Baixa, located right in the heart of Lisbon, is the city’s most central neighborhood. As can be expected of the city center, this area is very touristic, which might not appeal to travelers who want to explore Lisbon off the beaten path. But if you’re looking for a variety of leisure activities and good places to shop, Baixa will be the perfect fit for you. If you stay in this part of Lisbon, you’ll be within easy access from all the city’s major transport hubs, making it very convenient to get to and from the airport or to take a weekend trip to one of the smaller coastal towns in the surrounding area. After the earthquake that destroyed most of Lisbon in the 18th century wreaked its havoc in the city center, the district was entirely rebuilt. Although Baixa is packed with modern restaurants, chain stores and international fashion brands, the artistic, colorful yet antique atmosphere so typical of Portugal hasn’t been driven away by the new developments. A must-visit place in Baixa is Praça do Comércio, a historic square used to be a trade center but is now used for music concerts, theater performances and other cultural events. This is one of my favorite places in Lisbon! The main shopping street, Rua Augusta, is just down the block from Praça do Comércio.