Discover Lisbon’s Praça Luís de Camões

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Praça Luís de Camões, commonly known as Largo de Camões, is a large square and one of the most popular meeting spots in Lisbon.

Who was  Luís de Camões?

 Luís de Camões is the national poet of Portugal. He is the Shakespeare of the Portuguese language.

No one knows when Camões was born.  He died on June 10, 1580.  As a result,  June 10 is Portugal Day.

His masterpiece is the epic poem Os Lucíadas (The Luciads). 

He lost an eye fighting against the Moors in the battle of Ceuta, so I refer to him as the Warrior-Poet.

Where is Praca  Luís de Camões?

GPS Coordinates: 38.712460407377904, -9.142036927487403

The plaza is located at the intersection of Rua de Alecrim and Rua de Misericòrdia,  Rua do Loreto, Rua da Horta Seca, and Rua das Flores.  It is on the edge of both the Chiado (known for shopping) and the Bairro Alto (known for nightlife) neighborhoods.

The history and character of  Largo Luís de Camões Square

Quioosque Lisboa kiosk in Lisbon's Praça Luís de Camões
Quisque Lisboa kiosk serves up refreshments at Praça Luís de Camões

The centerpiece of the square is a statue of Luís de Camōes. The plaza is paved in black and white calçada Portuguesa (Portuguese sidewalk tile).

There is also the Quiosque Lisboa kiosk here in the square.  You can sit down at one of their tables with a sangria or a cup of coffee and relax and watch the people and the trams pass by. There is also a public toilet near the kiosk.

Just off the square, you can find several bakeries selling pastéis de nata. Read more about these delicious pastries in my article, The big difference between Pastéis de Belém and Pastéis de Nata

Exploring the sidewalks around this square would be a great opportunity to set up a taste test in order to determine who really has the best pastel de nata.

Plaza Luís de Camōes sits at an extremely busy intersection with cobblestone streets that are crisscrossed by tram tracks. 

In the past, this square has been known  as Largo das Duas Igrejas, (Plaza of the Two Churches) and Praça de L.oreto, (named after one of the churches – Nossa Senhora de Loreto)

Immediately east of the plaza, facing each other, are the blue Igreja da Nossa Sra. do Loreto church, and the Igreja da Encarnação church.

Ceiling of Lisbon's Nossa Senhora da Encarnação church
Ceiling of Lisbon’s Nossa Senhora da Encarnação church

Also east of the Largo de Camōes, under Rua Garrett, is the Baixa Chiado Metro Station.  Both the blue and the green metro lines run through the station.

Further east at the end of the street is the Armazens do Chiado Shopping Center.  

Largo de Camões on the border between the Chiado and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.

You are also only a few blocks east of the Elevador da Bica which traverses one of the prettiest streets in Lisbon, and one more block away from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint

Ringing the plaza are the Ministry of Economy building and the Consulate General of Brazil.

The Luís de Camōes Statue

Vitor Bastos' statue of national poet Luís de Camões in Lisbon's Praça Luís de Camões.

The bronze statue was erected in 1867 by the sculptor Vitor Bastos. The figure of Camões measures 4 m tall and stands on a pedestal with eight other figures representing mathematicians writers, and Portuguese scholars.

To the south, you will find Cais do Sodré.  You can catch a train to Estoril or Cascais from the station, or a ferry to the beaches across the river.   It is also a great spot to find a ride to the Belém neighborhood and its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

To the North of the square, you will enter into Bairro Alto.  It is a steep uphill walk, but you will find lots of bars and restaurants.  If you want to go out at night, this is a great neighborhood to check.

Public transit passing by Largo de Camões

  • Tram 24E starts here and goes to Campolide.
  • Tram 28E passes by the square going in both directions
  • Bus 202 goes from Cais do Sodré to Linda-a-Velha
  • Bus 758 goes fron Cais do Sodré to Portas de Benfica

Underground parking at Largo de Camões

This underground garage has 340 parking spots, 24-hour surveillance, and an elevator.

Rates:

  • First 15 minutes .75€
  • First hour 2.50€
  • Daily maximum 20€

Lodging near Praca Luís de Camões

Surf in Chiado

Rua da Emenda, 111

A clean and modern hostel that is well-rated.  The hostel is on the third floor.  Breakfast is not included.  Each bed has a light and an electrical outlet.  The hostel has a PlayStation in the common area. To book: http://surf-in-chiado.lisbon-hotel.org/en/#main

Boutique Chiado Suites

Rua da Horta Seca, 32

A four-star- hotel, also offers apartments or suites with kitchens. To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/boutique-chiado-suites.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Palácio das Especiarias

Rua da Horta Seca, 11

Soundproofed, Air-conditioned rooms have hardwood floors.

Laundry and airport pickup are available for an additional charge. To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/palacio-das-especiarias.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Bairro Alto Hotel

A five-star luxury hotel that was renovated in 2019.  Rooms have laptop-compatible safes, robes, and other amenities provided to guests.  The hotel has a 24-hour front desk, free newspapers, and a concierge.  Rooms can be had for around $400. To book: https://www.booking.com/hotel/pt/bairro-alto.en.html?aid=7930224&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2

Dining near Praça Luís de Camões

Read my article, 7 of the Best Restaurants in Chiado

What else is nearby?

Street sign at Lisbon's Praça Luíis de Camões indicating the direction of Bairro Alto, Principe Real, Santa Catarina viewpoint, and other attractions

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