Baixa & Rossio
The Baixa (Lower Town) is Lisbon's symmetrical heart — after the devastating 1755 earthquake (one of the worst in history: 8.5–9.0 on the Richter scale, followed by a tsunami and fires that destroyed the city), the Marquis of Pombal rebuilt the district in a strict grid pattern — the world's first earthquake-resistant urban planning.
Praça do Comércio
The Commerce Square on the Tagus is one of the largest squares in Europe and Lisbon's grandest location. The three sides of the square are framed by the yellow-white arcade buildings of the former ministries, the fourth side opens to the river. The Arco da Rua Augusta (3€ ascent, panorama) connects the square with the shopping street. Here, the Carnation Revolution began on April 25, 1974, ending the dictatorship.
Rossio (Praça de Dom Pedro IV)
The Rossio is Lisbon's busiest square — a meeting place since the Middle Ages. The wave-patterned mosaic pavement (calçada portuguesa), the baroque fountains, and the National Theatre (Teatro Nacional D. Maria II) characterize the square. On the east side: the famous Ginjinha bars (A Ginjinha, since 1840) — a sour cherry liqueur shot for 1.50€ is a must.
Rua Augusta
The pedestrian street connects Rossio with Praça do Comércio — lined with shops, cafés, and street musicians. Touristy, but pleasant for strolling. The restaurants on Rua Augusta are almost all tourist traps — go one street over for better food at half the price.
