Lisbon’s hilly streets can make for tiring walking, but their spectacular views make up for it. Make sure to purchase skip-the-line tickets for Jeronimos Monastery and Belem Tower before visiting to avoid long lines at these attractions.
Alfama district exudes charm. Here, fish vendors known as varinas bring their wares along cobbled streets while tugboats dock alongside quaysides.
Praça do Comercio
Praca do Comercio (commonly referred to as Palace Square) in Lisbon is one of its most impressive squares, serving as the focal point of Lisbon’s reconstruction after 1755 earthquake had nearly destroyed it. Boasting sunflower-yellow buildings, arcades, and an iconic statue of King Jose I as its centerpiece, this square symbolizes Portugal’s newfound power.
Visitors will find an assortment of restaurants, cafes, and shops here. Additionally, this location serves as a major transport hub where E15 hop-on/hop-off bus tours and tramcar tours depart regularly. Furthermore, Lisboa Cards – giving access to trains, buses, trams, and metro systems in Lisbon – can be purchased here.
This square once served as Lisbon’s main entryway and remains a busy gateway for tourists and traffic alike. Furthermore, it serves as the starting point of Ribeira das Naus riverside walk – so on sunny days this could make an excellent place to enjoy an hour or so relaxing by the waterfront.
Before mass aviation was widely utilized, all ships docked at Cais das Colunas (Column Pier) of this square and disembarked here to enter the city – leading to it once being known as Palace Yard and still bearing that moniker today.
Since 1755’s devastating earthquake destroyed existing buildings and relocated the royal palace to Belem, this square has no longer housed any royal buildings; but its grand buildings and arches have since come to symbolize Lisbon’s revival and economic prosperity aspirations.
The Arco da Rua Augusta, commonly referred to locally, is an impressive masterpiece by French artist Celestin Anatole Calmels (1822-1906). It features allegorical figures representing Glory crowning Genius and Bravery along with significant historical figures and symbols of Portugal.
The square’s central statue, featuring King Jose I on an equestrian horseback, pays homage to Lisbon’s history. You can climb to the top of Arco for stunning views across Lisbon; during summer concerts and festivals are held here as well as Christmas market sales and New Year celebrations.
Rua Augusta Arch
Arco da Rua Augusta is one of the city’s iconic sights, standing as a tribute to Lisbon’s reconstruction after 1755 earthquake and recalling times past. Filled with symbolism that honors Portugal’s maritime past and strong sense of history and resilience, you’ll find its statue of Glory at its apex crowned with an eagle, embodying resilience of both nation and people; flanking it are allegorical figures representing Abundance and Bravery that reinforce these themes.
Be sure to take time when visiting this monument to explore all its details; there are plenty of fascinating gems tucked inside its walls! When entering, an elevator will transport you up to the first-floor where an exhibition on its history can be found; after which, take the winding stairs all the way up until reaching its summit for breathtaking city views!
Location of Rua Comercio Monument at its end point The monument stands as a testament to Porto’s resilience, featuring stunning sculptural images and clock. Additionally, an arch has inscriptions at its top exhorting people to live according to Portuguese values: “To Virtue that this world may serve as lesson and be an example”.
The sculptures on the upper front display Glory crowning Valor and Genius. Below that you’ll find figures representing national heroes like Nuno Alvares Pereira, Vasco de Gama and Marquis de Pombal (founder of Pombal). On Rua Augusta side there is also an outstanding clock with naturalistic themes.
Visit Rua Augusta Arch for an unforgettable Lisbon experience and to capture its timeless spirit through photographs from every angle. For best results, it is best to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds of tourists and truly experience this captivating landmark. Baixa-Chiado metro station makes access easy; in addition to this there are buses and trams stopping nearby too.
Bairro Alto
Few neighborhoods change as dramatically as Bairro Alto does, from day to night. While daytime finds the streets almost deserted, by night they come alive with life and thirsty crowds filling bars, restaurants, music venues and street artists’ creations providing another layer of colour in Bairro Alto’s streets with murals and graffiti art that adds vibrancy to this vibrant neighbourhood.
Weekend nights bring revellers out in force to the district’s intimate venues and small bars, drawing revellers out into the streets to socialise. As evening turns to night, most bars become increasingly packed until it may become difficult to secure an empty table – try Loucos e Sonhadores for low-key drinking or visit Paginas Tantas to experience its jazz nights!
There are also plenty of cozy cafes and bistros where you can sit back with a cup of coffee, sample traditional Portuguese cuisine or watch live fado performances at one of the many local taverns.
Bairro Alto is known for its vibrant nightlife and rich historical significance. This neighbourhood was home to Lisbon’s first free press, as well as being an artistic epicenter during its Golden Age. Many of Lisbon’s most influential writers and artists made Bairro Alto their home – something commemorated with museums and galleries in the area.
Viewpoints are a major draw to this hilly region, where terracotta rooftops contrast beautifully against an azure sky. Miradouro de Santa Catarina is a favorite and provides the ideal opportunity to see how locals enjoy watching the sunset over their city.
Rossio Square
Rossio Square serves as the beating heart of Lisbon, drawing both residents and tourists alike. A lively hub for celebrations, street parades, spirited music performances and events of every sort; Rossio Square epitomizes Lisbon’s vibrant spirit in every step.
Rossio Square was initially known as Praca Dom Pedro IV but over time became more commonly known by its older name of Rossio due to its status as an open public space accessible to all residents of Lisbon. Rossio translates loosely as “common land”, as this was where old town festivities and executions would often take place.
Rossio dates back to the Pombaline downtown’s reconstruction following an earthquake of 1755, when most buildings date from. Rossio houses an imposing neoclassical National Theatre of Dona Maria II built during mid 19th century as well as a massive monument honoring King Dom Pedro IV who served both Portugal and Brazil, featuring two large Baroque fountains flanking his figure.
Under your feet you can view Rossio Square’s distinctive wavelike paving known as calcada portuguesa, first established here in Rossio Square during the 1840s and quickly adopted throughout Portugal’s former colonies from Rio de Janeiro to Macao. This pattern recalls Lisbon’s rolling waves as well as Portugal’s former maritime might.
At night, Rossio becomes an inviting gathering place, with fountains lit and cafes that have been around for more than 100 years where you can relax and watch the world pass you by – from businesspeople having their shoes shined to friends meeting each other for the first time and hugging tightly on first greeting.
Rossio Station, designed by Jose Luis Monteiro in the early nineteenth century, stands a mere few steps away from Rossio Square. This magnificent train station combines 16th-century Manueline style with Art Nouveau influences for an eye-catching design.