Principe Real Walking Tour (Self Guided), Lisbon

The Principe Real neighborhood is a wonderful bag of mixed goodies with great shopping, lush gardens and beautiful architecture. Among the pastoral delights are the sumptuous gardens of the area's 19th century mansions and the Botanical Garden. Step inside this oasis of scented and colorful tranquility, which is home to more than 18,000 plant species from all over the world.

Go to the Jardim de Principe Real where you will see a huge cedar tree with a parasol-like canopy of leaves that is more than 20 feet (6 meters) in diameter. The Garden of San Pedro is another wonderful escape from the city hustle and bustle. One of its highlights is the superb view it offers of the Castle of St. George, one of the city's oldest buildings. As you wander through the green expanse admire the sculptures of Greco-Roman heroes and gods.

For shopping, Principe Real is a very smart choice with its antiques shops, concept stores, markets, art galleries and more. If you want to find a truly unique purchase, the chances are that you will come across it here. Join the city's hippest crowds and head to Rua Pedro V for its galleries, independent boutiques, design shops and Embaixada, a shopping gallery inside a 19th-century palace. Under its Moorish domes are several shops featuring the clothes of Portuguese fashion designers, cosmetics, shoes, jewelry and interior design.

On Saturdays head back to the Jardim de Principe Real and browse the farmer’s market and the stalls of other vendors that set up here. Great shopping, architecture and the bounty and beauty of nature make Principe Real a must-see neighborhood.