Cais do Sodré, Lisbonne

Cais do Sodré

Cais do Sodré is an old neighborhood in a central riverside area of Lisbon, recently redeveloped with an avenue connecting to Terreiro do Paço. Situated facing the Tagus River, Cais do Sodré is one of the main transport hubs for Greater Lisbon, featuring a train station with connections to the Estoril and Cascais lines, a river terminal at Cais do Sodré with ferry connections to Almada at Cacilhas quay, an option for a quick trip to visit the Sanctuary of Christ the King in Almada and enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon, and ferry connections to Barreiro and Seixal. It also has a Metro station connecting to the entire city of Lisbon. Cais do Sodré is a 15-minute walk from Bairro Alto and a 9-minute walk to Terreiro do Paço, strolling along Avenida Ribeira das Naus, a pedestrian zone along the river, highly sought after by tourists due to its outdoor seating areas and tranquil atmosphere. Cais do Sodré is one of the city’s most popular spots for nightlife, especially due to Rua Cor-de-Rosa: officially named Rua Nova do Carvalho, it was redeveloped in 2013 with the aim of revitalizing the restaurant and bar area of Cais do Sodré. Rua Cor-de-Rosa features restaurants with outdoor seating, some of Lisbon’s most well-known and historic bars and clubs, namely Tóquio, Liverpool, and Jamaica.

Cais do Sodré is administered by the Parish Council of Misericórdia.

Top 10 Attractions to Visit in Cais do Sodré

1. Mercado da Ribeira: This is one of Lisbon’s historic markets, remodeled to house a dining and bar area. It’s a pleasant space with dozens of restaurants ideal for enjoying quick chef-prepared meals at prices under €15. Mercado da Ribeira is a social hub, featuring wine and cocktail bars, pastry shops, and local products, with over forty restaurants and a traditional market selling fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables. Mercado da Ribeira was inaugurated in 1882 under the direction of Frederico Ressano Garcia. A partnership was established with Time Out magazine in 2010, and the market was reopened in 2014 as Time Out Market, organized across two floors. The ground floor features over forty restaurants and a central area for enjoying Portuguese cuisine from various establishments, including “O Café de São Bento,” “A Croqueteria,” “O Santini,” “A Manteigaria Silva,” and “A Garrafeira Nacional.” Another section on the ground floor houses a traditional market selling vegetables, fruits, and fish. The first floor offers a cultural space with an exhibition center and multimedia facilities.
2. Igreja de São Paulo: This church, dedicated to the Apostle Saint Paul, is located near Mercado da Ribeira. Igreja de São Paulo is notable for its two towers with clocks and bells, the medallion depicting “The Conversion of Saint Paul,” and the stucco painting by João Grossi. The Church of São Paulo was inaugurated in 1768 under the direction of Remígio Abreu.
3. Estação do Cais do Sodré: This is one of Lisbon’s most important stations, providing rail connections between Cascais and Lisbon, as well as other transport modes, including the metro, bus, ferry, and tram. The station is located at Cais do Sodré, near Avenida 24 de Julho, Bairro Alto, and Praça do Comércio, serving as a constant hub of activity for people and vehicles, offering privileged views of the Tagus River, and surrounded by numerous dining and nightlife establishments. The original wooden station was inaugurated in 1895 and was replaced by the current building, designed by architect Porfírio Pardal Monteiro in Art Deco style and inaugurated in 1928.
4. Jardim Dom Luís: This is a small, bustling garden due to its proximity to Mercado da Ribeira and the Cais do Sodré train station. The garden, spanning approximately 0.40 hectares, features the statue honoring the Marquis of Sá da Bandeira and a spot to enjoy the outdoor seating of the red kiosk located in the center of Jardim Dom Luís. Visitors can observe the Tagus River and children can play in the small playground. It also provides access to the elevator for the underground parking lot of Mercado da Ribeira.
5. Chafariz da Praça de São Paulo: This 19th-century fountain is located in Praça de São Paulo, in front of Igreja de São Paulo. It stands out for its imposing size, the three circular steps leading to four spouts, and the obelisk. It was inaugurated in 1849 with a design by Dom Miguel Ângelo Blasco.
6. Igreja do Corpo Santo: This 18th-century church is located in Largo do Corpo Santo, near Cais do Sodré. Igreja do Corpo Santo was inaugurated in 1770 to serve as the religious temple for Lisbon’s Irish community. Points of interest include the Chapel of Senhor Jesus dos Aflitos with an image of Saint Philomena; images of Our Lady of the Rosary, Saint Martin of Dume, and Saint Dominic of Guzmán; and the Statue of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
7. Restaurante Pap’Açorda: This is one of Lisbon’s most renowned restaurants, founded in 1981 in Bairro Alto by Fernando Fernandes and José Miranda. Restaurante Pap’Açorda opened during a period of change and openness in Lisbon society, particularly evident in Bairro Alto, where the bar Frágil, a “gay-friendly” bar and nightclub and an icon of Lisbon’s nightlife, also emerged. The restaurant is currently located in Mercado da Ribeira, continuing to be a magnet for locals and tourists due to its excellent service and quality gastronomy, including Sopa de Peixe à Pap’Açorda, Bacalhau à Lagareiro, Arroz de Cabrito no Forno, and Mousse de Chocolate Pap’Açorda.
8. Quiosques da Praça de São Paulo: These kiosks offer juices, coffees, and alcoholic beverages, providing a place to rest. The kiosks in Praça de São Paulo were inaugurated in 2013 with the aim of transforming the square into a vibrant place, filled with people, and recreating the 19th-century atmosphere that once existed in Lisbon.
9. Monumento Reminiscência de Almada Negreiros: This monument, promoted by the Lisbon City Council, is by Catarina and Rita Almada Negreiros, dedicated to the birth of Almada Negreiros (1893-1970). The Monument Reminiscência de Almada Negreiros is located in the pedestrian zone of Avenida Ribeira das Naus, connecting the Cais do Sodré train station to Praça do Comércio.
10. Estátua do Duque da Terceira: This monument is dedicated to the 44th anniversary of the Duke of Terceira’s victory in Lisbon during the Civil War of 1828-34. It was built by sculptors José Simões de Almeida and António Gaspar and inaugurated in 1877.

