Sabor a Poemas

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Las Brasitas (Pátio Bagatela)

Las Brasitas restaurant is located in Páteo Bagatela (a small open-air shopping center, at the street Artilharia 1) and was the first of this brand to open in 2000. It is installed on a large, cosy room, decorated with Argentine culture related items. A second Las Brasitas is situated on the Lisbon’s docks. Both the restaurants are devoted to Argentinean grilled meat, which is imported directly from that pampas’ country. Here they are served in the local traditional way. These grilled dishes attract a diversified clientele, where predominate business people and groups of family or friends looking for amusement meals.

In La Brasitas, highlights are the typical parrillada (an assortment of barbecued meats and sausages), chorizo steak (a steak Argentine’s style) and olho de bife (the most tender and juicy Argentinean meat). For starters, try the typical Provoleta cheese (it comes roasted to the table) and the tradicional empanadas. In the dessert, you can try the classic petit gâteau, crepe with dulce de leche or brownie with ice cream and dulce de leche. The wine is another point to consider, since this restaurants offers a very well composed list at reasonable prices. This restaurant is open all over the year, with the only exception of Christmas Day.

ezimut.com promotes a Lisbon tour

ezimut.com teamed up with Miss Lisbon to jointly make an original tour through Lisbon. Scheduled for next December, the 1st (a Saturday), this stroll will include a walking part and another one, aboard the typical streetcar 28, showing the Lisbon sites in which the famous poet Fernando Pessoa lived. The tour is scheduled to 10:30 am and São Carlos Square (in Chiado) is the meeting point. The price of this tour is 9.50 euros. Please sign up via email geral@misslisbon.com

Las Brasitas (Docas)

La Brasitas restaurant is located in Doca de Santo Amaro in the Alcântara district which has a calming view over the Tagus River. It is the second of this chain; the first is situated in Páteo Bagatela. However, this newer one opened in 2002 and its interior was remodelled in 2011. It is decorated in light colours which contrast the dark wooden furniture. It is divided into two floors, one of which has a smoking area. It also has a nice covered terrace which is heated on the colder winter days. It’s cool atmosphere attracts regular clients who come for meals with family, friends or for business lunches.

Las Brasitas is a restaurant where the grilled meat, which is directly imported from Argentina, is the highlight. Examples are the olho de bife, chorizo steak (a chop pampas style) and parrillada (barbecued meat and sausages). For starters, you can try the Argentine cheese Provoleta (which comes roasted to the table) and the typical empanadas. For dessert, you can enjoy the petit gâteau, crepe with dulce de leche or brownie with ice cream and dulce de leche. The wine is an additional highlight as the list includes a great selection of wines. This restaurant is open all through the year except for Christmas Day. For parking, you have the Doca de Santo Amaro carpark and another one just under the bridge that goes over the Tagus River.

La Parrilla (Parque das Nações)

The La Parrilla restaurant, located in the Parque das Nações area, is a typical Argentinian grill house which opened in 2008. It is simply decorated in black and red. The atmosphere is informal which is helped by an inviting terrace offering a dazzling view over the Tagus River. One of the grill houses key points is the high quality of service which always attempts to provide an attentive and conscientious service. The cuisine is of course inspired by Argentina: based on meat imported directly from the pampas country. The final dish combines the traditional flavours with the juicy and low fat meat.

At La Parrilla restaurant, the most popular starters are the Provoleta cheese (Argentina’s most typical cheese, served grilled) and empanadas (the traditional pies stuffed with meat). For the main dishes, the highlights are the chorizo steak, olho de bife (sirloin meat) and the parrillada. For dessert, you should taste the chocolate cake with ice cream and walnuts and also the crepes. The wine list offers a wide selection of good value wines. La Parrilla is open every day of the week and smoking is allowed on the terrace. There are two other restaurants of the same brand located in the Colombo and Vasco da Gama shopping centres.

Café do Forte

Café do Forte is located between the Belém Tower and the Bom Sucesso Fort. It consists of a central glassed area which is complemented by a large outdoor terrace that faces the Tagus River. It opened in July 2010 and many tourists visit it when wandering through the historic area. It also has many local customers who take advantage of the morning sun on Saturdays and Sundays for breakfast while enjoying the view of the river or reading the weekend news. It is a truly calm and relaxing spot that promotes the relaxation of it regulars.

Café do Forte offers a menu full of good suggestions such as toasties, sandwiches, burgers, salads and a delicious cheese plate. The house’s pastel de nata (Lisbon’s typical sweet pastry) is also becoming popular. To drink, try the smoothies and fresh juices (the minted lemonade is a bestseller). The red and white wines come from the Alentejo (southern part of Portugal) and for the warmer days, a caipirinha (the famous Brazilian cocktail) or morangosca (a strawberry, vodka cocktail) are recommended for a late afternoon drink. This terrace is open every day of the year (except Christmas and New Year day and eve), but in the winter it closes earlier: 6 pm.

Servejaria (Parque das Nações)

The Servejaria beer house, located in parque das Nações, was the first of this chain to open in 2008. The second one is in the centre of Lisbon at praça dos Restauradores. The one located in parque das Nações (a district also known as Expo), is a restaurant with a very large space decorated in wood tones. It has an inviting outdoor terrace where you can enjoy the lovely warm days. The atmosphere is very relaxed, ideal for chatting with friends while snacking on some of the house specialties and tasting the various national and foreign beers available. There are mini-beers that are brought to your table in a bucket full of ice for you to just open and drink.

You can begin your meal at Servejaria with tapas such as sautéed Padrón peppers, goats cheese pastries with honey and mushrooms stuffed with cheese and bacon. The list of main dishes includes roasted Bairrada style pork and a leg of lechal lamb (pre-order only) both dishes roasted in a wood oven, entrecôte (ribs) with butter, baked cod with corn bread and finally, the essential steaks which are served with seven different sauces to choose from. For dessert, why not try the brownie with ice cream, the homemade biscuit cake or the lemon meringue pie. This restaurant is open every day of the week.

Museu da Carris

The Carris Museum is located in the Alcântara district, in a former central station of the public transport company Carris. The museum preserves and displays the company’s heritage by showing the development of public transportation in Lisbon. The museum is divided into three distinct areas and the transition between each is via a tram that belongs to the museum’s collection: a carriage that began its service in 1901 (the current tram’s design is from the late 60s). This museum displays a big variety of different objects and vehicles: photographs, uniforms, tickets, garage equipment and the old trams and buses which have circulated Lisbon since 1873.

The first part of the museum is located in the former Carris’ headquarters. You can visit a set of rooms where the miniature models are of the first horse-drawn vehicles, the arrival of mechanical lifts to town, the adoption of electric traction in the early twentieth century and the consequent developments in the company’s network. In the second area in the old garages, you can admire the historic vehicles that make up the Carris collection, which have been restored and are in perfect condition. Many of them are still used for touristic trips or to celebrate important events.

In the first room of this rebuilt garage, the animal traction vehicles (which were called “americans”) and the first trams are on display. In the second room you will find the trams and buses which have circulated the city’s streets since the 50s. In the room next door there is more detailed information on the history and, of course, the museum shop. Finally, the third area (which opened in September 2012) is used to display vehicles still awaiting restoration. Here you can also see an exhibition dedicated to the appearance of the yellow Carris vehicles in the international press, which confirms its representation as an icon of Lisbon.

Tacho da Memória

The Tacho da Memória restaurant is located in the Memória area and building in Odivelas.  Since 2005, the restaurant serves traditional Portuguese cuisine in a familiar and friendly atmosphere. It is famous for the small pots which are used to carry the hearty-sized dishes served by this restaurant to the customers. These pots reflect the rustic style of the restaurant which is entirely made of dark tones wood. This restaurant is located in a large area with good natural sunlight. The restaurant serves typical Portuguese dishes with a touch of sophistication and gourmet plating.

Among the Tacho da Memória restaurant’s popular dishes, these are a few that stand out: the farinheira (pork sausage made of flour and spices) sautéed with green apple, the morcela (blood sausage) sautéed with pineapple and reduced Port wine, the roasted veal Lafões style, the monkfish with migas puree and finally codfish with shrimps. Everything is perfectly cooked and great for those with a more curious palate! For dessert why not try the arroz doce millefeuille, the cold strawberry soup with lime ice cream or sericaia with plums (a typical Alentejo delicacy). The restaurant is open every day of the week and only closes for Sunday dinner. It offers rooms for smokers. There is a large car park right at the front of the restaurant.

Portugal Ways Lounge

The Portugal Ways Lounge, located in the Santos district, is a tapas restaurant and bar. It reflects a real Spanish tavern; located in a large old warehouse with a beautiful domed ceiling. It serves lunch from Mondays to Fridays and also works as a pub from Tuesdays to Sundays. On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays nights, the atmosphere becomes lively with performances of typical Andalusia dances like Sevillian and Flamenco by brilliant dance groups. On these days, the house serves dinner starting at 8:30 pm. It does accept reservations for large groups wishing to have a tapas evening.

The Portugal Ways Lounge menu includes scrambled eggs with sausage or asparagus, cheese platters and cod salad with chickpeas. There are also snacks available such as toasties, quiches and scones. To drink, you can have tea, hot chocolate, smoothies and fresh juices. You can of course also have a typical Spanish beer canha and chose from a selection of Portuguese wines. This lounge attracts many youngsters and therefore it always buzzing especially when the dancers are performing. Come prepared to cheer a few olés! This bar and restaurant is open every day of the week. To park, there is underground parking nearby at largo Vitorino Damásio.

The taverns guide to Lisbon

Lisbon’s taverns: let’s start by defining what we exactly mean by tavern (tasca). The concept can be explained like this: a tasca is a typical Portuguese restaurant with good food, low or very reasonably priced, decorated in an old-fashioned way. Lisbon has many taverns; some of them iconic and known by the majority. However, some gastronomic pearls are hidden within the different city’s neighbourhoods and are frequented only by the “experts”. What brings these tascas together are their menus: bitoque (fried steak with egg and chips), pork meat Alentejo style (with clams), codfish braz style (shreds of salted cod, onions and chopped fried potatoes mixed with scrambled eggs) and cozido à portuguesa (a very typical stew that includes beef, pork, chicken, Portuguese smoked or blood sausages and served with cabbage, carrots, turnips, rice, potatoes and collard greens). For dessert, you can expect the ever-present rice pudding, custard and Molotov cake (despite its Eastern European name, it’s a traditional Portuguese dessert: a meringue soufflé pudding served with homemade custard).

As for the tascas’ inside walls, they will probably be lined with tiles and decorated with some old-fashioned kitsch paintings. Paper tablecloths and napkins are a must and attentive employees are always in a hurry flying from table to table to meet all requests. A Lisbon tavern never quite escapes these generic rules. Now let’s take a look at what we have to recommend on this subject. In Bairro Alto you must visit Antigo 1º de maio, Cabaças and Toma Lá Dá Cá. The first, attended by the local bourgeoisie, is somewhat less economic. The other two are really popular spots and are always full of students and tourists who want to eat well, drink a lot and pay little.

Near the central avenida da Liberdade, there is the discreet Esquina da Fé, which is frequented by taverns’ lovers (highly recommended for group dinners). In the Santos area, O Tachadas and O Arêgos are popular with their chargrilled dishes. In Alcântara, David is a gastronomical chapel for the cozido à portuguesa worshippers. A few feet away is the Taverna d’Alcantara which is great for fish massadas (a sort of pasta). In the Benfica district (more famous for its football team), David da Buraca offers good meat, grilled fish and a famous octopus rice. Eat well, have fun and use this guide to Lisbon’s taverns to enjoy all that this city has to offer you.

Bairro Alto’s best restaurants

Bairro Alto hosts the most popular nightlife in Lisbon. In these narrow streets where the majority of its habitants are elderly with low economic resources, an explosion of new bars and nightclubs occurred in the mid-80s. This created a lively and dynamic movida, very popular among local youngsters and tourists visiting the city; all of whom are eager to have fun. Thus, this neighbourhood is mainly visited by people between 20-30 years who crowd the streets with a glass in their hand. There are also many couples and groups of childhood friends who wonder the same alleys in search for a good restaurant for a date or just to catch up.

This nightlife which brings so many people every day to Bairro Alto, helped promote the restaurants offered in the area. Older and traditional restaurants such as Antigo 1º de maio, Bota Alta, Alfaia, Cabaças, Sinal Vermelho and Farta Brutos gained new customers, while maintaining their typical Portuguese dishes. Also fado houses, such as Café Luso, conquered new visibility and audiences. Even in the 80′s, partly driven by the economic expansion due to the increased Portuguese access into the European Union, new restaurants were opened, introducing new and sophisticated gastronomic styles to the Lisbon people.

Examples include Pap’Açorda, which for many people is a reference between Lisbon’s typical restaurants and the Italians places Casanostra and Mamma Rosa. In the district you can also find more exotic options such as Moroccan style Ali-a-Papa and Japanese food Bonsai. For a couple of traditional snacks, try the Artis Wine Bar which is always a good idea for those who like to gather good friends around a table. More recently, new restaurants such as 100 Maneiras and The Decadente also opened in the area, introducing a trendy and gourmet dining style. They are part of a new wave of Lisbon’s restaurant culture and have quickly gained a good reputation among the town’s “foodies”.

Bota Alta

The Bota Alta restaurant is located in Bairro Alto and is one of the most popular in this ancient Lisbon area. It opened in the 1970s and since then its traditional cuisine and its relaxed ambience continues to attract many regular customers. It’s a friendly and cosy space where the walls are decorated with framed caricatures and drawings and the tables are covered in blue and red tablecloths. This clearly adds to the cheerfulness of the young people and tourists who go and make it a lively setting. Many of those who dine here are on their way to the nearby nightlife of bars.

In Bota Alta, the menu includes many dishes and snacks (called petiscos), all served in generous doses. As starters, customers can taste the typical clams Bulhão Pato style and a shrimp cocktail. For the main dish, the menu includes smoked cutlets, steaks, grilled fish and fried jaquinzinhos (baby mackerel). The house specialties are the real cod (fried with Oporto wine) and the stuffed steak. For dessert, traditional puddings such as chocolate cake and the typical pudding made from egg are a must! The wine menu has quality wine for reasonable prices. The Bota Alta is closed for lunch on Saturdays and all day Sunday. Advance reservation is recommended.

Lisbon Zoo

The Lisbon Zoo, located in the Sete Rios area, was the first of its kind in the Iberian Peninsula. It has over 330 different species of animals: mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. The zoo offers a wide range of attractions that stimulate visitors’ knowledge on animals and entertain children. Some specimens live in their own space, such as the solar lions, the monkeys in their village and the tiger’s habitat. The park was opened in 1883 by a team of promoters inspired by similar ideas in Europe. This group founded a zoological society for animals and plant acclimatization. A year later and with the support of King Louis, the Lisbon Zoo was opened initially in São Sebastião da Pedreira. In 1905, the zoo was moved to its current spot at Quinta das Laranjeiras. Since 1990, the Zoo has continued to improve.

What to see in the Lisbon Zoo

The Zoo is a place to have fun alongside learning about the nature conservation and the environment. Apart from strolling through the zoo, you can be entertained with the many activities that are offered here:

A London exhibition of dinosaurs in Lisbon

Dinosaurs are back in Lisbon in the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (the Knowledge Pavilion) located in the parque das Nações. The exhibition “T.rex: when chickens had teeth”, an adaptation of the event held in the Natural History Museum in London, is open from the 15^th October. You can find fossils and compare various species of dinosaurs in this exhibition. Be prepared to look into the eyes of a real-sized tyrannosaurus rex and watch realistic scenes with huge robotic animals: a T. rex eating a triceratops or an Ankylosaurus defending itself with its giant tail. You can also touch a fossilized sauropod footprint and feel what the skin was like. You will be able to see the oldest and largest nests of the dinosaur world which belonged to the Portuguese species Lourinhanosaurus. This dinosaur exhibition is being held in Lisbon until August 2013 and can be visited from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10 am to 6 pm. At weekends and bank holidays, the opening hours are 11 am to 7 pm. Adult tickets cost 7 euros and for children (six to 17 years) it costs 4 euros. Family tickets (two adults and two children up to 17 years) are sold for 15 euros.

Miss Lisbon

Miss Lisbon organises walking tours in Lisbon, always accompanied by a guide. In addition to these tours, it sells its own line of merchandise commemorating the city, including postcards, t-shirts and even chocolate bars. The company offers four different routes consisting of a first half by foot and a second half aboard a typical Lisbon public transport (this trip is included in the price). All tours are accompanied by guides, who make the historical interpretation of the visited places. The meeting point, common to all tours, is at the the Columns Pier at Terreiro do Paço.

From this place, Miss Lisbon guides travellers to each one of the possible tours. The Tram itinerary takes tourists through the historic Bairro Alto and Alfama areas, the connection between these neighbourhoods being made aboard the picturesque tram 28. The Cacilheiro tour carries travellers by one of these boats to the south bank of the Tagus River and then climbing to the top of Cristo-Rei shrine in order to enjoy one of the city’s most beautiful views. The Lifts tour shows the Chiado, Carmo, Rossio and Restauradores including travels in the Santa Justa and Glória lifts. The Belém itinerary, beginning at tram 15, runs through the most emblematic places of this area, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Pastéis de Belém pastry shop and the National Coach Museum.

Príncipe Real’s organic market

Príncipe Real’s organic market is held every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm on the western side of the garden Príncipe Real. It first opened in 2004 due to a new partnership between Lisbon’s City Hall and Agrobio, the Portuguese association of organic producers. The market is not very big; around a dozen stalls of farmers from around the country exhibit and sell their products directly to the public, thus avoiding intermediaries. The market is highly reputed due to the loyal clientele that is has gained over the years.

At Príncipe Real’s organic market you can not only find a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, but also a large range of cereals, breads, crackers, herbs, wines and olive oil. Everything is produced in accordance with the laws that define organic farming and is exposed in a friendly and quiet ambience. There is always room for tastings, inviting visitors to sample some of the products for sale. After your visit to the market, you can relax with a drink at the fancy Quiosque de Refresco, which is right next to the market. On the last Saturday of every month there is also an antiques and crafts fair held in the same garden.

Moors’ Castle

The Castle of Sintra, better known as the Moorish Castle, stands on the ridges of serra de Sintra, where the view extends from the Atlantic Ocean to the Palace of Mafra. The original cliff fortification dates back to the eighth and ninth centuries and was due to the Muslims, who then occupied the area. With the conquest of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques, in 1147, the Castle of Sintra surrendered to the Christian King, who reinforced its defences. Later, the Portuguese kings elected Sintra as a Royal village and built for this purpose the Sintra National Palace. The Castle passed into the background, having been abandoned with the further exodus of the Jews, its only inhabitants, throughout the sixteenth century. The 1755 earthquake also caused it some damage. Only in the nineteenth century, under Queen Mary II, did it gain importance once again, when the king consort D. Fernando II ordered its rebuilding. According to the Romantic style of the time, access roads and contemplative points were added, turning it into a tourist attraction. The Moorish Castle and its cistern were declared National Monuments in 1910. Unesco declared the whole Sintra’s area a World Cultural Heritage Site, in 1995.

The Royal Tower and the Arabic Tank

The Moorish Castle stands in a 1475 feet (450 meters) perimeter and its walls consist of a double waist, internal and external. At the top there are battlements, strengthened by five towers. The set is complete with stairs, ramps and an Arabic door with a horseshoe arch. You can climb the Royal Tower, the highest, through a 500-step staircase. From the top you will enjoy a wonderful view over the surrounding landscape. Inside the castle, there is a church called São Pedro Canaferrim, dating from the twelfth century. Besides it is the Arab cistern, a large rainwater tank with a vaulted interior. This was the water source that supplied the Sintra National Palace.

OutJazz ends this week-end

The last session of the 2012 edition of OutJazz will be held next Sunday 30^th September in the Tapada das Necessidades garden. The closing program includes the band Kumpania Algazarra (at 5 pm) who will be followed by DJ Moustashe who will play through until sunset. On Friday 28^th September, the Undergroove band will play at the Hotel Tivoli from 6 pm. Over 80 000 people attended the 5 consecutive months of OutJazz 2012′s concerts to listen to more than 200 artists for free! On Fridays, the shows took place in spots such as on public transport, hotel terraces, gardens and viewpoints. On Sundays, the traditional ideas were maintained so the concerts occupied five different gardens (Estrela, Monsanto, Parque Eduardo VII, Belém Tower and finally theTapada das Necessidades’ garden). After six consecutive years, the festival OutJazz promises to be back in 2013.

Lisbon Story Centre

The Lisbon Story Centre is an informative centre for Lisbon’s history, combining multimedia technology and historical accuracy. This attraction includes an hour long journey through a dozen rooms which represent various historical periods of the city: from its foundation to its modernization. The visit is accompanied by audio guides (available in several languages and also with adapted texts for children) that continually explain what you see. The highlight of the Lisbon Story Centre is the reconstitution of the great 1755 earthquake, which devastated the whole city. An eight-minute film is shown in a special room recreating that fateful day: November 1^st.

In a room that simulates an old medieval warehouse, visitors also experience the smells of spices that led the Portuguese maritime expansion.  Other highlights are the rooms dedicated to the Marquis of Pombal, the Prime Minister who rebuilt Lisbon immediately after the catastrophe. The tour ends by recalling the modernization of Terreiro do Paço (the plaza where the centre is), one of the cities key areas. Additionally, there are extra exhibitions on the first floor. The Lisbon Story Centre is open every day of the week and is an experience dedicated to the people of Lisbon and also tourists. The entrance ticket costs 7€ but for seniors and students its 5€, children 3€ and group tickets for families are also available at a reduced price. The last entry is at 7 pm. Please expect a small queue at the box office.

St. George’s Castle

The Castle of St. George was built on one Lisbon’s biggest hill at 364 feet (111 meters) above sea level. The entire landscape that surrounds it is therefore magnificent: from the River Tagus’s estuary to the city’s eastern side. It’s dedicated to St. George because he was the patron saint of the knights, who during the Middle Ages departed for the Crusades. According to history, today’s medieval structure is the result of a monumental renovation, undertaken throughout the 30 and 40 decades of the last century. Over the centuries, the castle has significantly eroded so it was then rebuilt mainly to increase the height of the walls and towers.

The centre of the castle dates back to the Roman occupation of the city, around the second century before Christ. The Visigoths also occupied this place and extended the initial site, but it was the Muslims who built the original fort to protect the alcáçova (the city’s inner fortress with political and military functions). Conquered by D. Afonso Henriques (the first Portuguese king) from the Moors in 1147, the castle secured a position of superiority due to Lisbon becoming the capital city of the new Christian kingdom in 1255. In 1498, the Royal Palace received Vasco da Gama on his return from the expedition where he discovered the sea route to India. However, its importance suddenly disappeared in 1503, when the kings transferred their residence to the Ribeira palace (now praça do Comércio). It became a national monument in 1910 and receives about one million visitors every year.

St. George’s Castle is divided into two zones: castelejo and the fortress. The castelejo is a square-shape inside area, with embattled thirty feet (ten meters) high walls and ten towers, including the Ulysses Tower where you can see Lisbon through a periscope in a darkroom. At southern and eastern ends, the castelejo is protected by a moat and barbican (the small wall placed in front of the bigger walls, serving to defend the gap). The fortress begins at the first interior walls. It was the Muslim fortress and later the royal palace where the kings resided (from D. Dinis until D. Manuel I). The famous Martim Moniz door is located in the northern end, dedicated to the Christian knight who sacrificed his own live here during the conquest of the castle from the Moors. The legend says that, by bringing his body through this gate, he prevented its closure, thus allowing the entry and consequent victory of his armed comrades. A brass statue of D. Afonso Henriques is on a terrace at the southern end. Other points of interest are the museum that has a collection of old objects found in the area and also the archaeological nucleus, where you can stroll through the ruins of the old Arab quarter. However, every visit to the castle must be finished with a walk around the grounds where you can enjoy the views and the company of the peacocks that live around here.

Roman galleries open to the public

Lisbon’s Roman galleries, located in rua da Prata (near praça do Comércio) will open to the public on the 28^th, 29^th and 30^th of September (from 10 am to 6 pm). Hidden beneath the junction of rua da Prata and rua da Conceição they are usually flooded with water. However, every year, usually at the last week of September, firefighters remove the water and open these Roman galleries to the public. Discovered in 1771 during the reconstruction of Lisbon after the earthquake of 1755, the galleries are dated from the first century after Christ and are similar to other public buildings of the Roman city of Olisipo. It is believed that they are domed constructions so as to create a platform supporting other buildings. An inscription to the god Asclepius suggests the public use of this building. You can visit a network of perpendicular galleries with small cells on the side of the galleries; probably used as storage spaces. Also visible are the stone arches, a technical characteristic of the Roman architecture, and also the spring galleries from where the water flows which then floods the whole room. Guided tours are free; just turn up at number 77 of rua da Conceição within the opening hours. As attendance is always very high, please be prepared for inevitable queues.

O Arêgos

The O Arêgos is a popular local restaurant, located at the intersection of the Santos and Lapa areas. It is a simple and well-arranged space which seats four dozen diners. Not only do locals come here but also tourists who are attracted by its authentic characteristics. Good typical food is served (the grilled dishes are the highlights) for reasonable prices. The attentive service provided by the staff encourages customers to return! Interestingly, the man in charge of the grill is Bulgarian but was quick to learn how to cook in a Portuguese way.

The menu consists of generous servings of dishes like grilled pork, beef, alheira sausage (made with chicken) and baked sardines. The house specialty is a beautiful veal chop served on a wooden board accompanied by chips and an assortment of sauces. For dessert, take a look in the fridge at the counter where they are stored. You can choose between things like flan pudding, custard and doce da casa (a dessert made of condensed milk and cookies). If you come by car, parking is not easy. One option is to leave your car on the Avenue 24 de julho. The O Arêgos is closed on Sundays.

Feira da Luz

The Feira da Luz is held once a year (always in September), at largo da Luz in the Carnide parish (between Benfica and Telheiras). It is one of the oldest fairs in Portugal, dating back to the sixteenth century. The fair is strongly associated with religion as it closes with a procession in honour of Our Lady of Light, which is held on the last Sunday in September to mark the end of festivities. The Our Lady of Light tale recounts the story of a Portuguese soldier who during the invasion of the North African city of Ceuta, was saved by a light with the image of Our Lady. On his return to Portugal he dedicated a chapel, which is where the sanctuary of Our Lady of Light is, as a way of saying thank you for this miraculous rescue.

The religious ceremonies of the Feira da Luz attract thousands of devotees who come from all regions surrounding Lisbon. The fair is also known for its hawker’s stalls, which are in largo da Luz during September. Fair dealers sell clothes, pottery, basketry, pottery, crafts and furniture from these stalls. There are also many typical restaurants (specialising in grilled dishes), as well as the typical and popular sweets like farturas (Portuguese fritters), popcorn and candyfloss. The fair begins on the first weekend of September and ends on the last. The opening hours are from 11 am to 12 am (everyday). During this month, some traffic restrictions will be in place in largo da Luz.

Baixa-Chiado PT Bluestation celebrates its first anniversary

The project Baixa-Chiado PT Bluestation celebrates next September 8th its first anniversary with 2 concerts not to be missed! The Baixa-Chiado station, belonging to subway system of Lisbon, allows the correspondence between the blue and green lines. Its central location turns this station one of the busiest in entire network. The architectural project is designed by the architect Alvaro Siza Vieira and plastic intervention of Angelo de Sousa. The Baixa-Chiado PT Bluestation is a project of cultural dynamism that, in addition to providing wifi and free sharing of information, also incorporate the challenge to present “an event a day, 365 days a year” taking place within that station. The line-up of these events has always a theme proposed and developed by a reference figure in the cultural life of Lisbon. Next Saturday, September 8th, to celebrate the first anniversary of the project, the Baixa-Chiado PT Bluestation will present 2 concerts: Filho da Mãe at 9pm and Frankie Chavez at 10pm. The entrance is free!

More information, visit Baixa-Chiado PT Bluestation.

“Vacation under water” at the Oceanarium ends on September 7

For the younger ones, summer is synonymous of school holidays and the arrival of September recalls that the holidays are coming to an end. To support parents and entertain the little ones, the Oceanarium has prepared several daily programs of activities tailored to different age groups (4 to 6 years, 7 to 9 years and 10 to 12 years) and available from June to September, ending announced for next September 7th. Participants are welcomed in the halls of the Education Program of the Lisbon Oceanarium, which include four spaces for activities, a dining room and a meal preparation. The site also includes toilet facilities intended exclusively for participants and activities take place from 8:30 until 18:30.

More information, please visit Férias debaixo de água – Oceanário de Lisboa.

“Marilyn” at Cinemateca beginning on September 3rd

The Cinemateca Portuguesa presents from September 3rd a film series entirely devoted to the mythical actress Marilyn Monroe. In a 11 films series, the exhibition will feature the most important and charismatic productions that rely on the representation of the actress.

“Marilyn Monroe is the most and least of shooting stars. The most incandescent. After 50 years of her death in August 1962 (Norma Jean Mortenson, also known as Norma Jean Baker was born 36 years earlier, in June 1926) without passing the inexhaustible attraction that she feels for the world, from the images that cinema returns, and that many photographers were very inspired setting, one way or another they also linked to the film, the quality of movie star, a platinum movie star  with perfect measures, unmeasured aura, enigmatic stubborn. “The most beautiful woman in the world died / So beautiful that she was not so beautiful / as more than call him marilyn / we should book but only for her / the dry sober simple woman’s name / for marilyn, woman say,” wrote Ruy Belo early in his poem the Death of Marilyn, shown here on behalf of many of the best words that Marilyn did write. [...] ”

(keep reading (portuguese only) and learn more about this on Ciclo “Marilyn” – Cinemateca)

LxMarket

LxMarket is a flea market for second-hand goods which takes place every Sunday afternoon. You can find things to wear, decorate, see, hear, taste or very simply, things that make you smile. This market is held in the LxFactory business centre in the Alcântara district. The rules permit anyone to sign up and sell items that are no longer needed (find out more on the market’s official website). Aside from lots of antiques and all kinds of old things, there are sellers who bet on food (sweets, cheeses, wines and olive oils), newly designed objects or even vintage items. For all of these reasons, a thorough visit to Lisbon’s new flea market is highly recommended.

The whole area is very chilled and the sellers (who are amateurs) place their stalls along the main street, where there are also shops, restaurants, bars, bookstores and even some corporate offices. This area of Alcântara, which used to have several factories (some of the locals may still remember a few of the old companies), is now nurturing an island of creative industries. In this marketplace, there are always bands playing and other forms of entertainment. Its winter timetable is from 11 am to 6 pm and in the summer, LxMarket runs from 12 pm to 8 pm. Admission is free.

Fusion Market in Martim Moniz returns on September 1st

On 1st September, between 10am and 7pm, the Fusion Market in Martim Moniz celebrates its rentrée with some events happening in the same place. Beyond the Market itself and during the whole weekend, there will be artistic interventions by Art in the Park, DJ’s, Showkooking “Thai salad”, Forró Fusion, Fun Track, among others events and some surprises.

It’s open since June 2012 and includes a wide variety of small businesses. In the bazaar you will find crafts, food, clothes, books and numerous goods from all over the world. There is even an alternative medicine cabinet with a Chinese massages service available.

To learn more about the Fusion Market, see Martim Moniz’s fusion market and also Fusion market opens in Martim Moniz.

Musical visits at Fado Museum

The Fado Museum will present musical visits by many singers in the months of September and October. The aim is to present the history of Fado from its 19th century roots to the present in the voices of different singers, accompanied by António Parreira on portuguese guitar and Guilerme Carvalhais on guitar, with the exception of singers Gisela João and Filipa Cardoso who will be accompanied by their own musicians. Other names like Margarida Bessa, Jose da Camara, Luisa Rocha, Miguel Capucho, Ana Mauricio, Antonio Rocha and Cristiano de Sousa will liven up Saturdays and Sundays afternoons from 4:30pm. The visits have €5 cost and require advance booking. For more information, contact the Fado Museum.

