The Top 10 Things to See and Do in Avenida da Liberdade

Avenida da Liberdade has a history as one of Lisbon’s most eye-catching neighbourhoods, built as a park in the 18th century and converted in the late 19th century into the high-end boulevard that it is today. Designed in the image of Paris’s Champs-Elysees, it’s filled with grand buildings that house luxury shopping, five-star hotels, a range of restaurants and floral pedestrian walkways decorated with kiosk cafés and the traditional Portuguese tile. Here is a list of things to see and do while visiting this beautiful avenue.
Window shop
Designer stores aren’t for most budgets, but window shopping doesn’t cost a thing. Walk along the Avenida’s cobblestone streets and sneak a peek at the latest fashion trends from the windows of designer stores like Prada, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Burberry. Not only is this a good way for fashionistas to enjoy the city, but window shopping will help tourists get out and socialise while seeing more of Lisbon without spending a penny.

Order a coffee and sit under the trees
The Avenida’s kiosk cafés are the perfect shaded spots to sit and enjoy a coffee, beer or wine while keeping out of the sun during the day. By night, they sometimes come alive with music and dancing, and those who are lucky may come across groups dancing Brazilian Forró under the light of the stars.
Visit the Eduardo VII Park
Market, Market, Park
Visit the Eduardo VII Park
The northernmost point of the avenue ends in the largest park in central Lisbon where locals enjoy walking and jogging and where tourists can capture some iconic photos. Depending on the season, visitors may stumble across different events like Lisbon’s Christmas Market and the Lisbon Book Fair, but a point of interest that can be enjoyed year-round are the three greenhouses showcasing exotic plants from around the world.
Cold Greenhouse, Parque Eduardo VII, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 817 0996
Enjoy the architecture
Although many of the original buildings have been replaced with new, modern substitutes, the Avenida da Liberdade continues to reflect stunning examples of Portuguese architecture. Plus, there are a few historic buildings that still stand today. From the mosaic-style paved walkways called calçadas to the 18th and 19th-century palaces that have been converted to hotels, it is easy to spend hours simply enthralled by the architecture.
Go to the Marquês de Pombal Square
Go to the Marquês de Pombal Square
Here, visitors will see the statue of the famous Sebastião José de Carvalho e Mello, Marquês de Pombal, a political figure from the 18th century who helped govern the country. His most notable achievement, however, was helping the citizens after the Great Earthquake of 1755 and, even more so, redesigning Lisbon’s Baixa neighbourhood. The resulting architectural design was named Pombaline after the Marquês de Pombal.
Grab a cocktail from the Sky Bar
Bar, Hotel Restaurant, Portuguese, Pub Grub

Visit the cinema
One not-so-hidden secret about this neighbourhood is that it’s a hot spot for cinema-lovers. First, the Cinema de São Jorge is one of the most notable in Lisbon. It was a popular cinema during its heyday after opening in 1950 and today hosts a number of film festivals including the famous IndieLisboa. Just a three-minute walk away is the Cinemateca Portuguesa, Lisbon’s Museum of Cinema, where visitors can enjoy the scheduled classic films as well as peruse permanent and temporary exhibits.
Cinema São Jorge, Av. da Liberdade 175, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 310 3402
Cinemateca Portuguesa, R. Barata Salgueiro 39, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 359 6200
Stop by the Rossio train station
Train Station

The Rossio Train station is one of the most beautiful buildings in Lisbon, and although it was constructed in the 19th century, it was built with the 16th-century Manueline style in mind. Located just south of Avenida da Liberdade, it is technically located in the Rossio neighbourhood (off the Restauradores metro stop) but is a stone’s throw from Avenida da Liberdade and still a must-see.
Find a restaurant for lunch or dinner
Actually, dining out is one of the best things to do in any neighbourhood in Lisbon. Avenida da Liberdade is home to the Hard Rock Café but other popular spots include Cervejaria Ribadouro for traditional seafood dishes, As Velhas Portuguese restaurant and the eatery inside the JNcQUOI Fashion Clinic. Or, wander along the side streets just off the avenue and see which menu whets your appetite more.
Hard Rock Café, Av. da Liberdade 2, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 324 5280
Cervejaria Ribadouro, Av. da Liberdade 155, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 354 9411
As Velhas, R. da Conceição da Glória 21, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 342 2490
Hop on Lisbon's oldest funicular railway
Hop on Lisbon’s oldest funicular railway
The Ascensor do Lavra opened in the 1880s and is the oldest funicular in Lisbon. It may also be the most popular ‘elevators’ in Lisbon, carrying pedestrians from Avenida da Liberdade to the Torel Garden (Jardim do Torel) for less than €2 (which can be paid with the city’s Carris card).
Calçada do Lavra, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 413 8681
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.