Rua Augusta, Lisbon's main pedestrian street
Lisbon's liveliest pedestrian street is paved with Portugal’s traditional cobblestone designs, and links the city's two main squares (Rossio and Praça do Comércio). It's a shopping street where international brands coexist with age-old shops, many of them with wonderful decades-old signs.
Rua Augusta is home to many outdoor cafés and restaurants
Tourists mix with street performers, roasted chestnut vendors, and the notorious Gypsies trying to sell sunglasses and hashish to anyone who passes by. In between it all are outdoor cafés and restaurants, and souvenir shops facing a triumphal arch which offers a panoramic view from the top.
Rua Augusta is the favorite of street performers
Close to the arch is Lisbon’s acclaimed Design and Fashion Museum, with pieces by international designers like Christian Dior and Tommy Hilfiger. A few feet from there is an underground site (the Rua dos Correeiros Archaeological Site), displaying well-preserved Roman mosaics and artifacts from the past 2500 years, found in excavations in the 1990s (it's accessed through Rua dos Correeiros).
Rua Augusta seen from the top of the triumphal arch
How to Get to Rua Augusta
Rua Augusta is best accessed through Rossio Square, which has a station of the same name on the green line of the metro.
You may ride the metro for free with the Lisboa Card.
Attractions Nearby
Around the corner is the Santa Justa Elevator, which offers some of the best views of Lisbon. Nearby is also the Money Museum, in a former church.
Where to Stay in Rua Augusta
Lisbon Art Stay Apartments Baixa
The art-filled apartments in this restored 18th-century building are accessed through the street parallel to Rua Augusta, but many face the pedestrian street and its arch. Each unit is different, and the penthouse at the top has a stunning view of downtown Lisbon and the river.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Lisbon Art Stay Apartments Baixa
My Story Hotel Augusta
It’s one of the best 3-star hotels in the city. The rooms are rather small, but it scores points not just for the excellent location on Rua Augusta, but also for its clean facilities and welcoming staff.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: My Story Hotel Augusta
Augusta Boutique House
This boutique guesthouse has 12 spacious rooms and a rooftop where guests enjoy their breakfast or a glass of Portuguese wine. Some of the rooms face the back, while others look out to Rua Augusta and the castle.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Augusta Boutique House
Ferraria XVI
Although the main entrance is through the parallel Rua dos Sapateiros, this hotel also faces Rua Augusta. Some of the rooms offer a view over the street. If available, try to book one of the rooms with a terrace or balcony, although every room is attractive, featuring an elegant industrial-inspired contemporary décor, recalling the site’s past as an iron factory. Despite the central location on a busy street, it’s very quiet.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Ferraria XVI
Travellers House
Once rated the world’s best hostel, it’s divided into dorms with shared bathrooms and double rooms with private bathrooms. Guests can get together at the lounge, and enjoy a view over Rua Augusta from the windows.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Travellers House
