Rossio Square Tours

Rossio Square showing a fountain, street scenes and heritage elements
Lisbon Old Town which includes a statue or sculpture, street scenes and a fountain
Rossio Square showing signage, outdoor eating and street scenes
Rossio Square showing a city, a fountain and a statue or sculpture
Rossio Square featuring a statue or sculpture and a square or plaza


See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.

Stroll across the vast square and note the unusual wave-like mosaic pavement underfoot. The curving lines, which alternate between lighter and darker stone, create an impression of movement. Although the square was founded in the 13th century, the pavement was only added in the mid 19th century. After being installed here, this style of pavement grew in popularity, spreading across Portugal and eventually showing up overseas in former Portuguese colonies such as Brazil.

At the center of the square you’ll see the tall monument to Dom Pedro IV, a former Portuguese king and the first emperor of Brazil.

Note the two large fountains on either side of the monument. Erected in 1889, these two Baroque fountains are identical and feature sculptures depicting mythical figures. Consider coming back to the square at night to see the fountains lit up. Look to the north end of the square to see the neoclassical-style National Theatre of D. Maria II, Lisbon’s premier performance venue for the dramatic arts.

Pause for a coffee and some people-watching at one of the surrounding cafés, some of which have been here for a century or more. Their outdoor terraces are excellent spots from which to observe the action on the square, whether it be street performers entertaining tourists, businesspeople having their shoes shined, or friends embracing each other upon greeting.

Find Rossio Square in the Baixa neighborhood of Lisbon. To get here, ride the metro to Rossio Station. Being a public place, Rossio Square is open 24/7 and no admission fee is charged.

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Best Lodging Options Near Rossio Square

Hotel Mundial

Hotel Mundial

4 out of 5
Praça Martim Moniz, 2, Lisbon
Hotel Mundial
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana
Rossio Plaza Hotel

Rossio Plaza Hotel

3 out of 5
Rua do Ouro, 266, Lisbon
Rossio Plaza Hotel
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge

4 out of 5
Rua da Madalena, 195, Lisbon
Esqina Cosmopolitan Lodge
Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG

Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG

4 out of 5
Rua Dom Antaoo de Almada, 4, Lisbon, Lisbon District
Convent Square Lisbon, Vignette Collection by IHG
Lisboa Carmo Hotel

Lisboa Carmo Hotel

4 out of 5
Rua Oliveira ao Carmo 1-3, Largo do Camo, Lisbon
Lisboa Carmo Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel

EPIC SANA Marques Hotel

5 out of 5
Avenida Fontes de Pereira de Melo, 8, Lisbon
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
Pensão Londres

Pensão Londres

Rua Dom Pedro V 53, Lisbon
Pensão Londres
Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa

Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa

4 out of 5
Rua dos Correeiros, 204, Lisbon
Hotel Santa Justa Lisboa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Rossio Square

When visiting Rossio Square in downtown Lisbon, be sure to explore its vibrant atmosphere filled with charming cafes, shops, and historic architecture. Consider joining a guided tour to uncover the square's rich history and cultural significance, and take a leisurely stroll to soak in the lively ambiance. Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy local cuisine and people-watch in this bustling hub of activity.

Food and drinks

Visit Pastéis de Belém for iconic sweet treats, just 4 miles from Rossio Square. For a unique wine experience, check out Quinta de Pancas, 3 miles away, known for its romantic atmosphere. Don't miss nearby Casa Balthazar and various cafés for a taste of local cuisine.

Shopping

In Rossio Square, you can enjoy shopping at Avenida da Liberdade, just 0.6 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere. Mercado da Ribeira, also 0.6 miles away, features local delights. If you're up for a drive, visit Vasco da Gama Shopping Centre, located 4 miles away, for family-friendly entertainment.

Recreation

Estádio da Luz, a vibrant sports stadium, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 4 miles from Rossio Square. For family fun, Piscina Oceanica de Oeiras, a refreshing pool, is also 4 miles away. Golf Aroeira, a scenic golf course, is a 10-mile drive, perfect for outdoor lovers.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Estoril Racetrack, located 14 miles from Rossio Square. For an exhilarating outdoor adventure, try the zipline at Adventure Park, 7 miles away. For water sports enthusiasts, Clube Nacional de Natac-o offers exciting activities just 0.8 mile from the square.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Rossio Square! Enjoy the romantic ambiance at Trindade Theater, just 0.2 miles away, or try your luck at the Lisbon Casino, 4 miles away, for an exciting evening. For family fun, visit the Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium, also 4 miles from the square.

Find the best attractions near Rossio Square

When visiting Rossio Square in Lisbon, immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and history of the area. Explore emblematic squares, including the beautiful Rossio Square itself, or take a short stroll to the stunning Lisbon Cathedral. Whether you’re seeking outdoor experiences or a taste of local heritage, this lively piazza and its surrounding attractions offer a delightful blend of activities for every traveler.

  • Castle of São Jorge: Perched on a hilltop, this medieval castle offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon. Wander through its ancient walls and lush gardens, immersing yourself in the romance and rich cultural history of the area.
  • Santa Justa Elevator: This iconic lift connects the lower streets of Baixa to the higher Carmo Square. Its neo-Gothic design and panoramic viewing platform provide a unique glimpse into Lisbon’s architectural beauty and vibrant culture.
  • Belém Tower: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this fortified tower stands as a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery. Explore its intricate Manueline architecture and enjoy picturesque views of the Tagus River, steeped in history and culture.

Best time to go to Rossio Square

Visitor numbers around Rossio Square is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Rossio Square is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.0°F (22.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rossio Square

When visiting Rossio Square in Lisbon, take advantage of free attractions like Rua Augusta Arch and Eduardo VII Park. For budget-friendly accommodations, plan your trip between December and February for lower rates, and book your hotel about a month in advance. Utilize Expedia for last-minute deals and customize your search to find eco-certified hotels. Consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future stays, ensuring a cost-effective visit to this vibrant area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rossio Square are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Rossio Square about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel options by selecting your budget, preferred location, and type of hotel you desire. For instance, if you check the "Eco-certified" option, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Rossio Square with your flights and activities by choosing an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.