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 Modernization is beginning to make Lisbon look more and more like the
rest of West Europe. In the last decade or so, many new high rise
buildings have been constructed around the edge of the city. Lisbon has,
however, still retained much of its past. Lisbon's downtown area has a
quality that has not changed much for generations. Visiting Lisbon is an
adventure in traditional surroundings. Many young people prefer Lisbon
because of the city's low prices and because of Portugal's reputation
for providing a successful holiday.
Lisbon is located on the broad Tagus River. The exceptional port created
by the Tagus, and the proximity of the Atlantic are substantial
influences on Lisbon. The early Portuguese voyages of discovery departed
from Belem immediately to the west of Lisbon. Portugal is situated far
enough south so that the sun can be brilliant in Lisbon. The ocean off
the Portuguese coast is also unusually clear giving this vicinity some
of the most attractive beaches in Europe.
The squares in the centre of Lisbon create a pleasing downtown area.
Most of Lisbon was destroyed by a severe earthquake in the 1700's. When
the city rebuilt, the downtown area was planned around several important
squares. The Lisbon of a century ago can still be seen in the vicinity
of these squares. Lisbon's squares are still focal points for activity
in this city. The buildings, people, and various goods being sold here
all help make Lisbon a pleasing, distinctive city unhurried for several
generations.
All these reasons combine to make Lisbon a pleasant, if somewhat
unusual, city. Most of the summer months, Lisbon remains a lazy and very
nice place. Lisbon is far removed from Europe's bustle. Lisbon has
unusual qualities that simply bring out a festive holiday mood in
people.
While in Lisbon, do not miss the modern changes that have been made in
the city. The last fifteen to twenty years have built a contemporary
Lisbon. Away from the city centre, modern high rise building are evident
everywhere. The old now blends with the new in Lisbon effectively
convincing the visitor that the city has joined modern Europe. Lisbon's
links to the past are less significant than they once were.
Lisbon, Traditional City on the Tagus
Traditional qualities are carefully protected in the centre of Lisbon.
The city has succeeded in retaining last century's charm in the downtown
area. Streets and plazas seem adapted to a slower time than the present.
The centre of Lisbon is said to offer about the same pleasant view of
Portugal's capital as several generations ago.
Lisbon
does have an efficient public transportation system and one need not
walk everywhere. Lisbon's subway connects the downtown with other areas
of the city. Buses extend public transportation into areas of Lisbon
that could not otherwise be reached. All areas of Lisbon are reachable
using both the subway and buses.
 Most of Lisbon's tourist attractions are found on the north banks of the
Tagus. Here is where Lisbon's traditional city is found. Lisbon reaches
right to the Plaza Comercio located directly on the Tagus. Ferry boats
for across the river leave from the Plaza Comercio.
The De Abril Bridge across the Tagus is visible throughout much of
Lisbon. The entrance to the bridge is roughly a mile away from the
river. Four lanes of traffic move up the approaches and on to this
suspension bridge. The De Abril Bridge is high enough above the Tagus to
allow Lisbon's shipping to enter the harbour. On the south side on the
Tagus, the highway continues onto high cliffs. A statute of Christ with
outstretched arms high on the southern bank dominates the south side of
the river. This statue is visible from most of downtown Lisbon.
Leaving the centre of Lisbon on foot is not possible because there is
reasonably heavy vehicle traffic and long distances are involved. Public
transportation is, however, available west along the Tagus. Several of
the city's famous attractions are found to the west of the Tagus bridge.
The oldest areas of Lisbon are found walking west from the Tagus toward
the centre of Lisbon. Streets here are laid out in regular city blocks
for about six or seven blocks. This old district is one of the best kept
areas in the city. Shopping is fascinating throughout this area, and
places to find refreshment are similarly in abundance. Traditional
Lisbon can be found here. The Plaza Rossio area itself has open air
flower markets and various kinds of vendors. Those qualities that have
thrilled Lisbon visitors for generations are found here.
Discovery
Contemporary Lisbon and Portugal's Past Achievements
Begin
Lisbon's urban hike in Eduardo VII Park. The Rotunda Subway Stop is
adjacent to Eduardo VII Park. After looking at the park, proceed south
on the Avenida da Liberdade toward the Tagus River.
The Avenida da Liberdade provides a glimpse of fashionable Lisbon.
Several blocks toward the centre of Lisbon, turn right on Rua do Salitre
and find a botanical garden. After seeing the botanical garden, return
to the Avenida de Liberdade and continue toward the Tagus.
In a few blocks, reach the Praca dos Restauradores. This is a pleasing
plaza surrounded by a neighborhood that deserves some exploring. After
looking around here, continue toward the Tagus on the Avenida de
Liberdade.
Next, reach the Praca do Pedro. Shops of various kinds and places to
have refreshment are found here. There are also flower sellers and other
reminders of traditional Lisbon.
