The Avenida da Liberdade in Lisbon is the wide avenue in the center of town. After the earthquake of 1755, the Minister Pombal designed the new Lisbon and for the main avenue, he used the Champs Elysees in Paris as his model. This is a beautiful street with small side streets lined with trees. There are many upscale stores, boutiques, and hotels lining the avenue. As you stroll along you notice an unusual feature.You look down and see the unique black and white tiles in all sorts of patterns. All of the main and side streets in Lisbon have these tiles. I am always fascinated with the complicated designs. If you are lucky, you’ll get to see workmen replacing missing tiles. It seems as though this is a daily occurrence. You don’t want to drive in Lisbon. It’s too busy and the buses, metro, elevators, and ancient trolleys are much more fun. Buy a Lisboa Card and the transportation is usually free. You can look up your choice of transportation in the booklet that you get when you make your purchase. Any information center sells the card. Information centers are indicated on maps of the city. Pick one up at the desk at your hotel. Strolling down the Avenida with it’s tiles is something that makes me feel happy. Can’t wait to go again to this beautiful, ancient, European, capital city.
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Fall Comes to Lisbon
The leaves have started to fall on the beautiful sidewalks of the Avenida Liberdade in Lisbon. Fall is coming and the air is a little crisper in the morning when you walk down the Avenida to the Rossio for a coffee. You’ll need a sweater or a light jacket to ward off a little chill, but you will take it off as the day wears on. It will probably be about 21C. The shine will shine in the typical Portuguese bright azure sky that’s usually clear and cloud free. One of the wonderful experiences at this time of the year in Lisbon is buying roasted chestnuts that are sold by street vendors. The aroma fills the air as does the smoke from the dome covered burner. The taste is, well, it’s Lisbon in the Fall. Try to sample this treat if you’re in Lisbon in Autumn. The season actually begins in mid-September and lasts though Winter.
The Avenida Da Liberdade
Portugal’s cosmopolitan capital, Lisbon is a beautiful city. The main thoroughfare is the wide Avenida Da Liberdade. After the earthquake of 1755, the Marques de Pombal (Prime Minister) chose the Paris Champs Elysees as a model for Lisbon. The Lisbon model is just as majestic with its upscale shops and kiosks. You sit at a kiosk under a shade tree and observe the city life going on all around you - the sounds of the buses, cars, and motor scooters; the smell of expresso and grilled meats; the people chatting with each other; the sights of all this city activity. Take a trip to Lisbon and explore this fascinating city. What a travel destination Lisbon is, and it is a favorite of mine.
Street Music
In Liberdade Avenue, some of the kiosks offer live music. It’s a good place to hang out a bit at the end of the day, enjoying a drink or sampling cheeses and sausages together with various breads.
