The famous and elegant Avenida da Liberdade is the 35th most expensive avenue in the world! Perhaps my dear reader is, like me, a resident of Lisbon. In this case, I bet you've walked past it "thousands" of times. But have you ever looked closely at Avenida da Liberdade? As Saramago would say… “If you can look, see, if you can see, notice”. That's what we did ! Come with us !
LIBERTY AVENUE
It is an avenue 90 meters wide and one kilometer long, which stretches from Praça dos Restauradores to Marquês de Pombal. Those who know the “Champs-Elysées” (in Paris), can easily find similarities with “our” Liberty Avenue. It was in Paris that we found the inspiration for its construction at the end of the 19th century. We find wide sidewalks, gardens, lakes, tall trees, statues, monuments, theaters, many luxury shops, funiculars, theaters, train stations and much more! It is the busiest, most cosmopolitan and most expensive avenue in the Portuguese capital.
A LITTLE HISTORY
It was after the great earthquake that the Marquis of Pombal ordered the construction of the “Passeio Público”. It was a fenced-in space located next to Restauradores Square where the high society of the time strutted around. Later, in 1821, the liberal movement destroyed the wall that isolated the “public promenade” (it didn’t have much of an audience…), making it accessible to all Lisbon residents.
Liberty Avenue was born between 1879 and 1886. A construction of Parisian inspiration (Champs-Elysées). The result is a wide avenue flanked by sophisticated buildings. In the past, as now, it was immediately sought after by those with the most economic power.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO ON AVENIDA DA LIBERDADE?
Don't be fooled if you think this is just another avenue in Lisbon! A closer look reveals an impressive number of attractions. Below is a map to help you plan your visit! We hope you find it useful!
APPRECIATE ARCHITECTURE
As always, start by walking! Walk quietly along the avenue and observe the architecture of the buildings of Avenida da Liberdade. You will see buildings over two hundred years old (most of them were built between 1879 and 1886). The Portuguese calçada is another of the attractions of the avenue. A particularly beautiful sidewalk, decorated with abstract patterns, which has earned it the title of the most beautiful in the city of Lisbon.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: Private half-day Tuk Tuk tour.
See the best of Lisbon in just half a day with this eco-friendly tuk tuk tour. For four hours, explore the city's narrow streets, absorbing the unique charm of Lisbon's different neighborhoods, and discovering iconic sights such as the Belém Tower.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH US! APPRECIATE OUR WORK AND HELP US TO HELP ANIMALS. 25% OF OUR COMMISSIONS GO TO AN ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTION.
KIOSKS
There are many along the wide sidewalks of the avenue. Sit down, have a coffee, enjoy the moment and watch. Save this moment in your memory. Look at the people in their ceaseless movement.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: 3-HOUR WALKING TOUR
Explore the most expensive 35th Avenue in the world on this 3-hour walking tour! Stroll through Lisbon's Avenida da Liberdade neighborhood, admire the charming tram system and learn about the avenue's opulent history.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH US! APPRECIATE OUR WORK AND HELP US TO HELP ANIMALS. 25% OF OUR COMMISSIONS GO TO AN ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTION.
EDUARDO VII PARK
It is located at the top of Avenida da Liberdade and covers 25 hectares. It was first called “Parque da Liberdade” (1902). A year later, its name was changed to Edward VII of England Park. A beautiful and perfect place for a walk or with your four-legged friend. If you want to know everything about Eduardo VII Park, read our article!
MARQUÊS DE POMBAL ROND-POINT
Marquês de Pombal Square is the heart of downtown Lisbon. It is the most central point of the capital. It is located between Parque Eduardo VII and Avenida da Liberdade. In the center of the square stands an imposing statue of the Marquis of Pombal. Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo was the name of the famous marquis. This gentleman was governor of Lisbon between the years 1750 and 1777. He went down in history as the man who led the reconstruction of Lisbon after the earthquake. Many people forget or don't remember that the Marquis was also a rogue who had the Távora family killed in Belém with the greatest malice. It would be fairer if history also remembered him as the scoundrel he was!
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: 3-HOUR E-BIKE EXCURSION
Travel through the most beautiful neighborhoods and corners of Lisbon aboard comfortable electric bikes and admire the fantastic sights from a privileged angle. See the parliament and the most sophisticated shops in the city.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH US! ENJOY OUR WORK AND HELP US HELP ANIMALS. 25% OF OUR COMMISSIONS GO TO AN ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTION.
LE CINÉMA – AVENIDA DA LIBERDADE
The São Jorge is one of the few cinemas in Lisbon that I really like to visit! It opened its doors in 1950 and offers 3 large rooms (two cinemas and a multipurpose room). Besides cinema, São Jorge also offers theater and dance performances. Today, it hosts prestigious film festivals and has become a must-visit place for those who love cinema without popcorn.
THE LAVRA ELEVATOR
Virtually unknown to most Lisbon residents, the Lavra Elevator began operating on April 18, 1884. It is the oldest elevator in the city of Lisbon! It began by being moved by a counterweight of water. Later, she joined the steam and today it is electricity that provides her with the energy necessary for her life.
It connects Câmara Pestana Street and Anunciada Square (located 59 meters high). Once you get to the top, nearby you will find the Santana Field Garden and the Torel Garden. If you want to discover this symbol of the city, know that it is available between 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. (weekdays) and between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekends.
