Anyone who has been to Lisbon will have seen the Tagus River. It is so wide that some tourists mistake it for the sea, and it does meet the Atlantic in the district of Belém. Many years ago, it was from here that explorers set sail from here to places like India and Brazil. Today, the Tagus is a huge main attraction for visitors and locals alike, with around 20 kilometres of walkways.
Strolling along the Tagus is an extremely popular Sunday activity, and there are plenty of sights to see along the way. We started at Belém Tower, and worked our way back to the centre of Lisbon. The tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and stands as a majestic symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery. This iconic fortress was constructed in the early 16th century to guard the entrance to the city's harbour and to commemorate Vasco da Gama's expedition to India.
Next, we headed to the Discoveries monument. Built in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator, it celebrates the country's maritime heritage and the explorers who set sail from its shores centuries ago. At its apex stands a magnificent statue of Henry the Navigator, surrounded by other notable figures of Portuguese exploration. The monument's striking design, serves as a poignant reminder of Portugal's pivotal role in shaping the course of world history through its bold voyages of discovery.
The route also took us past MAAT - the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Opened in 2016, it showcases a diverse range of contemporary art, architecture, and technology exhibitions. Even if you don't go into the museum, there is plenty of artwork to enjoy outside, including the engagement ring sculpture created by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. Titled "Solitaire", it stands as a colossal diamond ring towering over the museum's entrance. Crafted from steel and furnished with LED lights.
If you want a great view of Lisbon's iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, then head to Docas do Santo Amaro. Many boats leave for river cruises from here, and it is also a popular place for having a drink or meal with the view of the bridge.
We had such a lovely time strolling along the waterfront, and highly recommend it if you want to explore a different side of Lisbon from the normal tourist routes.
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