Pensão Amor

Pensão Amor (the Love Pension) is a project completely dedicated to cultural and artistic innovation. It is located in Cais do Sodré, one of Lisbon’s districts which is in the process of being renovated. This space, promoted by the same creators of the LX Factory (a private business area in Alcântara), works like a “pension” by renting space by the hour, day or month to artistic creators needing a place to work. Pensão Amor is inspired by this old area’s ambience, associated with bohemia since the late nineteenth century (as is typical of all port cities). The artists Mario Belém and Hugo Makarov were invited to illustrate and decorate the whole building, which also features phrases written by Joana Barrios.

Pensão Amor has a bar with an entrance from rua do Alecrim, where the red walls, the hanging lamps and the pictures of half-naked women posing erotically deliberately create a burlesque ambience. At the Pensão Amor you can try some very unique delicacies such as ceviche, a famous Peruvian specialty. Near the bar, there is a room with a balcony lined with mirrors and a small stage for the presenting of events such as exhibitions, lectures and book launches. The Pensão Amor’s calendar is diverse, offering burlesque performances, fado sessions, literary gatherings and other artistic performances. This place closes at 4:00 am from Thursdays to Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

Nossa Senhora do Monte Viewpoint

Located in the Grace parish, not far from the Graça’s viewpoint and terrace, Nossa Senhora do Monte viewpoint is at the highest point of the city of Lisbon and is therefore one that offers a better panoramic view of the city. In the same site there is the chapel with the same name (also known as São Gens), known to be frequently visited by pregnant women to seek divine protection for delivery. The viewpoint is crescent-shape, providing good conditions for observing and photographing the city. The site is filled with leafy trees that provide good shade and also has public toilets in Largo do Monte. From there it can be seen the Tagus estuary, the Igreja da Graça, Castle of Sao Jorge and the Mouraria neighborhood, Downtown, the ruins of the Carmo Convent, Monsanto, the New Avenues, the Penha de França and the other Lisbon hills. All locations referenced, and others are pointed in a beautiful tile panel installed on the balcony of observation. One of the best points in Lisbon to contemplate the immensity of the city.

“Noites em São Carlos” exhibition

Until the 4^th September, the National Theatre of São Carlos will host an exhibition entitled “Noites em São Carlos”. The exhibition includes many of this theatre’s memories and provides you with the unique opportunity to visit Lisbon’s greatest opera house’s stage and to go behind the scenes. Throughout the visit, a guide will show you the exhibition which includes photos, props, sets and examples of clothing used by the major stars of belcanto. The entry fee is 3 €, but for children between six and 12 years and seniors over 65 years it is only 1 €. This exhibition is open every day of the week, from 11 am to 8 pm.

Yummi

On top of Combro’s street, near Bairro Alto and Chiado, was settled a concept of quality fast food, Yummi. It’s a small restaurant offering toasts and tartines cooked with simple, healthy and tasty ingredients. The products combination is the traditional, yet sophisticated and in a cozy mood. The space, though limited, is very functional, allowing efficient service. The counter timber emerges facing the inlet with a small showcase serving as an exhibitor for some of the ingredients. Above, there is prominently a large poster detailing all the available supply.

The toasts, XL in size, ranging from the famous roast beef filling with other varieties such as pig, chicken and veggie. The tartines, served on traditional bread slices combine different flavors, such as duck foie gras sausage and cheese chevre. In Yummi are also available soups and a selection of different salads, especially fresh on the hottest months. Other side dishes, as fries in olive oil and a wide range of drinks too. For the greedy ones, there are desserts like chocolate moister cake. The offer also recombines in the form of menus, suitable for lunches, snacks and dinners. This restaurant is closed on Sundays, but on Fridays and Saturdays only closes at 3am, becoming a bar where you can also drink caipirinha and caipiroska.

Jardim da Luz

The Jardim da Luz restaurant is located in the garden with the same name and belongs to the Alumni Association of the Military School in Lisbon. Opened in 2008, its facilities are settled in the old school fields. The interior decor is unique, preserving the elements of the building where it’s settled, with tables, chairs and other decorative elements combining with ceiling domes with arches marked by granite. The environment results slightly medieval and military, but should provide comfort to its customers. The breadth of the room, because of its area and ceilings height, it can make the place somewhat reverberant on busiest days so you must not expect to find a quiet restaurant.

It also has a nice outdoor seating area, on building’s rear. The food is typically portuguese and the menu offers a good selection of starters, fresh fish and meats, for everyone preferences. The steak is the house specialty and the octopus Lagareiro-style choice is appreciated by many customers. There is a good variety of wine, however, the most witty costumers have the champagne sangria that deserves mention. Tthe parking spaces seem few on weekends, when the restaurant is busiest and is also therefore advised to ensure a table reservation in those days. It is closed on Mondays.

Colares Velho

The restaurant Colares Velho ( “Old Necklace”) already has more than 30 years. Located next to the church of the village of Colares, Sintra area, is settled in the space of a former tavern and grocery store. After a renovation, reopened recently dictating a new era that intends to continue the spirit that has always been present in their service and their customers. The interior is marked by a distinctive ambience and welcoming, providing comfort and wellbeing to all clients who seek the location for the restaurant service but also by the tea house.

There are several spaces within the Colares Velho property, designed to detail and with the elegance and tranquility mark that the region of Sintra offers on all its attractions, keeping in mind the romantic character. A living room with fireplace (smoking room), a courtyard garden, a tea room and a cafeteria and restaurant are the different environments you can find, with a total capacity of 35 people. The food, typically portuguese, is made ​​with quality products giving preference to regional origins, making the experience traditional and tasty. The peas cream with ham and stewed stuffed partridge  are some of the dishes why the restaurant is well known among clients.

The tea room has its opening hours from 10am to 11pm, Tuesday to Saturday, closing at 8pm on Sundays and holidays. The Colares Velho is closed on Monday and Sundays the restaurant only serves lunch as on holidays.

Faz Figura

The Faz Figura restaurant has a superb view over Lisbon, since it’s located on top of Alfama and facing the Tagus river (near the train station of Santa Apolonia). In addition to an interior fancy room it features a large glazed balcony, making it a true viewpoint. Renovated in 2007, won a prominent place for the location, but also because it promotes a luxury service, where coexist harmoniously businessmen in suit and tie with the spirit of casual tourists. Its decor is modern and bold, with a design furniture and notes in red and pink. The sophistication extends to the menu, based on portuguese and Mediterranean flavors, with a careful and original confection. The tasting menus are a good option to get carried away by the variety of flavors offered here, varying with the seasons. The wine list is varied and also includes its own brand, clarifying the Faz Figura goal in this matter. Has no closing weekly day but prior booking is advised to ensure table. Has a smoking room. The car parking is tricky at that area but the restaurant has valet parking service.

David da Buraca

For more than 40 years (inaugurated in 1967) this typically portuguese restaurant began to collect customers. It started as a small tavern, serving some snacks in old and broken dishes that became famous for the taste of the food, its authenticity and typically portuguese for a small price. The concept developed as the demand was increasing. The development was sustained by advertisement among old and new customers, making it one of the best typical portuguese restaurants in Lisbon area, with the best quality / price ratio.

The menu could not be more full of typical flavors, including grilled meat and fish, rice, octopus, monkfish, lamprey, among others. The cod in several styles, all very traditional and other endless specialties. Remains a modest house, but now wider and with larger capacity (150 people approx) situated in an limit area of Lisbon, although deserving a visit for who look for portuguese food at low prices. The site also receives events as weddings, christenings or corporate parties, so please contact the venue to assess availability and price.

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed and also has ingrained the spirit of cabaret in its most picturesque of portuguese traditions, providing a good service. Parking is not easy in the area and public transport as well. David’s Buraca closes at Tuesdays.

Prego Gourmet

The formula that originated Prego Gourmet crosses the typical portuguese steak (on bread or on dish) with innovation and sophistication. This is a brand that aims to contribute to a tasty offer for fast food, without neglecting the portuguese traditions. Its stores maintain a quick meal character, but it’s perfectly clear the innovator look. These spaces have a modern design with a very efficient service line. The concept of Prego Gourmet, which opened on 2011 summer, aims to challenge the big international chains of fast food offering a healthy, economical and rapid execution.

The steaks are available in seven varieties, being composed of a gourmet beef steak of veal, with arugula, parmesan cheese and Dijon mustard, served on bread baked in wood oven. You can choose between different types of meat and even fish (salmon is an option). The accompaniments are chosen separately to suit the taste of every customer and allows different variations. In beverages, you can order a small individual pitcher of wine or tasting a bold lemon smoothie with mint. Prego Gourmet is open every day of the week and has no smoking area.

Bistrô

The Bistro is a cosmopolitan tavern run by chef Anthony Doody. After falling in love with Sintra hills, this englishman searched for two years an ideal place to launch his project. He left London and settled in Galamares (overlooking the Palace of Monserrate), where this Bistro opened in 2010. The setting is bucolic as all the surroundings, inviting to relaxation. The practical side of Anthony Doody avoided the ordinary romantic scene, creating an unpretentious space, ideal for family and friends. This is one of the moreover guidelines of the Bistro: is a meeting point.

The french influences are obvious on the menu. Chèvre chaud salad, black pig filet mignon, gazpacho, steaks and fishes and even crème brûlée are examples of what you can taste here. Has no wine list, but the chef Anthony’s choice changes at least twice a month. Wine is served by the glass. It also servs sangria, caipirinhas and fresh juices, especially if you drink them on the terrace, in the hot summer days. Sunday is the busiest day of the week (closes at 7pm) and there are daily meals all days (meat, fish and vegetarian) constituting a menu at a more affordable price. Closed on Mondays.

Tasca do Leandro – Torres de Lisboa

The Tasca Leandro – Torres de Lisboa is a restaurant where the harmony between the service and pleasure of eating well is present, located on the surroundings of Lisbon’s University Stadium , Setúbal and Costa de Caparica. The concept is essentially a tapas restaurant, culinary philosophy based on nuestros hermanos (“our brothers”, a portuguese way to refer to spanish people), but relying on flavors typically portuguese. The decor is modern and welcoming, with a room at the entrance where you can entertain yourself with a drink or appetizer while waiting for your table. Its refined atmosphere makes it the ideal place for business lunch or dinner or other occasions which suggest the spirit of the place. You can book in advance some tables or all room for group events. Conditions and pricing must be searched directly on the restaurants site or using contacts.

The menu is proof of all the above. Between varieties of meat and fish offered in their different ways of cooking and presentation, Chef recommends some house specialties such as Tasca cod, razor rice Algarve style, cod açorda (mashed bread puree), grilled duck breast with grapes and Moscatel de Setúbal and finally the house steak with a variation of mint or garlic sauce. The wine is quite full and depending on your food’s choice you should ask for advise and suggestions among the employees.

The Tasca’s Leando – Torres Lisbon is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Lisbon Funiculars

The public elevators are one of the most popular touristic attractions in Lisbon. Currently, there are four of such funiculars, all operated by Carris (the city’s public transport company). All were designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, an engineer of French descent born in Oporto and contemporary of the renowned engineer Gustave Eiffel. In February 2002, they were all classified as Portuguese national monuments. They result from a public improvements policy, launched in the late nineteenth century in order to make life easier for the population of the seven hills of the city, helping it to overcome the steep Lisbon’s natural slopes. In nowadays, thousands of tourists visit daily the Santa Justa elevator, while the lifts of Glória, Bica and Lavra are still used by locals as visited by travelers. They are open every day of the year and offer, in addition to a real touristic experience, good opportunities to exercise the photographic sense of theirs passengers.

But other mechanical lifts worked in Lisbon during decades. The rua do Crucifixo elevator (aka Chiado’s lift) was a machine that worked by vertical water balance, connecting the rua do Crucifixo to the rua do Carmo, through the Hotel Universal. It opened in 1892 and the upper point of the passengers’ entry and exit was one of the shop windows’ of the Chiado’s department stores, where was a sign that stated “Crucifixo street lift in 20 seconds”. How it attracted few users, was opened to public use only until 1912 and then was integrated within these department stores.

Mercy Hotel

Located in Rua da Misericórdia (“Mercy Street”) and open since September 2012 in Bairro Alto, Mercy Hotel is installed in a Pombalino building (referring to the time of the reconstruction of Lisbon, after the 1755 earthquake) recovering the grandeur of Lisbon’s heyday in 18th century. The interior is elegant and comfortable, aimed at customers who visit the city of Lisbon as tourists and have a preference for settling in the old city center. Allows easy walkings to cafes, restaurants, museums, shops and bars nearby. The service is personalized with attention to detail. The Belvedere Terrace, on the 6th floor of the Hotel offers a panoramic view over the city of Lisbon. On the ground floor there is the restaurant named Mercy, with independent outside entrance. Hotel is a 5 star rating and the atmosphere is so special, in addition to a contemporary and sophisticated decor.

The rooms, totaling 47, are offered in a big variety of options to suit all tastes. It has six categories of rooms and two suites. The rooms, Cosy, Castle, Mercy Chiado, Lisbon, Prestige Mercy or Deluxe Mercy differ depending on the view, dimensions and details of comfort, reflecting it on prices, of course. The suites, Moon River and Stars on the Sky, leave to each one imagination the experience suggested by the names. All rooms are equipped with LCD 37 “, cable TV, telephone, safe and minibar, free wireless internet, air conditioning / individual heating, bathroom with separate toilet, shower, hairdryer, premium TV channels, wake up call and daily cleaning of rooms. Breakfast, served in the restaurant Mercy and optional, have an increase in the value of the room.

Alfândega

Located in Rua da Alfândega, in downtown Lisbon and near the Igreja da Conceição Velha, Alfândega (“Customs”) is a restaurant since 2005. It was settled in an old customs warehouse in Lisbon. The recovery of the space preserved charming characteristics, as the floor or the stone jambs. The interior is pleasant in modern and contemporary a style by portuguese designers, where bright colors stand out. The space decor includes a piano, opening invitations to those who know how to play it, liven up the space. The concept combines the cuisine and the music, resulting in unique menus and guaranteed animation of a DJ set. For lunch takes on a more practical mode, being more intimate at dinner. Music events, exhibitions, holidays and special requests from customers are frequent, so it is advisable to reserve a table early.

The kitchen, with strong connections to portuguese traditions, assume itself as mediterranean when on the menu can be found, for example, padron peppers, grilled asparagus, dumplings with mustard sausage, scrambled eggs with sausage, mushrooms stuffed with coriander, among other. The wine list has a selection of national productions. It also has the possibility to choose the preset menus: the individual lunch or dinner. Different types ar also available for group events. Its operation is unique because on closing days it remains available to take bookings for groups over 10 people for dinner (minimum 12 people for group menus). Closing days are Saturdays (lunch), Sunday, Monday (Dinner). The hours of operation extends beyond the kitchen working hours as indicated below.

Laurentina

The Laurentina, located in Avenidas Novas (“new avenues”) in Lisbon, is a restaurant that is specialized in cod dishes (deserves the King of Cod epithet) and the Mozambique and Beira Interior traditional food. This original combination results from the past life of its founder. Antonio Pereira opened this house in 1976, after returning from Mozambique. Combining his african experience with his origins, he kept improving the restaurant through time when, in 1987, he opened the Laurentina restaurant in its present configuration. It is a space with traditional and familiar environment, including a bar for snacks and two dining rooms.

Cod is the most important food in this place, with variations like chippedf cod (grilled with roasted potatoes) and cod with cream and spinach, which are on the customer preferences. The chicken curry and grilled shrimp are the specialties from Mozambique. You can also find on the menu other dishes like pork loin and roasted lamb. For dessert, should be noted the sweet rice and tigelada (roasted egg pudding). To park there are car parks around Berna and Conde Valbom avenues (the restaurant offers a voucher for these parks). The restaurant is closed on Sundays and has a smoking area. It also has Wi-Fi for customers.

Lisboatrevida

Located in Alcantara and opened since January 2012, the restaurant Lisboatrevida is a modern and romantic place conquering those who seek a special moment in addition to a meal. The atmosphere is elegant and service is personalized and attentive. The decor is aligned with this sassy personality reflecting intimacy, comfort and serenity. The tablecloths and the soft lighting prove their vocation for lunches or dinners for those who seek to pamper their guests, even if it is just one. Outside is a terrace on milder days, where smokers can sit considering that the interior is non-smoking.

The cuisine is Mediterranean-inspired with traditional portuguese influences. The menu features a good set of familiar dishes, with a dash of daring originality which results on a customised flavour. The grilled salmon tenderloin with sautéed mango and three peppers or the cranberry risotto with lamb chops, or the famous carbonara, are only examples. Although it’s not intended to be only for couples, the experience is highly recommended to anyone wishing to please his other half. The wine list offers a good variety of national productions and if in doubt, you should ask Lisboatrevida team an advice about the best choice for the moment. Closed on Sundays.

Cascais alive with the Festas do Mar

Cascais’s Festas do Mar (the Sea Festival) will be held from 17^th – 26^th August making the most of the village’s bay as a venue for this summer festival. The program includes Ronan Keatin (who will open the festival on 17^th Friday with Ana Free), Zelia Duncan (who will close the festival on 26^th August), Rui Veloso, Paulo Gonzo, André Sardet, Boss AC, Ana Moura, David Fonseca and Pedro Abrunhosa. The first part of each concert of the Festas do Mar will consist of local bands promoting Cascais’s talent. Concerts will be held daily from 8:30 pm and fireworks are scheduled for the nights of the 17^th,18^th, 25^th and 26^th August. You can see the program on the event’s official website of the event.

Taberna Moderna

The Taberna Moderna (translated as the modern tavern) is located in Campo das Cebolas next to the Casa dos Bicos which is between the Terreiro do Paço and the Alfama area. It was initiated by Luis Carballo, a Galician owner, and inaugurated in March 2012. It occupies a restored old building which once housed a union of bank employees. The decor is simple: white walls, light wood and large windows facing the street. A small terrace, on the pavement, completes the restaurant. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated. The service compliments this atmosphere: always friendly and professional.

The cuisine is international, with many Portuguese and Spanish influences. The dishes are designed to be shared by several diners and thus always placed in centre of each table. The most popular choices are braised tuna, scallops salad, cuttlefish rice, scrambled eggs with cod and beef fillet (the beef comes from northern Europe and is matured for 21 days). The wine list includes many from the Portuguese and Spanish regions. The Taberna Moderna is also famous for its gin bar with over 70 different drink mixtures served with spices, fruits, flowers and herbs. It is therefore common for customers to ask for a gin to accompany their meal. The Taberna Moderna is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Can the Can

The Can the Can restaurant is located at the east wing of Terreiro do Paço. They have created a new gastronomic concept by combining Portuguese canned food with fresh raw materials. Whilst cooking traditional dishes, it emphasises the use of the best Portuguese canned fish which is internationally well-known. Can the Can has a bright coloured hall decorated in a contemporary vintage style. It displays can-based décor which has a great impact on its customers. A huge suspended chandelier, also built with small tins, completes its unique ambience. The employees are friendly and very prepared to receive the visitors who are strolling around this historic area.

The kitchen is headed by Kleanthis Konstantinidis. He was born in Greece, educated in Italy and then moved to Portugal. His dishes therefore have clear Mediterranean influences. Whether you go for breakfast or dinner, there is always a lot to choose from. A cafeteria service complements the menus of starters, main courses, desserts and wines (all Portuguese and also served by the glass). You can try all the traditional Portuguese products, including the typical Oporto wine. Fado music has its place on the Can the Can stage and you can find the schedule of shows on the restaurant’s site. It is open every day of the week.

Museu da Cerveja

The Museu da Cerveja (“Beer Museum”), opened in June 2012, is a dynamic space that is unique because in addition to a museum, it’s also a brewery. The brewing culture traditions in Portugal and portuguese-speaking countries is exposed in this museum space but also through the typical flavors associated with the culture of this drink. Presents itself as a place of culture, cuisine and lusophone beer and is installed in the east wing of Praça do Comércio. From the terrace you can appreciate the movement of that emblematic point of the city and also see the trams rigth by the terrace side. The interior is decorated according to portuguese brewery traditions, with a large balcony that develops in various sections in almost all ground-floor depth. The museum is installed on the first floor.

The decor is modern while retaining the style of portuguese breweries. If the entry is marked by wooden structures in cocoons with tables inside each one of them for small groups, the back of the room is marked by a huge chandelier in the ceiling which marks the passage to the museum. The cuisine, inspired by the traditions in addition to the typical snacks that the lisboners have got used to in breweries all over the the city, has its highlights on the menu, such as the steaks and the seafood in various forms of cooking. The museum center is divided into four major areas: From the early beginnings of industrial production (1st century b.C. to 19th century); History of domestic producers (19th century to present days), Beer in portuguese-speaking countries: a brotherhood of flavor; The Monastic Winery. In this four areas is explained the knowledge of the brewing culture, their origin, evolution, history of consumption, beer production cycle from the raw material to the final product, the lusophone sources among other items that relate to the culture of this drink. It is open every day of the week.

“Jazz em agosto” returns to town

The Jazz em agosto festival celebrates its 29th edition this year and has invited musicians Sunny Murray, Evan Parker, Matthew Shipp, Gerry Hemingway and Ingebrigt Haker Flaten to perform in Lisbon. A consecutive series of six concerts will take place between the 3rd and 12th August at 9:30pm each night at the outdoor amphitheatre of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation In the Teatro do Bairro, three concerts will take place: the Portuguese group Camerata Nuova, the British trioVD and the Trio Das Kapital. In the second part of each one of them, the turntablists Mark Farrajota aka unDJMMMNNNRRRG, eRikm and Takuro Lippit Mizita aka DJ Sniff will perform. In auditorium 3 of the foundation there will be four documentaries displayed and a conference held with the British critic Brian Morton. Tickets for the amphitheatre of the Gulbenkian Foundation cost 20 euros and for the Teatro do Bairro cost 10 euros. Entrance to the documentaries and conference is free. Please consult the program Jazz em agosto 2012 on the festival’s official website for more information.

Populi

Situated in the east wing of the Commerce Square, the Populi is a restaurant opened in June 2012 offering a modern and pleasant space, located near the Tagus river in one of the most emblematic squares of Lisbon. The atmosphere is cozy and comfortable and the decor is modern and contemporary. Some of the walls show the huge wine cellar of Populi, one of its most emblematic characteristic combining with the concept “food with friends”, with which it often presents itself. Among the clients, the tourists are easily attracted, not only by location but also by its large terrace with fresh shadows, allowing to enjoy the movement in Terreiro do Paço overlooking the river. However, this is a space also to interest lisboners from breakfast to dinner.

The menu is varied and is mostly based on portuguese traditions with some international influences, including Italian ones, thus defining the kitchen as international. Provides a wide range of service cafeteria for breakfasts, brunches and snacks, as well as full meals for lunch and dinner. Oysters or codfish cakes, risotto or the World’s Best Chocolate Ice Cream – a world exclusive for Populi, the mentor The Best Chocolate Cake in the World – are just examples to whet your appetite. The site also includes a strong cultural dynamics, with music and art events. Further information can be found on the site of the restaurant. It’s open every day of the week.

Viva Lisboa

The Lisboa Viva restaurant which is attached to the Neya Lisboa Hotel is located in Saldanha, one of the most central areas of Lisbon. It celebrates the typical Portuguese flavours and promotes a very hospitable ambience. Since September 2011, the restaurant has been managed by its founders. The atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed with an attentive service, but without being pretentious. The simple decoration renders the space elegant and stylish; balancing the dark tones of the furniture with the light provided by the large windows which overlook the building’s exterior.

The menu is constantly updated according to the diner’s interests and the different seasons. The cuisine is Mediterranean and features dishes such as braised Portuguese steak with spinach purée and potatoes. The desserts reflect Portuguese traditions including olive oil and spice cake in a carrot and passion fruit syrup. The wine list is composed entirely of national wines from Alentejo to Minho. The Lisboa Viva restaurant is open every day of the year and serves meals at any time within the hours of operation, in an all-day dinning style.

Tango at St. George’s castle

On Saturday 4^th August at 6pm there will be tango at St. George’s castle. The Argentine teacher Graciana Romeo will lead an experimental class which will be followed by milonga (a traditional style of music from many areas of Latin America and Spain) with the same teacher. Graciana Romeo was born in the Argentinean city Rosario and has lived in Lisbon since 2006, devoting herself to teaching tango. She created and directs the cultural space “Lisbon Tango” at the Clube Ferroviário. The event at St. George’s castle will be divided into two parts: 6 pm to 7 pm will be the initiation class and from 7 pm to 8 pm will be for the milonga. The event costs 6 euros.

The Macao Chinese Orchestra in Lisbon

The fourth edition of the Festival ao Largo which runs from June 29th at largo de São Carlos (in front of the theatre also named São Carlos) and ends next Sunday, July 29th, will include a series of 18 performances of music, theatre and dance. The last performance will be by the Macao Chinese Orchestra. This orchestra will present, under the direction of Maestro Pang Ka Pang, themes of traditional Chinese music and some more recent musical productions. The program includes Chinese folk songs and even some Portuguese songs. The Festival ao Largo’s performances are free to attend and begin at 10 pm every evening.

Marco

The restaurant Marco has opened its first house in the late 90s, in Famalicão. After 19 years of experience in northern Portugal, reached Odivelas in 2009 where was open another branch. His fame is about francesinhas, some sandwiches from France that a portuguese emigrant there decided in the 60s to add some new ingredients. Presentend in a sauce slightly pungent, the sandwich is filled with various types of meat and covered by melted cheese. It is a traditional recipe of Porto, considered one of the 10 best sandwiches in the world and thats why Marco bet exactly in what he thought was a gap in Lisboan restoration.

In this restaurant, the dining room is decorated in a modern way, welcoming guests into two different zones. Table are uniformly distributed in space, while the ones close to one of the walls provides small private spaces. Apart from francesinhas, the restaurant offers other portuguese specialties such as cod with cream and duck rice. Because the environment is familiar, children have a list of dishes for them, which includes mini-francesinhas, mini-steaks in bread and mini-burgers. The restaurant Marco also has its own beer, which you must experiment. It is open all days and on Fridays and Saturdays only closes at 2am.

Varina da Madragoa

Situated in one of the most typical neighborhoods of Lisbon, the restaurant Varina da Madragoa (“Madragoa Fishwife”) is open for over 30 years. His personality is marked by the same popular and typical neighborhood’s spirit where it belongs, as well as their customers becoming more frequent and perpetuated in photographs on the walls. It became one of the most emblematic restaurants in Madragoa for its traditional cuisine, with a special vocation for fish dishes and their generous doses. Its cod dishes are especially popular: fried cod cakes, Brás stylish cod or the on house stylish, the Varina cod (with fries and onion). As for meat dishes, the variety has some options worth trying, as the famous breaded steak or lamb chops.

The wines are traditional, no frills. Varina da Madragoa is an authentic typical portuguese style tavern. This is also why you can smoke inside, making the environment yellowed down to the smallest decorative objects that exist there, giving it a more authentic atmosphere. The service is friendly and relaxed and in the busiest days the room with capacity for 48 people seems to be insufficient, being advisable to make a previous reservation if you want to guarantee your table. The Varina da Madragoa restaurant closes for lunch on Saturdays and  all day on Mondays.

Petiscaria Ideal

The Petiscaria Ideal (“Ideal Snacking”) is an extension of Susan Felicidade and Tania Pereira project, a few doors down from its counterpart Taberna Ideal. The space is relaxed but it was thought in detail, with efficient and friendly service. The atmosphere is traditional portuguese with tables and wooden benches, remembering the 50′s in all elements: lamps, magazine clippings, laboratory tables, mirrors, old wardrobe. The spirit of Petiscaria is about sharing the meal: snacks to share and not only, the tables are common and strangers sit side by side in a relaxed and intimate space promoting socialization but without being an obligation. Some people make friends, some just enjoy the space and the food. Enjoy and have fun!

The gastronomic influences are portuguese awakening memories with a touch of modernity. The mountain cheese and black paw ham tiborna or the stake in caco cake and herbs butter or even the algarvian cuttlefish are examples that not everything here is equal to its parent place (Taberna Ideal), with specialties that own the same inspiration but have different ingredients. Space is very popular and therefore does not accept reservations. You should arrive early and mark your place before the crowd fills the room, otherwise go prepaired to wait awhile for a seat. Smoking is not permitted in interior space and Petiscaria is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Sr. Vinho

Founded in 1975, the restaurant Sr. Vinho (“Mr. Wine”) was always a site dedicated to the traditional portuguese cuisine and the Fado show. Founded by António de Mello Corrêa, Maria da Fé and Jose Luis Gordo, the place have seen passing by many Fado artists, as its own founding partner Maria da Fé and also names such as Ada de Castro, Jorge Fernando, Mariza, Camané, Ana Moura or Machado Soares, to name just a few. The space is decorated in traditional portuguese style, typical from Lisbon and Madragoa neighborhood in which it is located. Despite traditions, has kept over the years the sophistication, attracting many national and international public figures.

The kitchen and its typical portuguese flavors appeals for gustatory experiences of portuguese character, with the freshness of the ingredients and the experience of the team in the kitchen. The starters and snacks are quite varied, most notably the grilled shrimp. In plates, the traditions of the house are successful, as the case of Sr. vinho codfish or roast goat. The menu is quite varied and also counts with some vegetarian options. The wines are also well represented in a menu that gives preference to national products. The Fado performances begins around 9pm and goes until 2a. Booking a table in advance is advisable, particularly for groups. Sr. Vinho has smoking area, valet-parking and is open every day.

Páteo de Alfama

Located on the first floor of the old palace of the Murça Counts in Alfama, the restaurant Páteo de Alfama is a typical portuguese restaurant, marked by its dynamic linked to the traditional portuguese cuisine, to fado and also to folklore. The space has recorded on its walls the years of history of the place. In one hand, the dining room is adjacent to Cerca Velha (Old Wall), the ancient walls of the Roman-Moorish city of Lisbon in the 11th century. Many pieces were found during the excavations for the reconstruction of the site. On the other hand, the building where it belongs was formerly the palace of the Murça Counts, which also hosted in the early 20th century an industrial school. The decoration of the space intended to respect the place, keeping the site simple and minimalist to highlight what really matters: the history and traditions of Portugal.

The cuisine of Páteo de Alfama is traditional portuguese. Dishes such as cod in its different variations are very popular. The service is attentive and the tableware is handpainted on Alentejo, Minho embroidery and also Beira Alta basketry. The room is exclusively for non smokers. Inside you can also find an exhibition center of archaeological findings in that smae place and also in other areas of Alfama. The fado and folklore shows take place every night, starting at 8:30pm. The lineup includes the singer Cidália Moreira among other guest artists.

Forno Velho

In the center of Lisbon, beside the distinctive Avenida da Liberdade, is located the Forno Velho (“Old Oven”). Its name comes from the history of the place, where once ran a bakery whose wood-burning oven for baking bread is still there today, although inoperable, on the backyard of the place. The opening of the restaurant and its founders have been lost in time, but the company of four brothers are who still manage the restaurant since 1995. The atmosphere is traditional portuguese with a typical decoration. The regular customers are divided mainly between tourists and businessmen, those last ones especially during the week.

The kitchen is traditional portuguese, so the dishes are based on ingredients common in portuguese cuisine and its preparation has the experience of the team. Roasted lamb, Lagareiro cod and goat chanfana are just some examples of the menu. The variety of the wine list is mainly for national productions, highlighting the special house reserve wine, served also by the glass. You can enjoy the outdoor terrace at the backyard of the restaurant, the only space for smokers. Closed for lunch on Saturdays and in Summer, also for lunch on Sundays. For reservations for groups over 15 people, the restaurant opens without exception and continues the operation until 2 am.

Moma

The Moma restaurant, located at Rua de Sao Nicolau is a breath of freshness in downtown Lisbon. Apart from the “clean” inside has a nice terrace for summer days. The environment is very simple, which in practice makes it almost refined but where everyone feels welcome. Its inauguration in May 2010 occurred after João Vaz Guedes, Maria Manuela and Francesco Montera come together to develop this project without pretentiousness. The name is a proof of this fact, it is simply the combination of the names Mo(ntero) and Ma(ria). The cuisine is based on portuguese traditions, but with international influences, in particular also from Italy. It is only a reflection of what the owners like to eat.

