hat. I was also intrigued that he appears to be riding over a nest of vipers with snakes are writhing around the horse’s legs. Are they symbolic enemies? Around the base, there’s more mayhem. Limestone angels cavort with a baby elephant, a man is being trampled by an elephant and another is about to be come to serious harm underneath a rearing horse.
Historically, this where the royal palace stood for over two centuries until the devastating 1755 Earthquake and tsunami which completely destroyed the palace and along with it, much of Lisbon. Jose I was already king then and the royal family quickly packed their bags and ran to Belem for safety.
There is a lot to do and see here:
∗ Rua Augusta Arch and the viewing platform at the top
∗ Watch the sunset over the harbour – just beautiful
∗ Wines of Portugal Tasting Centre – see separate review
∗ Tourist Information Centre
∗ The trams run alongside the square so it’s a good, central jump on/off point
∗ Café Martinho da Arcada, which has been here serving poets novelists since 1782
∗ Lisboa Story Centre museum
You enter via a gleaming white triumphal arch. The old royal palace and arcaded walkway wraps around three sides of the plaza. The fourth side opens up to the harbour, where we sat to watch the sun set across the water.
Taking centre stage is the 14 m tall statue of King José I (1750 – 1777). He sits upright, on his horse and is wearing the emperor's mantle although most of my attention was taken with his rather spectacular feathered hat. I was also intrigued that he appears to be riding over a nest of vipers with snakes are writhing around the horse’s legs. Are they symbolic enemies? Around the base, there’s more mayhem. Limestone angels cavort with a baby elephant, a man is being trampled by an elephant and another is about to be come to serious harm underneath a rearing horse.
Historically, this where the royal palace stood for over two centuries until the devastating 1755 Earthquake and tsunami which completely destroyed the palace and along with it, much of Lisbon. Jose I was already king then and the royal family quickly packed their bags and ran to Belem for safety.
There is a lot to do and see here:
∗ Rua Augusta Arch and the viewing platform at the top
∗ Watch the sunset over the harbour – just beautiful
∗ Wines of Portugal Tasting Centre – see separate review
∗ Tourist Information Centre
∗ The trams run alongside the square so it’s a good, central jump on/off point
∗ Café Martinho da Arcada, which has been here serving poets novelists since 1782
∗ Lisboa Story Centre museum
Written January 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
debdoodleNewYork
Staten Island, NY248 contributions
Feb 2022
Loved this area! We were there during a football game between the Netherlands and Portugal so the "entertainment" was quite interesting of people watching. Area is great to take photos. It is truly a beautiful area.
You can get tuk tuks (for touring there). right on water so you can see the boats and ride a ferry if you wish. Near metro.
Lots of nice restaurants. We ate at Squisto which was wonderful. Pizza and wine while people watching
You can get tuk tuks (for touring there). right on water so you can see the boats and ride a ferry if you wish. Near metro.
Lots of nice restaurants. We ate at Squisto which was wonderful. Pizza and wine while people watching
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cami S
22 contributions
Mar 2022
City centers in European capitals can be a little overwhelming because of traffic and throngs of tourists. This one is more approachable, with most traffic being cut off. Beautiful architecture and a very cool city center with the river banks right there. Sorry, but even the most beautiful cities in Europe can't match that combination.
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Anik L
Montreal, Canada654 contributions
Jun 2019
The royal palace was located here once before the big earthquake of 1755. This magnificent square, is considered one of the largest "plazas" of Europe. The Arch is beautiful. So is the bronze equestrian statue of King Dom Jose I (the king that rebuilt the square after the earthquake). You will have many excellent photos opportunity here (the square, the arch, the statue and the Tagus river). There are several cafés and restaurants in the square but in this area they are pricey. There is nothing really to do here except for wandering and taking photos. No one seems to come here except tourists and drug dealers! We were approached at least 3 times in 20 minutes asking us if we wanted to buy drugs, so be warned of that.
Still, Praca do Comercio is superb and well worth a look.