Next, follow the street on the south side of Praca do Pedro
east.Twisting little street lead up hill from here. Castelo de Sao Jorge
is located at the top of the elevation.
Castelo de Sao Jorge was originally a Moorish fort overlooking Lisbon.
The view from the castle is superb. Lisbon's harbour, the south side of
the Tagus, and the downtown can all be seen from this vantage point.
Castelo de Sao Jorge's is an exceptional place to visit. Several types
of fowl are found in the castle's inner court yard. The castle's outer
perimeter has trees planted that provide shade and allow an opportunity
to savour the view of Lisbon.
After finishing with Castelo de Sao Jorge, return to the Praco do Pedro.
From here, follow the Rue da Prata for several blocks to the Praco do
Comercio. This plaza has one side on the Tagus.
 Catch a westbound bus for the National Museum of Art. This museum
provides a remarkable sense of what Lisbon was like when Portugal was a
great power in earlier centuries. Articles of gold can be seen at this
museum made from gold returned from lands discovered by Portugal.
Continue west by bus to Belem. Several important tourist attractions are
found here. Ask the bus driver where to leave the bus for the National
Museum of Coaches at the Praca Alfonso de Albuquerque. This museum
contains an extraordinary collection of royal coaches, one of the
richest such exhibitions anywhere.
Next, walk a few blocks to the west and look at the Mosteiro de
Jeronimos. This late Gothic monastery is an inspiring example of a
Manueline building. The cloister behind the church is a naval museum
decorated with sea beasts, ropes, anchors, astronomical instruments,
coral, and seaweed all exemplifying the Manueline style of architecture.
After looking and the Mosteiro de Jeronimos, cross the Rua da Junqueira
and the Avenida da India to the Monument to the Discoveries. This modern
monument, sometimes called the Henry the Navigator Monument, was built
to commemorate the early Portuguese voyages of navigation. Situated next
to the Tagus, the Monument to Discovery has a superb view of the de
Abril Bridge and south across the Tagus.
 From
here, continue west on the Avenida da India. A Folk Art Museum is
situated directly to the west. The Tower of Belem is situated further
west. Built out into the Tagus, itself, the Tower of Belem is an
admirable reminder of Portugal's past.
 After
looking at the Tower of Belem, take the bus back to the centre of
Lisbon. Walk from the Praco do Comercio to Praco do Pedro, and take the
subway to the Pequeno Station. The Campo Pequeno Bullring is located at
this subway stop. In Portuguese bull fights, the bull is not killed in
the ring. Bull fights are held at the Campo Pequeno Bullring during the
summer months on Sunday and sometimes on Thursday.
After looking at the bullring, take the subway to the San Sebastiao
subway stop. The Gulbenkian Museum is located here. Donated by the oil
magnet of the same name, this museum includes a museum, concert halls, a
library, and a gallery for temporary exhibits. The permanent collections
includes several Rubens and Rembrandts.
Next, return to the Rotunda subway stop. From here take a bus to the
Amoreiras Shopping Centre located on the Avenue Durate Pacheco. The
Amoreiras Shopping Centre concludes Lisbon's urban hike. There are shops
here with merchandise of different kinds and bistros that provide
refreshment.
Lisbon,
the Lazy and Sunny City
Lisbon
is famous for having preserved the charm of earlier generations. Plan
enough time to thoroughly discover Lisbon's downtown area. The side
streets surrounding the Praco do Pedro are among the most enthralling to
explore. To find Lisbon, allow enough time to discover the city.
Lisbon is an important sea port. When planning to visit think some about
Portugal's past. The famous explorers all left on their voyages of
discovery from Lisbon. Memories of the days when Lisbon was one of the
world's great cities are everywhere. Learn a little about Lisbon's past,
a visit here becomes more exciting.
Photographing Lisbon helps capture the attractiveness of this somewhat
unusual city. Lisbon's proximity to the sea and the southern latitude
produces advantageous days for photography. This lazy city sits in the
sun along the banks of the Tagus inviting expert photographic efforts.
Lisbon is, also, a city of unusual vistas including the Castelo de Sao
Jorge and the Christ statue on the south bank of the Tagus. Taking
photographs in the centre of Lisbon allows catching the traditional
charm of the city.
Lisbon is traditionally famous for leather goods, porcelain, jewelry,
and various kinds of local handicraft. Businesses selling these types of
goods are not abstruse to find. Shopping adds significantly to being in
Lisbon. Prices can also be attractively low in Lisbon.
Lisbon remains one of Europe's more distinctive cities. While there are
significant signs of modernization, Lisbon has strived to maintain those
qualities that made this city popular to earlier generations. Finding
Lisbon attractive and friendly is uncomplicated and visiting here should
not disappoint.
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