It is a restaurant that only serves lunch but, upon prior reservation, may also serv dinners occasionally. During the afternoon and until closing time has available various snacks such as fried shrimp or camambert in the oven with honey, walnuts and rosemary, among others. The daily menu contains dishes such as pastry puffs, green eggs, ravioli with tomato and shrimp crepes, in addition to other fixed dishes. At the restaurant entrance, outside and between doors, has posted the full range of choice for each day. There restaurant area is located in a pedestrian zone. Closed on weekends.

Hotel in Vasco da Gama Tower opens in September 2012

The Vasco da Gama Tower will complete its transformation into Myriad Hotel in September 2012. Built for Expo ’98 (World Expo 1998 in Lisbon), the Vasco da Gama Tower remains the tallest building in the country (142 meters) and an icon of the world exhibition. In 2008 began the construction of a building involved in the structure of this tower in order to install a luxury hotel by Sana Hotels group. With 22 floors and 186 rooms, Hotel Myriad is the first of five stars in this chain in Lisbon. All rooms benefit from views over the river and at the roof will be installed Sayanna, SPA by Sana with sauna and jacuzzi. In the lobby there will be a restaurant of portuguese and international cuisine and on the top of the tower there will be another restaurant which panoramic views over the city will be one of the local attractions. On the main building via an aerial walkway will be possible to access a conference center with 12 different rooms. The customer segments target are the leisure and corporate. The inauguration is scheduled for September 20.

Metro opens the new Airport station

The new Metro station at the Lisbon airport opens next Tuesday, July 17th. Thereafter, the journey from the airport to the center of Lisbon will take about 16 minutes. However, the access between the new station (located inside the airport) and the departure’s terminal will only be completed next November. However, one can use the new station starting July 17th. At the same date, the Moscavide and Encarnação stations will be open to the public. Overall, 2 miles were added to the Lisbon’s Metro red line. It is estimated that the average monthly traffic reaches, in this new piece of line, 400 thousand passengers. This new section of the red line has received an investment of 218 million euros.

Descobre

Descobre- Restaurant and Grocery Store is a culinary project located in Belém, opened in June 2012. The project goal is to introduce the flavors of Portuguese cuisine, including all influences merged over the centuries of international discoveries and combining them with current nutritional knowledge. Integrated into the ground floor of an old but recovered building, the grocery store comes at the entrance, with exposure of the selection of products and also a wine cellar with the counter on evidence. The extension of this counter is already part of the dining room are with capacity for 38 people, with tables supported by benches covered comfortably with pillows.

The menu has a portuguese gastronomic nature and is composed by a variety of starters, main courses and desserts, available on a snack or meal doses. Sardines in the canoe (boneless sardines served on a slice of bread) is one of the most popular snacks among customers. The offer of Portuguese wines is quite complete and includes a range that includes all regions producers in Portugal, can not only consume but also on-site purchase at the store. To ensure the freshness of the dishes served and ensuring the maximum quality in all products, the menu features seasonal variation depending on seasonal products. The Descobre is open without interruption within its opening period and has no closing day.

Chico’s

Chico’s restaurant and pizzeria is located in Aires, on the national road between Palmela and Setúbal (EN252), near the exit Palmela/Montijo on A2 motorway. It was founded in 2007 by the same owners who still continue to manage the site. The space has its origins in an ancient decor goods store that still is in operation right next to the place. The decor of the restaurant is simple but relying on a current and modern furnishings, allowing also to take advantage of the terrace on the porch of the house where the restaurant is installed, heated in winter. During the week the Chico’s attracts mainly business population of the area, but at night and on weekends the atmosphere becomes more relaxed with the presence of families and couples.

The kitchen is specialized mainly in wood oven pizzas and grilled meats, characterized as Mediterranean, offering yet other specialties such as fresh pasta, salads, appetizers and homemade desserts. During the week there is a daily menu for lunch, turning the service faster, more functional and lower priced. In addition to local service, you can buy meals to take home, with the take-away service. The wine list contains over 40 different varieties of wine-producing regions of Portugal. Chico’s is closed on Tuesdays and at weekends lunch time begins and ends 30 minutes later than the normal. The restaurant has private car parking.

LARGO Residências – Intendente renewed

The city of Lisbon is being revitalized each day and the Intendente Square is another corner of the city that now has a new dynamic. After years of neglected maintenance in this area, situated in the valley of Avenida Almirante Reis, between Graça and Pena city districts, was rehabilitated and now boosted with the project LARGO Residencies,source of the partnership between SOU (a socio-urban association in Anjos and Intendente area) and BIP-ZIP (a workgroup of Housing and Social Development Department of the Lisbon City Hall). The artistic residencies LARGO main aim is to promote the culture, creativity and knowledge of the processes of urban regeneration and social conditions by providing research, creation and maturation of artistic works in the areas of anthropology, sociology, psychology, architecture, among others.

Are welcomed and produced works based on a fully rehabilitated building also located in the same square, whose base of inspiration will be the actual site of the project (Intendente), heritage, history, people, communities and institutions. In the same building and with the artistic residencies (No.19 in that Square) coexists touristic residences giving economical sustainability to the project and providing exchange of experiences, knowledge and culture. The schedule of events is constantly being updated, becoming part of the city’s cultural calendar and for the month of July including performances of opera, jazz, rock and events on Friday and Saturday nights. Will also be featured exhibits, activities for children and also commercial markets throughout the day. For more information, see the official facebook page of LARGO Residencies.

Torel Garden

The Torel garden is located between the Lavra Funicular and campo dos Mártires da Pátria, in the hidden Torel city block. It is one of the most unknown, but also one of the most charming Lisbon’s parks and belvederes. Its name originated from the Dutch family Thorel, who built a palace there around 1750. One night in 1875, already as property of the Loulé Marquis, fire consumed this building and left only the toponym, which now identify all this tiny area. A decade later, Count Manuel de Castro Guimarães built a new palace for his residence there and  the romantic fountain and staircase connecting the two levels of the garden date from this epoch. Until the late nineteenth century other nearby plots were occupied by elegant mansions, forming a sort of Lisbon’s riviera. In the 20s of the twentieth century, the Portuguese government bought the mansion of Count of Castro Guimarães, installing there the Judicial Police’s headquarters. The expression “be brought to Torel” then became synonymous off an unpleasant event among the people of Lisbon.

The entrance to the Torel garden rooftop is made by Júlio de Andrade street, near the campo dos Mártires da Pátria (also know as campo de Santana). From here you can admire panoramic views over the Tagus River, the triumphal arch of Rua Augusta, the Santa Justa Elevator and avenida da Liberdade. On the opposite hill, stands the viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara. One can also find  a statue representing the pianist Viana da Mota, a small maintenance circuit and a couple of loungers for the visitors’ enjoyment. At the entrance, is located a lake adorned with an intriguing statue of Egyptian inspiration. From the Telhal street, two entries allow access to the lower floor of the garden. The Torel Esplanade was installed here in 2010, serving drinks and light meals in a relaxed and youthful ambience. A couple feet away it is also installed a children’s playground.

Optimus Alive – Algés – 13 to 15 of July

The 6th edition of the Optimus Alive music festival, on 13th, 14th and 15th of July, in Algés promenade, will present some of the most currently popular bands and also some timeless ones like The Cure or Radiohead.

The Line Up of the festival includes 61 bands distributed throughout the three days and the three stages within the area of the event and even a vintage gazebo with its own line up, produced by Cais Sodré Cabaret!, with concerts of rock’n'roll, rockabilly, surf rock and also burlesque and vaudeville shows. For those who come to Lisbon for this event and decide to camp, the Lisboa Camping is a 4 stars campsite (highest rating in Portugal) and this year agreement renewal with Optimus Alive’12 will give access to the three-days-pass holders to use it (in own tent) between 13th and 16th July, for 16euros. The transit between Lisbon Camping and the site of the event will be ensured by free shuttle buses between 4pm and 5am. Tickets are available at the website of event (Optimus Alive’12).

The Tall Ships Races 2012 in Lisbon

The Tall Ship’s Races 2012 is in Lisbon, between July 19th to 22nd, to the beginning of the second leg of this race of tall ships, whose journey began in France (Saint-Malo) in early July and ends in Dublin at the end of August. This event, organized annually by Sail Training International, aims to keep alive the traditions of the great sailing ships, attending that the art of navigation was being forgotten since the advent of the steam engine. Portugal is present in this race with six boats: the emblematic Sagres, Creoula, Caravela Vera Cruz and Santa Maria Manuela and also the Veloce, owned by Antonio Pereira and Vela Náutica II, property of the skipper José Ignatius.

This edition has a total of 60 tall ships from 49 different countries and 5,000 young crew members. This is also a way to promote the sail training to young people around the world, bearing in mind that registration is open to all interested parties. During these four days, the riverside area of ​​Lisbon (since the praça do Comércio to Santa Apolónia) will be celebrating. Around one million visitors are expected, who may visit the docked sailboats, the crew members and the sponsoring brands’ stands. On Friday, 20th at 5 pm, the various crews will parade through rua Augusta. On Sunday 22th, at 2pm, a nautical parade will runs throught the Tagus River (between Alcântara and Belém).

Babete Gastrobar

The Babete Gastrobar is located in Chiado at the picturesque Escadinhas do Duque. Open since November 2011, is managed by the brazilian Chef Adriana Souza, who conceived the project along with Stephanie Trucotte. The name for the restaurant was inspired by the title of the movie “Babette’s Feast”, a favorite of the Chef, but also because the delights of this place are indulging to everyone. The concept is informal and casual, reflecting the brazilian culture in the decor, in the music and even on the scheduled events. If the entry is marked by a very typical Lisbon facade, in the interior stands the colored naive paintings on the walls that depict the typical environment of the streets of Maripá in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Outside you can find a terrace on milder days.

The cuisine is brazilian and the menu is carefully conceived according to the freshest products. You will find the famous cheese bread, fair biscuits or acarajé, among many other snacks also available in a rotation of 15 varieties, which is highly appreciated by customers. The concept is close to what brazilians call Buteco in this case a bar “hype-tacky-chic”. At dinner, the dishes on the menu are different from lunch with a tendency to be a bit more elaborate. The passaralho chicken, the escondidinho (stuffed mashed cassava) or the trem bão (eggplant with dried meat and fried cassava) are just some examples. The Babete Gastrobar is also a “Cachaçaria“, which means that most of the house cocktails alcoholics have a spirited brazilian cachaça. Closed on Sundays and from Thursdays to Saturdays is appropriate to book in advance.

A Casa do Bacalhau

In the place where still lives the descendants of the Ducal family of Lafões, A Casa do Bacalhau (“Cod’s House”) occupies what were once the ancient chivalry of the Palace. This place, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755, lies beside the Beato convent, which had at that time the Tagus river near his front door. The dinning room, with a capacity for about 90 people, has evidences of all his past, where stands the original brick vaults ceiling built in the 18th century. The history of cod (conserved by different techniques and different people throughout history) itself is ancient, but was in the late 15th century in Europe, especially in Portugal, which began to be seen as a product of excellence for its non-refrigerated storage.

As the name of the restaurant suggests, cod is served in accordance with portuguese traditions. The menu contains 25 different ways to enjoy this fish, with the dishes properly garnished and flavored with national quality olive oil. It also has a cellar with a dedicated selection of portuguese wines, all from portuguese wine producing regions. In addition to main dishes such as the Holy Friday’s codfish or the cod with olive paste, there are still dedicated starters using also cod, such as soup or the delicious carpaccio of cod. The advance booking is advisable as the place has becoming popular among locals but also among tourists. Closed Sundays at dinner.

Tasca do Barrocas

The Tasca do Barrocas is located in Alcacer do Sal, Alentejo, and was inaugurated by the present owner, Guilerme Barrocas, in July 2011. The records and local people’s memories, the place has always functioned as a tavern with good snacks and homemade wine, taking advantage of its proximity to the river Sado and its location in the historic center of that area. Despite the renovations made ​​over the years, mainly for maintenance, there was always a concern to preserve the characteristics of space to maintain its rustic character.

The cuisine is traditional portuguese and particularly typical from Alentejo region. The menu offers dishes like bread soup of clams, camls rice, cod with spinach rice, lamb stew, soup grouper, among others. As for desserts, chocolate cake with white ice cream, strawberry mousse and “pine nuts sighs” are just some suggestions to indulge you. The wines available are distributed among some regional productions (Alentejo) and also some green wine productions from northern Portugal. At week-ends there is Fado singers ocasionally, helping to create a warm and homely atmosphere. Closed on Tuesdays.

Statue of Neptune

This statue of Neptune is located in the middle of a small lawn, at largo de Dona Estefânia (queen consort and wife of Dom Pedro V), but has been regularly moved throughout the city of Lisbon. It was carved in Carrara marble by Joaquim Machado de Castro in 1771. It has two baroque-style bowls and is made out of a shell resembling the royal car and includes a pitchfork in the hands of this Roman God of the seas. The statue originally adorned the fountain of Loreto (also known as Neptune’s fountain) in Chiado (where the poet António Ribeiro’s statue is now displayed), serving the locals with water coming from the Águas Livres Aqueduct.

The constant disagreements and insults between the hundreds of water carriers that got their water supplies from the fountain (which contrasted with the growing sophistication of Chiado), eventually dictated the demolition of Loreto’s fountain. The statue of Neptune was removed in 1853, where it began its journey that took it to the Mãe d’Água at Amoreiras, the Carmo Archaeological Museum (in 1866), then in 1881 to the garden of the water pumping station of Barbadinhos and then finally was restored in praça do Chile, in 1940. However, this square was chosen for the statue of Ferdinand Magellan offered in 1950 by the Chilean government to the city of Lisbon. Therefore, one year after in 1951, the statue of Neptune was again transferred to the largo de Dona Estefania, where it still remains today.

Tartine

The Tartine is a restaurant located in Chiado area, one of the most distinct areas of Lisbon. The space concept is innovative and inspired on french bakeries, as well as its name, since “tartines” are a type of french bruschetta. Opened since February 2012, the interior is modern and at the entrance is marked by a huge communal table and the display of breads and cakes as well. Customers are locals or tourists walking through the area. At week-ends is common to see large family groups that end up installing most of the day, also taking advantage of the rear terrace, a haven of tranquility for excellence in the area.

Vocation for breakfast, lunch or snacks, the menu is suited with various options and light dishes, characteristic of the french mind and using fresh and natural ingredients and all is manufactured on site. Everything is handmade, including the bread that takes natural yeasts. Burgers, for example, are made of beef from Alentejo accommodated within a home-made bread. There is a daily menu where you can find dishes such as risottos, pastas, salads, among others. As for desserts, the tiramisu is the most emblematic. There is also a small selection of wines, two whites and two reds, productions from Alentejo and Douro. On Saturdays and holidays is open from 10am and is closed on Sundays.

Handicraft at the Parque das Nações

The Lisbon’s International Crafts Fair runs from June 30th to July 8th, at FIL – Lisbon’s International Fair (located at the Parque das Nações). In its 24th edition, this event promotes worldwide’s handicrafts and cuisines, valuing cultures and symbols that characterize the peoples of various regions of the planet. This event was consolidated, over the years, as a way to give credibility and value to these artisans. Here one can find objects that testimonies various cultures or even more contemporary crafts, incorporating modern design. You can also taste several examples of national and international cuisine and follow an agenda full of parallel events. The exhibition area is open from 3 pm to 12 am and the food court is open from 12.30 pm to 12 am. The admission fee is 5 euros for the general public and 2 euros for students and seniors (over 65). Admission is free for children under 10 years.

Feira da Ladra (Lisbon Flea Market)

Feira da Ladra (literally meaning the “woman thief’s market”) is Lisbon’s flea market. It takes place every Tuesday and Saturday, where hundreds of sellers of second-hand objects such as clothes, dishes, records, books, collectibles and all kinds of antiques gather together. From sunrise until lunchtime, traders (amateur and professional) lay out their goods in the campo de Santa Clara area, where improvised stalls are set up composing of just cloth lying on the floor. The origins of this fair go back to the Middle Ages, when it was held at the Chão da Feira, near the St. George Castle. After the earthquake of 1755, it settled in the praça da Alegria and since 1882 has always been held here.

In this flea market there is a handicraft area, an area for old vinyls, CD’s and DVD’s, an area for military clothing, a group of booksellers (some specialised in comics) and half a dozen of numismatics and philatelics. You can also find many old toys. There are also artists who lack a better place to display their art, who attend the Feira. In the Feira da Ladra flea market it is advisable (and usual) to bargain the prices of all the commodities. Vendors, even the amateur ones, must apply for a license from the City of Lisbon. One can find the church of Santa Engrácia (the National Pantheon) within walking distance.

La Siesta

Looking for a Mexican restaurant in Lisbon? Just to find it. La Siesta is a restaurant that reflects the full spirit of Mexico, in an environment full of bright colors and various decorative notes that recall that country. On the terrace, partially covered, the space invites to relaxation with the Tagus river in front, in a quiet area of the city, already in Algés. The music also helps to create the typical environment, in a tone of celebration and joy. It is also a place well suited for groups to gather around a meal, inside or outside, having a total capacity for 140 people.

The mexican food is served according to the main traditions of that culture. On the menu you can find all the famous snacks like mexican totopos and salsa, tortilla, lobster panuchos, stuffed champiñones, nachos, shrimp with tequilla and ceviche. In addition to the snacks, La Siesta has also a huge variety of fish and meat dishes, such as fajitas or chili. About the drinks, although the supply of wine is varied, the margaritas are the most popular among customers here. Has smoking room and no closing day.

Varanda de Lisboa

Inserted in the Hotel Mundial rooftop, the restaurant Varanda de Lisboa (“Lisbon Balcony”) has stunning views overlooking the city and particularly São Jorge Castle and Tagus river. Its large windows make the interior very lightly and frame the views around, confering a privileged atmosphere to the restaurant. The service is attentive and careful in every detail. The restaurant decor is simple but refined, designed to respect the panoramic view of Lisbon but combined with it to create continuity between the exterior and interior. An example is the stone wall lined inside in clear coordination with the walls of the São Jorge Castle, right there alongside.

The Varandas de Lisboa kitchen has a traditional service, with gourmet food resulting from the portuguese habits, but with international influences, having won the first prize of regional dishes, in 1992, granted by the Lisbon’s City Council. The monkfish in cataplana, the Barroso loaf or the Magaref grilled veal are just some examples of the house specialties. The World Wine Cellar is already an ex-libris deserving guided tours and it counts with the experience of two recognized sommeliers and the wine list is exclusive in the national restoration. Does not have closing day.

Panorama

The Panorama Restaurant redefines fine dining in Lisbon. Fine is also its location, since it is instaled on the top floor of the Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa, one of the tallest buildings in Lisbon, which gives a sweeping view over the city. The interior is marked by an elegant decor and modern comfort, conferring a selected space and environment. It has also a bar with the same name where cocktails and romantic atmosphere combine perfectly with the panoramic view. This view over Lisbon is with no doubt the tone for the name of this fine restaurant. Panorama and ist Chef, Leonel Pereira, has raised several awards, such as the “Three Golden Forks” by Lisboa à Prova, the “Golden Fork” by Guide Boa Cama Boa Mesa of Expresso (portuguese newspaper) or the “Chef of the Year” by the Gastronomic Portuguese Academy, among others in 2010.

The cuisine is inspired in traditional portuguese dishes counting however with the inventive nature of Chef Leonel Pereira. Respect for traditional portuguese cuisine and the products that are used and carefully selected for their quality and freshness is the key to the success. The element of surprise that the Chef introduces in his creations turns the dining experience a mix of international influences as well. The menu is varied and changes seasonally depending on the ideal time to have the best products. The Tasting Menu is one of the most popular among customers, including dishes with five different sensations. For lunch, on weekdays only, Panorama provides an Executive Menu, focussing on professional meals, where you can impress your clients or partners. Open daily for dinner.

Hortelã da Ribeira, a Descoberta

The restaurant Hortelã da Ribeira, a Descoberta (Mint, the Discovery) is located in the historic city centre of Alcácer do Sal, Alentejo. Its name comes from two sources, as told by the current owner, Helena Fidelis. Initially the restaurant was designated A Descoberta (The Discovery) after the former owner, German, discovered the city of Alcácer do Sal where he felt welcomed and where he ended up to settle. Before that, the place was an old tavern that welcomed guests around casks of wine and snacks. In 2007 the current owner started managing the space, complementing the restaurant’s name with the same name of the plant so widely used in Alentejo cuisine, Mint of the river, and the same as her first individual project. The junction of the two names just want to preserve the history of the place and continue the project of Helena Fidelis simultaneously.

The cuisine is typical from Alentejo coast, with an author component, where dishes are unique and reinvented but there are also the classics. Grouper salineiro-style, razor poejada, regional creamed meat or bread soup bowl of Alentejo are just some examples. These entries also deserve special attention, as the eggs with sausage or asparagus, for example. For dessert the focus is on the house delicacy, a sweet convent made ​​by the owner and chef and continues to be honored at food festivals in the region. The wine list is fairly complete, with over 80 varieties, and yet the most popular wine is the one of the house. The environment of the restaurant is simple and relaxed attracting all kinds of customers, many from Lisbon, but also from other parts of the country and also foreign tourists visiting the region. There is an outdoor terrace overlooking the Sado river and the inside room is for smokers. Closed on Mondays.

Pizzaria Gourmet

The Gourmet Pizza – Cafe Rio is located in downtown Lisbon, inserted in the Hotel Vincci Baixa. The site was a result of recovery of two buildings (pomabilno type) that have been properly adapted over 6 years with lots of charm and resulting a elegant space. Opened in April 2012 with the current management, the restaurant’s name comes in line with other projects by group Café do Rio, such as the Hamburgueria Gourmet. The atmosphere is a mix of ancient and modern, being sophisticated yet relaxed. Most customers are tourists, many of them staying at the Hotel where the restaurant is, but is conquering more and more local clients seeking a space with friendly service and pizzas in downtown Lisbon.

The cuisine is mainly Italian, though the portuguese influences make it mediterranean-inspired. The menu also includes pasta but pizzas stand out. The key is in the pizza dough, light and colored in some varieties, such as the green pizza  because of the addition of spinach turning color and taste slightly different. The most requested starter is salmon ceviche and most popular pizza is the Portuguese, although the sausage and  mountain cheese (from the interior of Portugal) are also very popular alternatives. For dessert, indulge yourself with a special cake with chocolate mousse inside, already popular in other restaurants of Cafe Rio Group. The wine offer includes a selection of portuguese wines from all wine regions and some foreign. Has no closing day.

Limoncello

The Limoncello is an Italian restaurant located right in Chiado, with a friendly atmosphere. The building where is installed privileges customers with a view over the square in front of the Trindade theater. At the entrance, on the ground floor, there is the reception with a bar where you can sip an aperitif while waiting for your table. In the upper floor, where runs the dining room, you’ll find a cozy place with capacity for about 38 people.

The kitchen, exclusively Italian, has available a variety of entries, primo and secondo piatto (pasta and meat or fish dishes), made ​​with ingredients typically Mediterranean to get latin flavors. The presentation is simple but refined and quality of the final result is at least careful. The desserts are available in sufficient variety, offering the possibility of tasting a dish of them all, great for sharing in an intimate or romantic dinner.The advisable parking area is in the underground car park in Largo do Carmo. The Limoncello is closed on Sundays and has no room for smokers.

Tourism Awards in Portugal revealed on June 26th

The winners of the seventh edition of the Portugal Tourism Awards will be revealed next June 26th at a ceremony held at the Tourism School of Lisbon. There are eight categories in the competition: New Private Project, New Public Project, Private Rehabilitation Project, Public Renewal Project, Services, Events, Environmental Sustainability and Quality of Service, which received a total of 150 applications, of which 142 were considered eligible. These awards are granted on an annual basis, highlighting innovative projects that have contributed to the development of Portuguese tourism. The jury is presided by Guilherme d’Oliveira Martins (President of the National Center for Culture) and also includes Frederico Costa (President of Turismo de Portugal), Adília Lisboa (President of the Portuguese Confederation of Tourism), António Perez Metello and Jorge Marrão.

O Tachinho

O Tachinho (The Little Pan) is a relaxing Portuguese restaurant located in the Campo de Ourique area. The family in charge of its management took it over in June 2007 and made some changes for the better. The opening of the window glass area was one of the most significant transformations. The space leading out to the outdoor terrace (covered in winter) is now much brigher. The fact that some of the dishes are served in small pans (tachinhos) is the reason for its name. The attentive and relaxed service attracts many customers: the younger and the older residents of this area but also people coming from other areas of Lisbon.

According to the customers, the Tachinho is constantly changing its service throughout the day: serving breakfast every morning, lunch menus during the week (including starter, main course, drink, dessert and coffee), snacks in the evening and finally dinners at a slower pace. The traditional Portuguese cuisine contributes to customer loyalty. The most popular dishes are the cozido à portuguesa (typical Portuguese stew), prawn feijoada (bean stew) and francesinhas (typical meat sandwich from northern Portugal). The menu features seasonal variations depending on the availability and the freshness of the raw materials. The quality of the dishes is guaranteed by the experience of the chef. The wine list offers a selection from all the winery regions. O Tachinho is closed on Sunday and has an interior space for smokers.

José Saramago Foundation

Jose Saramago Foundation has its origins in the will of a few men and women from different countries who wished to perpetuate the life and work of the award-winning Portuguese writer Jose Saramago. After 1993, he lived between Lisbon and the island of Lanzarote (Spain) with Pilar del Rio, whom he married in 1988. The July 29th 2007, the writer signed the declaration of principles that defined the objectives and bylaws of the Foundation. The Casa dos Bicos, which for a long period was closed to visitors, was chosen to host this project after a thorough renovation that preserved its original features. The first three floors are public spaces where can be perform exhibitions, concerts, conferences, courses and seminars in the service of culture.

On the ground floor are now visitable all traces accumulated during the years of exploitation of that house, which served numerous public and private functions: a set of structures dating back to the first occupation of space, an important section of the Ferdinand wall, Roman tanks (cetárias) with square base for the salting and conserving of fish (the famous garum) and some remains of the Moorish wall as well. Jose Saramago Foundation will undertake the maintenance of the house from now on. The visits take place from 10am to 6pm on weekdays (last entry 5:30pm), but after lunch the number of visitors is higher so you must arrive as early as possible to ensure entry on the day of the visit. On Saturday, the place is open from 10am to 2pm (last entrance at 1:30pm). The price of entry for citizens of nationality portuguesesa is 3 €.

Martim Moniz’s fusion market

The Martim Moniz fusion market opened in June 2012 and takes place in the square with the same name, near the Mouraria area. The ten permanent kiosks that are there have been restored and transformed into small fast-food restaurants, which now offer flavours from Asia, Africa, Italy, Portugal, and include vegetarian options. There is a large terrace with a capacity of up to three hundred guests where you can sit and taste the assortment of different cuisines. These street food experiences are available every day of the week with some additional entertainment on the weekends.

On the weekends, there is also a large fusion market of three dozen tents which includes a wide variety of small businesses. In the bazaar you will find crafts, food, clothes, books and numerous goods from all over the world. There is even an alternative medicine cabinet with a Chinese massages service available. On a stage located in front of the Hotel Mundial there are regular cultural events. The street restaurants are open every day from 10 am to 10 pm (until 12 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) and the fusion market is held every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.

Servejaria (Restauradores)

The Servejaria, which is much more than a beer house, is a space where you feel like relaxing in conversation or watching an exciting football game. It is located in a beautiful, old pombalino style building (from after the 1755′s earthquake) in Lisbon’s centre. The first of the Servejaria beer houses opened in 2008 in parque das Nações and this second restaurant was inaugurated in 2011. It features a very cosy inside space with wooden furniture. There’s another dining room on the mezzanine (entresol) which is mainly for exclusive events. It also has a large terrace which opens onto the avenida da Liberdade.

In Servejaria you can find the typical dishes of breweries, such as entrecôte (ribs) with butter, francesinhas (a meat sandwich from Oporto) with egg and juicy steaks with seven different sauces to choose from. Another highlights are the pork roasted in the wood oven (Bairrada style) and the baked cod. As is probably expected, there is a large assortment of tapas and seafood. The beers are available in a wide variety of brands and flavours from many nationalities. The Servejaria is open every day of the week and offers free wi-fi for their customers. It has a smoking room and you can park at the Restauradores underground car park.

José Saramago Foundation inaugurated

The new headquarters of the Foundation José Saramago at Casa dos Bicos was opened on June 13th, municipal holiday in Lisbon. On this day, the foundation closed its doors earlier than planned, due to the large number of people who visited it. The Foundation José Saramago was created to continue the life and work of the award-winning Portuguese writer: «we want to contribute to the process of humanizing a world in a constant dehumanization process» said the founders. On the first day at its new headquarters, the Foundation José Saramago received a flood of visitors interested in the new space. The usual regular operating hours are from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and until 2 pm on Saturdays. The entry will be free until the end of June.

Distinto

The Distinto (“Distinct”) restaurant marks its difference just by name, which is repeated in all its features. Located in Graça neighbourhood, aims to satisfy all those who, in the area, want to have lunch and dinner in a distinct way but paying a sustainable amount of money. Lunch is only open by appointment and at dinner the door is open to all guests. Dinner is accompanied by the intangible Heritage of Humanity, the Fado live. A kitchen markedly portuguese, integrating mediterranean flavors to offer variety to all tastes, but with his distinctive touch. Pork cheeks with prunes or confit duck thigh with mashed potatoes are examples of meat dishes. As for fish, cod is still king and you will also find some vegetarian dishes, so it can be suitable to all tastes.

The decor is simple but elegant. Taking advantage of the characteristics of the ground floor of the building where is installed, brick arches are visible in the ceiling, giving it an ideal comfort to enjoy typical portuguese Fado. The simplicity extends to the colors of the interior and the existing furniture, combined harmoniously to achieve a peaceful and distinct atmosphere. Some pictures of Lisbon spread through the walls, entertaining the eye during the food tasting and with soft music in the air. The total capacity of the various divisions that make up the interior space is around 60 seats and can accommodate groups of any size commendably pre-booked. The Distinto restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Café Saudade

Café Saudade is an old bakery (where from 1889 to 1975 were produced for the typical cheese tarts from Sintra) located near the Sintra train station. The space was renovated and transformed into a unique place, preserving its typical characteristics and complemented with items that highlight the Portuguese culture. The walls, furniture and furnishings recreate a family environment by encouraging customers to spend some time there. The interior is divided between several rooms, each with different valences, but all in harmony with the central concept. It has a few tables outside, both in the small porch in front of the building as in a comfortable indoor terrace.

Saudade Café is more than a tea room, coffee shop and bakery, is also a place to exhibit and sale regional handicrafts. The environment consists of a quiet sound traveling between jazz and fado. Cakes, scones, cheese tarts and travesseiros (“pillow cakes”) are examples of what you can find here turning difficult the choice between so many varieties exposed on the counter. It also offers light meals, as well as brunches. It is a good spot to gain strength before visiting all the attractions that Sintra has to offer or to recuperate after the tour. It is open every day of the week and it closes only at 12 a.m. from Thursdays to Saturdays.

Lisbon: an increasingly cheaper city

Lisbon is no longer included in the list of the Top100 most expensive cities in the world and, according to a study by the company Mercer, is even more affordable. In a study that compares about 200 items in each city such as housing, transportation, food, clothing, household goods and entertainment, Lisbon was ranked as the 108^th most expensive city out of the 214 cities from five continents. This annual study is designed to help governments and multinational companies to determine compensation allowances for their expatriate employees. Even though it may seem negative that Lisbon is no longer on this list, it is very encouraging that Lisbon has been deemed a cheaper city as this attracts businesses and organisations and therefore encouraging foreign investment and tourism. In this study, the city considered the most expensive was Tokyo and the cheapest was Karachi, Pakistan.

