El Guide Lisbon: Avenidas Novas

DELUXE LISBON | AVENIDAS NOVAS

Home to international hotels, one of the major culture spots in the country, an impressive park and an array of big company offices, the Avenidas Novas include some of the best known addresses in the city, from Avenida Defensores de Chaves, in Saldanha, to Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar, in São Sebastião da Pedreira, and Praça de Espanha. “Avenidas Novas” is the name given to a series of large avenues that started to appear in the end of the 19th century.

A direct answer to the city's need to expand, they were, initially, sprinkled with small palaces that, for the most part, didn't survive time. This doesn't mean there's nothing to see if you seek architectural interesting parts of town. Styles are diverse, from Art Déco to Português Suave (literally "Soft Portuguese") which was the most favoured residential style during the Estado Novo regime. Avenidas Novas are also home to one of the most significant cultural foundations in the country, the Gulbenkian, established by an Armenian oil magnate drawn to the Portuguese neutrality during World War II.

Enjoy the help of specialists when shopping the extensive assortment of clothes, home décor, books and fine foods at the only department store in the country: El Corte Inglés. Here, you will also find several exclusive services that will make your stay in Lisbon much more comfortable.

El Corte Inglés is also a good choice to have lunch or dinner since its top floor, overlooking the city, has a deluxe food court. Named Gourmet Experience, it is dedicated to the cuisine of the most prized Portuguese chefs.

Discover the impressive art collection at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum.

Wander through the gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a beloved green area in the city.

Discover the street art on the ancient buildings in the Saldanha area.

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