GARE DE ROSSIO
The construction of the magnificent Rossio station began in the 1880s. It is located between Restaurantes Square and Rossio Square and is surely one of the most beautiful stations in the country. Several buildings were sacrificed to make way for the nave of the station. 11 years later, in 1891, it was finally inaugurated!
It is visited every year by thousands of tourists who see there what many of us (Portuguese) have not yet seen, a work of great beauty. The highlights are the main facade with 8 doors and 18 windows adorned with Manueline arches.
MONUMENT TO THE DEAD OF THE GREAT WAR
A monument designed by Maximiano Alves and dedicated to the Portuguese who perished during the First World War. It was designed in 1920 and inaugurated in 1931. It consists of a figure that symbolizes the homeland and crowns the soldier. Supporting the homeland is two soldiers in a colossal effort. On the monument, we can read: “In the service of the Fatherland, the effort of Grei”.
SUGGESTED ACTIVITY: NIGHT VISIT WITH FADO SHOW
Discover a different side of Lisbon as you stroll through the city's most famous streets and sights at night. Take in Lisbon's most scenic areas and views, before tucking into a traditional meal and enjoying folk music.
CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO BOOK YOUR TOUR WITH US! ENJOY OUR WORK AND HELP US HELP ANIMALS. 25% OF OUR COMMISSIONS GO TO AN ANIMAL WELFARE INSTITUTION.
OTHER LIBERTY AVENUE STATUTES
There are also statues on Avenida da Liberdade that pay homage to great Portuguese writers: Alexandre Herculano, Almeida Garret and António Feliciano de Castilho.
CINE TIVOLI THEATER
The construction of the Tivoli theater took four years. It opened its doors in 1924 and, at the time, it was mainly devoted to the seventh art. Only the best films of the moment were shown there, the silent films of the 1920s. In the following decade, more precisely in 1930, Tivoli presented for the first time a sound film – “Love Parade”.
But ballet and theater also had their place in Tivoli. In 1925, a theater troupe was created and very daring plays for the time were performed. Since 2012 it has been called the Tivoli BBVA Theater, a name that is the result of a partnership between a production company and the bank.
The architecture of the building is geometric in shape and blends harmoniously into the block of which it is a part. If you plan to go to Tivoli, check your calendarICI!
FAMOUS SHOPS ON AVENIDA DA LIBERDADE
It is almost a place of worship for those who like to do expensive shopping! Along the avenue you will find high-end stores from the most varied business sectors. I must say in all honesty that this is what interests me the least in this avenue of Lisbon. But if you, dear reader, are rich and like to spend money, here is a (abbreviated) list of stores where you can do so. Good shopping !
- Burberry
- Carolina Herrera
- Cartier
- Dolce & Gabana
- Emporio Armani
- Gant
- Gucci
- Foreva
- Hugo Boss
- Lanidor
- Sock Shop
- And more, much more...
THE ELEVATOR OF GLORY
It started operating in 1885 and is Lisbon's most famous funicular. It was initially moved by a water counterweight and started to run on electricity in 1915. It connects São Pedro de Alcântara Street (Bairro Alto) to Restauradores Square. Once at the top, take the opportunity to appreciate the city from the magnificent Mirador de São Pedro de Alcântara. The Glória elevator is so famous that it served as the inspiration for a song. We end the article in the best way, with Rádio Macau and its Glória elevator (1987).
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FAQs
What neighborhood is Avenida da Liberdade Lisbon? ›
Avenida da Liberdade is within walking distance of Baixa, the downtown district. It can also be reached by metro, on the blue line (Restauradores, Avenida, or Marquês de Pombal stations).
Where do the rich live in Lisbon? ›Where do rich people live in Portugal? Santo Antónia, Misericórdia, Santa Maria Maio, and Avenidas Novas are the most expensive areas of Lisbon. Santa Maria Maior encompasses Baixa and Chiado, making these two of the most expensive neighborhoods in Lisbon to buy property.
What is the richest street in Lisbon? ›Look out Fifth Avenue, Chiado in Lisbon is rising up the list of the world's most expensive highstreets.
What is the hardest city name to pronounce in the world? ›Qeqertarsuatsiaat, Greenland. This interesting town located on the coast of the Labrador Sea of Greenland is correctly pronounced as - Keck-er-tar-wahs-see-aaht.
How do you pronounce R in Portugal? ›When it comes to <r>, all Portuguese speakers all over the world are in agreement: use a Tap [ɾ]. It's exactly the same sound as the r in Spanish words like barato, corona, and cristo. Your tongue should tap the roof of your mouth just once, very lightly — but you should not roll or trill the r.
How do you translate Avenida to English? ›Translation of avenida – Portuguese–English dictionary
avenue [noun] a road, often with trees along either side.
Plan ahead. Planning your trip is the first step for a safe stay. Chiado, Baixa and Avenida da Liberdade are some of the best areas to stay in Lisbon, close to everything, and with plenty of hotels. The Saldanha neighbourhood, which is 15-minute away from major attractions, is also a quiet and safe area.
What is the safest neighbourhood in Lisbon? ›Safety in Lisbon
Lisbon is in general a safe city with a low crime rate. In particular, Chiado, Baixa, Rossio, and Avenida da Liberdade are very safe. Tourists should simply take the usual precautions, e.g. watch their bags and stick to busy streets late at night.