If you still don’t know all about the history of the Portuguese sidewalk, but also its artists, we advise you to take a look at our article, which will tell you about its origins and many curiosities. This guide to Lisbon’s artistic sidewalks is intended to be more practical and we’re sure you’ll use it to walk around this art, which can be seen from top to bottom.
And now that the Calçada Portuguesa has been nominated for UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this guide to these beautiful cobblestone streets makes even more sense.
Looking down at the ground has never made so much sense. Admire it!
The Portuguese sidewalk in Lisbon is as beautiful as in any other city in the world (yes, this type of art exists in other countries), transforming the city’s streets into veritable open-air stone canvases.
In 2024, the Regional Tourism Authority of the Lisbon Region (ERT-RL) put together five routes that allow you to appreciate this art in all its splendor, called Calçadas Artísticas de Lisboa (Lisbon’s Artistic Sidewalks ), and we’ll now map out where they are in the city.
Central Axis from Parque Eduardo VII to Praça do Município
This really is “that” route in the city, as it crosses the heart of Lisbon, the entire Avenida da Liberdade, passing by places such as the Rosa Araújo Monument, Rua das Pretas, the Calceteiro Monument and Rua da Conceição.
Along the route of this artistic sidewalk you’ll be able to admire real masterpieces in stone, such as stars, flowers, smiley faces and birds, especially near the Monument to the Great War.
From Chiado to Largo de São Paulo
This route starts at the intersection of Rua Nova do Almada and Rua da Conceição, where the famous streetcar 28 also runs. If you pay attention, keep your eyes on the ground to find the QR Code that is displayed (made in stone), created to promote the Chiado area .
The route also passes some historic sites such as the Paris establishment in Lisbon and the Sá da Costa bookshop.
Belém: from the Monument to the Discoveries to Terreiro das Missas
The Monument to the Discoveries, in Belém, is the starting point of this route, undoubtedly one of our favorites, as it begins in one of the places where this art is most visible, thanks to its size.
Seeing the monumental compass rose from up there, from the viewpoint of the Monument to the Discoveries, is simply incredible. It’s a giant, 50 meters in diameter, making it the ideal place to start this journey through other points of interest such as the Museum of Popular Art, the famous Pastéis de Belém and the National Coach Museum, ending at Terreiro das Missas.
From Avenida Almirante Reis to São Brito Church
Avenida Almirante Reis also crosses Lisbon from one end to the other, from the clock traffic circle to Praça Martim Moniz, but this guide takes you past the Instituto Superior Técnico, the Ministry of Labor, Rua António Patrício and the Alvalade Market.
On this route, children will find some interesting details: near the Godiva shoe shop you can find cartoon characters such as Donald Duck, Bugs Bunny and Calimero. The route ends near Escola Básica S. João de Brito, where you’ll find the first example of a colormosaic sidewalk in Lisbon.
Parque das Nações: from the Galp Tower to Terreiro dos Corvos
This is the most recent Calçada Artística route in Lisbon, as it is located in one of the most modern neighborhoods in the Portuguese capital, Parque das Nações. It starts at the Galp Tower and runs through areas such as the Jardins de Água, Rossio dos Olivais and Jardim dos Jacarandás, ending at Terreiro dos Corvos.
This route features figures related to the oceans, inspired by sea monsters. Near the Pavilion of Portugal you’ll find a large piece dedicated to the noble profession of paving stones.