Popular Marches parade along the Avenue

More than 1,500 marchers representing 22 different Lisbon neighbourhoods will parade tomorrow, 12^th June starting at 9 pm along the avenida da Liberdade near the Rossio square. Each group will perform its choreographed march and will be given a score from a panel of judges who will be situated in the middle of the Avenue. This march is the biggest event out of this year’s edition of the popular feats in Lisbon, which take place until late June. This traditions celebrates its 80^th year in 2012. This series of events also features the famous St. Anthony’s weddings (a set of couples who are married at the same time sponsored by the city hall) which take place in Lisbon Cathedral on the same day. During the night of 12^th to 13^th June, there are dozens of arraiais (typical neighbourhood acts) that take place all over the city, but mainly in Alfama, Mouraria, Bica and Madragoa. Traffic will be controlled in the area of Lisbon Cathedral and avenida da Liberdade between 2:30 pm to 10 am, 12^th to 13^th June (a municipal holiday in Lisbon).

MUV

Located in Cais do Sodré area, MUV is a place that encompasses many concepts. Start early, hosting a coffee or late breakfast cafes for nearby workers. At lunch, the tables are decorated with personality and MUV shows a facet that is most similar to a restaurant where the daily menu (Monday to Friday) gives a choice of meat, fish or vegetarian. The snacks and cocktails from late afternoon merge into a single environment to participate in the new space transformation, becoming then more bohemian. There are sandwiches, salads, sandwiches and drinks but later the officers are the natural juices and teas or even cocktails. Try the home-based triple sec, gin, vodka, passion fruit and blackcurrant juice. With nightfall and with this progress, it turns into a bar / nightclub full of good programs and many initiatives up to 4am.

The interior is as mysterious as its versatility. The only room where everything happens has dark floors, walls and ceiling. The balcony lined with wood and a small lounge area with sofas and vintage table are present in the scenario. In the summer and when weather permits, the huge green gate glass is collected and outdoor terrace merges with the interior. The sound environment is eclectic and also changes in accordance with the various MUV facets that acquires throughout the day. At night tables and chairs give rise to a large space where you can dance the DJ set, essentially electronic-sounding portuguese music. Coupled with the music component, the MUV also takes your visual side, with a projection screen ready to receive micro film festivals and VJ’s. Saturdays bring a different flavor during the day, opening doors only after 12pm and simplifying meals with a unique brunch on extended hours (11am to 4pm), celebrating the evening with the festive atmosphere of end-of-week. On Sundays MUV is closed.

Pitéus

Located in Marina South in the eastern side of Lisbon, Expo area as known, where happened the world exhibition in 1998, the Pitéus (“Delicacies”) restaurant offers delicacies and a view over the Tagus estuary. With a huge terrace, is a place to gather with friends or family with a warm friendly service. The terrace includes a sheltered area to the colder days, working as an extension of interior room, which is not very large. The interior decor is in warm tones using wood in coatings and straight lines furniture, giving it a modern and welcoming environment.

The cuisine is traditional Portuguese with some options that also derive from the Italian cuisine. Snacks, typically Portuguese, is one of the house specialties such as octopus salad and mushrooms house-styled. In addition to snacks, fish dishes and meat are presented in a traditional Portuguese in options that also include grilled on the barbecue. It has a special space dedicated to children and its prime location results in a good choice for family reunions. Sporting events are also here accompanied by occasional promotions. Closed on Tuesdays and from Monday to 5th only serves lunch.

Fusion market opens in Martim Moniz

The Martim Moniz fusion market will open on Saturday 9^th June with great food, workshops and music. On the first day, the festival lasts from 10 am until midnight. By starting with José Filipe Rebelo Pinto’s originality, a mentor of projects such as OutJazz and the restoration of Cais do Sodré, the festival aims to bring new blood to the area. “We don’t want to only work on the square, we want to help grow a new city within Lisbon” said the author of the idea. The existing kiosks in the Martim Moniz square will be transformed into fast food restaurants, with flavours from Portugal, China, India, Japan and Africa. In the middle of the square there will be a terrace with tables and a capacity for 300 people. These restaurants will be open from Monday to Sunday throughout the year. The festival’s activity will increase on week-ends. For those who love markets, the Fusion Market will be held once a week, bringing together a wide variety of small businesses from all over the world, ranging from clothing to groceries. Follow it all on the Official Fusion Market – Martim Moniz on facebook!

Estufa Real

Set in the heart of the Ajuda Botanical Garden in a lovely eighteenth century greenhouse, the Estufa Real (“Royal Greenhouse”) restaurant has perhaps the most bucolic scenery of Lisbon. Its location, not far from the city center and minutes away from the Jerónimos Monastery and Memorial Church, make it the ideal place for a quiet and private meal. With three beautiful rooms – Garden Room, Greenhouse and Gardener – the space is also complemented with the Royal Tent with capacity for 320 people, designed to host events with maximum convenience, exquisite service and a privileged setting. The decor is pastel with music to match all the tranquility that the site offers.

The cuisine of Chef Jean Zaragoza, characterized by the elegant fusion of portuguese cuisine with the best of mediterranean cuisine, where the menu varies with seasonal ingredients to ensure maximum freshness and quality. The restaurant serves lunch buffet with a number of starters, salads, appetizers and desserts and a hot meal served at the table to choose from. Examples are fried pieces of cod, dory rolls with asparagus and saffron, the cream tarts and various mousses. Sundays offers one of the best and most complete brunch in Lisbon (up to 4pm). From scrambled eggs to oysters, through the various types of breads and croissants, sausages and smoked fish and meat, a great table cheese as well as four hot dishes. The terrace offers light meals and is open from 9am to 5pm. The Saturdays are exclusively for groups and events booked in advance. It has free private parking for guests.

O Costa

The restaurant O Costa is located on the island of Faro with the sea within a walking distance. Opened in the late 70′s by its founder, Diamantino Costa, began by calling the restaurant Piri-piri da Costa. In 2001, already with the current name, O Costa joined the list of restaurants in the Michelin Guide and is referenced up to today. Over the years have kept the main features of the plates, resulting this as one of the success factors of the site. The interior decor is simple, as the exterior, with notes depicting some trips, including works of art. The big windows facing the Ria Formosa fills the inside with luminosity. The tables, round and rectangular and distributed around the room, accommodates a total of about 80 people. The service is attentive but not pretentious.

The cuisine is traditional portuguese with some international influences which result in fusion dishes. The products used are mainly local and carefully chosen. Among all specialties of the house worth referring the razor clam Samosa, scallop tartar with avocado mousse, shrimp ceviche, monkfish medallions with Dijon mustard sauce, razor clam rice with razor bump fillets, among other delicacies. It should also be noted that in the restaurant O Costa you also will find the famous japanese beef, Wagyu Kobe. For dessert the sweets and fruits are the most popular applications. Costa is the restaurant terrace and the room is smoking. Closed on Tuesdays and usually during the month of January for the rest of the staff.

Palmtree

The bar and restaurant Palmetree is located in the center of Cascais, a few meters away from the beach. Its authenticity, location and its more than 10 years of history made ​​it an attractive place for local customers and tourists. It has typical features of a pub, with music mainly from the 80′s and lively nights with DJ’s. Its permanent opening hours, extended for meals (up to 12:30am) allows you to enjoy the complete offering of services, from breakfasts, lunches, snacks and dinners. The site is still chosen by many to watch live sports events, with their facilities properly prepared.

Its decor is cozy, characterized by wood coatings and wood furniture, as the long counter with high chairs, good English style. The cuisine is international and easily satisfy all tastes and the service aims to be one of the main attractions of the house, where employees receive customers sympathetically doing anyone feel comfortable and welcome. The menu is available in 10 different languages​​, showing that the site is very well prepared to welcome tourists who often visit Cascais. Appetizers, soups, fish and grilled meats, seafood and portuguese specialties, burgers, desserts and even a children’s menus, categories that offer a varied dishes in each one. The bar and restaurant do not have closing day and has smoking area and terrace.

O Funil

The restaurant O Funil (“The Funnel”) was opened in April 1971 by a group of three hoteliers and investors. The name chosen for the restaurant appeared in the initial recognition of the area by its founders, when they realised that the room of the ground-floor had a tapered configuration (funnel shaped). Located in the New Avenues, not far from Campo Pequeno, has undergone several renovations over the years. Recently adopted a self-service in the ground-floor room, keeping the restaurant on the first floor and thus respond more effectively to the needs of customers, especially for lunch during the work week. The space is exclusively for non smokers.

The decor is simple but elegant, aiming especially the comfort of the guests in the dining room, such as cushioned chairs or indirect lighting. The gastronomy of the restaurant is characterised as essentially traditional portuguese dishes reflecting the most popular flavours of Portugal, in all its regions, with care taken to adapt the presentation of dishes and the recipes nowadays. The ingredients used are carefully chosen for their freshness and flavour, maintaining where possible their national origin. The funnel also has the particular characteristic of having private rooms, from 10 to 50 people, ideal for organising meetings with privacy for friends, family or professionals. The closing day of the year is December 25 (Christmas).

Il Pizzarium

The Il Pizzarium restaurant is located in the more eastern part of Lisbon near the Vasco da Gama tower. It therefore benefits from being close to the Tagus River. The interior is minimalistic and relaxing; decorated with very calm colours. The ambience is very comfortable and natural which is ideal for small groups of friends or family who want to enjoy a nice meal together. Pizza is their speciality, and they are dedicated to preserving the Italian tradition. Its owner is easily identifiable because he is the friendly chef who is usually standing behind the counter.

The Roman customs recommend for example, that pizzas should be served in rectangular slices (pizza al taglio), but here you can choose between the more usual circular pizzas and even the closed pizzas (calzone). In every pizza, the Mediterranean flavours are prominent as a result of the fresh and quality ingredients used when cooking. At Il Pizzarium, you can still find an “all you can eat” menu of pizzas, especially aimed at larger groups. The desserts also deserve a mention, but in particular the ice cream with its creamy texture and distinct flavour. This restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Portas do Sol

Cafe and restaurant Portas do Sol is located in a Lisbon prime area and offers a unique view over the Alfama and the Tagus river. Located in Largo das Portas do Sol (“Sun Doors Square”), next to the view point with the same name and other tourist attractions, like the Museum of Decorative Arts and the Church of Santa Luzia, is the heart of one of the most typical and visited Lisbon areas. Opened in 2009, includes a restaurant and a sunny terrace with sofas and puffs which gives it a relaxed lounge atmosphere. The interior features a minimalist decor contrasts in harmony with the historical environment in which it operates.

The coffee and terrace service includes, in addition to traditional snacks and drinks, a cocktail list much appreciated by customers. In the restaurant’s menu there are typical portuguese dishes, some in bold variations, like cod with orange salad and fried shrimp with chili mayonnaise and pickles. The “à Brás” codfish is here served with prawns and the star of the menu is the sirloin steak with four sauces and three accompaniments to choose from. It is a perfect place to relax after an intensive day tour (or labor) and it may also have music sessions on the Fridays and Saturdays evenings, when space closes only at 2:00a.m. The Portas do Sol is open every day of the week, but the restaurant service works only for dinner from Mondays to Saturdays.

O Barradas

The O Barradas restaurant is located near Silves train station, in Algarve. Housed in a converted old house and now managed by Luis Pequeno and his German wife, Andrea, all customers receive a warm welcoming making each customer feel special. The dining room interior, entirely non-smoking, has a fireplace that turns the environment very comfortable in the colder months of the year. The outdoor dining area, in the garden or in the covered terrace is ideal for enjoying the warm summer evenings. The capacity of the restaurant is close to 50 persons but it is advisable prior reservation particularly for groups.

The type of food, typically portuguese, is based on original recipes with contemporary adaptations. Selection of products is judicious and thorough, almost exclusively from the surrounding region. The fish, a strong dish of the house, is acquired daily from fishing catches obtained off the coast of Sagres, giving it an incomparable freshness and flavor. Baked fish Algarve-style or the salted fish are just two good examples. In th other hand, the quality of the beef (Mirandesa – production from the North od Portugal) stands out, being highly appreciated by customers, especially grilled with spicy sauce and accompanying with figs. The desserts are homemade and totally deserves the attention for some of them being gluten-free, if requested.

Finally, the winery is very complete and well worth a visit where you can choose between all the varieties of national regions and some other international and also occasionally including its own production by Luis Pequeno. The O Barradas is closed on Wednesdays.

Monserrate

The restaurant is built in Montserrat Hotel Tivoli Sintra, located in the center of Sintra, where you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the slopes of the surrounding hills and its palaces. The decor is classic, with a familiar environment without forgetting the elegance of the facilities in harmony with the rest Hotel. The room, with a capacity of around 100 people, is pleasantly light because of its large windows through which you can also enjoy the view from anywhere in the interior. In the lobby area you can still find the Panoramic bar, enjoying the same panoramic view of the restaurant and where you can also enjoy an aperitif.

The menu is typically portuguese, although it also contains international dishes, thus satisfying the palates of all its customers. Monkfish rice, portuguese stew and roasted lamb baker-style are just some examples of the national cuisine available. Here, on desserts, is possible to have the typical portuguese cream tarts (“pastel de nata”) among other various pies. The restaurant Monserrate also has the distinction of organizing the so-called “lunch for Queiroz”, recreating the environment described by the writer Eça de Queiroz in his books and serving portuguese delicacies on a 19th century style. The breakfast buffet also attracts many customers outside the Hotel. The restaurant is entirely non-smoking and advance booking is advisable.

Solar dos Nunes

The restaurant takes its name from the family that founded it and still continues nowadays, among the younger generations, to masterly manage it. The couple from Alentejo, José Nunes and Ana Luisa Nunes founded the Solar dos Nunes restaurant in 1988, currently managed by himself and by his two sons, Jose António Nunes and Susana Nunes. Since its opening, the demand for quality and well-being aimed to customers has always been a priority, along with humility and authenticity with which it is managed has become a place recognized by customers and even the international Michelin guide, as well as other gastronomic awards collected.

The atmosphere is warm and customers feel virtually part of the family by attentive service and quality. The menu, with a strong tradition of the portuguese region from Alentejo, including delicacies such as pata negra (black paw pig) ham and cheese for starters, a rich soup of fish, one of the specialties of the house, the supreme grouper with shrimp or clams rice, the partridge in cataplana are just good examples of what you can find. As for desserts and beyond the traditional sericá with Elvas plums, cheese pie with sweet pumpkin and caramelised cream milk deserves to be tasted. The wine list has a selection of about 100 national productions from various regions of the Dão, Douro and Alentejo, in addition to its own reserves of the Solar dos Nunes. Solar dos Nunes has a room for smokers, valet parking and even catering in any part of the country. Closed on Sundays.

5 Sabores

Located near avenida da Liberdade — one of Lisbon’s most emblematic street — 5 Sabores is a cosmopolitan and relaxed restaurant. Its decor is simple and minimalistic, with an emphasis on natural colours and the use of soft materials. The finishing touch to the restaurant is its contemporary furniture which adds to the comfort of its guests. Ran by chef Diogo Abecasis, the menu is Mediterranean-inspired. All products are carefully chosen according to the seasons, meaning that every menu is appropriate to that time of the year. For lunch, from Mondays to Fridays, 5 Sabores offers menus that vary according to the chef’s inspiration and offer fixed-price options (including a vegetarian, a meat or a fish dish and a dessert).

For dinner on Fridays and Saturdays, the option is à la carte, which includes an assortment of traditional starters, risottos, meat and fish dishes and desserts. The most popular choices are the parmesan and truffle ravioli, the shrimp and crab risotto, the burger with foie gras and fresh cod loin lagareiro style (served with warm olive oil). For dessert, one should try the pineapple and strawberry crumble. The 5 Sabores restaurant is also available for events (cocktails, birthdays and other parties) offering a good range of options and prices. This restaurant is closed on Sundays.

A Leitaria Gourmet

Located in the Parque das Nações, the most eastern part of Lisbon, the A Leitaria Gourmet restaurant is a modern and welcoming place that has an impressive high ceiling. Its moderate and conservative décor gives it its sophisticated ambience which combines the rustic with the modern. Outside it has also a lovely terrace which is surrounded by a glass balcony allowing guests to observe the surrounding area. It is very pleasant on the milder days. In 2010 and 2011, the restaurant consecutively received two special mentions in Lisbon’s gastronomy contest. Its traditional Portuguese cuisine is from the Alentejo, a region in the southern of Portugal.

The restaurant’s team is led by Grandmother Loren, the chef, who gives the food a very typical and homemade touch. Scrambled eggs with farinheira sausage (a Portuguese smoked sausage made mainly from wheat flour, pork fat and seasonings), peixinhos da horta (fried green beans), ribs with Alentejo migas (flavoured bread crumbs), partridge in a pan with onions and mashed turnips, venison tenderloin with a “countryside” sauce and for dessert a sweet puree and sericaia (egg pudding) with Elvas plums are just a few examples of what you can eat here. The wines are from various regions in Portugal but specifically focus on the Alentejano wine. A Leitaria Gourmet is closed on Sundays and smoking is not permitted.

Meninos do Rio

With its concept developed over the years, the restaurant is part of what today we might call the complex Meninos do Rio which includes two restaurants, three bars and two terraces. It is a leisure area with a modern and relaxed atmosphere, located byf the Tagus river where scenery serves as a background to the terrace’s site. The parties, private or professional events are calling this place where conditions are very appealing for any celebration or special moment. The building was recovered from a former warehouse in the port of Lisbon, preserving some of its original features, thereby providing maximum comfort to its customers.

The Meninos do Rio food is international and the menu leaves no space for doubt. Since portuguese snacks, such as octopus salad or cod carpaccio, meat and fish dishes, soups, salads, Italian pastas and even a special children’s menu. There are also sushi and sashimi from the other restaurant built in the same space, SushiRio. For the drinks, in addition to the variety of red and white wines from various national regions, also by the glass, there is a cocktails list dedicated specifically to these drinks and even the exquisite french champagne for special celebrations. The Meninos do Rio is open every day and on weekends at lunch time, is open until 4pm.

SushiRio

Integrated in Meninos do Rio complex, the SushiRio is a restaurant that part of that space located by the river Tagus, taking advantage of the view that the site provides over the water. It is a japanese restaurant in its most diverse and international influences, which meets the concept of fusion sushi. The decor is modern, bright colors and soft light, thereby achieving a japanese personality and environment, as it should. Situated on the first floor of the complex, it allows to take better advantage of the river views, making the place for a special meal for you or your guests, even for those seeking a romantic envoironment.

The menu is varied, offering otoshi (entries) as multiple versions of dumplings and Shitaki mushrooms, the combination of sushi and sashimi and also a complete list of all varieties you can choose, according to your preference. The caipirinhas, caipiroskas or sakeroskas are quite popular, although also offers the usual drinks, as water, juice or wine. The wine list has some varieties that aim to satisfy all tastes, having the possibility to have wine also served by the glass. The SushiRio has no closing day.

Poço das Fontaínhas

Located next to the ferry dock to Troia, the Poço das Fontaínhas restaurant is located in one of the most typical neighborhoods of Setubal. Open since the late 80′s, became an emblematic restaurant dedicated especially to fresh fish, common on this region. The decor is alluding to the sea, with some artistic pieces of iron that relate the environment to the local fishing. Wine bottles are also integrated in the decor, showing the vocation of Poço das Fontaínhas to provide a complete gastronomic experience, including the welcoming and familiar service.

The cuisine is traditional portuguese and beyond grilled fish, which are the house specialty also in other types of cooking, there is also a diverse variety of meat dishes. One of the snacks that you should not fail to try is the fried cuttlefish with beer, very popular in this region. Being a restaurant known by locals, is common to find it full, so previous booking is advised. On milder days it also has available a terrace outside, where smokers can sit, since the interior is exclusively non-smoking. Closed on Mondays.

Passo do Olival

The restaurant Passo do Olival – Casa de Pasto & Tal, opened in 2010, is located in the historic center of Setubal, in the area of the old Moorish quarter. The space, housed in an old building, is decorated with a vintage style, intending to preserve portuguese traditions and particularly that regional area. That’s why you also can find some gourmet products and handicrafts from regional urban young artists. Antique furnishings customize the space conferring it an atmosphere of well-kept tavern. On the wall above the bar, is affixed a large slate with the snacks list of the day. The walls inside the Passo do Olival are also used as exhibition space with a monthly program and other events like live music, as Fado vadio on Thursdays. There are also other shows and performances every month.

The cuisine is traditional portuguese, dedicated to homemade flavors in the form of snacks and recovering the traditions of the old eateries, hence the name of the place. The ex-libris snack of Setúbal, the fried cuttlefish, is among many other traditional portuguese dishes such as liver beef with onions, petingas (little sardines), mackerels, migas (bread puree) with spare ribs, tomato soup and others. The menu has some usual snacks but there is always changes on the menu depending on the supply of products that the chef chooses daily on the local market, depending on their freshness and quality. The wine cellar is well filled, as it should in a restaurant of this kind. Closed on Sundays and Mondays and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays open until midnight.

Yaami!

There are already plenty of sushi restaurants in Lisbon, but the Yaami is a restaurant that explores a new concept of sushi in the city center. Open since January 2012, is located near Avenida da Liberdade, one of the most distinct business and shopping districts of Lisbon. The space is decorated in a simple but modern way (clean), almost all in white. Has some showcase for drinks and prepackaged meals, ready to get to where you want to have lunch, either in the garden, by the river or at home. However, the interior allows the option to seat and eat, with a pleasant dining room with capacity for 50 people.

Whatever is your choice, ”to carry” or “to sit”, the options for the possible combinations are posted at the board at the entrance. The cuisine is characterized as asian fusion and the creations are based on sushi and noodles (pasta). Customers can select their menu according to preferences. Nigiris, sashimi, hosomakis, uramakis, miso soup or noodles with different versions of chicken, pork or vegetarian are the basis of the menu. The uramaki pig with apple, for example, is a very popular specialty. The take-away (“to carry”) is presented in an attractive box where you can carry your order suitably packaged. Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.

Rio’s

The Rio’s restaurant is located near the Torre beach and has a magnificent view over the Oeiras Marina, the Tagus river and the Bugio lighthouse, which is one of the landmarks in navigation entering the port of Lisbon. It has a sophisticated and magnificent scenery and is ideal for a special occasion. Its interior decor is modern and contemporary taking advantage of its large windows to the outside, where is also a terrace for milder days. The design furniture creates a chromatic blend between the white and red that creates a special and overwhelming energy. Its large dining room with capacity for 300 people also provides ideal conditions for making various types of events.

The kitchen, ran by Chef António Bóia, is based on traditional portuguese flavors with a touch of originality and modernity, resulting fusion specialties with mediterranean influences as well. The confited octopus in rosemary flavored olive oil or the duck rice on crispy Mil Folhas (pastry) and salad, old style, are just a few of the specialties of Rio’s. For dessert, the thin apple tart with cinnamon and ice cream is the most frequent choice for customers. Its popularity has made it a success since its opening, so it is recommended to book in advance, especially for groups. Closed for dinner Sundays and Saturdays, dinner is open until 2am.

LisbonApartments.com

With and attractive central locations from several perspectives, the LisbonApartments.com make your stay a comfortable and enjoyable experience in Lisbon.With apartments around Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Baixa, Castelo, Belém and also among other typical locations near major attractions that the city of Lisbon has to offer. The LisbonApartments.com have available apartments of various sizes to suit your needs, from romantic and cozy studios to 3 bedroom apartments and also others especially suitable for large groups. Many of them have terraces and balconies with stunning views over the city and the Tagus river.

The rooms are all decorated in a modern and warm style, making you feel at home.They have TV, free wi-fi, air-conditioning, bed linen and bathrooms. There are also fitted kitchens with all electrical devices and tools. Prices are attractive, especially if the acommodation is shared and if you consider the facilities and the independence of living for the time you’ll stay as if you were an inhabitant of the city of Lisbon. See the website for more information and reservations.

Go Hostel Lisbon

The Go Lisbon Hostel is located in central Lisbon, allowing proximity to the main tourist areas of the city. Settled in a former palace renovated, adapting theold traditional house facilities to the hostel offers. One of the ex-libris of this hostel is tram 28, with a stop at its doorstep. It has 18 private rooms (double, triple and quadruple) and also 10 mixed shared rooms for 4, 6, 8 and 10 people, supported by 8 bathrooms fully equipped with toilet paper, liquid soap and hair dryers. The rooms are cleaned daily and the prices include bed linen and in private rooms, also the bath towels. You can also enjoy the private garden of the hostel, with a bar where frequently arise events organizedby the hostel.

The range of services is quite extensive, including lounge area with TV and DVD player, free wi-fi accessible throughout the hotel and a computer room with free access to guests. There’s also a kitchen to support all guests, fully equipped with all electrical devices and tools. By its side there is also a pleasant dining room, decorated theme-based on ”old Lisbon and Fado.” Breakfast is included and is served buffet style, between 8am and 10am. The Hostel also has a Go Go Market, available 24 hours a day, which sells cooking ingredients.

The reception also works 24 hours a day and the rooms have lockers. The entire hostel is prepared for disabled guests.

Hamburgueria Gourmet

The Hamburgueria Gourmet is a restaurant specialised in hamburgers, as the name itself suggests. Originally founded in 2008 by Rui Domingos and Andrea Zamorano, at the time of World Exposition (Expo ’98) that occurred this year in Lisbon in May 2010 moved to the downtown, near the Praça do Comércio. In the same space formerly operated a grocery store that served the population of that area of ​​the city and subsequently became even a vinyl record store. Currently, the space is elegant and sophisticated, balancing an ancient and modern atmosphere The constructive features of the building (“pombalino“) have been carefully preserved and the space was complemented with comfortable furniture. The revival ceiling chandelier marks the special character of theHamburgueria and tables by the window can see the trams of Lisbon passing by.

The dishes are original creations of burgers, with carefully selected products (P.D.O. – Protected Designation of Origin). The beef, for example, is organic and from Alentejo (south of Portugal), with a special flavor and unique taste that conquers everybody’s taste. The Wasabe Burger, for example, suggests Japanese influences, while Masala contains flavors typically Indian. This variety (only burgers, more than 33 different) proof that the influences of the creations of the Hamburgueria are from all around the world, but not forgotten portuguese traditions too. National Burger, crowned at the top with a slice of ham from Chaves (North of Portugal) is a good example of that. With a young, relaxed and informal environment, the hosts help customers in the orders according to their preferences. Friday and Saturday dinner time is extended until midnight and is closed on Sundays.

Lisbon Festivals begin on 31st May

Lisbon will celebrate its annual festivals which start on 31^st May. The program will fill the city with events, films, theatre, music and dancing. This year’s programme of events is a tribute to the recently deceased Portuguese composer and pianist Bernardo Sassetti. The program of Lisbon’12 celebrations includes a variety of events and is suitable for all audiences, with the main goal of promoting Lisbon’s culture. The opening of this year’s festivals will feature the German group Titanick Theater who will present the show Firebirds. This will take place on the route between praça do Comércio and the Rossio square. It will also include the French musicians Fanfare Le Snob and will close with a performance from the Frei Fado d’El Rei, who will play a fado song with the lyrics of Valter Hugo Mãe.

Game On: video games displayed in Belém

Game On, located in the Popular Art Museum, is a video game exhibition of games from the 20^th century up until now, which is open from March 22^th until July 29^th 2012. This exhibition has been displayed in more than 10 countries and has been viewed by more than a million people. Its visitors have the opportunity to go to a venue for entertainment and recreation (with 120 playable games) and to also participate in several activities planned alongside the exhibition. However, without doubt the biggest attraction is the ease with which everyone can trial and play dozens of arcade machines and game consoles that are available in this facility. This event takes place in Belém, next to the Monument of the Discoveries and is open from Tuesday to Sunday (including public holidays). The opening hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the entrance ticket costs 9 euros for adults and 5 euros for children under five.

Sushissimo

The restaurant Sushissimo is located in Cascais, near the train station and the village centre. It offers a fusion of many flavours based on the Japanese cuisine, particularly focusing on the chef Joel Mira’s colourful sushi. It opened in April 2012 replacing a restaurant called Saladíssima. Sushissimo’s name was inspired by the wordplay of the previous restaurant. The restaurant is cosy and modern, with large sofas that ensure total comfort. The typical diner, including Portuguese and tourists, arrives at the restaurant in search for originality and an efficient and friendly service.

The most popular dishes are the chefs combined, which include the traditional Japanese techniques and international influences for the ingredients. The most popular dish which is considered their speciality is the Sushissimo Ebi, a sushi roll. The wines offered are varied and can be purchased by the glass. Outside there is a small terrace where one can enjoy a meal on a warmer day and where one can smoke. Inside the restaurant, smoking is not permitted. From Thursday to Saturday, the restaurant closes at 2 a.m. allowing for late diners and longer dinners.

A Peixaria

The restaurant A Peixaria’s name represents the quality of the fish served. The daily supply comes straight from the docks of Setúbal, Sesimbra and Peniche ensuring the freshness of the raw ingredient. A Peixaria is situated in the Parque das Nações, to the east of Lisbon near the Vasco da Gama Tower. It accommodates 350 people in a space which is divided into three different areas. It looks out over the Garcia da Horta gardens and the Tagus with a beautiful view over the river. Its relaxed ambience is ideal for groups of friends or family who like to meet and enjoy themselves around a good table of quality food.

For lunch, Monday to Friday, A Peixaria has a daily dish option available for a reasonable price. For dinner, there is always the chef’s suggestion along with a wide range of fish and seafood cooked in many different ways. Setúbal style cuttlefish, fisherman style fish, fish stew, homarus lobster rice, grouper fish pasta, lobster pasta and monkfish rice are just some of the specialities from the menu. For those who prefer a meat dish, there is a variety of steak available including the famous Argentinian dish picanha (rump cap). For dessert, you could treat yourself to tortas de Azeitão (a delicious egg-based cake with a hint of cinnamon) or to what they call the “best chocolate cake in the world”. A Peixaria is open every day of the week and allows smoking.

Spianata

The Spianata restaurant opened in April 2008. Its name means “terrace” in Italian which highlights its main aspects: it is an Italian restaurant and has a terrace with a fabulous panoramic view (which is considered municipal heritage). Being located between Largo do Rato and Jardim da Estrela it is easily accessible by public transport. There is also an underground car parking (payed) under the restaurant. Its cosmopolitan and relaxed atmosphere is created by young students, executives and families living locally. For lunch, Spianata offers a fixed menu for a reasonable price which is available as a buffet. Dinner is always a more relaxed and intimate experience.

The cuisine is Mediterranean-inspired. In addition to the traditional thin-crust pizzas and the wide variety of pasta dishes, Spianata particularly stands out for its more elaborate dishes such salmon with black rice, alheira (a bread and garlic sausage) and spinach puff pastries and pumpkin risotto with courgette carpaccio. The dessert menu not only includes a traditional tiramisù but many other more original desserts such as the Torrone candy served with soft chocolate ice-cream. The wine available is mainly Portuguese but also includes some samples from Italy. Spianata is closed for dinner on Sundays and closed all day Monday.

Out Jazz back in Lisbon

Lisbon Amazing Hostels – Bairro Alto

The Lisbon Amazing Hostels - Bairro Altowas opened in May 2009, is a hostelwith a prime location in the city of Lisbon. Situated on Rua do Norte, right in theBairro Alto lies in the center of one of the most typical areas of the city, where there are countless bars, restaurants, fado houses and shops.The accommodation is offered at low prices, with large rooms and colorfuldecorated simply but carefully and with the goal of making the guests stay apleasant experience. The service from Lisbon Amazing Hostels - Bairro Altoalso has the experience and knowledge of staff, properly equipped to advise onwhat to do and see in Lisbon.

The dorms are mostly mixed, with yet a room 6 beds designed exclusively forfemale guests and with a private bathroom. The mixed dorms are available with4, 8 and 10 beds, with the possibility of having a private bathroom or shared, a difference reflected in the price per night also variable depending on the high season (15/07 to 15/09), average season (01/04 14/07) or low season (16/0931/03). The facility has several recreation areas, where space invites to read,soak up the sun, relaxing, watching television, internet access, games or cooking. The reception service is available 24 hours a day, and prices includemaid service and breakfast.

