Avenida da Liberdade

The basics

Avenida da Liberdade is one of the most prestigious addresses in Lisbon, and most sightseeing tours of the Portuguese capital—whether by bus, car, bike, Segway, or on foot—incorporate a jaunt down the thoroughfare. The area is known for being home to many brand-name retailers, but it’s not just a destination for deep-pocketed shoppers; the street also has cultural appeal, with statues on its central walkway commemorating important figures from Portuguese history. Highlights include statues of novelist Alexandre Herculano, as well as the Marquis of Pombal—an 18th-century Portuguese statesman and one of Lisbon’s great benefactors. The street is also home to a memorial remembering the 50,000 Portuguese soldiers who died in World War I.

Things to know before you go

• If you’re walking, start at Marquis of Pombal Square (Praça do Marquês de Pombal), as the road slopes downhill from here.
• Watch your footing; the tiles on the pavements are worn down and can be slippery after rain.
• Cafés in the central pedestrianized strip are a great place to sit and people-watch.

How to get there

Avenida da Liberdade runs between Restauradores Square (Praça dos Restauradores) and Marquis of Pombal Square. To get there ride the metro to Restauradores (blue line), Avenida (blue line), or Marquês de Pombal (blue or yellow line).

When to get there

Avenida da Liberdade is busiest on weekends and in the run-up to Christmas, though even then, the wide sidewalks mean it doesn’t feel overcrowded. At night, the avenue generally empties out and becomes quieter.

Edward VII Park (*Parque Eduardo VII*)

Just a short stroll north of the Marquis of Pombal Square sits Edward VII Park, one of the city’s prettiest green spaces. Meticulously trimmed hedges create a geometric pattern on the park’s lawn, which slopes down toward Marquis of Pombal Square. The park also features a greenhouse with exotic plants and a pavilion sporting traditional ceramic tiles (azulejos).

Ways to explore

Avenida da Liberdade is one of the most prestigious addresses in Lisbon, and most sightseeing tours of the Portuguese capital—whether on foot or by tuk-tuk, e-bike, or Segway—include a jaunt down the avenue en route to the city’s characteristic neighborhoods and sweeping viewpoints.

You can also explore the street on a self-guided stroll, starting at the panoramic Edward VII Park and heading down Avenida da Liberdade toward Restauradores Square, dedicated to Portuguese independence from Spain. From there, take the popular Elevador da Glória up to the Bairro Alto district, known for its steep, scenic streets and lively fado restaurants.

Accessibility

Relatively flat and wide, Avenida da Liberdade is wheelchair accessible; just note that some cobblestones may be uneven.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, book to read at the avenue’s outdoor kiosks

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes—exploring Lisbon generally requires lots of walking.

Not allowed

Smoking in enclosed spaces or near public businesses like schools or hospitals

Amenities

Dining options, nearby luggage storage facilities, public restroom at Edward VII Park

Address

Avenida da Liberdade runs between the Marquis of Pombal Square and Restauradores Square in central Lisbon. Walk there from the nearby Baixa district, or get there by car or public transportation.

Driving

Lisbon’s narrow, congested streets are not easy for visitors to navigate by car, but taxis and rideshare apps can drop you off along Avenida da Liberdade.

Public transportation

The metro blue line runs through Lisbon and stops along the avenue at Avenida and Restauradores. Riding down the Elevador da Glória funicular, meanwhile, is a scenic way to reach the street from Bairro Alto.

Best times to visit

The Avenida da Liberdade is great for an afternoon stroll, as it's when most shops and nearby museums are open, and you can rest at the street’s shaded cafés.

Best days to visit

While Avenida da Liberdade is busiest with shoppers on weekends, its wide sidewalks mean it rarely feels overcrowded. Some attractions are closed on Sundays.

Best months to visit

Since the avenue is a lovely pedestrian route through Lisbon, head there when the city’s weather is best from March–May or September–October.

Special events

Head to the avenue on the evening of June 12, when locals dressed in cultural costumes parade down the street in an annual competition called the Marchas Populares, part of the Festival of Santos Populares.