This week we are already moving away from the Tagus River, that is, we are further away from the center of Lisbon, which the locals normally call Baixa. We are further away from Baixa, it is true, but in the next three parishes that I will talk about there are still good reasons to stroll and relax.
The renewed market
I will start with the parish of Campo de Ourique, which has become an alternative to Baixa in recent years because it has managed to attract a number of new shops. This parish is divided into two parts: one that runs alongside Avenida de Ceuta, which is steeper, and the other where the market is located and the one I am going to talk about. The Campo de Ourique neighbourhood has always been a more distinguished area of Lisbon, although it does not have any monuments or notable buildings, it is known for its tranquility. In recent years it has attracted more upscale restaurants and cafés. trendy, with the renovation of the municipal market being the launching pad for this transformation. In an attempt to revitalize Lisbon's municipal markets, the City Council decided to reduce the area for selling vegetables, fish and meat and to place an area for more modern restaurants in an open plan. The best known is Ribeira Market, but the Campo de Ourique Market managed to establish itself by being a smaller and quieter space.
And it was this transformation that gave a breath of fresh air to this parish. The area does not have many green areas, but right in the center of the neighborhood is the Teofilo Braga Garden, which is a square with trees and where many people gather, most of them retired people playing cards and checkers. There are many cafés around where you can sit and recharge your batteries. I'm leaving here quickly because I still want to tell you about the first shopping mall in Lisbon that's worth it – the Amoreiras Shopping Center. Before, there were small shopping centers that I remember well, the stores were tiny and the space was a tangle of stores that were difficult to find. This was the first serious shopping center, with large stores, international brands and that quickly became a mall of fashion. Even today it attracts a more distinguished clientele, but what I really want to talk to you about is something much more recent that is an experience that is really worth it – the Amoreiras 360º Panoramic View.
It's another viewpoint in Lisbon, but this one is at the top of one of the towers and the view it offers is not only 360 degrees, but it's absolutely fantastic. You have to pay for it, it costs €5 per adult but I think it's worth it. Tickets are on sale at the reception. mall, access is via the first floor and then by elevator to the top of the building. If it is raining or very windy, avoid this because there is no way to take shelter up there.
The Avenue and the Marquis
Let's continue our journey and now we'll enter the parish of Santo António. Now, this parish is relatively new because it is the result of the merger of three others and although it is not right in the center, it is a prominent area. This is because it is here that the most famous avenue in Portugal is located: Avenida da Liberdade. It is wide, with many large trees and many luxury shops. I highlight the St. George Cinema and the Tivoli Theater, below the Restauradores Square and at the top the Marquis of Pombal Rotunda.
It's a good place to stroll and have a coffee, but I still prefer Belém or Expo. Avenida da Liberdade is more central and has more luxury stores, but the calm of the river and the light and tranquility of the landscape of the other two places beat any luxury! But if you're looking for griffes internationals here is the right place without a doubt. I would also like to highlight the Glory Lift that takes us from Low for the Bairro Alto, a typical tram that goes up and down the street all day long! Interesting, but with queues, so plan ahead.
The last highlight of the parish goes to the Botanical garden from the University of Lisbon, which reopened its doors last month after renovating the space.
Admiral Reis Avenue
The avenue that runs from Baixa, more specifically from Martim Moniz to Alameda, passing through the Saldanha area, roughly corresponds to the parish of Arroios. The neighbourhoods of Intendente, Anjos and Arroios were never on the same line as Campo de Ourique or Alvalade, but now, given their proximity to the city centre, they have gained a new lease of life. It is a very busy area (the metro helps with the coming and going of people), with Avenida Almirante Reis being the backbone of the parish.
Intendente was once a prostitution zone and Anjos and Arroios were simpler residential areas. Now, Intendente, which is the neighborhood closest to the center, has a remodeled square and the surrounding area has newer and more upscale shops. hostels. The Ramiro Brewery, one of the best-known in the capital, along with Portugália (further up in the Arroios area) and Trindade, in Chiado, is still there. Further up the street there are restaurants, cafés and even hotels, thanks to the influx of tourists. But this has always been a separate area, let's say, more alternative, more cosmopolitan and with people from all over the world. The Estefânia and Saldanha areas, especially the latter, are completely different and have many offices and executives. In recent years, many companies have moved to the Expo, but there is still a lot of business buzz here.
In the next article I will talk about three more parishes that are far from the center, but that still have some highlights. We will talk about Campolide, Avenidas Novas and Areeiro.