Other Attractions to Explore in Cais do Sodré

• Relógio do Cais do Sodré: This is the first public clock in Portugal, inaugurated in 1914. It was placed at Cais do Sodré to assist in organizing the entry and exit of ships from the Port of Lisbon.
• Casa dos Bordados da Madeira: This is a commercial establishment selling traditional embroidery from the island of Madeira, Azorean embroidery, authentic regional costumes, and regional ceramics. It was inaugurated in 1965.

Main Streets and Squares of Cais de Sodré

• Avenida 24 de Julho: This is one of the main avenues in Lisbon’s riverside area, a primary coastal artery known for its office buildings and nightlife. Avenida 24 de Julho connects Avenida da Índia to Avenida Ribeira das Naus, with constant and intense traffic of people, vehicles, Lisbon trams (Bondes), and buses from dawn until dusk. The avenue features wide roads, tram tracks, safe cycle lanes for running and cycling, and numerous establishments and tourist attractions, including the EDP – Energias de Portugal building, Jardim Dom Luís, Mercado da Ribeira, Estação de Comboios do Cais do Sodré, and nightlife clubs. The avenue is named Avenida 24 de Julho in honor of the battle that took place on July 24, 1833, in this very location.
• Avenida Ribeira das Naus: This is a coastal avenue with gardens, outdoor seating areas, an artificial riverside beach, and a very wide promenade dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, protected from the road by safety bollards. Avenida Ribeira das Naus is a prime location to enjoy the Tagus River breeze, admire the river’s beauty, and observe the Lisbon sky’s light reflecting on the Tagus waters, serving as a unique space for relaxation in the city. Avenida Ribeira das Naus includes several attractions, such as handmade sculptures displayed near the steps by the river, mobile bars selling Portuguese wine, ginjinha, cocktails, or hot dogs, gardens located between the Tagus River and the pink building of the Portuguese Navy, and outdoor seating areas where one can watch the sunset. Ribeira das Naus was the departure point for ships during the reign of King Manuel I in the 16th century and was redeveloped with a project by João Nunes and João Gomes da Silva in 2015.
• Praça Duque da Terceira: This is one of the main traffic thoroughfares in Lisbon, providing access to Bairro Alto and Chiado via Rua do Alecrim, to the Cais do Sodré train station, Avenida 24 de Julho, and Rua Nova do Carvalho. Praça Duque da Terceira is part of a roundabout built to facilitate traffic in this area of the city and is named after the presence of the Statue of the Duke of Terceira.
• Largo do Corpo Santo: This is a traffic thoroughfare and pedestrian area connecting Rua do Arsenal to Avenida da Ribeira das Naus, featuring several attractions including the Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel and the Igreja de Corpo Santo.
• Cervejaria Portugália
• Clube Naval de Lisboa
• Ibo Marisqueira
• Harlem Restaurant Bar
• Loja das Conservas
• MusicBox
• Pensão Amor
• Praça Duque da Terceira
• Praça Dom Luís
• Sal Concept Store

Educational Institutions

• Escola Profissional de Imagem
• ISCAD: Instituto Superior de Ciências da Administração
• Lusa Language School – Lisbon Portuguese School

Tourist Accommodations

• Hall Chiado: not a hotel
• LX Boutique Hotel: The Lisbon Experience
• 262 Boutique Hotel
• Sunset Destination Hostel

Transport and Access

• Aerobus do Cais do Sodré is a transfer service that transports passengers from Lisbon Airport to the city center, with stops near major hotels. It is a personalized transport service, staffed by dedicated personnel, with free Wi-Fi and USB chargers. The Aerobus service operates daily between 7:30 AM and 11:00 PM at the following locations:
  • Estação de Comboios do Cais do Sodré
  • Estação de Metropolitano do Cais do Sodré
  • Estação Fluvial do Cais do Sodré

Location of the Misericórdia Parish (Cais do Sodré) on the Lisbon Map