Praça do Comércio

🌅 Where the City Opens to the River ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5) After walking down Rua Augusta on that bright June 2025 afternoon, we finally reached Praça do Comércio — Lisbon’s great stage by the Tagus River. Still with my friend, I remember stepping out from beneath the arch and feeling the city breathe wider, as if every street had been leading to this one golden moment. The vast square, once home to Portugal’s royal palace before the 1755 earthquake, now stands as a symbol of rebirth. The yellow arcades glow under the sunlight, and the sound of waves blends with the hum of trams. In the middle, King José I’s bronze statue, mounted on his horse Gentil, looks forever toward the river — the same horizon that launched the Age of Discoveries. Standing there, I could almost imagine ships setting sail again. We rested on the marble steps facing the Tagus, watching ferries and silhouettes cross the glittering water. It was hot — the kind of radiant, reflective heat only Lisbon can produce — but the breeze from the river made everything slow down, peaceful and cinematic. Practical Notes Visit near sunset for cooler air and golden light on the arcades. Bring water; shade is limited. Perfect spot for wide-angle photos or time-lapse videos. Cafés under the arcades are pricier but worth it for the view. Quick Ratings Historical & Cultural Value: 10/10 Atmosphere & River Views: 9.5/10 Accessibility: 9/10 📸 Photo & Video Potential: 10/10 Café & Rest Spots: 8.5/10 📝 If this glimpse of Lisbon resonated with you, hit 👍 and follow me — I share real impressions from Europe’s most curious corners.

Praça do Comércio is one of those places that truly captures the spirit of Lisbon the moment you step into it. This massive, open square sits right by the Tagus River, and there’s something instantly calming about the way the sunlight hits the yellow façades and the arcades that wrap around the plaza. It’s a spot where you naturally slow down — whether you’re watching the trams roll by, taking in the river breeze, or just enjoying the open space after wandering Lisbon’s narrow streets. The Arco da Rua Augusta frames the city beautifully, and walking through it feels like stepping into the heart of downtown. There’s always something happening here: people relaxing by the water, street musicians playing, and cafés buzzing with energy. It’s scenic, historic, and surprisingly peaceful for such an iconic landmark. If you want a place that truly feels like Lisbon — bright, welcoming, and full of life — Praça do Comércio is it.

We were in Lisbon for a few days while waiting to join a cruise. We spent a lot of time walking around this area as there is a lot to see here. The plaza is magnificent. Beautiful big arch surrounded by beautiful buildings. Outdoor cafes, statues and lots of tourists all around. A must see if you visit Lisbon.

Definitely a must see for anyone visiting Lisbon. Location is right in the centre close to the river, well maintained and very clean given the amount of tourists that visit here and all round impressive but of Portuguese architecture. Highly recommend.

Beautiful and spacious area to explore in Lisbon. The historic architecture and vast open space make it a great spot to stroll and take in the atmosphere. Public transportation and taxis are easily accessible, and the impressive equestrian statue facing the seashore adds a striking touch to the scenery. Tuk tuks are plentiful and convenient for getting around, but it’s worth negotiating the fare rather than accepting the first price offered. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving delicious meals at fair prices. A lovely and memorable place to visit!

A beautiful public plaza on the river right at the southern edge of the downtown historic district of Lisbon. There are multiple restaurants and bars along the sides of the square, many craftsmen with shopping booths along the sidewalks, bus, train, and trolley stops, and the boat docks for river cruises are close by, too. It is beautiful in the daytime, but be sure to visit here at night, also. It is a very popular place for tourist photos!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Where Lisbon flexes its imperial grandeur like an absolute boss 👑 This isn't just a square - it's Lisbon's living room, and what a spectacular one it is! Praça do Comércio (locals call it Terreiro do Paço) is pure architectural theatre on an epic scale. Those imposing yellow arcades stretching endlessly around you, the triumphant Rua Augusta Arch standing guard, and the Tagus River glittering just beyond - it's the kind of place that makes you understand why Portugal once ruled half the world. The sheer scale is breathtaking, especially when the light hits those baroque facades just right. Perfect for a morning coffee at one of the café terraces or an evening stroll when the crowds thin out. The views across to Almada are stunning, and you're perfectly positioned to explore the rest of Baixa. Just a heads up: keep your wits about you regarding the persistent street vendors flogging dodgy sunglasses and fake designer gear. A polite "não, obrigado" and keep walking works wonders. Don't let them spoil this magnificent experience! Absolutely essential Lisbon - pure grandeur! 🏛️✨

