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This Lisbon Walking Tour of Baixa and Alfama covers two of the most popular districts of Lisbon, Alfama and Baixa. This tourist walking tour route is perfect for the new visitor to Lisbon as it allows them to discover the two most diverse areas of the city in a relatively short amount of time.

Alfama is the oldest district of the city and once the slums of the capital which surrounded the outer castle walls where one the bravest or roughest would dare to live. The narrow streets of Alfama cling to the steep hillside and the houses, though crumbing, have not altered in more than 500 years.

The Baixa district was completely destroyed during the 1755 earthquake and it was rebuilt under the vision of the Marquis of Pombal who envisaged his city to be modern, ordered and the envy of the world. Baixa is the first example of the grid and block street design with grand buildings lining the streets which connect the magnificent open squares. The two districts are completely uniquely with numerous interesting sights for a visitor and walking is the best way to total discover the area. This walking tour takes approximately 3 hours to complete and with all walks in Lisbon will require climb a steep hill.

The Lisbon Walking Tour of Baixa and Alfama starts from the Praça Dom Pedro IV square regarded by many Portuguese as the centre of their city. Praça Dom Pedro IV is a prime example of the Marquis of Pombal vision for the entire area of Baixa with wide open spaces with grand monuments and buildings.

The statue in the centre of the square is Dom Pedro IV, king of both Portugal and the independent Brazil. Legend has it that the statue is actually that of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico, he was assassinated soon after completion of his statue so the sculpture switched orders and delivered this statue to Lisbon. The switch was unnoticed (or accepted) as both leaders were of similar appearance and provided a massive saving to all parties. Praca Dom Pedro IV or more commonly know as Rossio is famous for its nauseating wave pattern stone paving which stretches the length of the square.

The tour heads to the north end of the square, towards the most prestigious theater in Lisbon the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II. To the right of the theater is the small Ginjinha bar which sells a sweet cheer brandy which adored by the older Portuguese generation. The church opposite the bar is the Igreja de Sao Domingos another church to be severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake. The interior of the Igreja de Sao Domingos has a very macabre atmosphere with dim lighting, half ruined walls and gruesome statues of Jesus' death.

Step back into day light and walk north along Rua das Portas de Santo Antao. This is the liveliest area of Baixa during the night as the restaurant swell catering for hungry tourists and the Portuguese attend the shows in the theatres. Be warned the waiters here have a very smooth patter to entice tourist to sample the fresh fish of the day.

Turn left on to and the short street opens into Praca dos Restauradores which is dominated by the independence obelisk monument. Within Praca dos Restauradores is the art deco Eden Theater, the pink Foz Palace and the Funicular Elevador da Gloria but sadly the square is often completely missed by tourists. The northern side of Praca dos Restauradores leads into the Avenida da Liberdade a wide tree lined boulevard that stretches to the Square of Marquis of Pombal a pleasant walk for visitors with plenty of time, and energy.

Head south from Praca dos Restauradores and return to Praca Dom Pedro IV, this route passes Rossio train station which was heavily influenced by north African design. The trains that depart from Rossio station head for Sintra, a must day trip Lisbon for all visitors to Lisbon. The trains pass out of Lisbon through a 2km tunnel, Lisbon's greatest engineering achievement of the late 19th century.

Within the district of Baixa there is a unique blend of specialist shops with few large brand stores, this is thanks to the council of Lisbon which protected the price of rents. The control of rents has allowed the preservation of many small family businesses, some of which have been owned by the same families for generations. These stores line the 5 streets that lead south in Baixa selling many traditional produce of Portugal.

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