Begin with two of the capital’s defining landmarks, the Tower of Belém and the Monastery of Jerónimos. Both have been declared World Heritage and represent defining examples of the beauty of the Manueline style and the riches brought by the Portuguese Voyages of Discovery. In this area, there are also the Archaeology and Naval Museums and a Planetarium for those wishing to look at the beauty above as well as that around. Nearby, there is the modernist Belém Cultural Centre, with a café terrace providing excellent views out over the river. Take the underpass over to the Monument to the Discoveries and admire the Wind Rose with the blue of the Tagus just beyond. Then, try one of the delicious Belém custard tarts or drop in on the Presidential Palace.
Continue eastwards as far as the Doca de Santos marina complex, packed with café terraces and restaurants. In the ferry stations of Alcântara and Rocha Conde de Óbidos admire the fine modernist tile panels. This entire area is lined with places to eat or to simply enjoy a glass of something cold while taking in the riverside ambience.
Then, keep on to one of the city’s most beautiful sites, Praça do Comércio, a square that amply represents the characteristic luminosity of downtown Lisbon. Halt to admire the 18th century lines of the square’s facades contrasting with the medieval neighbourhoods clustered on the slopes of the hills above. Just further along, there is another riverside bar and restaurant complex.
Finally come the easterly limits to the city and the famous Park of Nations, where the World Exhibition was held in 1998. It is now an excellent centre for recreation with terraces and a diverse range of things to do. It is great for walking, cycling or skating and other forms of culture and leisure. The Park is home to the Oceanarium, Museums, a cable car and the Vasco da Gama Tower with its panoramic views out over Lisbon, its surroundings and the distant south bank of the Tagus.
And keep on a little further for one of the most pleasant walks in all Lisbon.