The Rua Augusta is an area in lower Lisbon near the Praca do Comercio. The architecture is old and many of the structures are original. This is a very beautiful street. The area is a wide, mosaic tiled walkway and it is closed to traffic. At the end of the Rua Augusta is the huge and imposing Arco Triunfal that leads right into the Praca do Commercio which is the heart of Lisbon. It is also a lot of fun if you enjoy travel and shopping. There are upscale stores, mimes, small kiosks selling leather goods, jewelry, souvenirs,and sodas. This bustling street is one of the many sites on my list of “Don’t miss” when I am in Lisbon. After a morning of shopping and strolling, walk over to one of the restaurants in the Praca do Comercio for lunch and a cool drink before you continue your discoveries in this ancient, cosmopolitan capital city. Perhaps you will choose the Alfama or the Rossio. Drink it all in so you can savor the memories. I am looking forward to my next visit.
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Lisbon is a Top Spot for Free Entertainment in Europe
One of the best things about wandering around Europe is discovering amazing street performers along the way. In Lisbon, head to Rua Augusta in the heart of the city’s historic center. A stroll down this wide pedestrian thoroughfare, lined with hotels, restaurants and shops, often leads past musicians, dancers and artists of all kinds.
Crazy costumes at the Iberian Mask Festival
It seems that communities in the Iberian peninsular have an ongoing competition between themselves to come up with the most ridiculous costume they can think of. If you want to see what I mean and witness the full extent of their imagination, head to Lisbon in May for the Annual Iberian Mask Festival. Tip: Find out when the main parade is on and hang around Rua Augusta in the Baixa to watch as each group parades down the street drawing as much attention to themselves as they can with bands, bells and outlandish behaviour.
