Where to stay near Lisbon’s Commerce Square

Once the site of a grand palace, Commerce Square is a sprawling plaza next to the banks of the River Tagus. Its colonnades are the ideal spot for an al-fresco coffee, with river views. Head to the square at New Year or during a Portugal football match to see it at its most buzzing.

The streets around the square are the result of a project that followed the 1755 earthquake. Characterised by elegant buildings and traditional azulejo street tiles, they’re now home to a mix of government buildings, high-street shops and awesome restaurants.

If you’re looking to stay in the heart of Lisbon, these apartments will appeal.

Unique Design Apartments

Each apartment at Unique Design Apartments is its own little world. The friendly owner is a history buff, and his apartments are a labour of love – with each one representing a different theme of the city’s history. Some even have a balcony with views of Commerce Square and the River Tagus beyond, framed by the grand archway entrance. The square is a 2-minute walk away, and you can pick up local delicacies at Time Out Market, seven minutes from the apartments.

Lisbon Five Stars Apartments São Julião 72

Set in one of many upmarket buildings on São Julião Street, these apartments are a mere 200 metres from Commerce Square. They’re in a beautiful old building that’s been fully refurbished, and inside, they’re both classy and unfussy. Some of the Lisbon Five Stars Apartments São Julião 72 are decorated in majestic royal blue, others in beige. For lazy mornings, the owners can deliver fruit juice and local pastries like pastéis de nata right to your door.

Casas da Baixa – Jules & Madeleine

High on the upper floors of an 18th-century building, these apartments are like little oases from street noise. Whites and light-wood colours form the base of the colour schemes and the penthouse in particular is full of natural light. There are little design treats scattered around too, like the bed that sits inside a huge antique fireplace. When it comes to eating out, you’re spoiled for choice at Casas da Baixa – Jules & Madeleine, with plenty of great restaurants within an 8-minute walk.

Baixa Deluxe Apartments | RentExperience

Walk up the hill towards the Alfama district and within three minutes, you’ll come across Madalena Church, Santo António Church and the mighty Sé Cathedral – so if you like the gentle chimes of church bells, this is the place for you. There’s no shortage of lip-smacking places to eat nearby, either. Top of the list is Taberna Moderna, which serves up informal but tasty Galician food. Inside, the Baixa Deluxe Apartments | RentExperience are minimalist, with high-quality appliances and classic touches like antique-style armchairs.

Madalena Hermitage

These highly rated apartments are right in between Commerce Square and Sé Cathedral, three minutes’ walk from each. Some of the Madalena Hermitage apartments even have views of the cathedral towers. Inside, light colours dominate, from the pine flooring to the duck-egg kitchens. Guests love the attentive host, who is only too happy to share her local tips, such as the nearby restaurants Prata 52 and Maria Catita.

Casas da Baixa – Lighthouse Apartments

Casas da Baixa – Lighthouse Apartments have a distinctly maritime feel to them. Alongside wooden floors and plenty of windows, each one is decorated with vintage posters advertising tinned sardines, a local speciality. Which all makes sense when you realise that just over the road is the Conserveira de Lisboa, a charming little shop packed to the rafters with tinned fish. If you’d rather start your day with something sweet and sticky, grab a pastry from Dona Amelia, a minute’s walk away.

Páteo Saudade Lofts

Just four minutes’ walk from Commerce Square, Páteo Saudade Lofts are surrounded by high-street shops and cute little cafés. Transport’s a cinch too, with Baixa-Chiado Metro Station 100 metres away. The apartments have decor that reflects some of Portugal’s traditional scenes: vintage trams, fishing and vivid blue tiles. There are even little excerpts of famous Portuguese poetry on the walls for those who want to test their translation skills.