Praça da Figueira

Praça da Figueira, Fig Tree Square, is a historic public space and transportation hub in Lisbon’s central Baixa neighborhood

It was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.  The space was first occupied by the Hospital de Todos os Santos (All Saints Hospital)).  This large hospital was completely destroyed in the earthquake.

A covered market existed in the square until 1949, but now it is simply an open square.

A group of tourists meets in the shade cast by the statue of Dom João I in Lisbon's Praça da Figueira

On the plaza, you will find an equestrian statue of Dom João I (1357–1433), by sculptor Leopoldo de Almeida. His work was installed here in 1971. 

Dom João won Portugal’s Independence from Spain, and he also signed the Treaty of Windsor with England, which until this day, is the longest-standing treaty in the world.

 

Lisbon's Praça da Figueira seen from the Hotel Mundial Rooftop terrace.  In the background is the Tejo River.
Praça da Figueira seen from the Hotel Mundial Rooftop Terrace

The square is surrounded by four-story buildings – hotels, bakeries, restaurants, and public transportation stops.

Confeitaria Nacional opened off of Lisbon's Praça da Figueira in the late 1800s.  The shop is famous for its Bolo do Rei - KIngs' Cake.
Confeitaria Nacional

Confeitaria Nacional opened in 1829. The bakery is on the southern side of the square.  Among their many outstanding pastries, they are famous for their Bolo de Rei “king’s Cake” during the holiday season. 

There is also a great pizza place, Dama e Vagabundo, on the same corner.

Praça da Figueira Metro

The Rossio metro station (green line) has exits on both Rossio Square (west side) and Praça da Figueira (east side). The metro station is wheelchair accessible and also has public restrooms.

Praça da Figueira Tram

Here you will find the first stop of Tram 15E going to Belém.  You are most likely to get a spot on the tram if you board here at Praça da Figueira.

Tram 25E begins its westward route toward Estrela and Prazeres here.

Tram 12E ends its route here. If you walk around the corner to Martim Moniz Square, you can board right next to the stop for Tram 28E.

Tram 12E will take you up to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro da Santa Luzia, and the cathedral, but the 12E is much less crowded than Tram 28E. Unlike Tram 28E, it does not go all the way across the city

You will also find buses 713 and 714 here.

Tram 12E makes its final stop in Lisbon's Praça da Figueira.
Tram 12E makes its final stop in Figueira Square

Public parking lot below Figueira Square

There is a public parking lot located below Praça da Figueira. The parking lot is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parking is free for the first five minutes. Fifteen minutes or less costs .90€ The rate increases with each 15-minute increment.

Mercado da Baixa

All kinds of local agricultural products can be found here. Cheeses, meats, fruits, vegetables, wines, and more. This little market is a delight. Unfortunately, it is only here on certain dates.

For dates check here: https://www.adbaixapombalina.pt/mercado-da-baixa.html#:~:text=De%2029%20de%20setembro%20a%209%20de%20outubro,de%2030%20de%20junho%20a%2010%20de%20julho.

Where is Praça da Figueira located?

Praca da Figueira is located in the Baixa neighborhood, just to the east of the larger Rossio Square.

GPS Coordinates: 38.713661367291934, -9.138171688747988

What’s nearby?

  • Rossio Square Rossio Square, Praça Dom Pedro IV, The Commons – one of Lisbon’s most popular meeting spots is just on the western side of Praça da Figuera and the underground Rossio Metro Station. The square is famous for its black and white cobblestone wave patterns, the statue of Dom Pedro IV, and its two French fountains. To learn more, Rossio Square – Praça Dom Pedro IV – What you need to know
  • Praça do Comércio The largest square in Lisbon (and the second largest in Europe) is located just a few blocks south on the Tejo River. It was the site of the Ribeira Palace until the 1755 earthquake. Today it is a great spot for a drink, a meal, or people-watching. Praça do Comércio – Everything you need to know
  • Restauradores Square and the Elevador da Gloria This plaza just north of Rossio honors the restoration of freedom from Spain. Here you will also find the Elevador da Glória, a funicular that takes visitors up to Bairro Alto. How to get to Bairro Alto? (Hint: Take the Glória Funicular)
  • São Domingos Church Read my São Domingos Church in Lisbon to learn more about this nearby church that dates back to 1241.
  • Ginjinha shops Your questions about Ginjinha answered here Ginginha is a local cinnamon cherry liquor that has been produced since the early 1800s. Where Rua das Portas de Santo Antão intersects Largo de São Domingos, you will find the two oldest Ginjinha bars in Lisbon.  You can stand in the doorway of one of these bars and eyeball the other bar. Might as well try them both! A shot will only set you back 1.25€
  • Rua das Portas de Santo Antão This street parallels Avenida da Liberdade.  You will find lots of seafood restaurants with menus printed in multiple languages. There is also an official Benfica Fan Shop on the street. How to go to a Benfica game
  • Rua Augusta and the arch Rua Augusta is closed to traffic and it offers plenty of restaurants with outdoor dining, pastries and pastéis de nata, The big difference between Pastéis de Belém and Pastéis de Nata, crafts and local goods, as well as street performers and ner do wells selling fake drugs to tourists.  You can also climb to the top of the arch  What is the story behind Lisbon’s Rua Augusta Arch?
  • Avenida da Liberdade This central tree-lined avenue has high-end shopping, mansions, and luxury hotels. It lies just north of Rossio and Restauradores Squares.
  • Rossio Train Station From here you can take the train to Sintra. To learn more about Sintra, read my How to plan a day trip or overnight trip to Sintra from Lisbon

Hotels near Praça da Figueira

This is an excellent central and flat neighborhood in the hilly city.

Figueira by the Beautique Hotels

This four-star hotel is located on Praça da Figueira. Aside from the many dining options nearby, the hotel offers a bar and restaurant on-site as well.

Figueira by the Beautique Hotel offers room service, breakfast, and local and airport shuttles for an additional charge. The hotel has a fitness center, a 24-hour business center, and a concierge.

Each of the 50 air-conditioned rooms has a safe, a mini-bar, and blackout curtains.

My Story Hotel Figueira

The exterior of this four-star hotel is charming and old-school. The interior though is heavy on modern design and amenities.

The hotel is also wheel-chair accessible. A 161 square foot, airconditioned, queen-sized bedroom starts at $161 per night.

Hotel Mundial

Hotel Mundial is located at nearby Praça Martim Moniz (green line metro station) where Tram 28E and Tram 12E start their routes. This hotel is known for its excellent rooftop barBest rooftop bars in Lisbon from which you can see Praça da Figueira.

Double or twin rooms, 161 sq. ft. with air-conditioning, breakfast included start at $191 per night.

Lisbon Destination Hostel

This central hostel is located on the top floor of the historic Rossio Train Station.

Rooms have ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and lockers. Laundry facilities are available. There is a kitchen, a cafe, a pool table, and a bar.

Lisbon Destination Hostel annually rates as one of the best medium-sized hostels in the world since 2014.

They offer 8 -bed female or mixed dorms, 10-bed mixed dorms, and a variety of private rooms with between one and four beds.

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