Festival ANICOMICS LISBOA 2012

For the third consecutive year world, BD and the Japanese animation characters return to Biblioteca Municipal Orlando Ribeiro in Telheiras for the biggest and best ever ANICOMICS LISBON! On the 5th and 6th of May, the auditorium, outdoor patio and three floors of the building will be the scene of various initiatives, especially for a show that will bring together the best today’s Portuguese cosplayers for two fashion shows and a burlesque show, any of them unprecedented events of its kind in Portugal. BD lovers will also have a exhibition of originals and the presence of national and foreign authors, which will leave its mark on workshops, debates, book launches and book signings. This year edition also marks the debut of an exclusive Gaming Zone, dedicated to video games and board and card games! Do not miss a shopping area where you can find the latest in comics, manga, cuddly toys, figures and cosplay accessories to suit all tastes. All details and other surprises in www.anicomics-lisbon.net!

April 18, 2012 – International Day for Monuments and Sites

April 18, 2012 – International Day for Monuments and Sites

Heritage World Heritage Site to: protect and manage change

IGESPAR invited all entities, public and private, to join the celebration of International Day for Monuments and Sites, proposed by ICOMOS (International COuncil on MOnuments and Sites), entitled “From Heritage to the WorldHeritage Site – to protect and manage change, “celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Convention for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage of UNESCO. The day will be marked by an extensive array of cultural programs that will include workshops, lectures, debates and seminars, exhibitions and various other activities in various cities and sites, which includes the city of Lisbon. For more information see the program HERE.

PUB

St. George Castle will be place for a multimedia show named “Lisbon, who are you?”, from march 30.

Part of the wall of the St. George Castle will be used for the projection of a multimedia show, beginning on march 30, which answers the question “Lisboa, quem és tu?” (Lisbon, who are you?), telling the story of the capital. It promises to leave the audience “speechless.” One of the managers of Lisboa, quem és tu, S.A., the company responsible for the project, says that the experience is sensory and multimedia, where places are shown as they are today and how they were. The film lasts about 35 minutes and are accompanied by portuguese music, as Buraka Som Sistema or a symphony of Luís Freitas Branco, including naturally Amalia Rodrigues. The illustrator and creator of images, António Jorge Gonçalves, said that during the preparation of the project, with the help of the scientific consultant, Gabriela Carvalho, realized that there are places in Lisbon “where is the same as 500 years ago”, giving the example of the Terreiro do Paço, “where were watch great acts of power”, Rossio, “where always was found a more popular tradition”, and Chiado, “where the vain population inhabits is the same “. This year, you can watch this audio-visual show, between march 30 and october 14. Admission varies between 12.5 and 65 euros. The price of some entries include “A Taste of Lisbon,” a partnership with Pousadas de Portugal, which “tells the gastronomic story of Lisbon” Among the delicacies served in boxes with a little story about their origin, are the peixinhos da horta (fried green beans), the pataniscas de bacalhau (codfish salty cakes) and Pastéis de nata (similar pastéis de Belém pastry).

BES Photo 2012 – Museu Colecção Berardo

From 14th March to 27th May, will feature in Berardo Collection Museum the 8th edition of BES Photo, bringing original works of four artists into the competition, whose winner will be announced on 17th April. The artists were previously nominated by three members of the Selection Jury that followed the photography exhibitions works in the period to which the award relates. Visits from 10am to 7pm, with free entrance.

Duarte Amaral Netto (Portugal)
Portuguese photographer, with exhibitions marked by national and international presences, presents “Z 2012″, a work developed from research of photographic pieces from World War II, about the life of a physician who specializes in facial injuries. Build a narrative that transports you to that period and for the striking images of the life of “Z”.

Lisbon Fish & Flavours returns to Pátio da Galé

From 12-22 April on Pátio da Galé, in Terreiro do Paço, will receive the 5th edition of the Lisbon Fish & Flavours.
Ten of the best restaurants in Lisbon present fish and shellfish portuguese dishes costing € 5 and € 8, continuously from 12pm to 12am. In the auditorium will happen some of the best presentations of chefs working in Portugal, several with Michelin stars, as well as others of great international prestige.
As well as usual, this event will be held debates and other actions, including the famous contest “The Best Pastel de Nata de Lisboa“. There will be a gourmet market with various products, especially the desserts, canned fish, oils and wines, as well as activities involving direct visitors through cooking classes and wine and gourmet products tasting.
Entrance costs 15€ per person, including a 5€ tasting inn one of the 10 restaurants at the event.

Fábrica da Pólvora

The Fábrica da Pólvora (Powder Factory) is a leisure, culture and fun complex. Located in Barcarena, within Oeiras county, began as a dependency of the Arsenal of the Army from 1791 to 1869. Since then, the space was used for various other functions, always always connected to the storage and production of gunpowder, when in 1995 the Oeiras Municipality acquired the facilities, inaugurating the new space in 1998.

In addition to green spaces, Fábrica da Pólvora includes a picnic area, playground, a sport maintenance circuit, an open-air auditorium with capacity for 700 people and local vivariums. The services, which include some dependencies of Oeiras Municipality, contains restaurants, a museum with a complementary exhibition of prehistoric Leceia village, an archaeological studies centre and the artistic experimentation centre of the Portuguese Club of Arts and Ideas.

The hours of operation of this complex varies from summer and winter in areas of playground and picnic from 9:00 to 21:00 in summer and up to 18h in winter.

Oceanic Swimming Pool

The Oceanic Swimming Pool, in Oeiras, has the distinction of being fed from the sea water, right next to it. Its location is near the Oeiras marina and may also visit nearby the Agusto Cid’s sculpture, “Diving Whale”. The Oceanic Swimming Pool has a pool for children, with 3550ft2 and a depth of 1.3ft and another for adults with approximately 1790ft2 and a depth between 4ft and 7ft. It also has a platform with four jumping boards with heights between 2ft and 25ft, which may be sometimes closed for safety reasons. As an outdoor attraction that is, it’s only open between June and September.

The facilities have changing rooms (not allowed to store food in the locker), loungers and sunshades and even a bar where you can have light meals. In the pool area, ins’t allowed to enter with any food, except water bottles. All pool facilities are suitable for disabled people. Parking nearby is possible within a stone’s throw, although paid, but you have a covered park in about 200m away.

Atira-te ao Rio

The Atira-te ao Rio restaurant has a fantastic location on the south bank of the Tagus River and offers a superb view over Lisbon. It is located at Cais Ginjal, a spot also known for its photographic interest. If you like to take pictures take your camera and enjoy this opportunity. The Atira-te ao Rio is a cosy restaurant with a pleasant and relaxed ambience. The interior room is simply decorated, absorbing the atmosphere of the original building, probably a former fishing storehouse. Outside and in warmer days, the terrace allows you to take advantage of the sun and the views to Lisbon.

The cuisine of Atira-te ao Rio is international and includes dishes for all tastes, with the freshest ingredients. Dishes such as swordfish ceviche, grilled seafood, shrimp bobó (a brazilian stew), Burger Atira-te, seafood rissoto and cherry and apricot cake for dessert are very popular suggestions. In addition to these and all other dishes on the menu, on Saturdays you’ll have brazilian feijoada (beans stew) buffet at lunch and you can taste caipirinhas, another specialty of the place. You can reach the Atira-te ao Rio by car, but the complete adventure requires crossing the river from Lisbon by ferry boat. The trip from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas is nice and then you’ll only need to walk about 800 meters along the river until you reach the restaurant. Closed on Mondays.

CCB will have the 1st antiques and arts market

The Belém Cultural Centre receives the 1st Antiquities and Arts market, taking place from 3rd to 11th of March and has the participation of 40 exhibitors. The market runs from Monday to Thursday, casino online portugal from 4p.m. to 11p.m., Friday and Saturday, from 4p.m. to 12a.m., and Sundays from 4p.m. to 10p.m.. Admission is 3.00 € and the pieces displayed include old paints, modern and contemporary furniture from different backgrounds, old silverware and jewelry, china ceramics and earthenware, collection objects and old books.

Oeiras

The proximity to water

Between Cascais and Lisbon is the county of Oeiras. The village, which gives its name to county, is one of the most populous of Portugal also due to its proximity to the city of Lisbon. It started to be a crowded residential area of the metropolitan city and has evolved in accordance to its particular characteristics and infrastructure created over time, bringing life to that area in a very dynamic and attractive way. Its proximity to water, including the Tagus estuary and the sea from Algés to São Julião da Barra Fort, turns that area especially busy in summer.

O Pescador

Cascais is so intimately connected to the sea that turns natural to have the fishermen’s life in its origins. The places where they gathered around a table after a day of work remain nowadays and O Pescador (“The Fisherman”) is one of those places. It started to be a tavern where the fishermen, after the toil at sea, ate recently captured fish. After 1964, the tavern became a restaurant and maintained the traditions of cooking fresh fish, winning customer preference along time, some of them famous such as Mick Jagger, Peter O’Toole, Norah Jones, and others.

The decor alludes to sea and naturally to sea toil, retaining some of the original features of thefisherman’s lifes in Cascais. The atmosphere is relaxed and familiar and also has an outdoor terrace for milder days. It is also an ideal place for groups relying on their friendly and efficient service and taking advantage of its location in the center of Cascais, between the sea and the fish auction. The food is mainly focused on sea products, fresh fish and seafood, cooked in a traditional portuguese way. The sea paella and the fish and seafood cataplana (a typical pan)  are specialities which contributed to the fame of this restaurant. You can also find some meat dishes on the menu, with emphasis on the pork fillet with Dijon mustard sauce and wild mushrooms. The wine, unique in the perspective of many customers is varied and deserves to be explored, being possible to have your choice by the glass.

The Fisherman is closed on Sunday dinners in the winter months and is open every day in summer.

Fernando Pessoa – Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian

From 10 of February to 30 of April (10a.m. – 6p.m., admission 4€) this exhibition, dedicated to Fernando Pessoa and all his heteronyms, seeks to open up an insight into the sheer multiplicity of the works by this great Portuguese language poet, taking visitors on a sensorial voyage through the universe of Pessoa, through what he read, saw, heard and the materiality of his words. The exhibition features an environment brimming with poems, texts, documents, photographs and paintings and including rarities such as a first edition copy of Mensagem (Message), signed and dedicated by the poet.

Resulting from cooperation between the Roberto Marinho Foundation (Brazil) and São Paulo’s Museum of the Portuguese Language, with the support of the Gulbenkian Foundation, the exhibition was inaugurated in São Paulo in 2010, before going on display in Rio de Janeiro in 2011.

In Lisbon, in the Gulbenkian Foundation Museum, the exhibition also highlights the Year of Brazil in Portugal. Fernando Pessoa: Plural as the Universe features several components. One area is given over to the presentation of, in self-contained compartments, the orthonym and the four most important heteronyms: Alberto Caeiro, Ricardo Reis, Álvaro de Campos and Bernardo Soares. In another section, there is a collection of texts, with the objective of demonstrating how, in the spirit of Pessoa, the heteronyms could co-exist and take form as self-interpretative writings alongside all the other projects that the poet set about developing, in a dynamic but simultaneously solitary process. The exhibition also includes previously unpublished documents as well as painting and some objects never before seen in Portugal.

Lisbon Zoo celebrates Valentine’s Day

The Lisbon Zoo is also celebrating Valentine’s Day. Next February 14th, its visitors will find several special events and, as might be expected, in a romantic mood. Did you know that jacintas macaws are monogamous? Discover this Lisbon Zoo peculiar species (the largest of the macaws), living with a single partner for a life and enjoy getting to know the most fun species of this park. Participate also in the challenge taking place between February 6th and 12th in www.zoo.pt. During your visit to the Zoo, look for the Giant Heart who will be strolling over there and get a romantic message to share with your loved one. Before the dolphin’s spectacle, starting at 3 p.m., couples will also be invited to declare their love and the most romantic interpretation will win a unique opportunity to kiss these dolphins. Find love at the zoo and spend there a fun day, visiting more than 2,000 animals of 360 different species!

Adega do Saloio

Adega do Saloio was established 50 years ago by a couple living in Sintra. Probably, the founders did not imagine then that in the twenty-first century, their restaurant would continue to attract so many diners. And today, the business remains in the hands of this couple’s descendants. The name of the house originates from the place’s history, as there was housed a wine cellar (adega in Portuguese). The association of this curiosity with its location in a more rural area (known as saloia), resulted in the Adega do Saloio designation. It presents itself, without any surprise, with a typical rustic decor, benefiting from a renewal it underwent during the 80s.

Adega do Saloio is a restaurant serving affordable and generous portions. The atmosphere is cosy and familiar and the presence of businessmen who work nearby is quite common. During the week-ends, customers are family groups and tourists exploring this region. The food is truly Portuguese with the most popular dishes being the Madeira island style kebab, roasted lamb and codfish (or octopus) with roasted potatoes and olive oil. The fresh and organic products from the surrounding region enhance the rich and natural flavour of the dishes. For dessert, it stands out the cream pie and homemade ice cream. It is open the whole week and it’s dining room, with a capacity up to 200 persons, is just for non-smokers.

Amo-te Ciência

Amo-te Ciência, opened in January 2012, is the expansion of the Amo-te (I love you in Portuguese) diners’ chain to the most eastern area of Lisbon. Already present elsewhere in the city, as in Chiado, the Museum of Electricity and the theatre D. Maria II, Amo-te Ciência bet in a merger between the concept of its brand with the positioning of Pavilion of Knowledge, a very popular attraction among children. It presents a large red heart, filled with references to scientific subjects, transmitting colour and excitement to the more antiseptic ambience of the cultural site where it is located, which was designed by the architect Carrilho da Graça.

Hills Tramcar Tour – Yellow Bus

The Tramcar Hills Tour by Yellow Bus is distinguished by being the only one that takes place aboard one of the iconic trams that serve Lisbon since 1901. Its route, which goes through the historic areas of the city centre, inspired on the mythical nr. 28 tram route but with benefits. On one hand, it has an audio guide service in 8 languages, which explains what you will observe. On the other hand, eliminates the risk of pickpockets wich you must be careful on nr.28 tram. Starting from the central Commerce Square, the route goes through the Figueira Square and then crosses the Martim Moniz Square to start the climb up to Graça’s neighbourhood.

From here crosses the typical Alfama district (meeting the spirit of the old Lisbon) up to the Portas do Sol viewpoint, a beautiful spot to enjoy the Tagus river. Going down to downtown Lisbon you will see the Cathedral of Lisbon on your left and after the tram starts a new climb up to Chiado to reach after that Estrela Cathedral. The final stretch is through Santos neighborhood and then enters the São Paulo Street returning to the start point. It is a journey that takes about 80 minutes and gives you a good perspective on all areas of central Lisbon, from those that have been rebuilt from scratch after the earthquake of 1755, as the downtown, to the most popular and traditional Graça and Alfama neighbourhoods.

Tagus Tour – Yellow Bus

The Tagus Tour of Yellow Bus includes the most beautiful views to downtown and Tagus river, mainly covering  the parallel line to the Tagus river. By using the audio guide service (in Portuguese and 7 other languages) you will know more about the history of the city and its relationship with the river, complemented with typical portuguese music. This route crosses common interests related to the great maritime discoveries of Portugal, but also offers vies for low and high areas of the city, including shopping areas, business and culture areas, being therefore a complete route.

The Tagus Tour starts in Figueira Square, heading to Rossio, Restauradores Square and Avenida da Liberdade on a sequence that follows the development of the city from Downtown. Here are the most modern areas such as Espanha Square and Avenida José Malhoa, some of the shopping and business areas of excellence. The privileged view from the top of Eduardo VII Park appears on the left, starting the descent through Amoreiras and Estrela Cathedral to Bethlehem. Here you will find the monumental jewels of the portuguese discoveries, standing out the Belém Tower, the Monument of the Discoveries and Jerónimos Monastery. Nearby you can also visit the Coach Museum. Back to the centre you can view the Alcântara docks, the Orient Museum, the National Museum of Ancient Art finishing at the starting point after passing through Commerce Square. This entire route takes approximately 2 hours.

In summer (May to October), the Tagus Tour departs from 30 in 30 minutes between 9:15a.m. and 6:45p.m. Between November and April, the route begins at 9:45am and last departure is at 5:45p.m. You can buy your ticket on the bus and also in authorized points of sale and even online. Children between 4 and 10 years pay only 7.50 euros. Tickets are valid for 24 hours, which means that you can get on and off as you want in any stop of the tour. With the same ticket, you can also use any other Carris bus and also in the 4 lifts in Lisbon. Try visiting the Glória Funicular, which is a 10 minute walk from the point of arrival!

Belém Tour – Yellow Bus

The circuit Belém Tour of Yellow Bus unveils the historic district of the portuguese discoveries on a mini-bus tour complementing the Tagus Tour, another Yellow Bus Tour Service. You can use the audio guide (in Portuguese and in 11 other languages) to discover the details of all monuments that stand through this tour path. The depart is near the entire front of Jerónimos Monastery to the Navy Museum. Then, from here alongside the bank of the Tagus river you’ll find unique points of interest such as the Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and Electricity Museum.

The circuit then reverses its direction, to go head to Algés and to the Avenida das Descobertas, where it crosses a residential area full of foreign embassies. Passing the Restelo Stadium, there is the Museum of Ethnology to the right, after going through the picturesque streets of the Alto da Ajuda to get to the Ajuda Palace, a former royal residence of the 19th century that deserves a detailed visit. After that, the bus goes down the Calçada da Ajuda and turn right to allow observation of the Coach Museum and the Belém Palace (official residence of the Republic President). Finally, a passage through the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém (where you can find the typical pastéis de Belém) and finish at the starting point 45 minutes after departure.

The time of the circuit is from 9:30 to 18:30, with departures every 30 minutes. You can buy the ticket on the bus or in authorized points of sale or even online. Children between 4 and 10 years as well the Tagus Tour ticket holders pay only 5.00 euros. Tickets are valid 24h after validation. During this period, you may get off and on the bus as many times as you want on tour stops. Visit inside the monuments included on this tour!

ezimut.com launches the EatOut Lisbon app

Sommer

Sintra invites for a pedestrian walking

The Municipality of Sintra invites you to rediscover this village and its charming palaces with a pedestrian walking (for free), which takes place on January, 29th. Under the motto of Sintra – Village of Palaces, this tour will departure at 9 a.m. from Portela de Sintra (at Praça Dom Afonso Henriques) and it will last about two and a half hours, in a distance of 6.2 miles (about 10 kilometers). The difficulty level is medium (minimum age 10 years), strolling through the Sintra National Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, Seteais, the Moorish Castle, Pena Palace, the Chapel of St. Euphemia and São Pedro of Penaferrim to end at the starting point, at Portela de Sintra. Registration, for a maximum of 75 people, can be made  ​through the Municipality of Sintra website, in the Desporto Aventura tab. Participants should bring appropriate footwear, a coat, water and a small food supply.

Open Brasserie Mediterrânica

The Open Brasserie Mediterrânica restaurant is located near the Marquês de Pombal square, inside the Inspira Santa Marta Hotel. This centrality means an easier access for those coming on foot or by public transport, but for drivers the best solution is to park in the park inside the hotel (two free hours for clients). This restaurant is intimately linked to social responsibility. For instance, here the tap water is filtered and bottled on site and the proceeds from the sale revert to a NGO dedicated to the distribution of drinking water in Africa. The spot’s decoration is modern and clean. And the walls lined with wood blend well with the idea of ​​sustainability.

Café Buenos Aires na Fábrica

Café Buenos Aires offers, since September 2011, a second space to its patrons. It’s like a branch of this Lisbon’s famous Argentinian restaurant, but here the name received the na Fábrica (in the Factory) addition, reminding that this building has used to be the factory of the Confeitaria Nacional, one of the oldest pastries in town. So and if it is not always easy to get a table at the original Café Buenos Aires, the alternative is now a few doors away. It is located in the same Calçada do Duque, a 330 feet (100 meters) above the original restaurant, in a simple building with an unnoticed façade.

The original concept, created by a Portuguese and an Argentine who met in Paris and came to Lisbon, remains here unchanged. The ambience and decor were built at the first’s house image, taking advantage of its dining room’s great height. The menu is also unchanged compared to its peer, keeping the same featured dishes: the juicy Argentine steaks and emblematic salads, such as the one with colorful flower petals’. For dessert, stands out the Argentine sweet (strawberries, meringue and whipped cream) and dulce de leche. This restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Bella Lisa

The Bella Lisa restaurant, located in Lisbon’s New Avenues, offers a menu crossing Italian dishes with some Portuguese cuisine. But its expertise is really based on thin-crust pizzas and succulent pastas. This is a huge restaurant that seats over 400 diners, with two different spaces (one for smokers) separated by a gap on the ground floor and another room for events, in the downstairs. This size makes it a restaurant suitable for large groups’ meals. The decor can be classified as a modernized rustic style, including a more intimate area in shades of red.

 

It has been said, in Bella Lisa dominate pizzas, cannellonis, lasagna and other pastas. But the highlights are the risotto with meat and gorgonzola cheese and tortellini with cream and ham. The desserts are homemade, standing out the tiramisù and panna cotta. To drink, taste the sangria (red or white). There is also a daily lunch menu, at a very reasonable price. This restaurant is open every day of the week and on Fridays and Saturdays it is open until 1 a.m. Bella Lisa Elevator is another restaurant of the same owners, which enjoys the panoramic benefit of being at the top of Santa Justa Elevator.

PUB

Coach Museum offers New Year’s concert

The Coach Museum presents, the next January 8th, a New Year’s concert dedicated to the Vienna’s waltzes. They will be performed by the Belle Époque Salon Orchestra under the direction of the conductor Larentiu Ivan Coca. This concert, which want to invoke the great evenings of the dance halls in Vienna of Austria and celebrate the New Year, starts at 5 p.m. in the museum’s Main Hall. Admission is free.

Manga Rosa Lounge

Located in the old Almada city on the south bank of the Tagus river, Manga Rosa Lounge was designed with details. With attentive service and exquisite décor, the space is cosmopolitan, eclectic, urban and relaxed. Opened in December 2007, installed in a building with 50 years and closed for more than 30 years, the degradation was advanced and the necessary work to create Manga Rosa was hard but the result was worth it! The materials and products are all portuguese, down to the smallest detail, such as Vista Alegre cutlery or Marinha Grande glasses, which gives it a soul of its own and, of course, portuguese.

The decor also features vintage and other elements of class, as the chandelier on the ceiling that stands out, which lit years ago the Condes de Óbidos Palace. The name chosen for this bar has the story on its interior walls, where multiple frames are visible semi-naked models nicknamed “calendar Manga Rosa”. The chairs are in white leather sofas to contrast with the soft light inside and a wall of mirrors and bar complete the picture.

Having been growing over time, both in number of customers to some of the best national DJ’s who have passed through here, Manga Rosa Lounge is proud to be an area sought after by all generations. It was also considered one of the top 100 bars in the world by worldbestbars.com site.

Ali-a-Papa

The restaurant Ali-a-Papa, located at the heart of Bairro Alto, has been serving Moroccan food since the mid 80′s. It is a small (with about two dozen seats), intimate and comfortable place, with a pastel shade’s decor that immediately refers to Morocco, where the many ornamental pieces that compose the place came from. And it is not only the ambience and the menu that carries the customers to that North African country. The owners have also been careful to choose only cooks native to that country, thus keeping the dishes’ confection true to their origin. The friendliness of the service, provided by both owners, is also noteworthy.

De Castro Elias

The De Castro Elias restaurant is the result of a four friend’s shared passion for cuisine. Chef Miguel Castro Silva was the booster piece in this project, which opened its doors in September 2009. The place is not too large (about three dozen places) and it is a kind of a modern tavern. Decorated with minimalist lines, a pristine white dominates this space to make the ambience more luminous. Located near the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Garden, it combines a dichotomous clientele, crossing the diners who live nearby with those who work in the surrounding offices.

Miguel Castro e Silva is a chef from Oporto, who headed towards south in late 2008. He settled in Lisbon, where he is also responsible for the Largo restaurant. For De Castro Elias, he prepared a menu full of appetizers, such as fried codfish, gizzards in spicy sauce and pézinhos de coentrada (a kind of pig’s souse). It is quite obvious that this is a place for typical Portuguese petiscos (snacks). The extensive list is divided between those who are to nibble, the tiny salads and cold, hot, fish and meats dishes. Of course it is advisable to share these delicacies among the guests sitting at the same table. For dessert, there is always an appreciable assortment of sweets. In wines, the highlights are the two that are authored by the own chef and which go well with almost all dishes. This restaurant is open every day of the week.

LMFAO at the Lisbon Coliseum in March

The North American duo LMFAO will play at the Lisbon Coliseum on March 22^nd, starting at 9 p.m. This show was initially scheduled for January, but a back injury forced Blue Sky to postpone it. Tickets for the first date are valid for the new date, without having to make any change. But those who want to return the ticket can do it by January 19th. The stage originally planned, the TMN Live venue, was also changed to the Lisbon Coliseum, due to high demand. The LMFAO (which means laughing my fat ass off) are a duo of satiric hip-hoppers, formed by Redfoo and Sky Blu, son and grandson (the first is the uncle of the second) of the Motown label’s founder. They have two published albums: Party Rock (2009) and Sorry For Partyrocking (2011).

Confeitaria Nacional

The Confeitaria Nacional, which is located at one of the Praça da Figueira’s corners, is one of the oldest Lisbon’s pastry-shops. It was founded in 1829 by Baltazar Roiz Castanheiro and it has remained for more than five generations in the same family, thus keeping the traditions that have made it a reputable house. It earned, in 1873, the distinction of being the pastries supplier of the Portuguese royal family and it has won international awards in exhibitions at Vienna, Paris and Philadelphia. It was also responsible for introducing Bolo-Rei (literally meaning the king cake, made with dried fruits) in the Portuguese Christmas’ celebrations, from a recipe brought from France in 1850. Bolo-Rei is now its ex-libris and, at Christmas time, the people of Lisbon line up at the door to buy this delicacy.

The Confeitaria Nacional interiors are an architectural relic, which has stood the test of time and their centenarian traits have been respected by the several renovations that have been made throughout the years. With a classic decor dating back to the nineteenth century, the old marble counter and the mirrored ceiling stand out. It has two floors and upstairs there is a dining area, where are served (only at lunches) Portuguese cuisine’s dishes at affordable prices. The ground floor serves as a bustling coffee and pastry-shop, serving a wide range of delicacies. Highlights are the sweets made with eggs or almonds. The Confeitaria Nacional is open every day of the week.

Cervejaria Ramiro

The Cervejaria Ramiro opened in 1956 per initiative of Mr. Ramiro. Located at Avenida Almirante Reis, this traditional brewery and seafood restaurant began as a simple casa de pasto (eating house). But it quickly gained fame in Lisbon, as a result of the quality of its seafood and familiar service. It is a lively and informal place, decorated with scenes from the sea. Downstairs are the nurseries where seafood is kept alive. On the ground floor it is possible to find a large tiles’ mural on a wall, illustrated by different types of crustaceans and made by the renowned Portuguese porcelain factory Viúva Lamego. The top floor is quieter and has a small private room, also in maritime style.

Cinco Jotas Gourmet

The Cinco Jotas Gourmet restaurant, located on the seventh floor of the El Corte Inglés department stores in Lisbon (at Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar), is dedicated to the gastronomy of Spanish origin. It is managed by the business group Osborne, an expert in the production and marketing of Iberian pork and follows the gourmet line created for the same brand’s space at El Corte Inglés in Madrid. This restaurant in Lisbon is one more step in the chain’s international expansion, which already has two-dozen restaurants spread across Spain and the United Kingdom (they are present at Harrods).

The Cinco Jotas Gourmet in Lisbon occupies a small corner, but is full of natural light and dominated by a bar (or barra in Spanish). The house specialties are based on the Iberian pig, which provides a varied range of tapas and dishes made with the famous Cinco Jotas ham. There are also other appetizers, including anchovies, Padrón peppers, tortillas and even codfish. The wine list is dominated by Osborne brands, some of which are also available by the glass: red, white and Jerez, the fortified wine from Andalusia which is the brand’s flag and whose flavour goes well with the Iberian ham. This restaurant is open daily, under a non-stop schedule from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., extending up to 11:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Spot São Luiz

Spot São Luiz is a cafe and a restaurant, built on the premises of the São Luiz theatre, at the Chiado neighbourhood, which has a contemporary and cosmopolitan identity. The influence of the theatre extends to the space’s decor and menu, engaging clients in a harmonious and mixed-generational ambience. The interior lighting is controlled, during the day, through the only window facing outside. The dining room is at a lowered level in relation to the entrance’s anterior room, fully decorated in a vintage style and whose walls and lamps were inscribed with sentences of famous writers: “the world is a stage”, signs Shakespeare.

Casa México

Casa México opened in Lisbon (at Avenida Dom Carlos I) in 1994 and quickly gained fame in the city for its fiesta mood and good Mexican cuisine. Six years later, it opened a second restaurant in the Cascais’ Marina, where it kept the same animated style as in its original location. Betting every effort on this new space, its owners closed the Lisbon’s restaurant, keeping only the Cascais’ one. Being a Mexican restaurant, the site has been designed accordingly, with bright colours to emphasize the joy and music of the mariachi’s land. This Casa México has a 50 seat’s room, with another 30 on its outdoor terrace, overlooking the Cascais’ Bay.

The menu includes the best Mexican dishes, highlighting the essential nachos, burritos and tacos, among other specialties such as sirloin steak with typical sauces and a spicy chilli con carne. There are also some vegetarian options. For dessert, it offers a Mexican chocolate mousse (with coffee liqueur) or a pineapple sweet with biscuits. Whatever is your choice, do not forget the margaritas and tequilas, which can also be enjoyed at the bar. This restaurant is open for lunch from Wednesdays to Sundays and public holidays, serving dinner on weekends, holidays and their eves. It is, however, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Belém Tour

Belém (meaning Bethlehem) is opposite to the point where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean. From here, left many of the ships that participated in the Portuguese maritime discoveries, between the fifteenth and the seventeenth centuries. Nowadays, this area concentrates many of the monuments, museums and public gardens that celebrate that part of Portugal’s history. Recently, some modern buildings were also erected in the zone: the Centro Cultural de Belém, the Altis Belém Hotel and the Coach Museum’s new facilities. The name of Belém was due to King Manuel I who, in the early sixteenth century, so named the then Lisbon’s suburb. But even earlier, in 1415, the military expedition that conquered the Moorish city of Ceuta left from here. In 1493, Christopher Columbus landed also in Belém, when he returned from his first voyage to America. And in 1497, Vasco da Gama left from here to discover the sea route to India. The Portuguese famous writer Alexandre Herculano was, in 1854, elected Mayor of Belém, then a autonomous municipality.

Many tourists travel through this area daily, attracted by these testimonies of the past, but also taking advantage of the large landscaped garden and the restaurants and cafes that surround it. Another appealing factor are the worldwide famous Pastéis de Belém, some small tartlets that have been manufactured at the A Antiga Confeitaria de Belém since 1837. You can start a stroll in the area by tasting these delicacies (be ready to face a queue at the counter) that should be eaten still hot and sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. Then visit the Coach Museum, which exhibits a unique collection of three dozen royal coaches, berlins and carriages. Afterwards try crossing, through a pedestrian bridge, the railway line parallel to the Avenida da Índia, to visit the Monument to the Discoveries, a building that celebrates the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry, the great booster of the Portuguese discoveries.

Back in the large garden of Jardim do Império, you should visit the Centro Cultural de Belém, where the cafeteria Quadrante is located, an ideal spot for a light meal while enjoying the River’s scenery. After roaming inside the Berardo Collection Museum of Modern Art, the Jerónimos Monastery will be just at your left hand side. In this former Order of St. Jerome convent are buried famous Portuguese such as Vasco da Gama, Luís de Camões (the author of the epic poem collection Os Lusíadas) and Fernando Pessoa (a modernist poet of the first half of the twentieth century). Right next to this Monastery, the Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium takes you on a simulated trip to the cosmos’ mysteries. Returning to the waterfront, you will reach one of the city’s most recognizable icons: the Belém Tower, an ancient fort defending the Lisbon’s entrance. You can end the tour just besides it, in the Vela Latina’s terrace, enjoying a well-deserved refreshment. You will have visited a symbolic block of Lisbon, on a journey through what the city proudly kept from its ancient splendour and also passing by some of its new landmark buildings.