Still, Praca do Comercio is superb and well worth a look.
Written April 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chase V
Oklahoma City, OK563 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Maybe because it was St Patrick’s day, and wasn’t crowded at night, that we had no issues? People said street vendors or other sketchy activities were here, I disagree. It’s great to see the Tagus this square is iconic for Lisbon and the arch and middle statue are gorgeous and create a great atmosphere. Don’t avoid, just be vigilant as in all of Europe, never got approached here walking around at night or day.
Written March 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Thomas V
Oakland, CA12,740 contributions
Apr 2022
This huge square used to be surrounded by the King's palace. Now the surroundings are matching harmonious buildings with arcades below where you find eating places, etc. It's a grand space and the center of the waterfront area in Baixa Chiado.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Mark Lum
Edinburgh, UK8 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a beautiful square facing the sea. Most important it is the centre of transportation in Lisbon. You can go everywhere in Lisbon from here. I mean bus, coach, tram, Airport bus and even ferry. Four Euro to Airport. One day ticket (6.4 Euro for exactly 24 hours) everywhere in Lisbon by bus, tram, ferry etc.)
The only problem is the long queue. If you are clever, you can walk one stop infront ( Depands on which direction). I can assure you it is not far away and you can get a seat then.
The only problem is the long queue. If you are clever, you can walk one stop infront ( Depands on which direction). I can assure you it is not far away and you can get a seat then.
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Annie P
Hollywood, FL360 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Even on a cloudy day, the beauty of this venue shone through..... I will return for a longer walk when the weather is more favorable. One can picture hundreds of years of visitors, emigres and workers disembarking here.... How lovely a welcome to the fair city of Lisbon!
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Belfasttravelguy
Belfast, UK1,627 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
I always like walking down to this square which is very spacious and has some bars around the sides. There are also a number of market type stalls in the inside parts with the arches. There are often some street entertainers too. Just keep an eye out as you are likely to get approached by people selling drugs or fake sunglasses. They won’t hassle you and tend to move on quickly but they do tend to appear from nowhere, particularly when you’re trying to take a photo.
Written February 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
que puedo hacer el dia de san antonio, hay algun transporte?
Serious
Forchheim, Germany165 contributions
ein 24-Ticket für Bus, Tram und einige Aufzüge kostet 6,20 EUR, ansonsten kann man vieles zu Fuß erreichen
what is the parking like?
djb
Montreal qc303 contributions
There is pay underground parking within walking distance
AdinaEnache
Bucharest, Romania11 contributions
Hi.
Are the shops open in Lisbon on Sundays?
Thanks
Albert G
176 contributions
Most of them are.
hollynzimmerman98
Washington DC, DC
Hi everyone. I am planning a trip to Lisbon and currently looking at the Baixa and Rossio area. So far for a day I have planned going to the elevator De Santa Justa early in the morning and then getting breakfast/brunch in the area surrounding. I was planning on heading down to Praco De Commercial after this and I was wondering if there is shopping around this area or whats the best way to get to Praco. Then I am planning on going to ROssio and walking around there and getting dinner. Would it be good to get lunch in Praco de Commercial and then dinner in Rossio. Also whats to do around Rossio at night with 2 teenagers.
J V
140 contributions
Hi- Lisbon is wonderful because you can WALK everywhere (except to the Tile Museum) Get the 3 day Lisboa Metro/bus/train/trolley pass at the Visitors Bureau for about $18 a day and hop on and off as you need. The Lisboa Pass also gets you into museum for free or discounts. The walking is wonderful and so many restaurants you will have a hard time selecting...just remember the delicious Portuguese wine. Walk to the Church of Santiago and then Castle of St. George (get there early or the lines are long) If you have a private guide they by-pass the lines. Skip the elevator (touristy) and got to the Belem National Coach Museum...fewer people and much more interesting- a short train ride away. Behind Teatro Nacional D. Maria II is a street of restaurants- many to select from at good prices and excellent quality. For lunch try O Sitar on R. Condes 7 and dinner at Prazeres do Mar Rua Portas De Santo Antoa N 4 A 6. Hotel Portuense is near the restaurant district and close to Rossio (clean and very reasonably priced) the owners speak several languages and the breakfast is great.
