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The best independent guide to Lisbon
LisbonLisboaPortugal.com
The best independent guide to Lisbon
The Praça do Comercio, Lisbon
The Praça do Comércio is not merely a plaza; it is Lisbon's grandest stage, a vast and magnificent space designed as the city's formal gateway to the world. Opening onto the Tejo estuary, its sheer scale and stately, uniform architecture were intended to impress all who arrived by sea, projecting an image of imperial power and commercial might.
This majestic space rose from the ruins of the Paço da Ribeira, the royal palace destroyed in the devastating 1755 earthquake. The plaza built in its place became the ultimate symbol of Lisbon’s resilience, designed not for royalty, but for a new era of commerce. Under its elegant arcades, merchants and sea captains orchestrated global trade, planning voyages and exchanging the riches of a sprawling maritime empire.
To stand in its centre today is to feel that historic connection to the river and the world beyond. The triumphant Arco da Rua Augusta frames the entrance to the city's bustling downtown, while the equestrian statue of King José I gazes confidently towards the water. Over the centuries, this space has been a stage for dramatic national events, most notably the 1908 assassination of the king and his heir, a violent act that precipitated the fall of the monarchy.
This is more than a historic landmark; it is the ceremonial heart of Lisbon. It is a space that holds the memory of an empire and has witnessed pivotal moments in the nation's history. Today, it continues to serve as the magnificent backdrop for the city's daily life.
Related articles: The Baixa district – Tram guide
As the city's ceremonial heart, the Praça do Comércio is the grand stage for Lisbon's public celebrations, including its annual Christmas festivities.
The distinctive, ochre-coloured buildings lining the plaza are fine examples of Pombaline architecture and house various government ministries.
The Arco da Rua Augusta
The triumphant Arco da Rua Augusta serves as the magnificent centrepiece of the Praça do Comércio, the formal gateway between the grand plaza and the bustling shopping street of Rua Augusta. This monumental arch was the final flourish of the Pombaline reconstruction, completed in 1875, almost a century after the original designs were drafted. Its elaborate sculptures, crowned by figures representing Glory, Valour, and Genius, were a final celebration of the nation’s resilience and spirit.
For a small entrance fee, visitors can ascend to the viewing terrace at the arch's summit. From this commanding vantage point, 30 metres above the ground, you are rewarded with one of the finest panoramic views in Lisbon. To the south, the sheer scale of the Praça do Comércio opens onto the Tejo estuary, while to the north, the orderly grid of the Baixa district unfolds, leading the eye towards the city's central squares and the castle on the opposite hill.
The arch is crowned by a sculpture of Glory rewarding Valour and Genius, while seated figures below symbolise Portugal's two great rivers, the Tejo and the Douro.
The view from the arch's summit, looking north along the pedestrianised Rua Augusta towards the city's central squares.
The Paço da Ribeira and the 1755 earthquake
Before the 1755 earthquake, the Praça do Comércio was the location of the Paço da Ribeira (the Ribeira Palace), the main royal palace of Portugal. The earthquake struck on the morning of the 1st November, when the city was celebrating the important religious feast day of All Saints.
The earthquake severely damaged the Paço da Ribeira but more devasting was the Tsunami (the most powerful ever to hit Europe), which flattened the palace and most of the Baixa district.
More than 30,000 people in Lisbon died, and the devastation included the Ribeira Palace royal library, which housed over 20,000 classical Portuguese literature books.
An illustration of the magnificent Ribeira Palace, which stood on this site before its complete destruction in the great earthquake of 1755.
Traumatised by the earthquake, King Joseph I (José I) refused to ever to sleep inside a stone building and the royal court was moved to a series of tents and wooden structures to the west of the city (where the Palace of Ajuda stands today). Under the direction of the Marquês de Pombal, Lisbon was rebuilt, and the ruins of the Ribeira Palace were transformed into the Praça do Comércio.
Though the Paço da Ribeira was completely destroyed there are still remnants of this once mighty palace, and even the metro station is named Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square).
Found at the water's edge are the Cais das Colunas, a series of marble steps where foreign dignitaries would moor and enter the palace directly. The Torreão Poente (seen at the western end of the yellow buildings) closely resembles the Paço da Ribeira, the royal quarters in the ruined palace.
The Cais das Colunas, two marble columns that once marked the ceremonial entrance to the city and the grand steps of the lost Ribeira Palace.
The western tower, or Torreão Poente, stands on the former site of the Paço da Ribeira. The small beach that appears at low tide is not suitable for swimming.
How about a small group tour?
One of the best ways to discover Lisbon and to meet fellow travellers is to join a guided tour. We have worked with Getyourguide.com for the last six years, and some of the best tours of Lisbon include:
The King Joseph I Statue
At the exact centre of the Praça do Comércio, a grand equestrian statue commands the plaza, paying tribute to King José I. The powerful bronze sculpture depicts the king on his horse, which symbolically tramples snakes underfoot, representing the triumph of progress and order over the forces of chaos and ignorance in the post-earthquake era
While the monument is officially dedicated to the king, it contains a subtle but significant political statement. On the front of the pedestal, the Marquis of Pombal, the visionary statesman who masterminded Lisbon’s reconstruction, placed a bronze medallion bearing his own likeness. It was a deft and permanent acknowledgement of his own indispensable role in the city's magnificent rebirth
The equestrian statue of King José I, with the ancient Castelo de São Jorge visible on the hill behind.