Praça do Comércio feels like the heartbeat of Lisbon. Standing in the middle of the square, with the golden sunlight bouncing off the grand arcades and the Tagus River stretching out ahead, you can almost feel the city’s history whispering around you. There’s a sense of openness and freedom here — people laughing at cafés, artists sketching, and tourists wandering without a care. It’s a place that makes you pause, look up, and just soak in the energy of Lisbon, all while feeling the gentle breeze off the river on your face.

We were fortunate enough to be staying at Convent Square and easily walked down the Rua Augusta enjoying the shops and sights all the way to this beautiful commercial main plaza along the river. This is like other main city center squares on the water - open, beautiful views, buildings and bustling. I loved it. We came here several times during our two days in Lisbon and it was always beautiful and fun.

What a beautiful place. We took a long walk to this landmark and it was so lovely. You get a view of the sea and the weather was absolutely perfect.

Beautiful majestic plaza/square where people can gather for celebrations or events. The sightlines are unmatched and the architecture is wonderfully European. In February, the temperature is about 16-18C so you could come here wesring short sleeves or light jacket is sufficient. There are trams crossing the square and alternative transportation like Bolt, Uber, and Tuk Tuk scooters. Beware of pickpockets and drug dealers trying to sell you weed, hash, coke, mushrooms. Just ignore these people. Overall great experience coming here and reminds me of the squares in Venice.

It's Hip to Be Square (Huey Lewis and The News) Praça do Comércio square is always cool, even when it's 90 degrees! A popular venue for markets, shopping, cultural festivals, and concerts, this location is the place to see and be seen, whether you're hip...or a square. Check out one of the restaurants in the yellow-painted buildings lining the plaza, because it's important to get three square meals a days. Praça do Comércio is also the best place to get your bearings with Google Maps once you venture out in Lisbon, starting with a visit to the Lisboa Welcome Center. Ask about the Lisboa Card to see if it is worth the cost, depending on what sites you intend to visit. Flanked by Rua Augusta Arch at the northern end, and Cais das Colunas pier at the southern side, Praça do Comércio is Western Europe's largest royal square, and the site where Portugal's most important palace once stood until its destruction in the 1755 earthquake. This is also where anarchists assassinated Dom Carlos 1 and his son Luis Filipe in 1908, for you fans of fallen monarchies. Lastly, don't forget to take a selfie with the bronze equestrian statue of King José I that majestically reigns over the square. Get the right angle and you'll have a fantastic Medusa snake hairdo. Overall, Praça do Comércio is equal sides the best spot to kick off your visit to Lisbon and an all-around real block party. Be there or be square!!

Public square on the waterfront of Lisbon, Portugal, it serves as a nice landmark guide, especially for visitors. There is a large, bronze statue in the center, showing King Jose of Portugal on his horse, crushing snakes in his path. With the open space comes a lot of people milling, taking pictures and engaged. My wife and I stopped and did some people watching before heading back to our ship.

Great area to sightsee shops, ride the trolleys around the city. During the day the heat can be overwhelming, i would recommend walking around this area in the late afternoon-early evening when temperatures are cooler. We happen to come by late before 11pm, we got to experience desserts, walk and there are a lot of sidewalk shows. Be careful of scam artists loking to pick pocket you, as a New Yorker, i can see it a mile away so i am always vigilant specially when the wife and daughter are doing their sightseeing pictures .

This is a lovely very large plaza overlooking the Tagus river crowned by a beautiful arch and centre place is the statue of king José I. Surrounding the plaza are lovely restaurants and is a transport hub! Great photo ops too!