Lisbon Casino

The Lisbon Casino opened in 2006, at Parque das Nações, occupying the former Pavilion of the Future, which was part of the World Expo in 1998. This is a futuristic building of steel and glass, where the night lighting gets a special emphasis. It offers a wide variety of entertainment, shows and dining. It houses more than 1,000 slot machines and 22 gaming tables (roulette, baccarat, poker and blackjack) and has two concert halls. The Ocean’s Auditorium can hold an audience of more than 600 people and the stage has a removable floor, allowing a panoramic view over the remaining casino’s spaces. The Arena Lounge is at the casino’s centre, a rotating space with several platforms, where cocktails and finger food are served, while choreographic, acrobatics and multimedia animations are presented.

Inside the casino are the Suite, MoMo and Átrio Casino restaurants, offering respectively signature cuisine, pan-Asian gastronomy and a Portuguese dishes buffet (this one on a panoramic area). Four different bars are also spread out over the three-story building. In the fore-mentioned concert halls are often held concerts and shows with Portuguese and international artists. The Lisbon Casino is open every weekday from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. On Fridays, Saturdays and public holidays’ eves, the opening hours are from 4 p.m. until 4 a m. This venue closes only on December 24th and has an underground car park with a capacity of up to 300 vehicles. The Parque das Docas, at 82 feet (25 meters) from the casino’s main entrance, allows the parking of an additional 300 cars (this car park is open during the day). The casino’s entrance is only allowed to people over 18 years.

Oito Dezoito

The restaurant Oito Dezoito was born associated with a newspaper, in its case the weekly Sol (Sun in Portuguese), whose editorial staff works on the upper floors. Opened in June 2011, its name results from the time it takes for the Sun’s light to traverse space until it reaches the Earth (just eight minutes and 18 seconds). Located at the centre of downtown Lisbon, it is a modern and sophisticated site, which serves lunches, dinners and even a breakfast’s buffet. It is well suited to business lunches, but also to more informal style gatherings. The Oito Dezoito even bets in the wine bars trend, with an enlarged wine’s cellar, which may be accompanied by snacks.

For breakfast, there is a combination of eggs, croissants, juices, fruits and yogurts. At lunch is available a daily menu (a soup and a main dish at reasonable prices), but there are also other offers in the fixed menu. The wine bar concept is more present between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., offering a relaxing atmosphere with cocktails, wine by the glass, tapas (appetizers) and cheeses. At dinner, there is a varied and creative menu. The peas risotto with roasted scallops and ginger scent or the supreme half cured codfish served with a beans and broccoli mousse, illustrate well the type of cuisine offered in this place. The Oito Dezoito is closed on Sundays and also serves as a venue for events and exhibitions promoted by the anchoring newspaper.

Cantina da Estrela

The Cantina da Estrela restaurant is located inside Hotel da Estrela and it was opened in December 2010. It recreates the ambience of a Portuguese school, with its furnishings remembering the old classrooms, with slate boards posted on the walls. The dining room, with plenty of light entering through the glass doors facing the garden is cosy and carefully organized. But the great achievement of this restaurant is that you must assess the food that is served here. In fact, each customer decides how much to pay for his meal, in a range of prices set in advance, awarding (or not) the team that conceived it.

Hard Rock Cafe Lisboa

The Lisbon’s Hard Rock Cafe opened in 2003, housed in an elegant modernist building dating back to the 50′s of the last century, where it used to be the Condes theatre. But the Hard Rock Cafe’s history has more than 40 years, since the opening of their first restaurant in June 1971, in London. In Lisbon, the Hard Rock Cafe recovered the building where it now stands, keeping the inside decor aligned with the standards of this international chain. Thus the rock and roll style is predominant, helped by musical instruments and other related memorabilia. Among others, there is an Elton John’s suit, a guitar of the lead singer of Oasis, Noel Gallagher and a pink Cadillac from 1959 that belonged to an IndyCar champion. In this spot are also held musical shows, whose photos are used to decorate the interior walls afterwards.

Carmo Museum entertains children

The Carmo Archaeological Museum promotes activities for children (on groups with a minimum of four participants), during the Christmas school holidays. Simulating scenarios from the pre-history to the medieval castles, the Museum proposes to kids (between six and eight years-old) exercises such as collage, drawing and clue-guessing games. On December 19th, the program is dedicated to the Cro-Magnon family, on December 20th it travels through the middle Ages and on December 21st it will be based on a walk around the ruins’ garden. The price is 15 euros, with lunch and a snack included. For December 26th, 27th and 28th (from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), the proposal for the children (from eight to 10 years-old) is to build a popup book with characters and landscapes from the Carmo Museum’s history and collection. This workshop costs 7 euros, with lunch included. Registration should be made until December 14th, by telephone (213 478 629).

Brasileiríssimo

The Brasileiríssimo restaurant is located in Benfica (under the Eixo Norte-Sul highway) and as its name indicates, it offers Brazilian cuisine’s dishes, originating in a couple of different regions. It is a simple and hospitable space, of a popular type and inspired by the owner’s (which is Aguinaldo Ferreira da Silva, a well-known journalist and TV soap-opera’s author) country of origin. This restaurant serves some already famous caipirinhas, prepared by a professional bartender who has years of experience in typical Brazilian restaurants. There is also Brazilian beer to drink (preferably cool), presented by several brands.

Brasileiríssimo has a wide gastronomical offer, with specialties such as frango caipira (roasted chicken breast with pineapple and peas, onions and ham sauce) and shrimp in a à Brás style (scrambled eggs with shrimp and french fries). For many, its picanha (the cut of beef that is considered to be a prime delicacy in Brazil) is also one of Lisbon’s best. It has also day menus that are a way to experience other Brazilian specialties such as carne de sol (corned beef with onion) and moqueca (shrimp or fish stew). The desserts are equally exotic and the quindim (a pudding made with egg yolks, coconut and sugar) stands out among them, with the papaya cream also being worth a reference. On Fridays and Saturdays, it features live music, so the ambience is even more festive on these nights. This restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Confraria LX

Confraria is a already legendary restaurant in Cascais, since its opening in 2007, attracting legions of fusion-style sushi fans. In October 2010, it opened at Cais do Sodré this new Confraria LX. Installed inside the LX Boutique Hotel, it is a trendy restaurant, decorated with floral wallpaper and blue armchairs. In both restaurants, it offers a menu consisting of sushi, sashimi and fresh fish, on a menu also presenting light dishes such as quiches, salads and tapas (small appetizers). The team of sushi chefs who work in Confraria LX was formed with elements originating from the Cascais restaurant, harmonizing both restaurants’ offers.

Among the house specialties, are the gyoza (dumplings with meat, originating in China and very popular in Japan) and some exotic varieties of the fore-mentioned fusion sushi. For dessert, there is the tart Tatin, that has nothing of Japanese (it was invented in France), but has a history behind it. In the space where the Cascais’ Confraria is located, was previously installed a Belgian restaurant that served, with much success, this apple pie with ice cream. When the site was converted to the actual Japanese restaurant, this hit remained on the menu. Confraria LX also works on the afternoons, serving tea and scones. It is closed on Mondays, but on Fridays and Saturdays it closes only at two o’clock in the morning.

Príncipe Real Live until December 10th

Príncipe Real Live is back in its sixth edition, in a series of initiatives taking place between the 8th and 10th of December. During this period, the streets and shops of this Lisbon’s neighbourhood will have special entertainment, including free jazz concerts, opera, theatre, exhibitions and various tasting sessions. These events will be held at the Praça do Príncipe Real, Rua da Escola Politécnica and Rua D. Pedro V, which will have their stores open until 11 p.m., as a venue for those events. The British Council joins this initiative for the first time, presenting its collection of contemporary art. In the Bernardo Marques art gallery will be present the photography exhibition “Studio New York City 1984-1992″ by Marcus Leatherdale, which includes photos of famous people, like Madonna.

Quadrante

The Quadrant is a cafeteria at the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB) with a pleasant terrace facing the river.

The environment is ideal for rest and relax between visits to exhibitions or even as a refuge for a break in the middle of a busy day of visits to the monuments of thatarea as the Jeronimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, among manyothers. The interior, decorated in a minimalist retro, it’s cozy. Multiculturalismmakes the customer comfortable space for everyone and it is common to findtourists looking for a place to rest.

Here you can enjoy a meal from the specials available, choosing to stay at the tables inside or take advantage of the view from the outdoor terrace when weather permits.

Cheap Restaurants Guide

In Lisbon, it is easy to get a meal for less than 10 euros. Throughout the city there are many restaurants serving cheap dishes and even when adding a drink and a coffee is it possible to eat below the 10-euro barrier. To find them, look carefully at the menus posted outside the restaurants’ doors (especially those of humbler facades), which will list the available dishes (usually traditional family-style Portuguese food) and their prices. In many cases, restaurants offer meias doses (half-portions), a bit smaller portions than the regular dishes, but costing between four and five euros. Beyond these generic offers, some restaurants specialize in one type of food, keeping the prices low and getting themselves popular among the locals.

In the 15 euros per meal tier there are some restaurants worth mentioning. The MEZZOgiorno pizzeria is located at the heart of Chiado and offers pizza and a terrace recommended for sunny days; Restaurant Esquina da Fé, a nice spot situated in a parallel street to Avenida da Liberdade, suggests their famous croquettes and traditional Portuguese dishes; The Baldracca Cantina, which is on the way up to the Castelo de São Jorge, in the Mouraria neighbourhood, offers a family-based and inexpensive Italian cuisine; It has a newer sister-restaurant, the Pizzas Baldracca, which is settled in the old São Jorge theater foyer (at the first floor); In the Bica area, very close to Bairro Alto, is located the Toma Lá Dá Cá restaurant, with a typical Lisbon’s menu at affordable prices and always full of youngsters.

At the Bairro Alto’s centre is located the Antigo 1º de Maio, a classic cuisine of this area’s regulars, that also bets on traditional dishes, but where you have to choose carefully if you are on a low budget. In the same style and almost next door, is situated the truly Portuguese restaurant Cabaças, where it reins the steak on the stone, a piece of raw meat that is cooked at the table, on top of a hot stone. For those who really like pizza, one should try Primo Basílico, a small and cozy restaurant in Alfama created by two young Italians, who sell them sliced in menus cheaper than five euros.

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The Dervixe Turkish restaurant is a more exotic, but also an economic choice. Located on avenida 24 de julho, it is recommended for large group meals, when diners want to pay little more than 10 euros per person. And after this, in a paradoxical fast-food and gourmet concept, there is the restaurant chain H3, scattered throughout the city and where you can eat fresh meat burgers served with Thai rice and crispy fries. It is an ideal spot for those in a hurry and who do not want to spend much money.

Other articles about dining in Lisbon:

• Cafes and terraces

• Bairro Alto’s best restaurants

• The taverns guide to Lisbon

• Gourmet Restaurants

• Flavours of Lisbon

• Restaurants guide

Pizzas Baldracca

Located in the historical and central São Jorge theatre, Pizzas Baldracca is the second restaurant in the same chain as Cantina Baldracca, a popular Italian restaurant that gained fame through a combination of the quality of the food it serves with affordable prices. The Baldracca pizzeria opened in early November 2011, serving lunches and also dinners (except on days when private events are held on site). Located on the first floor of an old theatre, it used its foyer to install a dozen tables, where only pizzas are offered. There are 22 different varieties and each one was named after an Italian film.

Restelo Caravel Church

The Restelo Caravel Church is, since December 2011, a new tourist attraction in the Belém neighbourhood. Designed by the architect Troufa Real to house the St Francis Xavier parish, it is inspired on the life of this missionary in India and Japan and its construction was controversial because its style is too exuberant for the taste of some of the locals. Only the church’s first phase is now complete, because the parish has not yet raised the funds needed to complete it. The church’s nave hosts up to 500 people and is a replica of an Old Portuguese caravel’s (the vessels who took the Portuguese to their maritime expansion) hull. The inside walls are curved with glasses’ shaped windows. Outside, there is a large iron cross tumbled on the ground. Cornucopias representing the waves are bonded to the core of the church.

The rectory, in bright orange colours, represents Lisbon’s old houses, which St Francis Xavier left behind when he set out to evangelize the Far East. The church’s exterior walls will be painted in white, green and red in an allusion to Portugal and the Indian Union national flags. According to Troufa Real, ​a known member of Freemasonry, there are hidden within the church some symbolic Masonic elements, which was taken as a provocation by some Catholics. The Restelo caravel church construction began in 2009 with an initial project which included a golden caravel and a Moorish-style tower 312 feet (95 meters) high. But the boldness of this project and budgetary constraints have forced it to undergo reviewing. A ferrous material replaced the golden colour and the Arabic tower will not be erected. For the project’s second phase is now planned the construction of a steel structure designed by Carvalho Rodrigues, a college professor known as the father of the first Portuguese satellite, and the new structure will move based on wind and solar energy produced in the tower itself.

Pharmacia

Fado Itinerary

Fado is Lisbon’s musical expression, with little-known origins but always associated to the history of the city. While port of departure for the overseas expansion of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, Lisbon received visitors and slaves coming from Africa, South America and Asia, who left behind their musical influences spread throughout the town. But only in 1840 did fado gain recognition in Lisbon, being originally sung by sailors. Quickly did its interpreters become highlighted for the audacious letters and provocative dressings. Throughout the 20th century, fado won fans within the upper classes and expanded itself into radio, cinema and theatres, reaching a national dimension. The Casas de Fado (the traditional clubs where fado is sung) were born in the middle of the 20th century and enabled the professionalization of fado’s singers, then obligated to a professional license and to the previous censorship of their lyrics.

With Amália Rodrigues (1920-99), the greatest fado singer ever, this song was modernized and it acquired a world statute, confirmed by UNESCO, which declared it a World Heritage in November 2011. The fado singers sing the longing for a lost love, the woe and the tragedy, the love and the jealousy, in appropriate environments, at an half-light and demanding absolute silence. After a period marked by a lack of interest, fado has regained its place in Lisbon and is now a musical style cherished by the elites and sung by the people of the city, while many tourists search the town for the most genuine marks of local culture. This fado itinerary, which can be done in two days, is divided into visits to institutions that promote and expose this Portuguese art, such as the Fado Museum and the Amália Rodrigues Museum-House, but also the restaurants and tascas (taverns) where it is sung. The first, most touristic in nature, are places where you need to have dinner or pay a fee to listen to the fado sung by professionals. The true fadista spirit, practiced by amateur singers that sing it in a kind of improvised competition, can be found in the few tascas that still resist to the more modern styles. Here, anyone can listen or sing fado vadio, subject only to the consumption of a beer or a jug of wine. It is the most popular program and a recommended one for those visiting Lisbon or wanting to know this city in depth.

Povo Lisboa

The Lisboa Povo is a bar near Cais do Sodré, which opened in November 2011, in an area that’s coming back to life, after years of degradation (and even some bad fame). This bar is based on Lisbon’s oldest taverns to position itself as a meeting point, with lively music and properly serving a few snacks such as pataniscas (cod fish cakes), ovos verdes (boiled eggs stuffed with vegetables), peixinhos da horta (breaded green beans), octopus salad and a glass of wine. It occupies the location of the old Arizona bar, duly converted into a modern and airy spot. In addition to the interior space, it has a terrace on the street, which is closed to traffic and it is here that all the excitement happens.

Fado is present at the Povo Lisboa through live sessions. There is a resident singer, usually a young performer that changes monthly, that on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays sings fado starting at 9 p.m., accompanied by instrumentalists. In the Sunday sessions, the audience (mostly young people) is invited to participate, which means that the anonymous attendees may also sing. On Fridays and Saturdays nights, there are sessions of fusion and world music, including tango and flamenco. The Povo Lisboa is closed on Mondays and it is supposed to start serving lunches in January 2012, starting to open at noon by then.

Simple Minds concert schedule to Lisbon

The Simple Minds will return to Lisbon on February 14th to play at the Lisbon’s Coliseum. The Scottish band will present the 5X5 Live tour, playing an alignment that is dedicated to the first albums of its career. The Simple Minds, who celebrate 30 years as a band in 2012, will be in Lisbon for a two hours and an half concert, the first in this international tour. Among the songs to be played will be themes such as “Life in a Day”, “Empires and Dance” and “New Gold Dream (81, 82, 83, 84)”, which illustrate the band’s early years. Tickets are now on sale and cost between 29 and 34 euros. The concert will begin at 9 p.m.

Tasca do Jaime

Tasca do Jaime, located in the typical Graça neighbourhood, is one of the few places in Lisbon where there is still the genuine spirit of fado. This small tavern, filled with a stone balcony and half a dozen tables, is in the 28 tram’s route. This makes it easy to find for those unfamiliar with this area of town. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays afternoons, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., this space is not enough for the small crowd (many local residents and some tourists) that gathers there to watch the astray fado, sung by amateurs that evoke the dramas, anxieties and tragedies of the Lisbon’s people.

During these fado’s evenings, there is a succession of voices, aided by a microphone that drops from the ceiling and is passed from hand to hand, giving an opportunity to every single singer. All of this happens in the typical style of Lisbon’s old taverns. On the walls are visible numerous photographs that recall the fado’s ambience and history. Consumption is made up of pitchers of red and green wine and various petiscos (snacks), such as the famous pastéis de bacalhau (codfish cakes). The owners, with their sympathy, encourage an ambience of relaxation and conviviality. Because of the large turnout, it is advisable to arrive early to Tasca do Jaime on the fado’s days, to ensure a seated table inside.

Amália Record Store

Clube de Fado

Tasca do Chico

The Tasca do Chico (Chico’s Tavern) is a chapel of fado vadio, one of the most authentic versions of this Portuguese musical style. Open since 1994, it took a former cheese and sausages warehouse that Francisco Gonçalves remodeled to open this old tavern’s recreation. The decor consists of old photographs and newspaper clippings that illustrate several generations of singers. On Mondays and Wednesdays, there are fado nights that feature popular performers but also anonymous people singing the most genuine fado. Here anyone can sing, which sometimes causes some competition between these amateur performers, who vie for this opportunity to exhibit themselves in public.

Feitoria

Primo Basílico

Primo Basílico, located in the Alfama’s central streets (nearby to the Fado Museum), is a small restaurant focusing on pizza al taglio alla romana. This means that here the pizzas are sold sliced ​​in square pieces, just to eat there or to takeaway. Founded in August 2011, by Massimo and Stefano (two young guys from Turim), the house’s secret is in the pizza’s special dough, which is matured for two to three days. As its fame spread quickly, most diners commonly come from the Italian community residing in the city, making it a little piece of Italy at the centre of Lisbon.

At Primo Basílico the pizzas are made in large trays and according to Italian tradition, thus here are prohibited exotic varieties with chicken, pineapple or banana. At this restaurant are available pizzas with smoked ham and courgettes, with Italian salami and ham, with diverse cheeses and the pizza margherita. All of them sold in menus that include a slice (heated at the moment) and a drink. There are also desserts like chocolate calzone and red fruits crostata. The coffee, also Italian, deserves a special mention. This restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays for lunch. On Saturdays it is open from noon until midnight. Take note because it does not accept debit or credit cards.

Quiosque de Refresco

The Quiosque de Refresco (the Refreshment Kiosk) marks the recovery of an old Lisbon’s tradition. These small buildings received their name from the Persian term košk, which means pavilion. Usually constructed in wrought iron, in an art nouveau style, they are composed of a counter, side awnings and a decorative summit. In Lisbon, the first kiosk has opened at Rossio in 1869 and it was called Elegante. Then it opened another in Avenida da Liberdade and a half dozen more along the Tagus River waterfront, to serve the port workers. They sold wine by the glass, hot chocolate, soda, a anise and caramel mixes, ice cream and even fried fish. The first Lisbon’s terrace was even born from a kiosk installed at Travessa da Glória.

The Quiosque de Refresco is the brand that brings together the various units: the ones in Praça de Luís de Camões, Jardim do Príncipe Real and Praça das Flores. They were reopened in April 2009, after having been restored and all of them have terraces. Here are sold home-style soups, sandwiches, chicken pies and cakes. They also recovered drinks that make part of Lisbon’s history, such as blackcurrant and capilé (a coffee, sugar and lemon mixture) syrups, orchata (a almond’s milk cold drink), leite perfurmado (a cold milk with cinnamon and lemon), cold tea and chiq lemonade. All of them are made without using dyes or preservatives. The Quiosque de Refresco does not serve beer or soft drinks and the only alcoholic beverages allowed are ginjinha, Beirão liquor, amêndoa amarga (a cold drink made ​​from bitter almonds’ liquor) and Port and Moscatel wines. These concepts quickly regained the accession of Lisbon’s people and these kiosks are now always crowded.

“The Sea is cool” in Parque das Nações

The Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Knowledge Pavilion) presents, until the end of August 2012, the exhibition “The Sea is cool but its not just fish”. It is a set of 30 interactive experiences that invite you to a journey through vessels, containers, buoys, lighthouses, ports and sailors. Associated with this exposition, will be complementary activities such as discussions, lectures and visits to ships, so that the public learns how the waste is treated on board, how the recycling, fuel supply, power distribution are done and how to control the product’s inputs and outputs on a ship. In this exhibition, much appreciated by children, you can also test your skills at stacking containers, taking the helm of a boat or trying to board a life raft. The exhibition is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. At the weekends and holidays, it opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. The ticket costs 7 euros.

Flores

Situated on the ground floor of the Bairro Alto Hotel, right at Largo Camões, this restaurant offers an author’s cuisine by the chef-in-charge Vasco Lello, a young professional who has gone through major hotels such as Le Méridien Hotel and the Hotel Pestana Palace. The restaurant Flores’ ambience was designed to complement one of Lisbon’s most charming and cosmopolitan hotels. It is a bright space with large windows and an interior composed by soft tones, contrasting with dark coloured wooden chairs. Its cuisine is definable as Portuguese, but with global influences, notably from North Africa and Asia.

In addition to the available offer in the lunch’s menu set (which changes seasonally) and the dinner’s tasting menus, this restaurant offers a lunch buffet at a fixed price every Fridays, which includes drinks and desserts to choose from. With an impeccable service, the Flores is an ideal restaurant for business lunches or a special occasion. After the meal, you can try the cocktails or a digestive in the cafe-bar BA, which is just on the opposite side of the same building. Parking is facilitated by the free valet parking service, offered both at lunches and dinners. The Flores restaurant is also open for breakfast, from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and does not close during the week.

Trempe

The Trempe restaurant opened in 1979 as an eating house, in a former coal bunker space. Situated opposite the Casa Fernando Pessoa (the famous Lisbon’s poet), it was refurbished in 2000 by the founder’s descendant family. The décor is typically Portuguese with rustic notes, recreating a family-style dining room. The trivets (three feet of hardware used for cooking in fireplaces) serves here to decorate the ceiling, some ingeniously transformed into lamps. One of the restaurant’s wall allows to view the cellar, composed essentially by Alentejo’s wines. This is the south region of Portugal, which features fine wines, though less known. You can ask advice about the new wines which it worth try. The dining room seats well about 35 people, to which add eight more seats in a terrace, ideal for hot days.

Cuerpos de Dolor at the Ancient Art Museum

The National Museum of Ancient Art displays 35 icons of penance and devotion, in a journey through 300 years of Spanish sculptures production. These pieces came from the National Museum of Sculpture in Valladolid and offer a view of Spanish artists and techniques, in a time line between the years 1500 and 1750 (the heyday of the sacred sculpture) and include works by masters such as Gregório Fernández, Alonso Cano, Pedro de Mena, Juan de Juni, Pompeo Leoni, Pedro de Sierra and Berruguete. The exhibition is open until March 25th, 2012, from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (on Tuesdays it opens only at 2 p.m.) and it is closed on Mondays and on Easter Sunday. The entrance ticket costs 5 euros.

Lisbon Airport

Lisbon is served by an international airport located in the north of the city (4,4 miles from the centre). This airport has two terminals: terminal 1 is used by national and international carriers and terminal 2 is low cost airlines departures such as Easyjet, Transvia and Blue Air. The two terminals have a free bus service (shuttles between the two terminals depart every 10 minutes). In terminal 1, all the gates to the aircrafts are within walking distance. However, not all of the doors have access to the aircraft jet bridges, so on some flights there are buses to transport passengers to the planes. Lisbon airport has a modern duty-free shopping area, including many restaurants, places to relax and amusement spots. Terminal 2 is smaller and therefore only has a tiny duty-free shopping area.

In Lisbon airport there a wide range of international airline providing daily connections to most European countries, the USA, Brazil and Portuguese-speaking African countries. TAP, the national airline, provides most of these flights, but recently low cost airlines such as Easyjet have added Lisbon to their routes. Major European carriers such as Iberia, Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa offer daily flights to Lisbon, some of them providing more than one a day. As domestic flights, TAP offers flights to Porto, Faro, Madeira and the Azores. Easyjet operates the Lisbon-Funchal route.

Transport to the centre of Lisbon

Aura

The Aura restaurant opened in March 2011, at Pátio da Galé after the rehabilitation of the west wing of Terreiro do Paço. A vaulted ceiling, high windows, wooden floors, mirrors, velvet and a Venus de Milo’s statue make this space a fine venue. With a dining room, a lounge and a terrace, Aura takes these different ambiences to accommodate its costumers’ different needs. In the cafeteria and terrace, which are open throughout the day, you can taste soups, sandwiches, wraps and salads. Within the restaurant, open from 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 7 p.m. until midnight, is served contemporary Portuguese cuisine, signed by chef Duarte Matias.

Origami Sushi Bar

The Origami Sushi Bar restaurant is located between Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real and is a space committed to the Japanese culinary tradition. It is a small and intimate restaurant (renovated in late 2011), which earned a reputation for the quality of its sushi, prepared without concessions to any exotic innovations. It serves only dinners with two exceptions: it opens for lunch on Wednesdays and Fridays. Managed by the sushi-man André Oliveira, highlights are the colourful sushi to sashimi dishes, which include some Hosomaki (cylindrical thin pieces of sushi) and Uramaki (rolled sushi with the rice out) in the dozens of pieces that compose them.

Lisbon Riders

The Lisbon Riders is a young company that aims to show Lisbon like the Lisbonners live and feel it, but taking into account the needs of each visitor. Their tours are conducted in a comfortable jeep, where groups of up to five people are accompanied by a local driver. These are always young people born or raised in the city and therefore perfectly entitled to bring strollers up to the most typical (and sometimes even unknown) spots in the city. The tours are conducted in English or Portuguese languages. There are four preset strolls, which can however be adapted according to the specificities and schedules of each group.

Through the hills and beyond strolls for three hours by the city’s belvederes, the downtown area, the Praça do Comércio, the Lisbon’s Cathedral, largo do Carmo, Bairro Alto, Mouraria, Alfama and Feira da Ladra (this point only at Tuesdays and Saturdays). Wine, castles and much more goes to the mountains and beaches of Arrábida, Sesimbra, Azeitão, Setúbal waterfront and the Christ the King shrine, in a seven-hour ride. The mystic ride explores, also in a seven hours tour, the village and serra of Sintra, Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, Cascais village and beaches, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery and the famous pastéis de Belém (custard sweets) factory.

Finally, the others option takes you south of the Tagus and lets you adventure into the beach of Costa da Caparica, or alternatively discovery the east and explore the plains, megalithic monuments and typical cuisine of the Alentejo, or even go west and discover the charms of the medieval town of Óbidos, Peniche and its isthmus and the cliffs of that area coastline. In all cases, the Lisbon Riders jeep will get their customers to where they are hosted (since in the Lisbon’s central area). The price of each ride varies between 25 to 50 euros and always include a sweet or a wine tasting.

Lisbon By Segway

Lisbon by Segway offers tours by the city in these two-wheeled vehicles, moved from the balance of the drivers themselves. It’s a fun way to circumvent the difficulties of walking through Lisbon, which was built on seven hills and where there are frequent narrow and winding streets. One may thus explore the corners of the town, in an original and ecological adventure to discover its roads, sights, monuments and the Tagus waterfront. Lisbon by Segway, which prides itself on designing tours that include the most picturesque city’s points, offers six different routes, meeting the various interests of its customers.

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**TEMPS D’IMAGES LISBOA 2011** 27 OUT > 23 NOV

Marked by premieres, the Temps d”Images celebrates and renews each year agreements for co-programming with Lisbon”s most important cultural institutions asserting itself, as well striking festival in city. Combining numerous spaces, strengthening relationships, aligning programmatic strategies and aesthetic options, the Temps d”Images Portugal is the dynamics disseminator and practice meetings link pokies of all parts involved. Open more than a dozen new national creations, thus reinforcing the importance of the Temps d”Images regarding the vitality of the arts scene in Portugal.

Welcoming and inviting the experience of other means and causing significant collaborations between artists, the festival will show projects, here named shipyards, which are the result of artistic partnerships. The whole draw for approximately one month, in Lisbon, a way that contaminates thirteen different cultural spaces: the Centro Cultural de Belém, Culturgest, Teatro Maria Matos, S.Luiz Theatre, the Cinematheque, the Museu do Chiado , the Camões Theatre, the Galeria Graça Brandão, the EIRA, the Palace Quintela, the Carpe Diem, the Museum of Electricity and the Faculty of Fine Arts, a centripetal program, with about twenty independent projects.

Motocross Show at Campo Pequeno

The Campo Pequeno arena presents a freestyle motocross festival for families, next November 20th. The event includes displays of motorcycles, cars that run on two wheels, BMX bikes, amazing skidding and incredible jumps. The idea is to present acts of driving expertise, carried out by film and television stunt doubles and completed with pyrotechnics, light and special sound effects. The start is scheduled for 5 p.m. and the tickets cost 15 euros (for the galleries) or 20 euros (for mezzanines). Until November 18th you can buy (at Post Office counters) three tickets for the price of two. Additional information is available here.

BeBel Bistro

The Bebel Bistro is located just opposite to the grand staircase outside the Assembleia da República (the National Assembly) and is a Belgian-inspired cafe-restaurant, according to the owner’s nationality. Nele Duportail got a taste for cooking at her parents’ restaurant, in Sintra. Her culinary references come from the Portuguese home cuisine bible, the famous Pantagruel book. The space has a cosy vintage style and also has a pleasant terrace. The pieces that make up its décor tell their own stories: the old plates were sent from Belgium by her grandmother, the cabinets were offered by her parents and even the suitcase full of stickers was Nele Duportail’s preferred one to travel.

In BeBel Bistro there is no set menu, so the daily dishes can be found in the chalkboards hanging on the walls. In the menus stand out light dishes such as homemade bread toasts, eggs with sausage, tartines and tatins (ideal for snacks). There are also more elaborate dishes such as some tasty steaks. The house’s sweet specialty is the tarte tatin, an apple pie always exposed on top of the main balcony. The BeBel Bistro starts working early on, as to serve breakfasts. It often organizes a special brunches. From Thursdays to Saturdays, the kitchen is open until 10 pm and dinners can be elaborate or simple dishes such as a cheese board and a glass of wine (or a Belgian beer). BeBel Bistro is closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Comida de Santo

The Comida de Santo restaurant appeared in 1981, by the hand of António Pinto Coelho, a Portuguese passionate for the Bahian cuisine. Located in Príncipe Real, its decor recreates a family environment, inspired by the culture of São Salvador da Bahia (on the northeast coast of Brazil) and supported by the music of Brazilian artists like Caetano Veloso and Maria Bethânia. The restaurant is warmly welcoming, according to the Brazilian style of hosting. A carranca designed to chase the evil spirits, used by boaters in the São Francisco River, in northeastern Brazil, is the chief guardian that protects the entrance of this restaurant since its foundation.

