Centro Colombo Shopping Centre

Centro Colombo is the largest shopping centre in Lisbon and once boasted of being the largest in Europe. Under one roof there are is every shop imaginable ranging from designer name stores through to specialist boutique shops. Contained within the Centro Colombo are numerous activities for families and couples alike and include a large cinema, a bowling complex and even a roller coaster!

Modern shopping centres have become identical clones of each other but at the Centro Colombo there has been an effort to incorporate some unique pieces of art. These include the large rotating globe of the Portuguese world, a replica Carva ship and large water features.

 

The Centro Colombo shopping centre is conveniently located on the blue metro line at the Colegrio Militar/Luz metro station. There is an exit directly from the metro station which leads into the shopping centre and the first impression will be that the shopping centre is huge. Centro Colombo is split over 3 levels and set around a triangle orientation with both the food and fun zones on the top floor.

The shops in the centre tend to be larger multinational stores with a tendency to the exclusive, don't go here expecting to find many bargains. For bargains head to the markets of Lisbon. The large 20 lane bowing complex is on the third floor and is professionally run with well oiled lanes and a good selection of equipment. Prices range from 3.25 (day time weekdays) to 4.35 (after 8:00 at the weekends) per person per game.

 

The pool tables in the fun Zone are much better value and prices range from 8 to 12E for an hours hire of a table. In Portugal both pool and snooker are not very popular with the Portuguese but they adore table football. Table football tables are always popular with both young and old alike and if challenged to a game expect to loose. The fun centre has a range of other arcade machines and activities with the most interesting being the indoor roller coaster which will captivate younger children.

The Centro Colombo houses a large cinema complex and this is another suitable activity for English speaking tourists as all the latest hollywood blockbusters have subtitles and the original sound is left unaltered. Ticket prices again range from 6-8 depending on time and day.

 

The food hall is on the third floor and has a mixture of large multinational burger chains and smaller independent sellers, this has resulted in a very wide range of food being available. Opposite the main entrance is the Estadio da Luz the home of Benfica football club.