With open arms to the world, Lisbon is a unique city full of traditions. It’s impossible to think you Lisbon without the Tagus river, that through the centuries has shaped the city and its people, bring new travellers, experiences and cultures.
If in the past the river was Lisbon’s mean of survival and the starting point for the discovery of new worlds and commercial routes, today it still has an important role in Lisbon’s daily life, although the reasons aren’t the same. The truth is that Lisbon is still truly in love with this river, that keeps the charm and mysticism of other times and make this port city beautiful without comparison.
So you can fall in love with the Tagus river, we leave you some suggestions of the best leisure and cultural places by the river.
Meet THE BEST aquarium in the world.
The Oceanário de Lisboa, besides being the 2nd largest oceanarium in the world, was classified in 2017, by TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice, has the best in the world! Located along the Tagus river in Parque das Nações, it was open to the public shortly after the urban renovations in the northern side of Lisbon that happen because of the Expo 98. The Oceanário de Lisboa promotes the proximity with the oceans by presenting around 8.000 sea creatures in their central aquarium, which has 5 million litres of water and represents the global ocean.
MAAT: Sail in this Art, Architecture and Technology wave
Inaugurated in 2016, the MAAT – Art, Architecture and Technology Museum is the most recent cultural bet for Lisbon. Located in Belém, its building stands out from the rest taking the shape of a wave, in honour of the river, it allows a seamless fusion with the surrounding space. The museum receives national and international exhibits and favours the contribute of contemporary artists, architects and thinkers and the reflection of big topics and tendencies of the present day. Climb up to the viewpoint at the top of the building where you can see the Tagus river and the old area of Lisbon for free 😉
From Terreiro do Paço to Ribeira das Naus: a walk that invites a dive
Terreiro do Paço is the biggest square in Lisbon and was originally built to welcome those who arrived in Lisbon by boat, so it’s not a surprise that this square is turned to face the river. It’s a touristic stop to not miss for those who visit Lisbon, and recently it has gained a new charm with the addition of Ribeira das Naus. This seaside space that goes from Terreiro do Paço until Cais do Sodré, whose name takes inspiration from the many Portuguese naus that were built there, is nowadays a big walkway with gardens that invites sunbathing in the stairs that descend to the water or the garden that stretches to the Portuguese Marine building, while observing the river.
Although diving is not allowed this space is considered the “beach” in the city centre, allowing nice sun baths to those who decide to rest there.
Visit the Belém Tower and relax in the garden close to the river
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO, the Belém Tower is one the unmissable monuments in Lisbon, a Portuguese ex-líbris, of Manueline style, dated from 1515 and projected to defend the city. The spot where it stands is where the Portuguese caravels used to depart for India. Complete the visit to the monument with a walk in the surrounding gardens, where you can rest by the river and observe the Gago Coutinho e Sacadura Cabral hydroplane, a commemorative monument to the 1st aerial crossing of the South Atlantic.
Let the monastery that survived the 1755 earthquake dazzle you
Jerónimos Monastery is a cultural reference with five centuries of existence, that stands out not only for its remarkable architecture, that blends architectonical elements of the final gothic and renaissance, associating with them a royal, naturalistic and Christology symbology but also as a part of the Portuguese culture. It survived the 1755 earthquake and in 1983 along with the Belém Tower was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. If you want to check out the Jerónimos Monastery from another point of view, climb up to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos viewpoint, by the river – it’s breathtaking!
Discover these and other charms of a unique city that preserves in its landscapes and people the essence of Portuguese Fado, a joyful melancholy with centuries of existence. Get to know Lisbon like a true local, in one of our tuk tuks that will take on a tour of not only the river area of Lisbon, known as the “Pillow of the Tagus bed”, but also of the most mysterious corners of this beautiful city.