Street Art
The black and white cobblestone streets of Lisbon are iconic. There is a tight, steep, picturesque network of alleys through the beautifully tiled buildings of the old city. To then cover some of the scenery in street art could be considered an outrage. There is a fair amount of graffiti in Lisbon that unfortunately does spoil some of the architectural beauty of the area, but there is also the work of many incredible street artists exhibited along the sweeping blank canvas of perimeter walls. The talent of local artists is showcased with a diverse range of work, many with political or environmental messages. Lisbon is the perfect city for exploring on foot, I covered 56 miles in four days as I decided to say no to the public transport. Here are some of the amazing pieces of street art that I found along the way.
Museu do Dinheiro
The Money Museum from the Bank of Portugal is a wonderfully interactive exhibition of money through the ages, and it is completely free to enter. There are 9 ‘rooms’ of displays and it takes approximately 60-90 minutes to visit. As you enter the building you are required to pass through airport-style security and then obtain a free ticket as, this will let you interact with some of the exhibits. A great opportunity to learn more about the world of money and the money of the world.
Largo de São Julião, 1100-150 Lisbon, Portugal
MAAT (The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) Viewpoint
The outdoor park of this exquisitely modern building was conceived by the landscape architect Vladimir Djurovik. A sweeping climb from the riverside path leads up to an extensive viewpoint that allows you to take in Ponte 25 de Abri, Cristo Rei, Belem and beyond. Definitely worth a visit if you are walking the River Tagus path to Belem.
Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisbon, Portugal
Lojas com Historia
If you are walking around the streets of Lisbon, then you have the perfect opportunity to seek out Lojas com Historia. Identified shops, restaurants, bars and more are part of the history project to preserve and safeguard the establishments and their material, historical and cultural heritage. These places tend to have traditional glass and metallic fronts with beautiful woodwork and original features. Inside, they are arranged with vintage tills and classic shop fittings. Over 140 properties have been identified and proudly display the ‘Lojas com Historia’ signage on their front. A perfect opportunity to observe but also to contribute to the preservation of these historic businesses and help keep Lisbon’s cultural heritage alive.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The Monument to the Discoveries, designed by José Angelo Cottinelli Telmo, honours the Portuguese discoveries of the golden XV and XVI centuries. This dominant structure stands on the river’s edge in Belem. You can pay to enter the monument (it has a viewing platform), but to just view it and explore the harbour around it is free.
Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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