En general y en 4 dias que sitios no puedo dejar de ver en Lisboa??Gracias
JVP
Seville, Spain180 contributions
primer día: monasterio de los Jerónimos, torre de Belem y monumento de los descubrimientos ( queda en la misma zona). Al lado del Monasterio hacen los pasteles de Belem así que deben probarlo.
segundo día: pueden visitar el castillo de San Jorge, bajar en el tranvía 28, visitar la plaza del Comercio con su arco del triunfo e incluso ir a comer al TimeOut Market. Por la tarde, pueden visitar el mirador de nuestra señora del monte y ver el atardecer.
El último día dejenlo para visitar Sintra: castillo de la pena, quinta da regaleira y castillo de los moros. Si hacen la ruta a pie desde el valle de los lagos hasta el castillo de la pena, alucinaran.
día de checkout, vayan de compras por las calles peatonales que cruzan el arco del triunfo.
Marktayl6
Unecha, Russia1 contribution
I'traveling from Portugal to Morocco Africa with Visit-Morocco-Sahara,com tour company and I have just 3 hours before I leave, could I visit this attention in one hour?
fortheloveofTuscany
Oxnard, CA193 contributions
Yes- it’s by the main river - close to the port
Alex Farias
State of Sao Paulo362 contributions
passeio de 1 dia do oceanário a mosteiro dos jeronimos
Yuri Fiaschi
New York City, NY722 contributions
Qual é a pergunta? E se e possível?
welber a
Brasilia, DF13 contributions
Qual o melhor local para se hospedar em Lisboa e no Porto em Portugal?
que fique perto dos principais pontos turisticos, bem como das estações e aeroporto.
Att
Regina R
Sao Paulo, SP99 contributions
Depende o tipo de acomodação que vc quer, em dezembro de 2016 fiquei hospedada pelo airbnb. Em Lisboa fiquei no bairro de alfama, ( calçada Cascao), próximo à estação de trens, metrô e táxis), perto da praça do comércio. Sensacional. e ainda 1/4 do preço dos hotéis.Em Porto Fiquei do mesmo modo, atrás da rua Santa Catarina, também com acesso à TUDO. Recomendo. Se tiver interesse pode encontrar aonde fiquei no airbnb.
Frequently Asked Questions about Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco)
- We recommend booking Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 315 Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco):
- Best of Lisbon Guided Walking Tour (From $23.58)
- Highlights & Hidden Gems of Lisbon: Private City Tour (From $52.53)
- Lisbon: 1-Hour City Tour on a Private Tuk (From $36.98)
- Lisbon Revelation Tour (From $26.80)
- Bike Tours Lisbon - Center of Lisbon to Belém (From $13.94)
- Hotels near Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco):
- (0.13 mi) Madalena Hermitage
- (0.14 mi) Pestana CR7 Lisboa
- (0.15 mi) Vincci Baixa
- (0.17 mi) Pousada de Lisboa, Praça do Comércio
- (0.16 mi) Casas da Baixa - Jules & Madeleine
- Restaurants near Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco):
- (0.02 mi) Café Central Lisboa
- (0.03 mi) Marisqueira Azul - Praça do Comércio
- (0.03 mi) CAN THE CAN Lisboa
- (0.11 mi) Hamburgueria Gourmet - Cafe do Rio
- (0.05 mi) Terra Nova by Populi
- Attractions near Praca do Comercio (Terreiro do Paco):
- (0.03 mi) The Rogue Historians
- (0.07 mi) Nosso Tejo
- (0.07 mi) Lisbon Explorer Private Tours
- (0.08 mi) Hi Lisbon Walking Tours
- (0.08 mi) Blue Emotion Tours