Praça do Comércio and Augusta Street
Although a bit cliché, they are not to be missed. It is there that you will find the Lisboa Story Center, which tells the history of the city, and the Café Martinho da Arcada, where the poet Fernando Pessoa used to frequent a long time ago. Walking a little further, you will find the Arco da Augusta and the Santa Justa Elevator.
Museums
There is a museum for each taste in Lisbon. From art galleries, with the Berardo Collection and the Calouste Gulbenkian, to those that tell a little piece of the country’s history, such as the Fado Museum, Azulejo (Tiles Museum) and Carris. In the “newly opened” series, there are the modern and technological Money Museum and of course the must-visit Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology.
Bairro dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries)
Belém is the region where you will cross out several “mandatory” items on your list. Start at the Belém Tower, walk along the Tagus river banks and arrive at the imposing Monument to the Discoveries. From there, you can continue on the walk to the Jerónimos Monastery and the Navy Museum. End the day by tasting the most famous custard tarts in the world.
Houses of Fado
Not everyone likes the idea, but there is no way to leave Lisbon without stopping by a house of fado. Most are 100% assembled for tourists, but some are outside the tourist standards and still retain the essence of Portuguese rhythm. Look for Parreirinha de Alfama, Tasca do Chico or Maria da Mouraria.
Shops and Bookstores
Lisbon is no shopper’s paradise, but if you look carefully, you can find selected items at good prices. The Embaixada store occupies an old palace in Príncipe Real, with pieces of clothing and works by contemporary designers. The Vida Portuguesa rescues the traditional side of Portuguese culture. The focus is on retro products, which pay homage to the country’s artisan work. Passing Bertrand, you will have the opportunity to visit one of the oldest bookstores in the world.