The Comida de Santo’s kitchen, besides being inspired in Bahia, includes other specialties from Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul (in southern Brazil). Examples are xim-xim chicken, moqueca de camarão (shrimp stew), casquinha de siri (crab cocktail), shrimp with catupiry cheese, Brazilian feijoada (a Brazilian style bean dish). Caipirinhas are mandatory, although there is a good variety of wine. For dessert, try the quindim (a coconut pudding with egg yolk) or the lemon mousse. For the more undecided, there is a tasting menu that provides an easy and varied choice. There is also a lunch menu, more affordable, which includes soup, a dish, a drink and a coffee. For parking, the easiest alternative is the car park at Rua da Escola Politécnica, across from Procuradoria-Geral da República. Comida de Santo is open every day of the week.

Berardo Collection presents 1960-2010 works

The Berardo Collection Museum will display, starting November 9th, the exhibition Berardo Collection (1960-2010). This exhibition, which is held on the museum’s first floor, provides continuity to the pieces already on display at the second floor, which date from the 1900’s to the 1960’s. The new exhibition offers an overview of the art history in the second half of the twentieth century until the present day and includes famous Portuguese artists such as José Pedro Croft, Paula Rego and Pedro Cabrita Reis. Pieces of many international artists are also on display. Together these two exhibitions allow for a global viewing of artistic movements such as Minimalism, Conceptualism and Arte Povera. This exhibition is open every day of the week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last entry at 6.30 p.m.) and the admission is free.

Cantinho do Avillez

Arte Lisbon 2011 at FIL in November

Arte Lisbon returns to the city next November 23th through the 27th and it will be held at the Pavilion one of the Feira Internacional de Lisboa (FIL), at Parque das Nações. The eleventh edition of this fair brings together 40 galleries (Portuguese and Spanish) of contemporary art, as well as specialized magazines and publications. Arte Lisboa 2011 also proposes a diverse cultural program, functioning as a meeting place for gallery owners, artists, collectors, critics and contemporary art lovers. A series of debates are also planned, open to the general public, allowing them to join these various agents of the art market. The fair will be open from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., starting November 24th. The entrance ticket costs 8 euros, but youngsters, students and seniors pay only 4 euros. The Arte Lisboa 2011 official catalogue costs 20 euros.

Alma Lusitana

Adega Victor Horta

Opened in March 2011, the winery Adega Victor Horta is installed in the Palace of the Counts of Vila Flor (a building of great historical and architectural interest), near Casa dos Bicos. In order to promote wines, it serves them by the glass or bottle and at a very reasonable price. Victor Horta is a winemaker and launched his wines’ project in 2007, working with producers from various areas of Portugal. He chooses the wine he wants to create blending grapes varieties and bottling them in plastic bags (a bag-in-box system). Then he exhibits them in his cellar, in wood barrels. This provides Adega Victor Horta with a comfortable and rustic ambience. It has several rooms available: a dining area downstairs, two rooms upstairs (one for wine tastings and other for groups) and a small terrace.

In Adega Victor Horta everything is cooked on a wood stove, installed at the middle of the room and as such the service can be a bit slow. In this oven are made all the grilled, baked and fried foods, all served as snacks. There are over 100 different petiscos (snacks), inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine. The portions are small and the patrons choose their side dishes. Food is served on ceramic plates, iron pans or directly from the grill. About the wines, the winery Victor Rocha has both whites and reds, all resulting from the owner’s know-how. Abstainers should content themselves with natural juices, water bottled under its own brand and beer brewed on site. The service is friendly and it is advisable to book a table. This winery offers group menus and is closed on Sundays.

Photos of Frida Kahlo at the City Museum

The City Museum presents, for the first time outside Mexico, photographs of the painter Frida Kahlo. The exhibition “Frida Kahlo: her photos” is an initiative of the Casa da América Latina (the House of Latin America in Lisbon), consisting of images from the archive of the Frida Kahlo Museum. Lisbon is the first city to receive this international exhibition of photographs that the artist produced during her lifetime, for aesthetic or sentimental motifs. A selection of 257 was made for this exhibition, which is open from November 4th until January 29th, at the Pavilhão Preto of the City Museum. The exhibition is open from Tuesdays to Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Fridays until 10 p.m.), closing at lunchtime (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) and public holidays. The entrance ticket costs 3 euros; children, students and seniors pay only 2 euros.

Alfaia

Restaurant Alfaia appeals to anyone seeking for good Portuguese food. Located in Bairro Alto, it is near the area where the nightlife takes place. Its history dates back to 1880 and since then it had four different owners, all of them familiar with each other. They kept Alfaia within a simple cuisine style with traditional dishes, well prepared and with a careful choice of ingredients. Its kitchen has a tendency toward the gastronomy of the north of Portugal, in particular the Minho region. Hence arise dishes such as maronesa (from the Northern part of Portugal) chops, alheira de caça (bread and game meat sausage), codfish and octopus cooked in a couple different ways. The most recommended desserts are the traditional ones.

The decor is traditional and simple, while paying attention to details. Interior arched ceilings in bright colours testify the antiquity of this restaurant. It consists in two rooms with classic chandeliers lighting them, with a maximum capacity of 80 people, with seats in a comfortable and welcoming space. Its careful look is completed with white cloth linens and napkins. There is a small terrace, which offers meals on the street. A smoking area is also available. The wine cellar is complete, focusing on Portuguese wines. With a simple and efficient service, it is recommended booking a table in advance. The Alfaia restaurant is closed on Sundays for lunches.

1300 Taberna

The 1300 Taberna restaurant is located in Lx Factory (a hub zone for companies) since August 2011. It is spacious, in a tall building, guarded by three shady olive trees. It results from the initiative of chef Nuno Barros (an engineer converted to the kitchen), which after a successful experiment in the 2780 Taberna restaurant, in Oeiras, decided to found this one. It’s the same concept, but in another zip code. Installed in an old industrial area of Lisbon, 1300 Taberna combines sophistication with simplicity. The inside room, divided into two distinct areas, serves group meals but it is also an appropriate place for eating alone or just with someone else. There is also a terrace and a wine bar with an autonomous menu, just perfect for lunch.

Amo-te Chiado

Amo-te Chiado (I love you Chiado in Portuguese) was idealized by Pedro Miguel Ramos, a popular Portuguese TV host, as part of a project initiated at aldeia do Meco (a beach to the south of Lisbon), in 2002. At Chiado, this bar, cafe and restaurant enjoys the privilege of being located in one of the best areas of town. Taking advantage of the site’s unique characteristics, Amo-te Chiado presents a young and daring decoration, marked by strong red tones in the lamps and furniture, as a hymn to the love that glosses on its name. Outside, you can enjoy an original and pleasant terrace, located on the steps of Calçada Nova de São Francisco.

Reptiles Micro-Safari in Belém

Snakes, lizards, insects, frogs and ants are on display in a Micro-Safari next to Torre de Belém. This exhibition of live animals is held at the Museu do Combatente, in Forte do Bom Sucesso, until next March 31th. On display are one hundred live animals, including giant African snails, Australian bearded dragons, tarantulas and scorpions, trying to alert the public to the need for the preservation of animal species. This exhibition is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the price of the entrance ticket is 6.50 euros (couples pay 11 euros). Children and seniors pay 4.25 euros, while the visits promoted by schools cost only 3.25 euros per participant. Additional information is available by phone at 213 017 225.

Brasserie Flo

Brasserie Flo, located on Avenida da Liberdade (the most cosmopolitan city avenue), is Lisbon’s recreation of a French brasserie. In France, this word refers to the breweries with a refined ambience. Recovering this spirit, Lisbon’s Brasserie Flor was settled, in April 2008, inside Hotel Tivoli Lisboa, but still maintaining a separate entrance. The décor of its spacious living room is elegant and reminisces to the world of cinema movies. But this restaurant is more frequented by businessmen and Lisbon’s elites. Here, they bet on the oysters, the foie gras and the champagne, instead of the more Lisbon’s typical clams, steaks and draft beer.

La Paparrucha

The La Paparrucha restaurant was the first in Lisbon dedicated exclusively to the Argentine cuisine (since 1998). It is situated between Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real, a location that enjoys a fantastic panoramic view over the city. The inside ambience is exquisite, full of small details alluding to its South America origins. A wainscot of brick with a strip of wood covered with cow skin distinguishes it. The wooden floor, like the rest of the furniture, gives it an ambience that complements the dishes that are served here. Its three rooms (one is for smokers) are completed with a fabulous panoramic terrace over Lisbon.

In the cuisine, grilled meat has here a natural emphasis and the barbecues in parrillada style, the typical grilling of Argentina stand out among the rest of the menu. However, the evolution of their cuisine over the years added more choices. The menu offers a variety of options that include fresh grilled fish and even pastas. From Mondays to Fridays, La Paparrucha offers at lunch a buffet of traditional Portuguese food, at affordable prices. To finish your meal, do not dismiss the desserts, especially the ones with an Argentinean traditional taste, such as panqueques de dulce de leche. The wine list also includes Argentinean wines, along with Portuguese ones. The restaurant La Paparrucha is open every day of the week and offers Wi-Fi Internet acess to its customers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSQaS6eRess

Film Festival in Lisbon and Estoril

The Lisbon & Estoril Film Festival will be held between the 4th and the 13th of November, involving 10 theaters spread across Lisbon and Cascais. The LEFF’11 (formerly the Estoril Film Festival) opens with two national premieres: The Ides of March by George Clooney and Restless by Gus Van Sant. The closure has the La Piel que Habito, a Pedro Almodóvar’s movie that was also presented at Cannes. This year’s LEFF has 11 feature films in competition and 11 films out of competition. In parallel, it runs a wide range of events such as symposia, exhibitions and concerts. At the festival will be present names linked to the cinema such as Léos Carax, Matthew Barney, David Cronenberg, Paul Giamatti and the Dardenne brothers. You can read more information here.

O Puto Contra-Ataca

O Puto Contra-Ataca (or the Kid Strikes Back in Portuguese) is a collector’s store, a shop for toy collectors of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s of the 20th century. Shelves full of figures, dolls, trading cards, games, books and school notebooks make up its estate. This isn’t, however, an old toy store; here are sold antiques toys, but in mint condition. It also offers plenty of stuff with cartoon characters such as the Smurfs, Heidi, Tintin, Dogtanian, Lucky Luke and Snoopy. There are also old sets of Playmobil and Lego, as well vintage figures from sci-fi series like Star Wars and Star Trek.

This cave of treasures for lovers of antique toys was opened in April 2011, by the initiative of David Ribeiro, who has a degree in history but is in love with old toys and is himself a collector of this kind of stuff. Besides all the references related to comics and science fiction’s characters and heroes, it also offers Portuguese games such as dominoes and looms produced by Majora, a Portuguese company that has produced toys since 1939. O Puto Contra-Ataca is open Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it would be advisable to call it before your visit, in order to ensure that the store will be open.

Toma Lá Dá Cá

The Toma Lá Dá Cá restaurant offers a Portuguese cuisine, with homemade flavours and at very reasonable prices. This advantage makes it very sought after, requiring a few minutes waiting time to get a table. And as the dining room’s capacity is 40 places, at Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays dinners, the chairs barely have time to cool down. During the days of Lisbon’s festivals, in June, the entire surrounding area lights up with the typical festivals and then the patron’s rotation reaches a chaos apotheosis. The trick is to get there as soon as possible, especially for dinner, because this restaurant does not accept reservations.

Dinosaurs in the National Cordage

The Dinosaurs’ world is on display at the National Cordage Factory, until January 1st. On display are animals to the likeness of velociraptors, oviraptors, brachiosaurus and the huge T-Rexs. Amid scenes of forests, woods and deserts, you can admire models (some of which are animated) of these animals, which once ruled over the Earth. The exhibition “The World of Dinosaurs” will remain in Lisbon until the first day of 2012. An adult ticket costs 6 euros and children (ages three to 12 years old) pay 4 euros. There is a family ticket for 16 euros, which allows entry of two adults and up to three children. The exhibition is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Sundays and holidays until 7 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays until 10 p.m.). Look forward to some time waiting in line to buy the tickets at the entrance.

GoCar Tours

A GoCar is a tourist vehicle with GPS technology, integrating an on-board computer that provides audio instructions to the driver, helping guide him through the city and providing information on the spots to visit. These contents tell the stories and reveal curiosities of the points visited along the route, with details that transcend the knowledge of many locals. Since it is a small car (for up to two persons), it traverses all the city’s sites, as far as not even buses can go. GoCar is a company originally from San Francisco, named by Time Magazine as the invention of the year in 2004. GoCar Lisbon has been in operation since 2008.

The advantage of strolling the city with a GoCar is that you can set your own pace taking the opportunity to take photos, have a coffee or even a meal. In Lisbon, GoCar offers four pre-defined routes, all accompanied by a virtual guide that speaks five different languages. The Downtown East and Downtown West tours will take you to a 45 minutes ride through the Pombaline Downtown, including points of interest such as Praça do Comércio, the Bairro Alto, Rossio and the typical Alfama district. The Belém route runs, in a hour and an half, through the city alongside the Tagus river, visiting the area’s monuments, such as the Discoveries Monument, Jerónimos Monastery and Centro Cultural de Belém. The Expo route crosses the Parque das Nações area and the Xabregas and Beato’s neighbourhoods, in a stroll that takes an hour and a quarter.

Go Car prices and useful information

PUB

The rental cost of these vehicles (carrying one or two people) is 29 euros per hour, the second hour is 20 euros and each additional hour over that costs 20 euros. The rental for a full day costs 89 euros. These figures include the required fuel and insurance. In addition to those pre-defined routes, GoCar Lisbon offers other packages: Romantic GoCar, a tour of Lisbon which includes a romantic dinner for two at La Paparrucha restaurant, for 95 euros and with a four hours duration; Standard Rental, a free rental from one hour to a full day (prices as early mentioned). To drive a GoCar in Lisbon, you must present your driver’s license and be over 18 years old. The starting point is at Rua dos Douradores, near Praça do Comércio (open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). If you want a fun experience in Lisbon, book your tour now. Just click the yellow Book Now! button at the top left of this page and follow the instructions.

Cantina Baldracca

Cantina Baldracca is just about the Italian restaurant with the lowest prices in Lisbon. Situated near Largo do Caldas, it is on the way for those rising to the Castle of São Jorge. The access is not easy and even less so if you want to park your car nearby. Thus, it is best to reach the site on foot. In a relatively small room, tables and chairs accumulate in order to make more space in the small available area. Cantina Baldracca has a simple and familiar ambience, running in a half-light that gives it a warm and unpretentious look. It is what it is, an Italian restaurant with fast and cheap food and without any major complications.

This simplicity comes from the ease with which the order can be tailored to your taste, since besides a wide variety of farfalle, spaghetti, penne, pasta and steaks, you can always suit the menu offerings to your preferences, adding or removing what you wish. With a mostly young clientele, it is common for this restaurant to be invaded by group dinners, which makes the place a little noisy. But if your goal is a quick and economic meal that makes you satisfied, don’t be intimidated by this animation. At lunch, prices tend to be lower than at dinner. Cantina Baldracca is closed on Saturdays’ lunches and the whole day on Sundays. Baldracca Pizzas is a pizzeria by the same owners, located in the old São Jorge theatre at Avenida da Liberdade.

MEZZOgiorno

The MEZZOgiorno (a word that indicates the region of southern Italy) pizzeria was founded in 2004 by two Italians, who more recently added to it the InterMEZZO, a cocktail bar. The cuisine is Italian, with a Neapolitan identity, which is evident in the fresh mozzarella (imported weekly from Italy) and other southern Italy’s typical products. It is, however, in the middle of Chiado that all this happens, in a Siza Vieira’s (a famous Portuguese architect) redesigned interior courtyard. The variety of pizzas, cooked according to tradition in a wood-heated oven, is ample and the available options try to satisfy all the tastes. You can also design a pizza to your liking, using the available ingredients with versatility.

In addition to pizzas, noteworthy are the sausage Cilento style and a wide variety of pastas, always including a dish of the day. One of the great MEZZOgiorno’s attractions is its huge terrace, sheltered by the buildings that surround it. This space hosts many people and during summer it is usual to have to wait a few minutes for an empty table, because the demand is great. Inside, you can choose to sit next to the wood ovens located in the basement, a nice option especially on cold winter days, which also allows you to get distracted by the pizzaiolos’ bustle in the kitchen. Pizzeria MEZZOgiorno reserves one of its rooms for smokers and it is closed on Sundays.

World Fund elects Botanical Garden

The World Monuments Fund honoured the Lisbon’s University Botanical Garden as a place to preserve. This National Monument was included in the 2012’s list drawn up by this Fund’s Observatory (which covers several cultural heritage places all over the world) after the application made by the Botanical Garden’s League of Friends, a member of the Garden’s defence platform, which consists of 13 non-governmental organizations. The Botanical Garden was one of the choices of that World Fund, which aims to attract international eyes to the dangers threatening the heritage and also participates in its recovery and preservation.

Belcanto

The restaurant Belcanto is a serious case of longevity, considering it was opened in 1955. The proximity to the São Carlos National Theatre, scene of many operas, explains its name. It is a restaurant for business people, who fill it at lunchtime, during the weekdays. It was renovated by its new owner, the chef José Avillez, in late 2011. It is a sober space, oriented toward the traditional Portuguese cuisine, focusing on the cult of details, which are visible all the way from the décor through to the food. Divided into two rooms (one for smokers), separated by the kitchen, it has an aristocratic English club look. An installation made ​​from old books, signed by Joan Astolfi, makes up its interior.

As for the kitchen, the remodeling has not undermined the traditional Belcanto’s menu. The chef José Avillez keeps some of the everlasting dishes, which are not so specially prepared, but contain this spot’s history. An example are the eggs à professor style, which the doctor José Cid dos Santos used to cook here all night long. This is an appetizer consisting of scrambled eggs with chorizo ​​and fried bread cubes, a common request among regular patrons. But the chef José Avillez added some new items to the menu: sea bass with seaweeds and shellfish, pork’s souse with coriander and red mullet with vegetables roe. Also available are three fixed-price menus, one of which is available at lunchtime (includes a main course and a dessert). This restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Rihanna sings in Lisbon by Christmas

The singer Rihanna, natural of the Barbados islands, will give a concert at Pavilhão do Atlântico in Lisbon, on December 17th. The ticket prices vary between 35 and 299 euros. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. and will last for about two hours. Rihanna will bring with her the Loud Tour, the first opportunity for the Portuguese public to listen live to her successes Only Girl (In The World) and What’s My Name, both included in the new Loud album, released in November 2010. This fifth studio album from Rihanna went directly to the third position of the USA’s top charts.

560

In a cosy small space, the restaurant 560 is located in Bairro Alto, although in an area of this neighbourhood less exposed to the nightlife euphoria, which gives it a pleasant serenity. The ubiquitous bar codes are on all products that are currently marketed and tell us more than the price we pay for them. All those that contain the number 560 are of Portuguese origin and that’s why this restaurant chose this sequence of digits as its name. Here all the raw materials are of domestic origin and the cuisine is also based on the traditional flavours, although refreshed by some modernity.

The decor is also associated with a Portuguese modern concept. The floor, walls and ceiling are almost completely coated with a composite wood, from which emerges the lighting of the space through some square holes. In balance with this constant, chocolate-colored tiles characterize the kitchen area. The service is attentive and careful, although informal. Gazpacho, partridge pie, grilled sirloin steak with Serra cheese (a cheese made from sheep milk) and breaded octopus with rice and sautéed greens are good examples of what you can find here. For dessert, try the lemon pie and petit gâteau. The restaurant 560 serves only dinners and it is closed on Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays it closes at 11:30 pm. For parking, use the underground parking area at largo Luís de Camões.

Atelier Praline

Atelier Praline is a true French pastry in the middle of Lisbon. It is a simple and functional space, located at the intersection of Bairro Alto with Santos, where you would discover some of the best croissants pur beurre (traditional French croissants made with butter) in the city. You can also enjoy chocolate bread, apple puffs, curled pastries, baguettes, macaroons, operas and religieuses. Atelier Praline opened in December 2010, funded by the pastry chef Béatrice Dupasquier, a Frenchwoman who has lived here since 2006 and is intensely engaged with French sweets.

Since it is a unique pastry and because it is nearby to the French Embassy in Lisbon, it is a meeting point of the French community residing here. Thus, it is frequent that the conversations within it are conducted in French. You can taste your croissant in site, accompanied by coffee, but perhaps the best idea is to fill up here and eat afterwards at home. Atelier Praline also accepts cake orders for birthdays, weddings and all kinds of parties. It is open from Tuesdays to Fridays, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Saturdays it is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Gulbenkian Museum exhibits Still Life

The Calouste Gulbenkian Museum has an exhibition on the theme Still Life in Europe, from October 21st until January 8th, 2012. Including reference works of master painters such as Manet, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne, Picasso, Dali and Matisse, this exhibition will show 93 pieces from 11 countries and including works of the Portuguese painters Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, Eduardo Viana, Mário Eloy and Vieira da Silva. The exhibition focuses on the period between 1840 and 1955 and also displays sculptures and objects of everyday use transformed into works of art. This exhibition can be visited every day of the week, except Mondays and on the December 25th and January 1st, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays). The entry price is 5 euros.

Red Tour

Red Tour is a funny and autonomous way to explore Lisbon. It rents electric buggies with a GPS system and an audio guide that tells you the directions to follow and provides information about the various points of interest and trivia about Lisbon, even unknown for many locals. There are four of these preset buggy tours. You can choose between the Old Lisbon Tour, covering the neighbourhoods of the Lisbon Cathedral and St. George’s Castle (it takes about 1h15), the Belém Tour, passing through Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Coach Museum (1h30), the Lisbon Soho Style Tour, between Chiado and Príncipe Real areas (1h15) and the Central Axis Tour, from Restauradores to Parque Eduardo VII (1h15).

Red Tour also rents Segways. With this vehicle, even more versatile than the buggy, you can choose from three tours already defined: the By the river Tour, from Praça do Comércio to the Belém Tower (2h00), the Tour in the Boulevard, from Praça do Comércio to Parque Eduardo VII (1h15) and the Core of Alfama Tour, which cruises through Casa dos Bicos, the National Pantheon and São Vicente de Fora Church (1h15). Red Tour also rents electric bikes, in a tour called Bicycle by the River alongside the Tagus River, from Praça do Comércio to the Belém Tower (2h00). All vehicles are ecological due to their electrical locomotion, which means that they are quiet and do not cause discomfort to residents.

Tintin in Lisbon

The exhibition Tintin in Lisbon takes place at Galerias Saldanha Residence in Lisbon, between October 24th and November 5th (from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.). This show presents the adventures of this character and his friends through an exhibition that will present pieces from private collections, belonging to the Tintin universe including books, special editions, cars, pictures, ceramics, miniatures and also full size objects. The purpose of this exhibition is to present to the general public and Tintin’s fans a sample of this universe which already has 80 years of existence.

AMesa

AMesa is a pizzeria at Lx Factory; it has been open since March 2011. Its concept is unique because it has only a single iron table which is 16 meters long, topped with tiles and holding 50 people. Thus, customers are accommodated in the space along this large table. The owners, Vasco Barbosa and João Mayor, are members of families with a strong tradition of family dinners around a table, so they thought of carrying that experience into a restaurant. The space is simple, the chairs are all different and the decor has notes characteristic of the past. In AMesa only Italian music is played, while the walls exhibit a Neapolitan poet’s phrases.

The pizzas are simple without any exotic ingredients. Here there are only thin pizzas that come out of the oven popping and are served in pieces to be eaten without cutlery. At lunch, pizzeria AMesa only works as a buffet service with four separate menus, each with pizza slices at the patron’s description, salads and fruit. For dinner, the menu changes to bruschettas, salads and pizzas with names of Lisbon’s areas such as Alfama, Lapa, Estrela or Serafina. For dessert there are more pizzas available with ingredients like guava, cheese or banana. The exception to the Italian cuisine takes place only in the daily brunch, served between 3pm and 7pm, which includes tapas, quail eggs and toasts. AMesa is closed on Mondays.

Bocca

Restaurant Bocca, opened in February 2008, is located near the Marquês de Pombal Square. It is a cosmopolitan and intimate space, a starting point for a trip of flavours in a relaxed and comfortable ambience. Bocca offers a pleasant and attractive kitchen signed by chef Alexandre Silva where you can find products from all over the world, but highlighting the best that Portugal has to offer. The chef’s team offers dishes inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine, reinvented in a creative and even funny way. The quality of the ingredients is the critical element and the techniques applied always respect and enhance their natural characteristics.

The Bocca restaurant only serves dinners and has an executive menu (a starter, a main course and a dessert, the drinks are not included) and at dinner there is a tasting menu (two starters, a fish dish, a meat dish and a dessert). In addition, you can choose à la carte. Emblematic dishes such as foie gras terrine and lamb loin stands out. For dessert, try dark chocolate coulant and custard cream with herbs. A professional sommelier presents a varied wine list, which excels with its unique offer of wine served by the glass. The service is good at keeping the expected friendliness and efficiency. The restaurant team is proud to have earned a set of awards, where the highlight is a presence in the Hot List 2009 on the Condé Nast Traveler magazine. Bocca is open all the week’s days.

Água Benta

Located in São Bento neighbourhood, in a nineteenth century building, the restaurant Água Benta (which means holy water in Portuguese) offers a strong musical component. Jazz, Blues and Bossa Nova are at the heart of this project, which aims at providing quality time to their customers. The service is attentive and caring, in a room with a capacity for 48 seated customers and complemented by a lounge area for smokers. The decor is sophisticated and allusive to the musical content of Água Benta, with jazzy panels in a pop art style around the walls. The vaulted ceiling retains the unique features of the building where Água Benta was installed, with arches and pillars outlined in granite, enhancing the white walls. The result is a very harmonious and original ambience, where feeling comfortable comes easily.

The cuisine is Portuguese and Mediterranean with an author’s touch, with a careful selection of the raw materials and food presentation. In the starters, try the wild mushrooms with Serra da Estrela cheese and the veal carpaccio. In meat, try the pork tender loin with nectarine sauce while in the fish dishes, the squid black risotto stands out. Be then thrilled with the chocolate delight seasoned with fleur de sel or the cheesecake with orange jam. As for the wine cellar, its variety is one of the focuses of Água Benta, complemented with a wine by the glass service which allows customers to enjoy all that this restaurant has to offer. Água Benta only serves dinners and is closed on Sundays.

Berardo Museum plays with children in October

The Berardo Collection Museum offers, during October, pedagogical activities around the contents of the Museum exhibition, targeted specifically for children at various age levels. They are a broad range of activities, aimed at ages four to six years, from seven to 12 years and eight to 12 years. One of the most emblematic activities proposes a night on the Berardo Collection Museum, for children to seek the mysteries that lurk there, after the Museum closed doors. If you need ideas to occupy the little ones, enjoy these suggestions. You can check the schedule’s details on the Berardo Collection Museum website.

Chiado Festival brings excitement to Downtown

The 15th edition of Festa do Chiado takes place from October 8th to the 15th and involves more than a hundred partners, with many free activities. Recreational games for children, a peddy-paper for adults, concerts in the Metro stations and on the streets, walking tours during the day and evening, yoga classes and other initiatives make up these festivities’ intensive program, organized by the Centro Nacional de Cultura (National Cultural Center). There also will be events such as painting and photography exhibitions and conferences about books with their authors. The complete program is available here.

Dervixe

The taste of Turkey arrived in Lisbon in April 2011 through the restaurant Dervixe, located on avenida 24 de Julho. Derviches are the traditional whirling dancers, members of the Sufis religious confraternity. Murat Taspinar, born in Ankara, moved to Portugal in 2007. With commitment and entrepreneurship, he opened his own Turkish restaurant. Employees are also Turkish and they recreate an ambience very close to the original. Dervixe consists in two floors and a terrace and its decoration transmits the typical ambience of its homeland. During the week, it has a daily menu (including a starter, a main dish and a drink) at a more affordable price. At the weekend it works with a fixed menu.

Being a Muslim restaurant, it serves only halal meat, which follows the Islamic precepts. Here they do not sell alcohol beverages, but guests can bring their own wine bottles to accompany theirs meals. The Dervixe’s specialties are Sigara Borek (feta cheese puffs), the Iskender kebab (meat on skewers in a Turkish bread with special sauce, rice and yogurt sauce), kofte meatballs and baklava for dessert. There is also a brunch style breakfast. The apple tea and Turkish coffee are a great closing for this dining experience. Take the opportunity to experience the narguilé, the traditional water pipe with varied flavours including banana, coconut and strawberry. This Turkish restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Taberna Ideal

Visiting Taberna Ideal is without doubt a truly Portuguese experience. Located on rua da Esperança, in the Santos district, the Taberna is a uniquely decorated relaxed and comfortable space, designed by owners Tânia Martins and Susana Felicidade. It not only reflects the old taverns but also grandparents’ homes. Its room allows smoking but the doors and windows are left open to make the room light. The food is traditionally Portuguese, designed by chef Susana Felicidade, with influences from the southern region of Portugal, where she was born. Tânia selects the wines from Portuguese productions which are available by the glass.

The menu is displayed on a huge slate on the wall. Some examples of what can be sampled here are the tiborna (a bread made snack from the southern Portugal) with goat cheese, honey and rosemary, scrambled eggs with sausage, the lobster xérem (corn starch). This menu is what is recommended for a meal for two: one tiborna, a snack and a main dish to share. Desserts such as chocolate mousse with arbutus, the orange’s delight or pear gratin are also made to share because you will want to taste all of them. Taberna Ideal is open only for dinners (from Wednesday to Sundays), but also serves lunches on Sundays, from 1:30 pm. As it is difficult to get a table in a room with only 37 seats, reservations are mandatory. Parking in the area is difficult, but there is a car park nearby at largo Vitorino Damásio. Please be aware that this restaurant does not accept debit or credit cards.

Largo das Portas do Sol

Largo das Portas do Sol is a balcony over the Tagus River, one of the best Lisbon’s scenic spots and is always full of visitors (here there is also a stop of the famous electric number 28). The square sits atop a city’s hill and it was named after an ancient Moorish door. From this spot you can admire the eastern front of the river and the Alfama district, which stretches to the edge of the river in a picturesque maze of streets, courtyards, alleys and stairways. You can also see the churches of São Miguel, Santo Estevão and São Vicente de Fora and admire the statue of St. Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon, with his hand holding the boat and the crows that are the city’s symbols. Brass bands and street performers are often playing on the scene, giving it an atmosphere of great excitement.

Here is also the old palace of the Counts of Azurara, now home of the Ricardo Espírito Santo Silva Foundation, where it operates the Museum of Decorative Arts. Nearby you can enjoy some restaurants and terraces, such as the recent Portas do Sol and the historic Cerca Moura. To park the car, there is the Portas do Sol modern parking. Just leave your car in an elevator, which by itself positions your vehicle within the park. To recover it, you should pay the parking, enter the ticket you received when delivering the car and wait for the equipment to return you the car in the same automatic way.

Cinemateca Portuguesa

Created in 1948, the Portuguese Cinematheque is an institution dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Cinema (especially the Portuguese Cinema).

It is installed in a beautiful mansion on Rua Barata Salgueiro, close to Avenida da Liberdade. Due to the antiquity, it had to be completely refurbished in 2003.

In addition to the several movie halls, the Cinematheque also offers: DVD rooms, new deposits and archives, a good bookstore, a library, a friendly and highly recommended restaurant/bar and a renovated Cinema Museum.

Museu do Centro Científico e Cultural de Macau

The Museum of the Scientific and Cultural Centre of Macao (MCCCM) is located in Junqueira and was opened in 1999.

It features two different but complementary exhibitions:

The 1^st exhibition invites us to know the cultural aspects of the Luso-Chinese secular relations. Here, we are introduced on the historical and cultural condition of Macau in the 16^th and 17^th centuries. This is done using interactive multimedia, in which the visitor makes a dynamic journey through history, discovering Macau.

Museu Nacional de Etnologia

The National Museum of Ethnology was created in 1965 and is located in the neighbourhood of Restelo. As its name implies, this museum shows to visitors, artefacts from several people, so-called primitive, from the most varied origins.

