About Cais do Sodré
Cais do Sodré is a neighborhood in Lisbon, Portugal. Located just south of the city center along Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront, Cais do Sodré is the perfect base from which to branch out and discover the best sights Lisbon has to offer.
Cais do Sodré was originally set up as a shipyard, making it a popular area for dockworkers and sailors. Until recently, Cais do Sodré was considered one of Lisbon’s roughest areas, known for drug use and an abundance of brothels. This all changed around 2010 when the Cais do Sodré’s seedy establishments were pushed out, and the area was rejuvenated with pastel-painted buildings, chic boutiques, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
Cais do Sodré is an excellent place to start your adventure in Lisbon, thanks to its unique culture and proximity to many of the city’s best attractions. This district of Lisbon also features the Cais do Sodré Station, one of the city’s main transport hubs.
Things to do in Cais do Sodré
Cais do Sodré is now one of the trendiest areas in Lisbon and is great for soaking up some of the city’s local culture. From one-of-a-kind shops to tapas bars to late-night eateries, Cais do Sodré is the ideal for travelers looking to discover Lisbon’s hidden gems. Here are some of the best places to go when you’re visiting Cais do Sodré:
- Grab some local produce at the Mercado da Ribeira and Time Out Market. This fresh-food market is the largest in Lisbon and has been open since 1892. In 2014 the market got a new lease on life, and now offers a huge communal dining area that serves up some of the best dishes in the district.
- Take a riverside stroll down the Avenida Ribeira das Naus. This former shipyard is now a picturesque promenade with a river beach where you can take a dip in the Tagus. There are plenty of shaded seating areas where you can relax after a long day exploring the city.
- Mix nightlife and history at the Praça de São Paulo. This square features many of the best clubs in Lisbon, and also has an ornate 18th-century church and 19th-century fountain to admire during the daytime.
- Learn all about modern art history at the Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea. This contemporary art museum features tons of fascinating paintings by Portuguese artists, including Dominguez Alvarez and Bernardo Marques.
- Shop till you drop along the Rua do Alecrim. This street boasts many of the best shops in Cais do Sodré from chic boutiques to art galleries.
Transit Options in Cais do Sodré
- Cais do Sodré Metro
- Cais do Sodré Ferry Terminal
- Bus Service (Carris)
Luggage Storage in Cais do Sodré
Holidaymakers looking for somewhere to store their belongings while discovering Cais do Sodré’s hip bars and unique stores can’t go wrong with a Bounce storage service. When you search on the Bounce app, you’ll find several nearby luggage storage services in Cais do Sodré where you can easily and securely drop off your luggage, leaving your free to explore the best attractions in the area.
Attractions and Activities near Cais do Sodré
- Belém Tower: Lisbon is full of fascinating historic sights, and one of the best is the Belém Tower. Overlooking the Tagus, this stunning tower was designed by Francisco de Arruda in the early 16th century. Belém Tower has been used as a prison and fortification over the years, and is an amazing piece of Portuguese history. Take a tour and see the tower’s cannons, prisoner’s quarters, and famous rhinoceros gargoyle. The tower can get very busy and with narrow winding staircases – you won’t want to have any bags with you, so make sure to stop by a Cais do Sodré luggage storage facility.
- Jerónimos Monastery: Another of Lisbon’s stunning heritage sites is the Jerónimos Monastery. Construction of this lavish Gothic monastery took over 200 years, spanning the 15th, 16th, and 17th century. During a tour of the monastery, you’ll pass through the extravagant two-story cloister and get to pay your respects at the tomb of Vasco de Gama, one of Europe’s most famous explorers. You’ll do plenty of climbing when exploring this massive monastery, so you’re best off visiting a Cais do Sodré luggage storage spot before heading to this historic landmark.
- Lisbon Zoo: If you’re looking to take a break from historical sights and fancy doing something the whole family will love, plan a trip to the Lisbon Zoo. This classic city zoo features over 2,000 animals, including many rare and endangered species. Some of the amazing critters you’ll see during your visit include Sumatran tigers, bottlenose dolphins, and okapis. One of the zoo’s unique attractions is its cable car, which takes you on a 20-minute birdseye tour of the zoo’s many exhibits.
- Praça do Comércio: This 18th-century plaza is sure to impress anybody visiting Lisbon. Positioned overlooking the Tejo Estuary, this plaza features gorgeous Pombaline-style yellow buildings, a lavish archway, and a statue of King Joseph I. This plaza contains some of the best shops in Lisbon. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can sit back and watch the world go by. If you’re planning on picking up some souvenirs and new clothes, consider storing your luggage in Cais do Sodré before stopping by Praça do Comércio.
