Restaurants, bars and museums in Lisbon · Page 106

Centro Comercial Colombo

Lisbon · Shops & Markets

Centro Colombo is a shopping centre at Avenida Lusíada, 1500-392 Lisboa. Visit Lisboa regards it as among the biggest shopping centres on the Iberian Peninsula and a point of tourist interest. It opens every day from 09:00 to 24:00, though individual shops may set their own hours. Sources give differing tallies, from more than 340 shops to 404. The Blue Line metro stops at Colégio Militar/Luz station, whose exit leads directly into the centre. Buses 750, 767 and 799 also connect, though the metro is generally easier. Drivers will find ample free parking, and the centre lies on the 2nd Circular, a main through route. Opposite the main entrance is Estádio da Luz, home of Benfica football club. On match days the complex sees heavy foot traffic beforehand. The centre spreads over 3 levels arranged around a triangle, with the food and fun zones on the top floor. Weekday mornings suit visitors wanting quiet, while weekends get densely packed. Shops lean towards larger multinational stores, so one guide advises against expecting many bargains and points to Lisbon's markets instead. Brands present include FNAC, Timberland, Sports Zone and Toys "R" Us. Upstairs there are fast-food outlets and a themed dining area, the Lost City ("Cidade Perdida"), decorated with a jungle motif. The 20-lane bowling complex is on the third floor. It is priced from €3.25 on weekday daytimes to €4.35 after 8:00 at weekends, per person per game. Pool tables in the fun zone cost €8 to €12 for an hour, and the arcade machines include an indoor roller coaster. The cinema complex shows films with subtitles and the original sound unchanged, with tickets at €6-8 depending on time and day. Visit Lisboa lists 8 cinemas and an IMAX. Further facilities include a nursery, chapel, health club, golf driving range, funfair, outdoor garden, children's playground and baby care room. The architecture and interior design draw on the Age of Discovery. Squares and hallways carry names such as "Avenue of the Discoveries" and "Tropic of Cancer Square". Between 2007 and 2009 the interior was completely renovated, mixing contemporary ideas with the original themes. Artworks include a large rotating globe of the Portuguese world, a replica Carva ship and large water features. The Towers of Colombo, planned as part of the centre, were delayed by an embargo from the Lisbon city council. Once the legal dispute was resolved, construction began in 2007. Torre Oriente (East Tower) was finished first, and Torre Ocidente (West Tower) followed in 2011.

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