Although I wouldn't characterize Lisbon as a symmetrical city due to its hilly terrain, the one…read moretruly symmetrical area in the city is this waterfront plaza, a model of balance between land and sea in its clean layout and openness to the Tagus River. It defined my first impression of Lisbon on my first visit, and enhanced my awareness of the city's rich maritime history on my most recent visit with Jamie W. Built after the 1755 earthquake destroyed the Royal Palace that stood on the grounds, this public square is anchored by the majestic Augusta Street Arch, the stone gateway through which people enter from downtown (Photo 2). In front at the center of the plaza is the equestrian statue of King José I (Photo 8). Surrounding us were bright yellow arcades framing three sides of the plaza in a U shape. The arcades were lit up in appropriately dramatic fashion at night. We eventually made our way to the waterfront where we looked back on the panoramic view of the square from the Cais das Colunas columns and marble steps (Photo 6). You can picture how visiting dignitaries must have arrived by boat and got their first impression of the city. If there's a single snapshot that defines Lisbon, it's this one. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/ayZwwRJHQd

This is a popular site in Lisbon. It's a big plaza with lots of little shops and restaurants…read morenearby. Three sides of the square are surrounded with bright yellow walls/buildings, while the fourth side of the square is made up by the water! I think that's a cool feature! You enter it through a big, pretty stone arch, and in the very center of the plaza is a statue. When I went, I enjoyed hearing a man sing opera under the arch. It contributed to a nice atmosphere. It felt fitting. I came across this location more than once so it's relatively easy to get to depending on where you are/where you're going. I had sardines for the first time at a restaurant in the plaza, and I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant! They were so good!!! They had a nicer flavor than I expected- mild and salty with maybe a bit of sweetness too. Crispy thin texture on the outside, too. And much larger sized fish than I expected. I was lucky to be there during sardine season/festival, so I'm sure that helped.

When Jamie W and I arrived in Lisbon, the first thing we did was take a long walk on the…read morecobblestone streets to Alfama, the city's historic center. This spot was the destination I had in mind as I knew the sunset view from here would provide the ideal introduction to Lisbon for Jamie. Alfama's rustic cityscape is full of red rooftops and whitewashed buildings, which provides ripe Instagram material. As you'd expect, the wide terrace gets crowded during magic hour when selfie-itis reaches epidemic proportions. There's an open-air cafe, but we didn't bother trying it since we realized edible temptations awaited us after our obligatory stop here. The adjacent Miradouro de Santa Luzia is just a few steps below and offers a terrace colonnade where buskers play their music for tips. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/6UdREADBcP

The viewpoint is steps away from the more popular Santa Luzia viewpoint. The big balcony above…read moreAlfama gives you views of the red tiled rooftops. Honestly, you can find this view in many locations around Lisbon so I didn't feel as if it's a must stop.

Ah gosh!! This area of Lisbon is so much fun!…read more Similar look and feel to the East Village in NY with variety of restaurants, quirky shops and attractions. I had so much fun just walking around - felt super safe, even late at night! Yelp 2019

We enjoyed this part of Lisbon very much (together with Baixa, hard to see where one ends and the…read moreother one starts anyways). There are several streets which are enjoyable. Countless restaurants, bakeries, chains and independent stores. Besides Rua Augusta and its side streets the Rua Garrett is surely worth checking out. Like mentioned in another reviews, the restaurants on Rua Augusta are good for drinks and people-watching, but I would avoid eating here. Menu, quality and value are just not good enough.... but there is lots of good food in this city. Rossio and the Praca Do Comercio are surely other must-dos. But make sure to walk along the smaller streets in the west of Chiado too (close to Bairro Alto), lots of charm here! Some of the parallell streets to Rua Augusta get pretty quiet at night. Nothing scary, but not much to see or do though. From some angles you also can get nice views of the Castelo, especially at night a colorful sight!

You'll find many shops and restaurants on this street. It starts from the arc Praça do Comércio. A…read morebit touristy but a nice experience. Once a historical commercial hub of Lisbon giving it a great vibe even today.

Rue Augusta was my favorite street in Lisbon. This famous street is a bustling shopping area where…read moreshops and restaurants abound on either side. The street itself is beautiful with intricate tiled patterns throughout. It's also a popular spot for street entertainment. If you walk to the end of the street, you'll end up at the Praca de Comercio. The Rue Augusta makes for a lovely stroll and the site of several attractions. It's a can't miss in Lisbon!