Praça do Comércio is one of my favourite places in Lisbon, it is a large, open square, perhaps the largest of its kind in the city. The location is central to pretty much everything in Lisbon, it's right by the Tagus River, and on a sunny day, you can get the fresh air from the stunning blue sea, which also welcomes cruises. If using the Lisbon Metro, you should look for the Terreiro do Paço Station which is on the blue line. It can get very busy at certain times, without much notice or warning, I ended up trying to pass through the Square one evening, and it was rammed with locals and tourists alike, with no information about any event online, but during the day, it isn't too bad... although I did visit during Winter and can see it being busier during the summer peak. I enjoyed just walking around and relaxing in the square, there are some within the square, but it would have been nice to have more seating areas nearby just to relax and take everything in, without having to go inside a restaurant. The coloured buildings with the yellow and the white are also aesthetically pleasing an remind me of the old Lisbon trams, Tram Route 28 also serves stops a short walk away, although you shouldn't expect to board here due to how busy it gets throughout the ride. 4*

My wife and I were here, having finished a Gate1 tour the previous day, so wandering around on our own. There were plenty of shops at the Praça do Comércio, and we stopped at a few just to browse the merchandise, and mentally compare prices, which seemed about normal, or very slightly higher. There was also a tower, the Santa Justa Lift, from which you could see the entire city, but the wait time - standing up and slowly moving - was over an hour. Apparently, only 6 people can get into that 'elevator room' at a time, so we skipped it. Walking down there were a lot of monuments; unfortunately, most of them did not have any descriptions of what they were, so ... we basically just enjoyed looking at them and taking photos. After this, we continued walking down to the Riverfront, which was also very enjoyable, seeing sand sculptures, etc.

One of the largest open squares in Lisbon, Praça do Comércio is located right on the banks of the Tagus River. As it was between my hotel and the closest metro station, I transited this plaza a few times. Quite wide and open, the centerpiece is the Statue of King José I. Most of the population here is tourists and of course, people looking to take money from tourists. If someone asks you if you want to buy hash, ignore them. It's not real. The trams and buses pass through here. There is also a ferry terminal to cross the river. It was formerly called the Terreiro do Paço ("palace yard") and the metro station nearby still has that name. Interesting historical tidbit. It was here on February 1 1908 where Carlos I, the King of Portugal was assassinated. [Review 16575 overall - 93 in Portugal - 85 of 2022.]

Can't beat the sweeping views of the Tagus River, the gorgeous (and huge) Arco da Rua Augusta that seems like the gateway to Lisbon, and the enormous King José statue in the center of this spacious plaza. Note that there is construction going on behind the arch, and people like to lounge on the statue steps, so if you are an IG photo op person, you may not find your "perfect" shot without some Photoshop touchups. We had this plaza on our list of Maybe's and would recommend switching to your must list since you can spend as much or as little time as you wish and it is free! This is easy to get to with public transit and is worth at least a brief stop to take in the views, history, architecture, and the fresh air with room to spread out from the swarms of tourists.

This is the optimal place to snap a picture that captures Lisbon! The notable arch named Arco da Rua Augusta faces the Tagus River as trams drift along the cobblestone streets. The massive open space draws people from all around and walking along the river or out on the pier is quite lovely. This embodies the spirit of Lisbon in one single location. In an interesting piece of history, if you stand somewhere around the GPS coordinates 38.7077859, -9.1361880, this is where Portugal's King Carlos I (44) and his heir-apparent Luis Filipe (20) were assassinated in the square in the year 1908 while riding westbound in a carriage. Carlos was first Portuguese king to meet a violent end since 1578. These precise GPS coordinates are not available online, so enjoy this secret tip!

Praca do Comercio is in the middle of Lisbon. Very touristy area full with hotels, restaurants, and different kinds of shops. The area is always full of people and it's nice to visit in the morning and night.

Very well decorated for Xmas! A pretty big plaza and surrounded by some nice buildings and you even get to see the cable cars pass by!

The square has many to offer. This square has many restaurant. Plan you trip to have a meal there is rewarding. The square is huge. There are more than 15 restaurants in the square. The Arch to Rua of Augusta connect the square to its famous shopping street. At the center of the square has a statue of King José I. This statue is build in 17th century in compare the entire square was rebuilt at early 19th century. The square can congregate a lot of people. It connect to Tagus River. I think the square is great place for celebration such as festival carnival or new year p

I went twice to this spectacular place because I wanted to enjoy it during the night and experienced it also during the day. When you come, you should do the same. At night you will appreciate the lights on the arch and the buildings here. At day time, you will appreciate the beautiful view of the water, people from all over the word walking, vendors, and much more. There are plenty of restaurants here for you to enjoy a meal too!

