Praça do Comércio is one of the best places to see in Lisbon and is the city's grandest square. Three sides of this vast plaza are framed by buildings in the unique yellow Pombaline architecture, with the southern side offering views of the Tejo Estuary. In the plaza lies a grand statue honoring King Joseph I. On its northern edge is the triumphant Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta), the main gateway to the heart of Lisbon. Before the devastating earthquake and tsunami of 1755, the Praça do Comércio was the site of Portugal's most prominent palace, the Paço da Ribeira. That is why locals more commonly refer to it as Terreiro do Paço. The 1908 assassination of King Carlos I and his son Luis Filipe in the plaza put an end of the Portuguese monarchy in 1910. How to explore Praça do Comércio? - The Lisboa Welcome Center is the city's primary tourism office that also has a gift shop to offer a variety of gifts. These are located on the western side of the square. - The triumphal arch in the square, built to greet visitors coming by boat, is embellished by statues of Glory holding wreaths over Bravery and Genius. They are followed by historical luminaries like the explorer Vasco da Gama and the Marquis of Pombal, who oversaw the restoration of downtown Lisbon in the 18th century. - Cais das Colunas is a pier with marble stairs where you can relax and enjoy the views as street musicians play. This corner is located on the southern side of the plaza. Unfortunately, the sandy area next to it turns into a beach during low tide, but you'd be better off sunbathing at Ribeira das Naus, a lovely promenade only a few feet away. - Only a few government offices are still located in the square's structures. Restaurants have mostly replaced them, including the city's oldest café, 'Martinho da Arcada,' which has been operating on the northeastern corner since 1782. - Visit the Lisboa Story Center, which takes tourists on a historical tour of Lisbon, and one of the Lisbon Museum's branches in the western turret. It offers ad hoc exhibitions about Lisbon. - Go on a shopping spree in Rua Augusta, Lisbon's main pedestrianized shopping street.
Avenida Infante Dom Henrique 1C, Lisbon 1100-053 Portugal