Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio)

The Basics

Make the most of your time in Lisbon with a sightseeing tour of the city, the majority of which combine Praça do Comércio with Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), and the historic district of Alfama. Choose to explore the city on foot or by electric bike, Segway, or air-conditioned vehicle. Hop-on hop-off bus tours also stop at the square and offer the flexibility to customize your sightseeing itinerary.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Praça do Comércio is a must-see for first-time visitors to Lisbon.

• The square is flat and even, and therefore easily accessible to wheelchair users.

• The square is within walking distance of Rossio Square and Rua Augusta.

How to Get There

Located in Baixa (downtown Lisbon), Praça do Comércio can be reached by taking the metro to Terreiro do Paço. Most visitors arrive by metro or as part of a guided tour of downtown Lisbon.

When to Get There

Lisbon experiences the highest temperatures in July and August, when midday temps can reach the upper 80s℉ (30℃). If in Lisbon in summer, head to the square during the morning or late afternoon, as shade is very limited.

The Best Day Trips from Lisbon

Once you’ve ticked off attractions in Lisbon proper, consider exploring farther afield. The golden beaches of Cascais, the classy casinos of Estoril, and the fairy-tale town of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its mountaintop palaces and Old Town, are all easily accessible on a day trip.

Ways to explore

Thanks to its historical importance and central location, Lisbon’s Commerce Square is featured on a wide range of city sightseeing tours. Many of them also stop by nearby attractions including the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa), and the historic district of Alfama.

You can choose to take in the sights on foot or by electric bike, Segway, or air-conditioned vehicle. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours also stop at the square and offer the flexibility to customize your itinerary around Lisbon.

Accessibility

Commerce Square is flat and wide, with even paving that is accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Hat and sun protection, umbrella, bottled water, camera

What to wear

Wear lightweight, comfortable layers for sightseeing—especially if you’re visiting during the warm summer months.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Shops, restaurants, proximity to public transportation

Address

Commerce Square is right in the heart of Lisbon, in the central Baixa district. It’s easy to walk there, take a taxi, or use public transit. You can also join a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

While you could drive to Commerce Square, parking may be hard to find. It’s worth using taxis or rideshare services instead.

Public transportation

Take the blue line of the metro to Terreiro do Paço, right on the square; Baixa-Chiado, on the blue and green lines, is also nearby. Alternatively, take tram 15E, or bus 728 or 735.

Best times to visit

Commerce Square is always open to visitors—come by in the morning to see its more peaceful side, or in the evening when the surrounding restaurants and bars come to life.

Best days to visit

The square is likely to be most bustling on the weekends, and quieter midweek; choose whichever suits you, but aim for good weather either way.

Best months to visit

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit Lisbon, with comfortable weather for outdoor sightseeing, and fewer crowds than during the summer high season.

Special events

As one of the city’s primary public spaces, Commerce Square hosts a number of public festivals and events throughout the year, including Christmas celebrations.