The Art of the Polite 'No'
While enjoying the magnificent Praça do Comércio, it is likely you will be approached by individuals discreetly offering to sell drugs. This is a common and persistent issue throughout the city's tourist areas, but one that is easily and safely handled. The best response is a firm but polite 'No, thank you' ('Não, obrigado') while simply continuing on your way.
There is no need to stop, engage in conversation, or offer any explanation, as this can prolong the interaction. A brief, clear refusal is always sufficient and is the most effective way to end the encounter.
It is important to understand that this is a well-known tourist scam. The substances offered are not genuine narcotics but typically harmless fakes, such as crushed herbs and spices, which is why police are very limited in what they can do.
The Avenida Ribeira das Naus
Stretching west from the Praça do Comércio to Cais do Sodré, the Avenida Ribeira das Naus is Lisbon's scenic waterfront promenade. The name itself hints at a glorious past; this was once the site of the royal shipyards, the Ribeira das Naus, where the great carracks and caravels of the Age of Discovery were built and launched.
Today, the clang of hammers and saws has been replaced by a relaxed, contemporary atmosphere. A wide esplanade invites strolling, while broad stone tiers step down to the Tejo’s waters, offering Lisboetas and visitors alike a perfect spot to relax in the sun. It is a place to simply watch the ferries glide across the Tejo and enjoy one of the most scenic and historic walks in the city.
Related article: Cais do Sodré guide
The Avenida Ribeira das Naus, the popular waterfront promenade that follows the Tejo estuary on the site of historic royal shipyards.
Rua Augusta, one of Lisbon's primary shopping streets, is lined with numerous restaurants and outdoor cafés that primarily cater to the tourist trade.
Lisboa Story Centre
For those wishing to understand the grand narrative of Lisbon, the Lisboa Story Centre offers an compelling introduction to the city. Located under the arcades of the Praça do Comércio, this modern museum takes you on an immersive 60-minute journey through the city's defining moments. Through a sophisticated audio-visual guide and interactive exhibits, it vividly reconstructs Lisbon's history, from ancient myths and the Age of Discovery to the cataclysmic 1755 earthquake and its visionary reconstruction.
It is highly recommended to visit the centre early in your trip, as the experience provides a rich historical context that deepens your appreciation for the city's landmarks.
Tickets are priced at €7.50 for adults, and €3.50 for children (ages 6-15). For the most current information, you can visit their official website: www.lisboastorycentre.pt/
Vinhos de Portugal and the Museu da Cerveja
Vinhos de Portugal (Wines of Portugal) allows you the chance to sample wines grown from different regions of Portugal. It is free to enter, and you pay for the number of wines drunk, with drinks served from a posh vending machine.
This is an inexpensive way to sample many different wines, in a relaxed and social atmosphere. There are wine tasting events which can be booked on their website: www.winesofportugal.info/
Inside the Wines of Portugal tasting room, where a unique self-service system allows visitors to sample a wide variety of national wines.
On the first floor of the Museu da Cerveja (Museum of Beer), is a museum detailing the production of beer through the centuries and a history of beer from Portuguese speaking countries. The entrance is €5 and includes a drink: https://www.museudacerveja.pt/
The Praça do Comércio as a transport hub
The Praça do Comércio is a major transport hub, with public transport routes all over Lisbon. The only issue is that nothing is very centralised, and you will find yourself wandering across the plaza many times.
Departing from the bus and tram bays on the northern side are services to the Belem district, such as the E15 tram or the 728 bus to Parque das Nações, Alfama or Belem.
The Terreiro do Paço metro station is on the south side and is connected to the blue metro line. There is also a ferry terminal with services to Barreiro, on the south side of the Tejo Estuary.
Related articles: E15 tram - Metro guide – Ferry guide – Belem guide
The Praça do Comércio is also a key departure point for many of Lisbon's popular tourist tram routes.
Eating at the Praça do Comércio
Being one of the most famous locations in Lisbon, the Praça do Comércio is filled with fancy tourist restaurants and high-class establishments.
There is RIB - Beef & Wine Lisboa (part of the Pousada de Lisboa hotel) serving fine steaks, Nosolo Itália serves Italian food, while Aura Lisboa offers Portuguese dishes. The Museu da Cerveja has a decent restaurant, but the standout experience is at the Martinho da Arcada, Lisbon’s oldest café/restaurant. This restaurant has been serving traditional Portuguese food since 1782.
Martinho da Arcada - https://martinhodaarcada.pt/
RIB - www.pousadas.pt/uk/hotel/
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If you've found our content valuable, we'd welcome your support.
The digital publishing landscape has evolved significantly. As a small independent publisher, we face growing challenges. Search engines increasingly favour paid content over organic results, while AI-generated content often reproduces original work without attribution.
To support our work, please consider bookmarking this page (press Ctrl + D) for quick access. If you find an article helpful, we'd be grateful if you'd share it with friends on social media.
For specific questions, please see our Reddit community at r/LisbonPortugalTravel.
Should you notice any outdated or incorrect information, please contact us at [email protected]
Thank you for helping us continue to provide valuable content in an increasingly challenging digital environment.