Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), Lisbon

07/10/2026

Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) is the largest and most important square in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. It opens directly onto the Tagus River. For centuries the royal palace stood here, and the square was known as the Palace Square. In 1755 a huge earthquake, followed by a tsunami and fires, destroyed the palace and much of the city. The square was rebuilt by the Marquis of Pombal as a symbol of the new, modern Lisbon. Today it is surrounded on three sides by elegant yellow buildings with arcades, and it is the main entrance to the Baixa, the city’s central district.

What to See

In the middle of the square stands a large bronze statue of King José I on horseback. On the north side is the Rua Augusta Arch, a grand triumphal arch that leads into the pedestrian street Rua Augusta. You can go up to the top of the arch for a beautiful view over the square and the river. On the river side are the Cais das Colunas, old marble steps with two columns, where people sit and watch the water. Under the arcades there are cafés and restaurants, including Martinho da Arcada, one of the oldest cafés in Lisbon. The square is a lively meeting place and often hosts concerts and events.

How to Get There and Practical Information

The square is in the centre of Lisbon, at the end of the Baixa district. It is easy to reach on foot, by metro (Terreiro do Paço station), by tram or by bus, and ferries across the river leave from nearby. The square is free and open at all times. There is a small fee to go up to the viewpoint on top of the Rua Augusta Arch. From here it is a short walk to the Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon Cathedral and the Alfama district. The square is especially beautiful at sunset and in the evening, when the buildings are lit up.