The arch leads to Praça do Comércio. There are six columns with statues of various historical…read morefigures. The figures at the top represent Glory rewarding Valor and Genius. People can also visit the top for views of the city and the river.

"To the winch, wench." ("Neverending Story")…read more The Arco da Rua Augusta/Arch of Triumph is a stone memorial arch at the end of Rua Augusta street that majestically connects Lisbon to the Tagus River. Passing through the arch gateway from Rua Augusta street, one can confidently enter Praça do Comercio square without fear of being annihilated by lasers shot from giant, angry sphinxes. The arch was built to commemorate the reconstruction of Lisbon following the 1755 earthquake and tsunami that leveled the city and took the lives of an estimated 70,000 people. As per "The Neverending Story", "Nothing is lost...Everything is transformed." Lisbon was thereafter beautifully transformed and rebuilt with the world's first anti-seismic architecture, perhaps aided by a little boy's magical wishes. The arch is beautifully crowned by three sculptures that symbolize Glory, Genius, and Valor. The remaining statues are historical figures that include the Marquis of Pombal and Vasco da Gama. Visitors can reach the top of the arch via spiral staircase or elevator for stunning 360° views of the city, including Praça do Comércio and the Tagus River. No need for wenches to be winched up! This arch is a must see landmark when visiting Lisbon--I give it five flying Falkors! *Entrance is free with the Lisbon Card

Avenida da Liberdade is a tree-lined boulevard that was built in the late 1800s and is modeled…read moreafter Paris's Champs-Elysees. It is famous for its luxury hotels, designer stores, upscale restaurants, fountains, and statues. When my husband and I were on vacation, we passed through these blocks. I enjoyed looking at the tree-filled park and cobblestone pavement. We saw stores such as Burberry, Cartier, Furla, and Gucci. In addition, I read that some countries' embassies are located here.

The Avenida da Liberdade where Lisbon pretends she's Paris and mostly pulls it off. Think wide…read moreboulevards, designer stores no one's actually buying from, overpriced cafés with excellent people-watching potential, and tourists loudly mispronouncing bacalhau or miradouro. Come here to stroll like you have generational wealth, grab a €6 espresso, and silently judge other Americans for wearing flip flops or 5 inch heels.

One of the more important squares in Lisbon, Praça Dom Pedro IV is also known as Praça do Rossio…read more Surrounded by the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II, the Rossio train station, the Rossio metro station, the plaza includes two beautiful fountains and the massive statue of Coluna de D. Pedro IV. It has been the setting of a number of popular revolts, celebrations and today is a meet up spot, COVID test center and many different retail shopping and eateries. It's definitely tourist central. The centerpiece is the 23 meter tall (75 feet) column topped by King Peter IV of Portugal who was also Peter I of Brazil. The mosaic cobblestone is worth a look - it covers the entire central plaza. [Review 16646 overall - 160 in Portugal - 158 of 2022.]

Our first day in Portugal we met our guide in this amazing plaza. Gorgeous...beautiful archway,…read moreamazing statue

If you're looking for Ground Zero in Lisbon, this might be the spot. Located at the crossroads…read morebetween the bohemian atmosphere of Bairro Alto and the elegant commercialism of Chiado, it's a unique public square covered in traditional black-and-white Portuguese cobblestones. Dominated by a bronze statue of Luís de Camões, Portugal's legendary 16th-century epic poet (Photo 3), the plaza is constantly circled by the city's iconic tram cars. There's an outdoor refreshment kiosk here, though Jamie W and I bypassed it for the comfort of a bench when we explored the heart of the city. The people watching was awesome. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/CNwoGTSkL1

This is one of Lisbon's major squares and in the evenings, it's quite crowded. I was here in…read moremid-December and it was decorated with a huge lighted Christmas ball. So very pretty! The trams and buses circle the plaza, the tourists are walking all through and there are restaurants all around. There is underground parking here and a public toilet. I suggest popping in to O Trevo for "bifana e cerveja" - it's a pork sandwich and a small beer. It was one of Anthony Bourdain's stops during his only visit to Lisbon. Pour some peri peri sauce on it for a kick. [Review 18996 overall - 194 in Portugal - 2520 of 2022.]