Praça dos Restauradores, Restauradores Square, or Restoration Square, is one of Lisbon’s busiest and most convenient public squares.
It is like the center of a canyon of luxury hotels and magnificent buildings that surround the flat, central part of Lisbon.
The centerpiece of the square is a 30-meter-tall obelisk monument celebrating independence from Spain in the Restoration War. The war ended 60 years of Spanish rule.
The monument was erected in 1886. Bronze figures at the base of this statue depict victory and freedom. Names and dates of the battles of the war are also engraved on the monument.
Southwest of the square you will find the Rossio train station and the Avenida Palace Hotel.
The Rossio Train Station, like the square itself, was built in 1886.
The railway station is notable for its Manueline – inspired arched doorways. The ornate Manueline style, with its intricate details of ropes and sea-faring motifs was the architectural style of King Manuel – during the Portuguese Age of Exploration.
From here you can catch a train to the picturesque town of Sintra and visit its castles.
The Avenida Palace Hotel is attached to the Rossio Train Station. It was designed by architect José Luís Monteiro, who also created the Rossio Train Station.
Monteiro switched styles for the train-station annex and created a beautiful Beaux-Arts structure. The Avenida Palace Hotel was built between 1890- 1892.
The Restauradores Metro Station (blue line) is located on the corner of the square just outside of the Avenida Palace Hotel.
To the west of the square is the Elevador da Glória, a funicular that has been taking passengers uphill to Baixo Alto and the Príncipe Real neighborhood since 1885. To learn more about this funicular, see my article, How to get to Bairro Alto? (Hint: Take the Glória Funicular)
You can ride the Elevador da Glória, as well as all public transport in Lisbon for free with a Lisboa Card.
Also on the western side of the square is the pink Palácio Foz,
The palace was built in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquês do Castelo Melhor. It was eventually purchased by the Marquês do Foz. It eventually housed the Ministry of Propaganda during the Salazar regime (1932-1974).
Today a portion of the building houses government offices, including Portugal’s tourism headquarters.
Occasionally the building is open for special events or tours.
Next door is the Art Deco Teatro Eden. The Eden Theater was built in the 1930s by architect Cassiano Branco. It is now an exclusive hotel, the VIP Aparthotel.
On the east side of the square are several Banks and restaurants including the Hard Rock Cafe.
The Hard Rock Cafe is located in the beautiful Art Deco Condes Cinema building.
Condes Cinema, Lisbon – Global Art Deco
Where is Restauradores Square?
Just north of Rossio Square, Restauradores Square is located at the southeast end of the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, a street famous for its mansions and high-end shopping.
At the opposite end of Avenida Liberdade are Parque Eduardo VII and the Marquês de Pombal Square.
GPS Coordinates: 38.71579300775316, -9.141237944571076
Lodging near Praça dos Restauradores
All of these accommodations share several things in common – they are in the most convenient, central, and flat neighborhood in the city.
Hotel Altis Avenida
Altis Avenida is a five-star boutique hotel with rooms going for under $200 a night.
At the top of the beautiful Art-Deco Style building, Rossio Gastrobar has views of the castle and the city. Some of the rooms also have balconies that open onto city views.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/altis-avenida.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Avenida Palace Hotel
Always popular with diplomats and politicians, the Hotel Avenida Palace’s English-style pub and lobby were rumored to be a hotbed of espionage during World War II.
Today the five-star hotel offers large, quiet rooms in the center of the city. Guests say that staying in this hotel is one of the best things about visiting Lisbon.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/avenida-palace.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Lisbon Destination Hostel
Those on a budget can stay in this convenient, central neighborhood as well.
The Lisbon Destination Hostel is located on the top floor of the Rossio Train Station, where it has been winning international hostel awards since 2014.
One Palácio da Anunciada
This hotel is not actually on the Restauradores Square, but one block east behind the Condes Theatre and the Hard Rock Cafe.
The original building dates to 1533 and originally was a monastery. Destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, it was beautifully restored in 2015, and today is a breathtaking modern luxury hotel built on a historic foundation.
VIP Eden Executive Aparthotel Rooftop pool and bar
One of the most interesting buildings on Restauradores Square, the VIP Eden Executive Aparthotel was originally the Eden Theater, a 1930s building with a unique Art Deco facade.
Today the four-star hotel offers a rooftop pool and garden with great views of the city.
While the VIP Eden may not be as luxurious as some of the other hotels in the neighborhood, the price is unbeatable for the location, with studio apartments going for around $100 per night.
Pets are also allowed.
To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/aparthotelvipeden.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2
Parking near Praça dos Restauradores
There is an underground garage at the north end of Praça dos Restauradores. The entrance is across from the Condes Theater / Hard Rock Cafe.
The garage has 540 spaces and is equipped with security cameras. It is open 24 hours.
Rates:
- .90 € for first 15 minutes
- First hour 2.70 €
- Daily rate 23 €
What else is near Praça dos Restauradores?
- Rua das Portas de Santo Antão This street parrallel to Avenida da Liberdade (one block east) offers many seafood restaurants with menus written in a variety of languages for visitors. You can also buy tickets to a Benfica game at the official Benfica Fan Store. How to go to a Benfica game
- Ascensor do Lavra Lisbon’s oldest funicular Ascensor do Lavra – A quick guide is located one block east of Avenida da Liberdade, near the Hard Rock Cafe.
- Jardim Torel Miradouro do Jardim do Torel – All you need to know Take the Ascensor do Lavra up to this scenic garden that overlooks central Lisbon.
- Praça da Figueira This smaller square is one of Lisbon’s transportation hubs. It also features an artesanal market at the end of each month. It is located east of Rossio Square. To learn more, read my article, Praça da Figueira
- São Domingos Church Ground was broken on the São Domingos Church in Lisbon in 1241. The church is beautiful and has a long and sad history.
- Rossio Square Rossio Square – Praça Dom Pedro IV – What you need to know One of the two main squares in Lisbon is just south of Restauradores Square. On one side of Rossio you will find the Rossio metro station (green line). To the northwest, the Rossio Train Station. There are also plenty of cafes and hotels circling the square.
- São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint – How to visit and what to see Spoiler – Take the Ascensor da Glória on the west side of Restauradores Square
- Bairro Alto From here take the Ascensor da Gloria up the hill to enjoy Lisbon’s best nightlife district. Read my Bairro Alto – An overview of Lisbon’s most vibrant neighborhood
- Jardim do Príncipe Real Jardim do Príncipe Real – one of Lisbon’s most beautiful parks is my favorite green getaway in Lisbon.
- Igreja de São Roque Read my São Roque Church in Lisbon – What to know before visiting and you will know that it is one of the most stunning churches in Lisbon, and possibly the world. You wouldn’t know from the outside though.
- Convento do Carmo Check out my Lisbon’s Convento do Carmo Ruins | Everything You Need to Know to learn more about one of the most moving historical sites in Lisbon.
- Rua Augusta Arch What is the story behind Lisbon’s Rua Augusta Arch? The gateway into Lisbon from the river overlooks Praca do Comercio, the site of the former Riverside Palace, Praça do Comércio – Everything you need to know and Rua Augusta – a pedestrian mall lined with restaurants, cafes, shops, performers, and delincuents selling fake drugs. Be sure to go to the top of the arch for amazing views.
- Parque Eduardo VII Read my Parque Eduardo VII | Lisbon’s Central Park – What you should know At the north end of Avenida da Liberdade, you can find lots of green space with views of the Baixa downtown and the river.
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