Cais das Colunas — Attraction in Lisbon

Actually not a pier, but rather a small-scale rectangular site, laid out with marble steps and ornated with two posts or pillars. With all honesty, if you are not aware of this specific location or haven't read your Lisbon guide book, the chances are you may overlook it. However, walking south, from Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square) towards river Tagus, and upon arriving to Cais das Colunas, it is all a part of the grandiose and iconic landmark of the city, the riverside Praça do Comércio. Cais das Colunas, or 'Columns Pier' is aptly named after the two pillars, partially covered by water, representing wisdom and devotion. According to the tradition, the columns are designed to resemble those of King Solomon Jerusalem Temple. As the enormous Praça do Comércio itself, the pier is a part of the post-1755 reconstruction, or rather complete rebuilding, of Terreiro do Paço, the Palace Square that included such magnificent edifices as the royal Ribeira Palace and Casa da Índia, all razed to the ground by the terrible earthquake. "Back in the day", the pier, and especially its marble steps, were used as a welcome point to greet royal and stately figures arriving in Lisbon via water; one often cited example is the present Queen Elizabeth II who used the steps to mark the celebratory entrance on her official 1957 visit (brought by a boat launched from Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia anchored nearby). Cais das Colunas was equally used as a ferry and boat terminal connecting Praça do Comércio to the Tagus' opposite...

Cais das Colunas is one of those places in Lisbon that just sticks with you. Tucked right next to Praça do Comércio, it’s a peaceful riverside spot with amazing views of the Tagus—especially at sunset. Whether you're passing through or looking for a place to unwind, this is a perfect stop.

The vibe here is really special. It’s calm but still full of life—locals lounging around, tourists soaking it all in, occasional street performers, and sometimes even live music playing in the background. It feels like a snapshot of Lisbon’s soul.

I love grabbing a coffee and just sitting on the stone steps, watching boats go by and the sky change colors as the city lights start to glow. It’s also a great spot for photos—between the water reflections and the beautiful architecture, everything looks picture-perfect.

It’s simple, free, and yet one of the most memorable parts of the city. I’ve been here multiple times and always end up staying longer than I planned.

If you’re visiting Lisbon, definitely carve out a little time to come here. You...

A trip to Portugal is not complete without a visit to Lisboa and surroundings! The beautiful open plaza Cais das Colunas is on the iconic tram route and a great stop to jump off and explore! Go up the busy street and visit the first pasteis de bacalhau restaurant (YUMM!) Portugal is famous for a lot of things and this is one of them! Enjoy the tasty foods on the steps while watching the waves rhythmically crash, sea gulls around and listen to a street musician play in the background.

From Lisboa just a small trip to Belem, you can visit the maritime museum, take a stroll along water and visit the tower of Belem. And while walking in history, treat yourself to another one of Portugal's tasty treats: pasteis de nata. In Belem is the first house of pasteis de nata, known as pasteis...