What a vast, glorious and colorful public square this is, located right on the river! The design is in the shape of a "U", with the opening towards the Tagus River. This was the last stop of our Sandeman's free walking tour of Lisbon, and our guide explained that back in the 1700s, the kings palace was located here, but it was destroyed by the earthquake and subsequent tsunami that devastated this area back in 1755. When the square was rebuilt it was named Praça do Comércio, aka the Square of Commerce, to indicate it would house government buildings dealing with economic (customs and port) activities. There is a statue of a Portuguese King (can't remember name) on a horse with tons of animals, in the centre of the square. However I really liked the Arch that opens up towards Augusta street, and links up to the next square. Our tour guide told us the three statues of the women on top represent Glory, Ingenuity and Valor. It was lovely checking out this square and definitely recommend coming and seeing the Arch! Yelp 187/ 2019

One of my favorite spots in Lisbon. You can find this lovely square by making your way down Rua Augusta until you hit some beautiful architecture. Once you pass through, you'll find a large, central square with a bunch of restaurants and shops surrounding it on the sides. There's a statue in the square and as you reach the end of it, the Tagus river. It's a great spot to hang out and relax for a bit. Don't miss it!

Beautiful place. You've got to go here. It's probably hard to avoid ending up here at some point. The museum of beer is on this square and there are restaurants. A ginginha place and a wine tasting place. You'll enjoy it.

We had our rental apartement just 3-4mins away from the Praca do Comercio. It was always a nice sight, be it in the morning or at dusk. It is a huge space, surrounded by some cafés, restaurants and museums. There is not much on the plaza itself, except a statue of José I. But nonetheless is is a pretty sight and not as busy as you might imagine (it was October, still sunny and warm). The Rio Tajo is right here too, with some nice walks along it and lovely views. It's also where the Arco da Rua Augusta is located, the entrance to the Baixa Pombalina (lovely walking and shopping street). The Restaurants here all have nice outside seating, but I wouldn't eat here. Prices and menus cater clearly to tourists. Ok for a drink though and watch the world go by. Even though it's "just" a plaza, it has lots of charm and we came here daily. Views and atmosphere just made us come back. Recommended!

A beautiful public square near the beach in Lisbon. The place was rocking since the World Cup is going on, and fans could watch games on a big screen the city set up.

Praça do Comercio is in the Baixa neighborhood, closer to the Alfama neighborhood side. It is aka Terreiro do Paço (or "Palace Yard") because it was the site of the Royal Ribeira Palace, before its destruction in the big earthquake (1755). This square is on the Tagus river, historically the ceremonial entrance to Lisbon and Portugal, with the Cais das Colunas (two stone pillars in the water by the shore) acting as the official physical markers of this entry. There is a lot of public transportation hubbing around this square. From many angles it's hard to get a photo without cable lines in it. There are cafes around the perimeter, but not as many as one would think. The square is busy, but there aren't many places to sit, particularly for the number of people constantly milling around the place. The architecture is beautiful, and near sunset, the light is very pretty, especially with the water nearby. We visited during Carnival, and it was very surprising to us that no live entertainment was happening in Praça do Comercio (because it was in many other squares in the city). No street performers, no neighborhood parades, nothing, just loads of people walking around. One of the oldest cafes in the city (est. 1782) is just off of this square, Martinho da Arcada. Its history reminds me of the George & Vulture in London (Castle Court), where Dickens used to eat. When visiting the square, it is worth a stop at Martinho da Arcada for one of their very Portuguese natas (egg tarts), or pasteis de bacalhau (cod pastries). The touristy beer museum is in one corner, with cafe seating out front. These are the more well-known spots directly on the square. In the square's center is a sculpture by Machado de Castro, of King José I, and horse, Gentil (a Lusitano). One of the most emblematic features of this square is the Arco da Rua Augusta, a large arch in the center, giving access to the city beyond. For a small fee (or free if you get the Lisboa card), you can climb the arch and look out from the top. There is a lot of unique shopping, and nice restaurants off of the square. The Mude fashion museum and Cathedral de Lisboa are not far either, both worth visiting (the cathedral is free). Praça do Comércio is one of the largest squares in Europe, and a definite must-see on any trip to Lisbon, but as mentioned, there is not much done to accommodate public seating, nor a whole lot to do on the square, so unless you go sit on the wall by the water, IMO, it's more of a quick look-see stop.

