lisboa city lisboa city

Rising up over the Tagus Estuary, one of the largest in
Europe, Lisboa stands to be observed – its light, the
colours of its buildings, its dark red rooftops, like the
scales of some giant fish slumbering on the shore of
the river’s edge. It is an unforgettable picture for those
first visiting it. Moreover, with its famous seven hills,
like Rome, there are many high points in the city from
So here are some suggestions for the best viewing points:
At Chiado, if you go up to the last floor of the hotel
bearing the same name, next to the Grandes Armazéns,
there is a cosy terrace where you can have breakfast,
or make time before dinner, whilst admiring a view of
the houses descending down to the river and rising
up to the São Jorge Castle.
Next, is the Largo das Portas do Sol, perhaps the most
famous esplanade for foreign visitors, and one that is
mentioned in all the guidebooks as an absolute must.
Although the terrace is quite small, the actual view
opens out onto practically the whole of the old city,
spanning east to west.
which one can admire the panorama. And what better
plan could there be, after the climbs and descents on
foot through the narrow streets of the old
neighbourhoods, than to watch a sunset with the Tagus
as the backdrop, whilst enjoying a coffee or a fresh
drink? With its mild climate the whole year round,
Lisboa’s esplanades are an open window onto the city.
Yet another vantage point is the esplanade above the
Eduardo VII Park, set alongside a small lake, or the
second floor of the top-class restaurant, Eleven,
overlooking the greenery of one of city’s largest gardens.
In the distance is the Tagus, always present. Close by,
at the Estufa Fria, (Cool House), there is a small covered
esplanade, surrounded by exotic plants. A relatively
unknown, shady spot, ideal for a small break to catch
up on your guidebook, and for some silence.
Then, there are the esplanades that are more suited
for observing the to-and-fro of people, their
conversations, gestures, faces, clothes…
You can begin at Martinho da Arcada, at the Terreiro
do Paço. This was a favourite haunt of the poet and
writer, Fernando Pessoa, who spent many of his late
afternoons here, after leaving work.
LEISURE
46 _
47