It’s hard to believe that Lisbon turned its back on the river Tejo for many decades but the truth is that the riverside was not exactly a pleasant place to hang out and there weren’t spots to relax or simply to enjoy the view.
Until a couple years ago when Lisbon’s Municipality decided to give Ribeira das Naus, the riverside between Terreiro do Paço and Cais do Sodré, a new life.
Where once stood a cold and sometimes deserted place, where cars just went by and people rushed to catch the train at Cais do Sodré train station now there’s a garden with a big green lawn and trees, where one can lay down having a nap, gather a group and have a picnic or play with their pets.
There is also a stoned pier where people can sit down by the river reading a book or enjoying the beautiful view over 25 de Abril bridge, a kiosk to have a refreshing drink on hot summer days and sometimes even food trucks where foodies can taste the latest trends in street food.
This ambitious project is not quite finished yet and in a near future there are plans of converting this area into an 100% car free zone but it seems Lisbon embraced its river once again and Ribeira das Naus is already a must-go-place for most lisboners and visitants spending a few days in the city.
Ribeira das Naus
> Avenida Ribeira das Naus, Lisbon
> Metro: Cais do Sodré or Terreiro do Paço
