On first glance, Lisbon can seem like a pretty old city, which proves history in downtown and is challenged in the new design areas. The city’s core has allowed for the modern apartments, high-rises, and soot to rise over many of the cultural magnets. However, in the old section of the city, there are steeped alleys, with boutique-looking homes in assorted pastels, and white, mosaic cobblestone side walks. Throughout the city are gems of architecture The Castelo de Sao Jorge, built by the Visigoths in the 5th century, is still a site to see. The most important building from the beginning of the 18 th century is the Aqueduct of Águas Livres (which translates “Free Waters”).

After much of the city of Lisbon was destroyed after the earthquake of 1755, on the new plan approved by Marquês de Pombal called for the the Praça do Comércio (plaza of commerce) to be built on the banks of the Tagus River.  Praça do Comércio , otherwise called "Palace Yard," is a 300 yards square bounded on three sides by arcade eighteenth-century buildings.  Surrounding this square are the traditional quarters of Alfama, Bairro Alto, Mouraria and Chiado. Chiado has many modern shopping archades.

  The Belém area holds the Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries, surrounded by gardens.
Rossio, or Praça de D.Pedro IV, contains a statue of D. Pedro stands in the middle. There are few remains of the Rolling Motion mosaic paving around the statue and the two fountains. On Avenida António Augusto Aguiar, the Palhavã Palace (Palácio Azambuja), now the Spanish Embassy, is a sight, built in the 17th century. At São Domingos de Benfica, there is the Palace of the Marquis of Fronteira, which has famed gardens with horse figures in azulejos.