Cais do Sodré Lisbon (2024 Tourist Guide)

Cais do Sodré is located near the Tagus River near Baixa and has historically been a rough area, but it’s a different story today. While I still urge you to be careful at night, it’s incredible during the day.

Cais do Sodré is named after the Sodré family, which had businesses in the area in the 15th century and was linked to the maritime trade.

Today, it’s a transport hub with ferries, a bus station, and a train station linking Lisbon together, and one of the most famous streets in Lisbon(Pink Street) is also in this area.

The ferry takes you to Cacilhas, and the train and bus station can take you anywhere you want to visit in Lisbon.

7 Things to Do Cais do Sodre

1. Ribeira das Naus Promenade

This is a long promenade that is super nice to walk on. I like to sit on the wood-shaped benches in the small park or close to the water to read a book or relax.

To the west of the Praça Duque da Terceira square is a large dome where the food market (Time Out Market) is located. Next to it is another square, Praça Dom Luís.

You can enjoy a terrace with palms and other trees overlooking the 19th-century Marquis of Sá da Bandeira statue.

2. Mercado da Ribeira and Time Out Market

The Time Out Market is one of my favorite places to eat in Lisbon, and it’s super famous. But did you know that Mercado da Ribeira is a food market where you can buy fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, and more during the day?

My partner and I often go to the Time Out Market if we’re looking for some energy and good food.

The Time Out Market is super noisy but has an incredible vibe. You can choose between around 30 restaurants. You can still sit and eat together even if you choose different restaurants. It’s truly amazing.

My favorite restaurants in the Time Out Market are Ground Burger(the Best juicy Burger), Croqueteria for croquettes, and Henrique Sá Pessoa for the best premium bifana.

3. Pink Street (Rua Nova)

Right behind the Time Out Market is Rua Nova do Carvalho, once called the red light district. Today, Rua Nova is known as Pink Street because the pavements are pink and lined with clubs and bars.

Here, you can experience the nightlife in Lisbon, with the many bars and clubs in the area.

In Cais do Sodré, you do not find mega-clubs; if so, you must visit Santos instead. Another place that has a lively nightlife is Bairro Alto.

4. São Paulo Square (Praca de São Paulo)

A church at the square with the same name was built after the devastating earthquake in 1755.

The original church was destroyed, and the new church has a baroque interior. Its ceiling is covered with monumental paintings, and the walls are lined with white, blue, and pink stone.

There is a beautiful stucco by Giovanni Grossi, an 18th-century baroque plasterer. Around the square, you will find outdoor seating and several bars nearby.

5. Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga (MNAA)

Another great place to visit is the MNAA in Santos, which is not far from Cais do Sodré. The museum has a status equivalent to that of the National Gallery in London, the National Gallery in Berlin, and the Prado in Madrid.

It’s really a beautiful place if you’re into art, especially antique art.

6. Museums in Cais do Sodré

The Puppet Museum(Museu da Marioneta) is in the historic Convento das Bernadras, a short distance from Cais do Sodré Station. It is dedicated to puppets.

The Museu das Comunicações exhibits the history of the post office and telecommunication.

Lastly, you can visit Museu da Farmácia to learn about the history of medicine in Portugal. It’s quite fascinating. You can see pursuits of 18th-century apothecary and early 20th-century pharmacy.

If you’re into museums, I’ve listed the best museums in Lisbon.

7. Day Trip From Cais do Sodré

Even if you do not take day trips from Lisbon, the Cais do Sodré train station is a must-visit. If you do decide to take a day trip, you can travel along the coastline with the train to:

• Carcavelos
• São Pedro do Estoril
• Praia da Conceição

All of these beaches you find within reach at Cascais. Learn more on how to travel from Lisbon to Cascais here.

Nightlife in Cais do Sodré

There is no shortage of bars and clubs in Cais do Sodré, most located around Pink Street.

