10 Port Cities With Historic Waterfront Districts

8. Lisbon, Portugal: The Tagus River’s Age of Exploration

Lisbon's waterfront along the Tagus River is steeped in the history of the Age of Exploration, when Portuguese navigators set sail to discover new worlds. The district of Belém is home to iconic landmarks such as the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, which commemorate the city's maritime achievements. The waterfront was the departure point for explorers like Vasco da Gama, whose voyages expanded the boundaries of the known world. Today, the area is a vibrant cultural district, offering museums, galleries, and festivals that celebrate Lisbon's rich maritime heritage and its role in shaping global history.