At this in point my travels, I've seen many of Europe's great and famous plazas. Its a large and lovely historical open space, just like any other. But what makes Praça do Comércio truly extraordinary is the fact that its still real and not commercialized. No evil Starbucks. No McDonalds. No gawd awful Hard Rock Cafe. Sure you still have tourists, but not nearly as many as the mobs that overrun Rome and Paris. There's a couple museums built in, as well as some cafes, but no chain restaurants. Love it! Side Note: I did get solicited by two different gentlemen, about 5 minutes apart, to buy some local marijuana. It was really good stuff they told me. I politely declined. Plus drugs are bad for you. And I wasn't sure if they were undercover policemen. j

This plaza is just by the central square that has tons of restaurants and various shops. When you first approach it, you'll see a big arch. In the middle of the plaza, there is a statue and as you keep walking, you'll reach the Tagus river. Occasionally, there may be performers but there are also other restaurants and even a beer museum surrounding the plaza! There's also a cute shop selling ginjinha, which is a cherry liquor famous in Portugal. It was one of the better ones that I've tried. The plaza is a great open space to walk around and perfect for both day and night. During the night, you can see the lights around the arch and during the day, you get to see the bustling streets with people exploring the area as well as a great view of the river.

Beautiful place to sit and people watch, or wander down to the edge of the water and be entertained by various street performers. Most of the surrounding restaurants and cafes are expensive and touristy, though.

My favourite plaza in Lisbon. Very spacious and open square by the Tagus river. There are even steps that go down into the river. This is like the entrance into Lisbon from the sea. A single statue of King Jose in the middle. Opens to Augusta street through a triumphal arch. Expensive restaurants along the square. Needs more public restrooms.

Pretty impressive square when you come here but there aren't very many benches or places to sit. You have to go to a cafe or a restaurant to be able to see the view. Plus, this main road gets really busy and it impedes your way from getting to the beach. It kind of ruins the view. There are a bunch of people who sit on this monument but it is pretty crowded and hard to find a place to sit. Be careful of pick pocketers. Someone tried to pick my husband's pockets in this area. Of all the beautiful places where you can get a spectacular view in Lisbon, this location was just okay. I'd recommend that you stop by once though.

Radiant and majestic, "Praca do Comercio" of Lisbon, Portugal is like the "Piazza San Marco" square of Venice, Italy. You can easily stretch out the entire day just eating, shopping and picture-taking by the sea -- right here. #likereally

Concrete. Cobblestones. Tourists. Water. Hot. Bleak. Not a place I ever need to visit again.

This is a beautiful plaza to visit. In fact, I believe it is one of the better great people plazas of Europe. I love the street tile patterns, but warning, exercise caution during rainfall, because they are very slippery when wet. While there I witness more than one person fall while walking on wet tiles. Most looked embarrassed as they rose back onto their feet. Also, I love the entrance way to the shopping district. Beautiful Portuguese architecture and many nice store owners that are multilingual and willing to assist travelers along the path. Lots of very good restaurants with great food that offer outdoor seating, including a brewery. If you get a chance, go just prior to sunset, do like many of the locals, and watch the sun go down across the street over the water. There are plenty of places to sit, and a few places to grab a drink and relax.Also, if you take a close look at the bridge across the Tagus river you will notice a bridge that looks a lot like the Golden Gate bridge in the city of San Francisco. Well, it looks similar because it was the same designer. This is one of the longest bridges in Europe. As a matter of fact, it held this title for many years. What also stands out across the water is the Cristo Rei statue which looks like the one overlooking Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Anyhow, everything in this area is pedestrian friendly, therefore, wear comfortable non slip shoes and enjoy exploring!