You can visit this famous street during the day to browse or eat at some of the restaurants and head back at night for a vibrant atmosphere as the street comes to life.

Here are some clubs I recommend:

• Pensão Amor: A cocktail bar found in a former brothel that is a lively venue with music.
• O Bom O Mau e O Vilão: A lively yet trendy cocktail bar with live music.
• By The Wine: A promotional wine bar with a fascinating interior decoration of wine bottles and Portuguese wine. They have excellent knowledge and let you taste multiple wines before you choose your wine.
• Crafty Corner: the place to go and enjoy Portuguese craft beer.

Where to Shop and Eat in Cais do Sodré

There are many shops in Cais do Sodré, but one that stands out is Fabrica Sant’Anna, which has been selling azulejo tiles to fine ceramics since 1741.

There are several outlets in Lisbon. Then there is Storytailors, a former 18th-century brick warehouse that sells designer clothes.

At Mercado da Ribeira Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré, you can find the best Portuguese cuisine, fine wine, and craft beers. It is near Cais do Sodré Station.

Where to Stay in Cais do Sodré

You can find different places to stay around Cais do Sodré and Santos.

Remember to be aware of your surroundings during the night to stay safe. As long as you do that, I’m sure you’ll have an incredible time.

Some of the hotels I recommend are:

• 262 Boutique Hotel: Perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for a stylish, intimate stay with a trendy, modern ambiance near nightlife spots.
• Cais do Sodré Guesthouse: Budget-conscious travelers or backpackers seeking affordable accommodations in a central location, ideal for exploring Lisbon on foot.
• Corpo Santo Lisbon Historic Hotel: Luxury travelers who appreciate the historical charm, exceptional service, and proximity to Lisbon’s key cultural attractions.
• LX Boutique Hotel: Suited for trendy, design-conscious travelers looking for a mid-range hotel with artistic flair and a prime location in the hip Cais do Sodré neighborhood.
• Lost Lisbon Cais House: Best for young, social travelers or digital nomads seeking a relaxed, affordable stay with a community vibe in a vibrant part of town.

How to Get to Cais do Sodré

Cais do Sodré is a central transport hub in Lisbon, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city.

1. By Metro

Green Line (Linha Verde): Take the Green Line (Linha Verde) directly to Cais do Sodré station. This line connects to many other metro lines, making it easy to transfer if you’re from a different area of Lisbon.

The Green Line operates from 06:30 am to 01:05 am, departing every 6-9 minutes.

2. By Train

If you’re coming from the western suburbs or Cascais, take the Cascais Line (Linha de Cascais).

The Cascais Line operates non-stop, departing every 12 minutes between 7 am and 10 am, every 20 minutes between 10 am and 5 pm, then again every 12 minutes until 8:30 pm

3. By Bus

Several bus lines pass through Cais do Sodré, including 728, 706, and 736. Check the local bus schedules for exact routes and timings.

4. By Tram

You can take the famous Tram 15 from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio. This tram goes to Belém and passes through Cais do Sodré.

5. By Ferry

If you’re coming from the south side of the Tagus River, you can take a ferry to the district from Cacilhas, Seixal, or Montijo.

6. By Walking (My preferred)

If you’re already in the city center, the district is within walking distance of popular areas like Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Praça do Comércio.

I always walk to Cais do Sodré because you get to see many things on the way, and it’s often a maximum of 35 min of walking from around the city center.

Check out how walkable Lisbon is in my other guide and get helpful tips.

Wrap-Up

I mainly visit Cais do Sodré because of Time Out Market and Ribeira das Naus Promenade.

The Time Out Market serves incredible food, but it can be a bit crowded, and there is a lot of noise, so you need energy when you go there.

Ribeira das Naus Promenade is just super cozy to walk on. It has ice cream stores, restaurants, and places to get something to drink and relax while looking at the Tagus River.

Cais do Sodrés’s central location and easy access to public transportation make it the perfect place to immerse yourself in Lisbon’s authentic charm.

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