The former Eden Theater, Foz Palace, and the obelisk in Praça dos Restauradores
This large square honors the men responsible for the restoration of the Portuguese crown in 1640, after 60 years of the Iberian Union (when Portugal and Spain shared the same king). At the center is a monumental obelisk from 1886, and surrounding it is a number of attractive buildings, like Palácio Foz, a beautiful 18th-century palace. That’s home to a tourist office, the tourist police, and the National Sports Museum. Other, more sumptuous parts of the palace, can be seen on guided tours, and include a grand Louis XIV-style staircase, a Versailles-like Hall of Mirrors, and a fascinating Gothic Revival basement decorated with esoteric symbols.
Next to the palace is one of Lisbon's emblematic funiculars, the Elevador da Glória, which connects this part of town to Bairro Alto. Facing it is the city's Hard Rock Café, housed in a former theater and always packed with tourists.
The interior of Foz Palace, which can be seen on guided tours
The square is also the starting point of popular bus routes, like the 759 that stops by the magnificent Tile Museum and the 709 that goes to Campo de Ourique.
Monument to the pavement artists on Praça dos Restauradores
At the southwestern end of the square is a tribute to Lisbon’s pavers who’ve created the city’s artistic pavements over the years. It’s a monument consisting of two statues working on the design of a caravel, the symbol of Lisbon.
How to Get to Praça dos Restauradores
Restauradores is within walking distance of anywhere in Baixa and Chiado, but can be reached by metro (Restauradores station on the blue line -- or Rossio station on the green line, which exits to the square around the corner). From Bairro Alto or Príncipe Real, take the Glória funicular down the hill.
Attractions Nearby
Parallel to the square is Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, a pedestrian street that’s home to Casa do Alentejo, a palatial residence that maintains its beautiful Moorish Revival interior and is now a cultural center and a restaurant. Rossio Square is also just a few feet away.
Where to Stay in Praça dos Restauradores
Altis Avenida
Guests at this hotel have the best view over Restauradores Square, from the rooftop where breakfast is served. On the opposite side, a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooks Rossio Square. Some of the rooms have a balcony and all are decorated in an elegant Art Deco-inspired design.
Avenida Palace
It’s one of Lisbon’s oldest hotels and remains one of the grandest. It dates back to 1892, designed in the classical style of the period, and features a Belle Époque décor. Although it faces the square, it’s not noisy, as all rooms are soundproofed.
VIP Eden
A theater from the 1930s was demolished, but its Art Deco façade was maintained. Behind it are studios and apartments, while on the large rooftop is a bar offering a panoramic view over Restauradores and surroundings.
