Portugal is located in the southwest of the Iberian Peninsula in Europe, bordered to the east and north by Spain, and to the west and south by the vast Atlantic Ocean, hence it is also known as the southwestern end of the European continent. The country has a mild climate, with a charming coastline stretching 850 kilometers, beautiful natural landscapes, excellent cuisine, quality wines, and unique cultural heritage, making it an ideal year-round holiday destination.
This series of articles summarizes some famous attractions and characteristic cuisines in the Lisbon city center and its surrounding areas in Portugal.
Lisbon is the largest seaport city in Portugal and a city rich in history and culture, also one of the most charming and vibrant cities in Europe. The process of human exploration five hundred years ago began from here.
This ancient city is located at the mouth of the Tagus River (Tejo, an international river flowing through Spain and Portugal, known as the Tagus River in Spain and the Tagus River in Portugal, collectively known as the Targus River), with buildings built along the hillsides forming a skyline with red roofs rising and falling, hence the nickname “city of seven hills”, voted by Lonely Planet in 2017 as one of the top ten best travel destinations globally.
The yellow trams, winding streets, and various romantic viewpoints are the main features of this city. The entire city can be divided into the neighborhoods of Baixa, Alfama, and Belem. Nearby attractions include the Pena Palace and Moorish Castle in the Sintra region.
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Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) is located in the bustling city center of Lisbon, connecting the Baixa district and the Tagus River, it is one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. King Manuel I established the royal palace here in 1511, hence it is also called the Palace Square (Terreiro do Paço). After being hit by a severe earthquake in Lisbon in 1755, the original buildings around the square were almost completely destroyed. Marquês de Pombal then led the reconstruction of this area into a commercial square, now part of the Baixa district.
In the center of the square stands the equestrian statue of King Jose I, commemorating his efforts to restore Lisbon after the great earthquake. The surrounding buildings feature classic red roofs and ochre walls, typical of Portuguese style, most of them are government office buildings now.
Of course, the most fascinating part on the square is the triumphal arch of Augusta Street (Arco da Rua Augusta), also built to commemorate the Lisbon earthquake. In the center is the Portuguese coat of arms, with the three statues at the top symbolizing “Glory,” “Courage,” and “Genius.” The arch also features important historical figures of Portugal.
On April 25, 2024, marking the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution, a grand military parade and celebration took place on this square. In 1974, led by young military officers, a bloodless coup ended Portugal’s 48 years of dictatorship and 13 years of colonial war, ushering in democracy.
Lisbon City Hall (Paços do Concelho de Lisboa) is located on the City Square (Praça do Município) in the Baixa district. The building is in the neoclassical style, with distinctive decorations on the front balcony. The old City Hall was built after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 but was destroyed by a major fire in 1863. The government then rebuilt the new City Hall on the same site. In the 1930s and 1940s, the City Hall underwent expansion.
To cope with the city’s hilly terrain, Lisbon has built unique elevators or cable cars besides trams. The most famous one is the Santa Justa Elevator (Elevador de Santa Justa), the only vertical elevator in the city, effectively solving the trouble for residents moving up and down the slopes and becoming a popular landmark in Lisbon.
This elegantly decorated metal elevator, built in 1900, stands at the end of the quaint Rua de Santa Justa, reaching a height of 45 meters, adorned in neo-Gothic style, with two wooden-decorated lifts and intricate carved windows on each floor. Visitors, led by the elevators, reach the observation deck on top, offering a 360-degree view of the sights including St. George’s Castle, Rossio Square, and the Baixa district.
Time Out Market Lisbon, operated by the British media group Time Out Group, is currently the most popular food market in Lisbon. Combining trendy food streets with traditional markets, the venue has over 50 stalls offering a variety of local and international cuisines, including Portugal’s famous seafood, pastel de nata, beef sandwiches, and more. Additionally, the market features several bars and restaurants, allowing visitors to enjoy local wines and beers.
In addition to food, the square regularly hosts various cultural and art events, including concerts, exhibitions, and lectures. Furthermore, the market also has a chef school where visitors can learn how to make local dishes and experience the charm of Portuguese cuisine.
It is worth mentioning that Time Out Market Lisbon also has branches in locations like New York, Chicago, Boston, Dubai, London, and other cities.
This unique and vibrant Pink Street, adjacent to the Time Out Market Lisbon, features a pink-tone painted ground with colorful umbrellas suspended overhead, becoming a popular photo spot on social media where many visitors come to take pictures each day. At night, it transforms into a bar street, lined with many well-known bars such as Pensão Amor, Espumantaria do Cais, Sol e Pesca.
(To be continued)