Although I wouldn't characterize Lisbon as a symmetrical city due to its hilly terrain, the one…read moretruly symmetrical area in the city is this waterfront plaza, a model of balance between land and sea in its clean layout and openness to the Tagus River. It defined my first impression of Lisbon on my first visit, and enhanced my awareness of the city's rich maritime history on my most recent visit with Jamie W. Built after the 1755 earthquake destroyed the Royal Palace that stood on the grounds, this public square is anchored by the majestic Augusta Street Arch, the stone gateway through which people enter from downtown (Photo 2). In front at the center of the plaza is the equestrian statue of King José I (Photo 8). Surrounding us were bright yellow arcades framing three sides of the plaza in a U shape. The arcades were lit up in appropriately dramatic fashion at night. We eventually made our way to the waterfront where we looked back on the panoramic view of the square from the Cais das Colunas columns and marble steps (Photo 6). You can picture how visiting dignitaries must have arrived by boat and got their first impression of the city. If there's a single snapshot that defines Lisbon, it's this one. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/ayZwwRJHQd

This is a popular site in Lisbon. It's a big plaza with lots of little shops and restaurants…read morenearby. Three sides of the square are surrounded with bright yellow walls/buildings, while the fourth side of the square is made up by the water! I think that's a cool feature! You enter it through a big, pretty stone arch, and in the very center of the plaza is a statue. When I went, I enjoyed hearing a man sing opera under the arch. It contributed to a nice atmosphere. It felt fitting. I came across this location more than once so it's relatively easy to get to depending on where you are/where you're going. I had sardines for the first time at a restaurant in the plaza, and I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant! They were so good!!! They had a nicer flavor than I expected- mild and salty with maybe a bit of sweetness too. Crispy thin texture on the outside, too. And much larger sized fish than I expected. I was lucky to be there during sardine season/festival, so I'm sure that helped.

This is a beautiful park to spend a leisurely day, sipping sangria or laying down on a picnic…read moresheet. It's impeccable, has several kiosks that serve food and drinks, plus a roof top restaurant too. The sculptures, and stories all around the park are beautiful.

A panoramic view of the city…read more A different musician plays during the daytime. It seems well organized: at 11:30, another one comes to replace, with his own guitar and emplifer. Some plays bussa nova, some plays folk songs. I come here every morning in Lisbon to watch the sunrise while sipping my tea. This small spot is right in front of my hotel. In the afternoon and during sunset, the city below is painted with different scenes that enchant me all day long. To the left, there's a cafe, and on the right, there's a view of Tagus River. Unfortunately, the small garden below is locked this time.

Incredibly beautiful views from this look-out. Benches, a small cafe, and a guitarist lightly…read morestrumming some Portuguese tunes. A wonderful afternoon.

If you plan to spend a full day in Belem like Jamie W and I did, then I suggest visiting this…read morecontemporary museum but only if you have time after the essential stops like the Jerónimos Monastery. I just don't view the collection here as indispensable for modern art lovers. You can tell by the one-off nature of the exhibits that it started as a private collection, this one from a self-made billionaire businessman named José "Joe" Berardo. In fact, the museum was named after him when it first opened in 2007, but now it's officially called Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC/CCB). The museum is housed inside a massive concrete complex called Centro Cultural de Belém. On the upper floor, there are singular pieces from the likes of Warhol, Picasso, Dalí, Miró, and Lichtenstein. Less interesting to us were the lower floors where they dive deep into highly abstract, conceptual, and minimalist art. The labyrinthine layout is confusing to navigate, but you can skip sections entirely if you're not engaged with the exhibits you see like Jeff Koons' "Poodle" (Photo 9). That happened a lot with us. Admission is 15€, and there's a combo bookstore and cafeteria where we sat a spell and had the 2,5€ Iced Lattes (Photo 8). Frankly, a half-hour is enough for a visit, and it was pretty easy to pick up an Uber from the front of the complex to get back to central Lisbon. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/6RJs_afSDR

Even if you're not a fan of cubism, surrealism, etc., a visit is worthwhile for the beauty of the…read morebuilding itself and the views, which you can enjoy from either the second floor restaurant or the comfy outdoor chairs provided so you can sit and relax. Bonus: was not crowded on a beautiful Sunday in late May when downtown Lisbon was jammed with tourists.

One of the more important squares in Lisbon, Praça Dom Pedro IV is also known as Praça do Rossio…read more Surrounded by the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II, the Rossio train station, the Rossio metro station, the plaza includes two beautiful fountains and the massive statue of Coluna de D. Pedro IV. It has been the setting of a number of popular revolts, celebrations and today is a meet up spot, COVID test center and many different retail shopping and eateries. It's definitely tourist central. The centerpiece is the 23 meter tall (75 feet) column topped by King Peter IV of Portugal who was also Peter I of Brazil. The mosaic cobblestone is worth a look - it covers the entire central plaza. [Review 16646 overall - 160 in Portugal - 158 of 2022.]

Our first day in Portugal we met our guide in this amazing plaza. Gorgeous...beautiful archway,…read moreamazing statue

If you're looking for Ground Zero in Lisbon, this might be the spot. Located at the crossroads…read morebetween the bohemian atmosphere of Bairro Alto and the elegant commercialism of Chiado, it's a unique public square covered in traditional black-and-white Portuguese cobblestones. Dominated by a bronze statue of Luís de Camões, Portugal's legendary 16th-century epic poet (Photo 3), the plaza is constantly circled by the city's iconic tram cars. There's an outdoor refreshment kiosk here, though Jamie W and I bypassed it for the comfort of a bench when we explored the heart of the city. The people watching was awesome. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/CNwoGTSkL1

This is one of Lisbon's major squares and in the evenings, it's quite crowded. I was here in…read moremid-December and it was decorated with a huge lighted Christmas ball. So very pretty! The trams and buses circle the plaza, the tourists are walking all through and there are restaurants all around. There is underground parking here and a public toilet. I suggest popping in to O Trevo for "bifana e cerveja" - it's a pork sandwich and a small beer. It was one of Anthony Bourdain's stops during his only visit to Lisbon. Pour some peri peri sauce on it for a kick. [Review 18996 overall - 194 in Portugal - 2520 of 2022.]

I'm so glad I discovered Fernando Pessoa. What a treasure. I could've hung out all day learning…read moreabout him, listening to/reading his poetry. I got emotional at moments with how much his words resonated with me.