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Best Places to Enjoy the Tagus River in Lisbon
The Tagus River spans the entire coastline surrounding Lisbon; many people think this is actually the ocean, but the river itself is simply incredibly vast and is what gives Lisbon the look and feel of a beachside city.
There are ample spots from which to enjoy the Tagus, even a few where you can dip your body into the water (which will be a point of grace come the summer season).
Here are the places I would highly recommend:
Av. Ribeira das Naus in Lisbon
After exploring the city center, including Bairro Alto and Chiado, one should walk directly south down to the water’s edge. Here, your feet will meet the boardwalk that his Ribeira das Naus Avenue.
This is one of the most popular spots from which to enjoy the Tagus, as it was recently renovated to accommodate the hoards of people that it attracts.
Av. Ribeira das Naus in Lisbon – by Pedro – Wikimedia Commons
The History of Lisbon’s Tagus River
There is a lengthy beach area, as well as a grass patch and broad steps that extend down into the river itself. Visitors are free to lounge about and enjoy as they see fit. It’s a fantastic place to watch the sunset and visitors are also permitted to sunbathe here if so desired.
Praca do Comercio in Lisbon
This public plaza does boasts great views over the open Tagus, and I’ve found enjoying the sunset from the patch of beach directly below the public square to be incredibly magical.
This spot also boasts views over the Ponte 25 de Abril. As the water washes over your feet and the light begins to change, you’ll watch sail boats go by as they head in for the evening.
Praca do Comercio – by Carlos Costa – Wikimedia Commons
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With regards to crowds, this place is usually quite empty as most people stick to the center of the square for photo opportunities. You’ll share the sand with just a handful of people, which beats battling the hoards of humans who flock to other viewpoints to be able to view this specific bridge at sunset.
Darwin’s Cafe in Belem, Lisbon
Situated right on the Tagus, Darwin’s Cafe offers waterfront dining in a very trendy space. The locals of Lisbon are calling this spot one of the hippest places to be.
At Darwin’s you’ll be able to dine both inside and outside. Darwin’s shares its piece of the shore with the Champalimaud Foundation. This building is an architectural wonder of Lisbon and brings in many visitors per day. In spite of the tourist influx, the restaurant is never over crowded or lacking in table availability.
Darwin’s Cafe – by Darwin’s Cafe – Sourced from their website
How to Enjoy a Full Day in Belem, Lisbon
I probably don’t need to tell you that sunset at Darwin’s would be the most preferable time to dine. The view of the day ending over the Tagus while sipping something cold is worth the trip into Belem on its own.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday – 12:30pm to 3:30pm // 4:30pm to 6:30pm // 7:30pm to 10:30pm
ADDRESS: 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
TRAIN STATION: Belem
Tower of Belém in Lisbon
Since we’re already in Belem (as per the aforementioned spot), another iconic landmark lies here right on the Tagus edge. The Belém tower is also known as the Tower of St Vincent.
Coming to the Tower of Belém is a whimsical experience, night or day. The tower sits on a wide space of open ground where visitors can set up a picnic space, or simply a chill area, to enjoy during the sunset hours.
Tower of Belem – by Susanne Nilsson – Wikimedia Commons
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Since this is such a well known attraction in the city of Lisbon it can get crowded during the day when tourists flock to see it. Visiting later in the day means most of the crowding would have dispersed leaving the area on the shore far more intimate.
Dafundo Beach in Lisbon
Dafundo Beach is a leisurely beach spot on the Tagus edge, further past the Belem district. It’s actually a wonderful spot to spend a sunny day, and is the closest proper “beach” to the city without having to venture as far out as Cascais.
Dafundo Beach – by Rúdisicyon – Wikimedia Commons
Dafundo is surrounded by holiday-making homes, however there is nowhere on the beach (or even nearby) from which to buy food or drink. So take this as your top tip to take everything you’ll need along with you. That said, if you do come empty handed, one can order food for delivery via Uber Eats or Glovo App.
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During the winter, locals flock to this spot for the sunset views. It really takes you out of the hustle of the city, and takes just a short train ride.
K Urban Beach Club in Lisbon
At the K Urban Beach Club one can enjoy a chic dinner, followed by evening drinks, and move into a full night of drinking & dancing through until 6am. It’s a one stop shop for a full evening out… and it happens to be located on the Tagus.
The nightclub is built right on the water on the bay outside the Santos station. It’s not on the street or the promenade, it’s on the actual water. One wrong step over the patio’s edge and you’ll literally become one with the Tagus.
K Urban Beach Club – by K Urban Beach Club – Sourced from their Facebook
Naturally they have opted for a beach theme, which does very well to set the mood on summer evenings when the sun goes down later and one can enjoy the sunset right from the club.
K Urban Beach Club gets very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, get here early or you might be denied access at the door.
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