Holidays - Out & About in Lisbon

The "Praça Dom Pedro IV", more commonly knows as the "Rossio Square" is known as "the old heart of the city" and is an excellent place to start your exploration of Lisbon.

The square is named after Dom Pedro IV, a past King of Portugal, who's statue can be seen on top of a column in the centre of the square.

The square has long been a busy area of Lisbon with it being the setting for cattle markets, public executions, bullfights and carnivals through the ages.

Today the square is home to some of Lisbon's oldest cafés and shops, some of which date back to the 18th century. It is therefore no surprise that the square is constantly populated by Lisboners and tourists alike.

Some hotspots of the Rossio include the "Rossio Train Station" and "Café Nicola".

Heading down from Rossio is the lively and elegant district of Baixa. This area was rebuilt completely after the great earthquake of 1755 and is one of the first examples of "earthquake-resistant construction".

Although not the highly popular commercial centre it used to be, Baixa still has much to offer. Of its 3 main streets, "Rua Agusta" is probably the most popular, being home to various cloth merchants, cafes, restaurants, shops, banks and street performers.

Some hotspots of Baixa include "Praça do Comércio", Lisbon's grandest square and the "Santa Justa Elevator", which offers spectacular views.

The nearby "Elevator of Gloria" will take you up to Bairro Alto, the most appealing cultural centre of the city. The main street, "Rua da Rosa" is home to a range of restaurants, fado houses, cafés and bars which are frequented by intellectuals, artists, idealistic university students.

Amongst other things, Bairro Alto offers the perfect balance between an enjoyable nightlife and a great shopping zone.

Some hotspots of Bairro Alto include "Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara", one of the best vantage points in the city and "Parque Príncipe Real", one of the most relaxing and romantic gardens within Lisbon.

About the Author: Liam is a UK based author, currently focusing on holidays. Compare all inclusive holidays and other cheap holidays online today.

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