Avenida da Liberdade has a history as one of Lisbons most attractive neighborhoods , built as a park in the 18th century and converted in the late 19th century to the high quality avenue it is today. Designed in the image of the Champs Elysees of Paris, it is full of grand buildings housing upscale shops, five-star hotels, a variety of restaurants and floral walking paths, decorated with kiosks and traditional Portuguese tiles. Here is a list of things to see and do when visiting this beautiful avenue.
Showcase
Designer stores are not for most budgets, but window shopping costs nothing. Walk the cobblestone streets of Avenida and take a look at the latest fashion trends in the window of designer stores like Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry. This is not only a good way for fashionistas to enjoy the city, but window shopping will help tourists get out and socialize while watching more Lisbon without spending a dime.
Liberty Avenue is a charming place to walk, even at night.
© Paulo Valdivieso / Flickr
Order a coffee and sit under the trees
Avenidas coffee kiosks are shady places to sit and enjoy a coffee , beer or wine, soaking up the sun during the day. At night, they sometimes come to life with music and dance, and those who are lucky may come across groups dancing for Forró Brasileiro in the starlight.
Visit the Eduardo VII Park
The northernmost point of the avenue ends at the largest park in central Lisbon, where locals enjoy walking and jogging and where tourists can capture some iconic photos. Depending on the season, visitors can stumble across different events such as the Lisbon Christmas Market and the Lisbon Book Fair, but one point of interest that can be enjoyed throughout the year is the three greenhouses that display exotic plants from all over the world. world.
Cold Greenhouse, Eduardo VII Park, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 817 0996
The top view of Eduardo VII Park © Pixabay
Enjoy the architecture
Although many of the original buildings have been replaced by new and modern substitutes, Avenida da Liberdade continues to reflect impressive examples of Portuguese architecture. Also, there are some historic buildings that are still today. From the paved mosaic-style sidewalks , called sidewalks, to the 18th and 19th century palaces, which have been transformed into hotels, its easy to spend hours simply fascinated by architecture .
Go to Marquês de Pombal Square
Here visitors will see the statue of the famous Sebastião José de Carvalho e Mello, Marquês de Pombal , an 18th-century political figure who helped rule the country. His most notable achievement, however, was to help citizens after the Great Earthquake of 1755 and, even more so, to redesign the Baixa district of Lisbon. The resulting architectural project was named after Pombaline after the Marquis of Pombal.
Marquis of Pombal Square, Portugal
Grab a cocktail at Sky Bar
Grab a cocktail at Sky Bar
While on Avenida da Liberdade, enter the five-star Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel and take the elevator upstairs to enjoy drinks in one of the citys trendiest bars, with one of the best views.
Avenida da Liberdade 185, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 319 8832
Visit the cinema
A not so hidden secret about this neighborhood is that it is a hot spot for movie lovers. Firstly, São Jorge Cinema is one of the most remarkable in Lisbon. It was a popular cinema during its heyday after its opening in 1950 and today hosts several film festivals including the famous IndieLisboa. Just a three-minute walk away is the Portuguese Cinematheque , the Lisbon Cinema Museum, where visitors can enjoy scheduled classic films, as well as perusing permanent and temporary exhibitions.
São Jorge Cinema, Av. Da Liberdade 175, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 310 3402
Portuguese Cinematheque, R. Barata Salgueiro 39, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 359 6200
Stop at Rossio Train Station
Stop at Rossio Train Station
Rossio Train Station is one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon and, although it was built in the 19th century, it was built with the 16th century Manueline style in mind. Located south of Avenida da Liberdade , it is technically located in the Rossio district (off the Restauradores subway stop), but a few steps from Avenida da Liberdade and still a must see.
1st December, Lisbon, Portugal
Find a restaurant for lunch or dinner
In fact, dining out is one of the best things to do in any neighborhood of Lisbon. Avenida da Liberdade is home to Hard Rock Café, but other popular places include Ribadouro Brewery , which serves traditional seafood dishes, As Velhas Portuguese restaurant and JNcQUOI Fashion Clinics in-house restaurant . Or, stroll along the side streets next to the boulevard and see which menu further enhances your appetite.
Hard Rock Cafe, Avenida da Liberdade 2, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 324 5280
Ribadouro Brewery, Avenida da Liberdade 155, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 354 9411
How Old, R. da Conceição da Gloria 21, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 342 2490
Take the oldest funicular in Lisbon
The Lavra Lift was inaugurated in the 1880s and is the oldest funicular in Lisbon. They can also be the most popular “elevators” in Lisbon , transporting pedestrians from Avenida da Liberdade to Jardim do Torel for less than € 2 (which can be paid with the citys Carris card).
Calçada do Lavra, Lisbon, Portugal +351 21 413 8681
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