Collected since the first Portuguese maritime voyages, to the most recent travellers (as the anthropologist Jorge Dias and his wife, Margot Dias), the many ethnographic examples gathered here – about 30 000 pieces – came to us from all corners of the world. However, of greater importance are the collections of the former Portuguese overseas provinces: Angola; Mozambique (Makonde collection, excellent black-wood sculptures); Cape Verde (cloth); Guinea-Bissau; Macao; Timor and from Brasil (the Amazon Indians collection – pieces from the Indians Wauja South of Karajá and Jivaro).

Also noteworthy, is the important collection representative of Mali (masks and puppets), Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Indonesia. Of Portugal, it detaches the objects of the Portuguese rural life and a considerable collection of traditional musical instruments.

AYA

In 1992, AYA was one of the first Japanese restaurants to open in Lisbon. Located at Rua das Trinas at the time, it introduced in Portugal the tasting of raw fish according to Japanese tradition. In 2002, it arose an opportunity for the restaurant to move to the mall at the Twin Towers building, near Campolide. There is also a second AYA restaurant, in Carnaxide. The AYA story started when Takashi Yoshitake visited Lisbon and decided to move here to open his first restaurant, which provided a genuine Japanese dining experience. He also transmitted an adequate training to his employees, who after the passing away of the master, in 2009, continued his work.

The restaurant decor and ambience, with small Japanese gardens, is intentionally innocuous. Meals are prepared and served with the intention of not only pleasing the palate, but also the eyes, in a perfect harmony between taste, texture and appearance. They should be eaten with the mouth, eyes and heart, never forgetting to enjoy the combination of various ingredients. In addition to traditional sushi and sashimi, there are other dishes available, such as tempura, fondue, roast beef with Japanese sauce, breaded pork and chicken. To drink, there is always the traditional sake. The service is, as you would expect in a traditional Japanese restaurant, discreet and efficient. To park, you can use the underground parking area of the mall where AYA is located.

National Archaeological Museum

José Leite de Vasconcelos founded the National Archaeological Museum in 1893. Installed since 1903 in the west wing of the Jerónimos Monastery (in the former monks’ dormitory), its estate is made up of the collections of its founder and the one from the archaeologist Estácio da Veiga and of some other pieces coming from institutions such as the Portuguese Royal House and the Fine Arts Museum. The National Archaeological Museum holds the largest Portuguese estate of archaeology. At the entrance, it displays some large granite statues, more than 6 feet 6 inches (two meters) tall, representing the Lusitanian-calaico warriors that date back to the first century. The museum has pieces ranging from the Palaeolithic to the medieval times (including Roman, Visigothic and Islamic periods), covering the history of the country since before the foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal. The museum regularly promotes temporary exhibitions, adding to the two permanent exhibitions.

• The Egyptian Room: the collection of the museum’s Egyptian antiquities consists in 500 pieces, including several sarcophagi and statues. In the Egyptian antiquities room are exhibited only three hundred of those, which result from the acquisitions made by the museum’s founder, when he visited Egypt in 1909, to which were later added pieces of the collection of Queen Amélia of Orleans. The collection represents the history of Egypt in a timeline ranging five thousand years, from the pre-Dynastic to the Coptic period. Mummies are the most popular item in this room.

• Hall of Treasures: gathered over the course of more than a century, this collection has over a thousand objects, representing the main stages of Prehistory and Ancient History of Portugal. Hidden for a long time from the general public and stored in a safe, they are now open to the public on a chronological path, where you can admire its masterpieces. It consists of pieces of jewellery (in particular, the torques which symbolized the power of the warriors and the rings of female usage), silver and gold coins and an assortment of weapons.

Museu da Presidência da República

This museum was created with the purpose of presenting the history of the Presidents of the Portuguese Republic, as well as the Belém Palace, where it is installed.

The Belém Palace, official residence of the President of Portugal, was built in the 16^th century and later it was acquired by King John V to serve as a royal residence. It was renovated in the 19^th century, gaining the appearance it has today. In 1911 becomes the official residence of the Presidency.

Soldiers guard the entrance of this palace, and up the left we arrive to the Presidency Museum.

Museu Antoniano

This small museum is dedicated to the most popular Portuguese saint: St. Anthony (Lisbon about 1190, Padua, 1232). It is located near Lisbon’s Cathedral, just next to St. Anthony’s Church. It is believed that under this temple, was the house where the saint was born and raised.

The current church dates from the end of the 18^th century, and was built after the earlier temple having been destroyed by the great 1755 earthquake. It is said that the reconstruction was only possible due to a public collection held by the children in honour of St. Anthony. This gave rise to the popular tradition of the “alms for St. Anthony”.

The St. Anthony Museum opened in the 80’s, and aims to present the various art forms that show the people’s devotion to Saint Anthony of Lisbon.

Casa-Museu Amália Rodrigues

The great diva of fado, Amália Rodrigues, is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and beloved figures in Portuguese culture. Therefore, the house where she lived was transformed into a museum almost immediately after her death, in 1999. The refurbishment of the house was carried out by the Amália Rodrigues Foundation, in collaboration with the Museum of Costume in the organization and presentation of the pieces.

The former home of the singer, now House-Museum Amália Rodrigues, is a beautiful Lisbon like house, situated in the renowned street of São Bento. On the guided tour of about 30 minutes, the singer’s many admirers may know and enjoy the environment, spaces and objects that populated the artist’s life and that are living testimonies of her career and her personal experiences.

In total, there are more than 30000 objects distributed by different spaces:

Museu Geológico

The Geological Museum is located in the birthplace of the Portuguese Geology and Archaeology. It was around the year of 1859, when the national pioneers of geology, Carlos Ribeiro; Nery Delgado, Pereira da Costa, Paul Choffat and others, begun to collect samples of fossils, rocks, minerals and archaeological objects, constituting then the first collections displayed in current museum.

Installed on the 2^nd floor of a former convent, close to Bairro Alto, the Geological Museum is presented with an unusual type of museology, very characteristic of the 19^th century. Both the interior architecture, furniture and the collections presentation, take us back to an old museum of some charm.

Here we find 4 rooms / exhibitions:

Museu Nacional de História Natural

Situated in the attractive Rua da Escola Politecnica, the National Museum of Natural History belongs to the University of Lisbon. Together they promote scientific research and dissemination in the fields of zoology, anthropology, mineralogy, palaeontology and botanic.

The historical building where the museum is standing, exists (together with the Science Museum) since the 17^th century, housing successive institutions related to education and science. The last was the Superior School of Science, which was here until 1985.

In addition to the donations of the Ajuda Royal Museum (1858), the collections here shown are mainly the result of the museum’s and university own research, as well as the various scientific expeditions made together.

Museu Maçónico Português

Founded in 1984, the Portuguese Masonic Museum has the purpose of raising awareness of Freemasonry, its activities and its history in Portugal.

It’s located in Bairro Alto, in the headquarters of Grande Oriente Lusitano, which is a Masonic Obedience founded in 1802 by some Portuguese free-masons.

Initially the museum had a limited collection, but, over the time, has been enriched, and today, it presents several pieces that were mainly donated by the State or by Portuguese freemasons.

Café TATI

Opened in June 2011, Café TATI quickly won its customers base. Installed near Cais do Sodré, behind Mercado da Ribeira, it was created by two Portuguese and a Spaniard to enliven the daily life of this neighbourhood. Informal, spontaneous, bright and relaxing are some of the adjectives that characterize it. The decor is in a retro style, bringing in old furniture and a vaulted ceiling, proper of this Lisbon’s historic area. There are games, books and Wi-Fi, which make Café TATI also a living room. Music is present as surround sound and live concerts, particularly in jazz jam sessions on Sundays. The program includes cultural events, musical and otherwise, so it is always a good idea to check it on Café TATI’s website.

Here you can grab a snack, have lunch, dinner or indulge yourself with a brunch on weekends, starting at 11 a.m. With a French chef, the type of cuisine can be considered as international, although Portuguese influences are also present. A sardine’s toast with piri-piri is an example. You will also find a good variety of tatines (a special toast) and salads. For dessert, try the chocolate cake or tiramisù. To drink, natural juices are recommended. All the food is made with fresh products sold at Mercado da Ribeira, just down the street. Café TATI does not accept debit or credit cards and it is closed on Mondays.

Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton’s store in Lisbon is one of the city’s most emblematic, in the luxury goods category. Located at the cosmopolitan Avenida da Liberdade, it stands in an area that has attracted other international brands in recent years, such as Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, Armani, Burberry as well as some luxury hotels. More dedicated to a female clientele, this Louis Vuitton store is frequented by Lisbon’s residents with greater economic capacity, but also by many tourists who enjoy shopping while visiting the town. Here are sold goods such as bags, wallets and all kinds of fashion accessories from this legendary French brand.

It was in 1854 that a young man named Louis Vuitton founded, on the famous Place Vendôme in Paris, a small shop dedicated to the commercialization of unique goods for travellers. Later, its workshop was moved to the village of Asnières-sur-Seine, at the Paris suburbs, to benefit from the proximity to the suppliers of wood, which served as framework for the bags. The brand’s success is due to the small quantities of goods produced, so the demand easily exceeds the supply. Gradually, it became a legendary brand that appeals to consumers with greater purchasing power, all over the world. The Lisbon Louis Vuitton store is closed on Sundays.

Museu das Comunicações

Belonging to the Portuguese Communications Foundation, the Museum of Communications was created in 1997 with the intention to preserve and disseminate the historical and technological heritage of the communications.

The museum shows 3 permanent exhibitions with thematic itineraries and interactive animations that allow visitors to discover the evolution world of communications, the man’s need to communicate and how communication can be fun:

1. “Winning the Distance” is a trip on the history of Posts and Telecommunications and the improvement of techniques that enabled man to communicate increasingly fast and efficient – from the telegraph to the satellite in the case of telecommunications, or from the carriage of Mala Posta to the hybrid mail, in case of post mail.
2. “House of the Future”: the evolution of electronics and information systems made people increase their demands on comfort, safety, resource management and reliability of communication. The House of the Future shows the visitor how these expectations may be achieved in a careful and realistic anticipation of a more sustainable future.
3. “Mala-Posta”: recreates situations of late 18^th century associated with the transport of mail and people in changing stations.

Opening hours: Weekdays from 10.00am to 6.00pm, 
Saturdays from 2.00pm to 6.00pm. Last Thursday of the month from 10.00am to 10.00pm (free entrance between 6.00pm and 10.00pm). Closed on Sundays, holidays and August.

Museu Arqueológico do Carmo

Standing on a hill overlooking the Rossio Square, the Carmo Convent was built after a vow made by the Constable of the kingdom, D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, during Aljubarrota battle in 1385.

It was an impressive Gothic church, 72 meters long, 3 naves, transept, main chapel and 4 side chapels. In 1755, it was almost all destroyed by the great earthquake. During Queen Maria I reign some recoveries in neo-gothic style were made on the naves, but the church was never fully rebuilt, thus responding to the romantic taste of the 19th century for medieval ruins in the open air. It stood for the posterity as the most important testimony of the great catastrophe.

Since 1864 it houses an archaeological museum with a small but very interesting collection:

Museu Etnográfico da Sociedade de Geografia de Lisboa

The Ethnographic Museum is located in the beautiful building of the Geographical Society of Lisbon, next to the Coliseu dos Recreios.

It is found on the 2^nd floor, on a magnificent room 50 m long that accompanies the entire facade of the building. The interior is entirely decorated in the taste of the 19^th century iron architecture, where it detaches the stand-iron staircases and galleries that promote a lively movement in the room.

The museum was founded in 1875 and houses a varied collection of ethnographic pieces that came from the former Portuguese colonies in Africa and Asia. The pieces were brought by several generous missionaries, merchants, soldiers and explorers who knew these countries. It detaches:

Museu de São Roque

The Museum of St. Roque is located on top of the attractive Rua da Misericordia, next to the church with the same name. The museum and the church were built in the 16^th century by the Society of Jesus in the way the Jesuits conceived the ideal man: austere on the outside and rich on the inside. Thus, the facades are stripped as the taste of the Mannerist style (characteristic of this religious order), while the interior impresses with its wealth of materials and artwork.

It detaches the magnificent Baroque chapel of St. John the Baptist, known as “the world’s most expensive chapel”, as it was built in Rome in the 18^th century in precious materials, and then transported to Lisbon on 3 boats. With the expulsion of the Jesuits from Portugal by the Marquis of Pombal, the church and the rest of the building were donated to Santa Casa da Misericórdia (Holy House of Mercy), which opened it as a museum in 1905.

The Church of St. Roque is also open to visitors and is included in the itinerary. The museum’s collection is very well presented and it focuses in following religious art:

Assinatura

The restaurant Assinatura is located between largo do Rato and rua Castilho and is signed by chef Henrique Mouro. Having started his professional career in the Ribatejo area, gone through Pestana Palace Hotel and the famous Bica do Sapato, the chef opened his own restaurant in May 2010. Assinatura is installed on two floors, combining two different environments. It is distinguished by the peculiarity of providing a “bosses’ table” at the basement, which hosts up to 15 people. Here it is possible to interact with the chef and his team, offering customers a multitude of sensory challenges. It is not possible to book this table. Another curious aspect, Assinatura has a table attached to the ceiling.

The kitchen has rigor and audacity, enhancing the natural flavour of traditional products, but with chef Henrique Moura’s twist and even his somewhat rebel nature. Here you can taste dishes such as smoked salmon with pineapple or duck’s ham roast with figs and red wine. As main dishes, a bull tail’s rice or roast cod with chickpeas and snails. For desserts, try some unexpected língua da sogra and olha a bola de Berlim (a kind of Berliner cake). Do not forget the careful selection of wines (also served by the glass), exploring Portuguese viticulture from North to South. For parking, you have the rua Mouzinho da Silveira and Edifício Castil public car parks. Restaurant Assinatura only serves lunch from Tuesday to Fridays and is closed on Sundays. On Fridays and Saturdays it’s open until 11.30 pm.

Adventure on Tagus – 1.2.3.GO!

1.2.3.GO! has been offering boat trips in the river Tagus since April 2011, providing great views over Lisbon and a lively on-board experience. With a fleet composed of various types of boats, the semi-rigids ones are the most commonly used for this type of tours. The tours are held with a minimum of four and a maximum of 12 people. The most popular is the Go Lisbon Tour, which sails throught the river Tagus from the Torre de Belém to the National Pantheon at Alfama, to return to the starting point at the end of the tour. The company also offers a Sunset tour (to end the day with a toast in the middle of the Tagus), a two hours Cascais tour and  Celebration tour designed for birthdays and bachelor parties.

1.2.3.GO! is located on the Bom Sucesso dock (inside the Vela Latina mall). Although most of the tours take place starting from here, you can arrange for the passenger’s collection point on other docks. Guides who speak four different languages accompany these tours. In addition to the photos taken by the crew (sent for free to customers), they include historical and trivia information concerning points of interest spotted in the paths. From April to September, the boats operate every day between 10 am and 6 pm. From October to March, tours are held only by appointment. Prices for these tours are: Go Lisbon Tour costs 25 euros for adults and 15 euros for children aged three to 12 years; the Cascais tour costs 50 euros for adults and 40 euros for kids. The 1.2.3.GO! is a great idea to enjoy this Lisbon’s unique attraction, the Tagus river.

Roman Galleries open to the public

The Lisbon Roman Galleries are open this weekend (23^rd to 25^th September) to the general public. Two thousand years old and hidden beneath the junction of Rua da Prata to Rua da Conceição, in downtown Lisbon, they are usually flooded, but there is one weekend per year (usually the last in September) in which fire fighters remove the water to allow the public’s visit. Discovered in 1771, during the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755′s earthquake, they are dated to the first century after Christ, the period of Julio-Claudian emperors and as such contemporary to other public buildings of Olisipo’s Roman city. They are thought to be cryptoporticus, domed constructions used to create a platform of support for other buildings. An inscription to the god Aesculapius suggests the public use of this building. You can visit the network of perpendicular galleries, with small cells lateral to the galleries, probably used as storage spaces. Also visible are the stone arches, a Roman technical architecture and the Galerias das Nascentes (or Eyes of Water) from which flows the water that floods the whole room. The tours have free admission, just show up in number 77 of Rua da Conceição, between 10.00 am and 5.30 pm (last entry). Prepare to face the queues because the turnout is always high.

O Polícia

Restaurant O Polícia (The Policeman in Portuguese), a historical establishment in the Avenidas Novas neighbourhood, owes its name to Teotónio Lázaro Miranda. The founder of this old eating-house decided to trade the police uniform for the kitchen apron to open it in 1900. The grandson of that former policeman is now the O Polícia’s manager and is helped by his daughters, so the fourth generation of this family is now running this restaurant. Situated nearby to the Calouste Gulbenkian Garden, with a decor that refers to the second half of the past century, is attended by a loyal clientele, who still remembers the time when it also worked as a warehouse and received fresh vegetables from the countryside vegetable-gardens. During the week, O Polícia is more frequented by executives who work in the vicinity and at Saturdays lunchtime the families show up, helping to create a more intimate ambience, where everyone knows everyone else by the name.

The menu dishes are timeless and come from the traditional Portuguese cuisine. The goat farmer style, rojões à transmontana (seasoned fried pork meat), cabidela chicken (stew with rice and a vinegar flavour) and veal meal Barroso style are some good examples. The confection is mostly on a pan but there are also boiled and grilled dishes, especially the fishes which are one of the house’s attractions. Desserts like milk custard and rice pudding end meals with a quality tone. The wine list is varied and affordable. The service is efficient and professional but it is natural that the warmth and sympathy that you receive will depend on your assiduity. Table reservation is almost mandatory, because O Polícia’s fame already has decades. This restaurant is closed on Saturdays at dinnertime and on Sundays and public holidays. You can park at the underground Avenida Conde de Valbom car park, about 170 feet away.

RestaurantWeek with 50 restaurants

The 2011 edition of Lisbon RestaurantWeek will have more than 50 participating institutions, lined up to offer outstanding cuisine at a reasonable price (20 euros). The initiative runs from September 22 to October 5. Organised by Sabor do Ano, this will be the sixth edition of this gastronomic event. The best chefs and restaurants will present special menus using the best Portuguese products. The initiative’s goal is to raise funds to help institutions like Associação Mulheres de Vermelho and Associação Cais, donating one euro for every eaten meal during this event. Restaurant Bica do Sapato will join Lisbon RestaurantWeek for the first time. Other participating restaurants will be Arola, Aviz, Brasserie Flo, Cantina da Estrela, Casa da Comida, Casa da Dízima, Eleven, Espaço Lisboa, Estufa Real, Faz Figura, Gemelli, Kais, Lapa Palace Hotel, Maritaca, Mezzaluna, Midori, No Ponto Bistrô, Open, Storik Chiado and Terrassa Cascais.

Cervejaria da Esquina

Cervejaria da Esquina (the Around the Corner Brewery), located in the Campo de Ourique neighbourhood, results from two confluent forces: on one hand, the reinvention of the traditional concept of a Portuguese brewery and on the other, chef Vítor Sobral’s culinary know-how, recognized for putting the petisco (Portuguese snacks) in a higher food culture ambience. And so this space opened, in April 2011, for those who like to accompany a meal with a cold beer. The interior design is by the architect Paula Moura, who conceived it divided into two rooms (smoking and non-smoking), filled with isolated tables and framed by aquariums. There are 50 seating places and a terrace with space for more 25 people. In Cervejaria da Esquina, innovation begins with esquininha, a draft beer served in a smaller glass, so that’s faster to drink and thus keeping it fresher.

Oysters, clams, crayfish, lobsters, crabs, solens, whelks, barnacles, shrimps from the coast, tiger or Mozambique shrimps, white prawns and royal crabs are some of the seafood listed in the menu. They are served raw, baked or grilled. Some dishes are also served cooked on a pan, such as cataplanas (casseroles), in rice or pasta and curries. They did not forget the traditional prego no pão (a beef sandwich) and tuna steak. Desserts include rice pudding, flan pudding with azorean Gorreana green tea and even beer ice cream. To drink and besides beer, there is a good wine list, also serviced by the glass. To end your meal, there is a special batch of coffee available. The house’s service deserves mention because it is attentive and efficient. Note that Cervejaria da Esquina is closed on Sundays at dinnertime and on Mondays.

BelémBike

The bike path parallel to the river Tagus, which goes from Cais do Sodré to the Belém Tower, opened in 2009, is a prime area for sports. On the early evenings and week-ends, many take advantage of the proximity to Lisbon’s river for strolling, jogging or cycling along the 4,3 miles (6,9 kilometers) of bike path, decorated with poetic quotations and funny onomatopoeias. The landscape includes fishermen, boats, the iconic 25 de Abril bridge and the river’s blue tones meeting the sky. BelémBike, which stands between the Electricity Museum and the BBC bar, is dedicated to renting bikes, tandems and karts for children and adults.

Rental prices range between 2.50 and 4.50 euros per half hour rental, but the second half hour is always cheaper. If you need a child seat for a bike, you can also rent one. Starting there, your touristic tour should include the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries, then returning to the starting point. Count on at least one hour to complete this route. Along the way, you can cool off in Vela Latina or at one of the many bars you will find along the way. BelémBike also offers repair services for bicycles. This rent-a-bike is open everyday of the week, from 12 am to 8 pm, but on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays it opens earlier, at 10 am.

Smashing Pumpkins return to Lisbon

The Smashing Pumpkins will play in Lisbon on 8 December, in a show integrated in the European tour that this North-American band will start in November. Tickets for the concert in Lisbon, which will be held at Campo Pequeno, are on sale and the its price varies between 25 and 30 euros. The Smashing Pumpkins formed in Chicago in 1998 and released their first album, Gish, in 2001. The subsequent albums, Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Madness, confirmed the band’s popularity. A new album will be released in early 2012 and already has a title: Oceania.

Estado Líquido Sushi Lounge

Estado Líquido started just as a night bar, in 2001. But it quickly evolved also into a culinary concept, with Sushi Lounge and its brother Fusion Sushi. Located in the same building at Largo de Santos, the latter occupies the ground floor, while the Sushi Lounge stands at the top of the stairs leading to the first floor. A feng shui style décor, with low tables and chairs, suggests a Japanese ambience. The environment flows in relaxing sounds, in a chillout style. A Brazilian sushi artist, who brought with him all the cutting-edge influences from São Paulo, when regarding to Japanese cuisine, leads the kitchen. The Estado Líquido Sushi Lounge offers varieties of sushi and sashimi for everyone, highlighting the Estado Líquido maki, a hot sushi with salmon, cream cheese and sesame seeds. Another specialty is the gunka butoh, a sushi wrapped in salmon with a topping of egg yolk and quail eggs.

Orpheu Caffé

The Orpheu Caffé, located at Praça do Príncipe Real, is a cafe and dining room inspired by the Lisbon’s tertulias that, in the early twentieth century, promoted the meeting of artistic and literary figures of the avant-garde scene. It owes its name to the mythical Orpheu magazine, founded by poets and painters such as Fernando Pessoa, Almada-Negreiros and Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, in 1915 (it lasted only half a year but had a huge cultural impact in Portugal throughout the last century). This is a coffee that exudes versatility and modernism, full of a nostalgic character that wants to recover the city’s ancient traditions. Thus it often serves as a venue for poetry sessions, exhibitions and other cultural events.

The Orpheu Caffé room is divided into two areas, distinguished by decorative elements and divided by a central balcony. At the entrance, it offers contact with anyone who enters or exits, but the refuge is greater the further from the door to the street. It also has a small and cosy terrace. The meals include dishes of the day, ranging from mild and economic offers to elaborate ones. The Orpheu Caffé’s tearoom experience is almost British and in the late afternoons you can have snacks and a selection of wines, which are also served by the glass. The dishes of the day are also there for dinnertime and you can stay for a comfortable evening until midnight. On Sundays, brunch is served until 3.30 p.m. This cafe is closed on Mondays and on Saturdays and Sundays it only opens at 11 a.m., also closing earlier, by 8 p.m.

Fashion’s Night Out on 8 September

The Fashion’s Night Out is back in Lisbon, next Thursday, 8th September. The success registered in 2010, when this initiative was held in Chiado, Rua Castilho and Avenida da Liberdade, encouraged the organization to expand it also to the Príncipe Real area. Vogue, the leading promoter of this night, will promote a lounge at Avenida da Liberdade, a pop-up store with designer Nuno Baltazar and an exhibition of iconic magazine covers, the latter two in the Rua Garrett galleries, at Chiado. Two fashion buses will help the movement of the persons who wish to visit all the four areas covered by the event. The participating stores will be open beyond 19:00 and will promote activities such as DJ’s performances, discounts and special sales. The event ends by 23:00. The Fashion’s Night Out takes place in 16 cities of different countries, each one choosing the date for the local initiative.

Kaffeehaus

The Kaffeehaus, also known as the “Austrian Cafe”, is close to the Theatre of São Carlos and is self defined as das osterreichische lokal in Lisbon. Founded in 2008 by two Austrian friends, it is a Viennese café-restaurant, in a tertúlia (a gathering to discuss philosophy, politics, art) spirit, which is fed by numerous cultural references, with many books at your disposal. A small terrace at the entrance door helps those who enjoy fresh air or like to smoke. For those looking just for a relax moment, references are the hot chocolate (served as a glass of warm milk and a chocolate bar, to be mixed by the customer) and coffee with whipped cream, which may be accompanied by an assortment of cakes, where the king is the sachertorte, a chocolate cake with two layers of chocolate dough and a black chocolate frost and the queen is the apfelstrudel, an apple pie pastry filled with raisins.

Brownie

Brownie is a nightclub that bets on minimalistic decorations and exquisite taste of sounds. Intend to become a living room in a relaxed atmosphere that encourages good times socializing with friends and strangers.

Recently opened in the area of Príncipe Real, the monthly dynamic includes DJ’s carefully chosen for the best dance music and a graphic designer who designs the program.

The decoration of the place carries a welcoming environment for night owls in the style of 70′s, a subtle lighting especially at the bar where the shelves stand out with colorful bottles and labels.

Terra

Terra, located next to the jardim do Príncipe Real, is one of the most reputable vegetarian restaurants in Lisbon. Set in a nineteenth century building, it is divided into three rooms decorated with traditional Portuguese furniture and also benefits from a terrace (which is heated during winter) with seats distributed among the trees of a pleasant interior garden. In this vegetarian restaurant lunch and dinner are arranged around a buffet, set on a long central table. Here you can help yourself to a large variety of soups, salads, cold and hot dishes (such as mushrooms Bulhão Pato style, sweet potatoes feijoada, kebabs, fish fillets with tomato rice and curry). Some of these are inspired by traditional Portuguese cuisine, so here you will find their vegetarian counterparts.

Additionally you can order drinks such as juices and natural sodas, teas and herbal teas, beers and wines. For dessert you can chose between pineapple carpaccio, rice pudding conventual style, chocolate mousse and a variety of ice creams. All these dishes and products are prepared with fresh and seasonal products, always presenting several vegan options, which means that they do not contain any ingredients of animal origin. The service is efficient and very friendly. Children pay reduced prices for the buffet. For parking, the easiest solution is the park at Rua da Escola Politécnica. Before you leave, make sure you visit the small food store inside this restaurant. The Terra restaurant closes on Mondays.

Cais das Colunas

The Cais das Colunas (or the Columns Pier) owes its name to the two pillars erected at the waterfront of Praça do Comércio or Terreiro do Paço, a work by the architect Eugénio dos Santos, held during Lisbon’s reconstruction after the earthquake of 1755. These columns, which end the marble staircase leading down to the Tagus River, are of Masonic inspiration, representing the two pillars of Solomon’s Temple (Wisdom and Devotion). Cais das Colunas acts as a gateway to Lisbon and is right in front, on a straight line, of the equestrian statue of Dom José I. Further down, in the same alignment, stands the Triumphal Arch of Rua Augusta.

Zé dos Bois (ZDB)

The ZDB is a nonprofit cultural association founded in 1994 with the aim of promoting multidisciplinarity in contemporary culture, enabling conditions and laboratory research,  promoting the creation, production and dissemination of artistic objects in different fields (visual arts, dance, music, theater, cinema, multimedia, and their crosses). Throughout its existence, the Association has worked on various properties, promoting the recovery of abandoned buildings and prioritizing a relation between creators and the space. Since 1997, occupies a building in the heart of Bairro Alto.

Produces plays and exhibitions, develops and publishes Visual Arts, Music and Performing, with emphasis on content and creative processes, winning research, creation, production and dissemination.

In its facilities, there is a bookstore, the “Letra Livre”, and a bar, No. 49, which is a meeting point between breeders and the public and promotes weekly activities. On the top of the building is located a Terrace overlooking the neighborhood and offering cake, tea, wireless and periodically a exclusive programming cycles of the Terrace Theater.

Páginas Tantas

This jazz bar on a corner of Bairro Alto, is a classic and you can watch the occasional live concerts. Most nights you can find a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting and jazzy sounds environment. Large wall paintings illustrate walls with color and black and white images of some of the most significant names of the jazz world.

The club Páginas Tantas welcomes all types of visitors and also can be found some tourists. The environment is conducive to conversations around a table and by itself repels those who seek the Bairro Alto for great excitement and animation, so you can find in this space a quiet place for a drink with friends or maybe for a date.

Located at Rua Diario de Noticias (No. 85), the way to get there, coming from Largo de Camões, can force you crossing streets too crowded and confusing, so if you prefer to avoid confusion, we suggest the narrow streets of Bairro Alto by North side (next to the Prince Royal – Garden and Belvedere of San Pedro de Alcantara).

Red Bull Grand Prix is back to Lisbon

The craziest race in the world returns to Lisbon on 4 September, at 15:00 hours. The city received this vehicles without motors competition (limited to four meters long and 100 kilos of weight) for the first time in 2004. The victory in the second Red Bull Lisbon Grand Prix will be decided by a jury that will evaluate the time needed to cross a 400 meters runway, the originality of the vehicle and its interaction with the public. More than 70 teams are enrolled with names like The Troika Horses, Turbulence of Fools, Red Zeppelin, Flying Smurfs, Team Blowflies Buzzing and We Only Stop Down There.

These competitions began eleven years ago in Brussels, but quickly spread to cities like San Francisco, Istanbul, Monterrey and Vancouver. To date, fifty races of this type have been organized all over the world. The first Portuguese edition took place in Parque Eduardo VII, the same park that will now host this event in the first Monday of September. Entries are free and competitors, in teams of up to five elements, must be over 16 years to participate in the Red Bull Grand Prix.

Sushifashion Chiado

The Sushifashion Chiado opened in June 2011, in front of the Civil Government of Lisbon headquarters and is the first restaurant of this chain in Lisbon (the others are located at the Cascais area). This restaurant offers a relaxed and contemporary ambience, divided into two floors (one for smokers), to comfortably host the Japanese cuisine fans. It has hot and cold appetizers, traditional dishes, some fusion dishes, wok cooked pasta, fish and grilled meats. You’ll find a variety of tuna, salmon, tropical fruits and salmon roe hosomakis (small rolls wrapped in nori, a sheet of dried sea weed), an assortment of hot fashion rolls prepared with salmon, shrimp and cheese cream, as well as simple and special varieties of sushi.

There are also combinations of sushi and sashimi as well as shrimp, prawn and squid tempura (seafood or vegetable pieces fried in batter). On Tuesdays, there is a sushi buffet where you can taste all its varieties for a more affordable price. The service is fast and efficient and the house provides access to the Internet via a wireless network. The Sushifashion Chiado also has available a valet parking service (with previous reservation) and is a good option to organize group dinners. It also offers a take away service. This restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Pavilhão Chinês

Pavilhão Chinês (the Chinese Pavilion) which is located between the Glória funicular and largo do Príncipe Real is one of the oldest and most amazing bars in Lisbon. Its name comes from a warehouse that during the beginning of the twentieth century sold groceries, tea and coffee. In 1986, Luis Pinto Coelho, a hotel manager, transformed the old building into a pub and as well as restoring the facade, artistic stuccowork and cupboards, he also kept the old store’s name. However, this bar is more of a museum than a Chinese spot. Anyone who visits is surprised by the five rooms filled with small statues, toy soldiers, model cars, posters and the collections of objects that create a flow of people who wander around the rooms just like in a real museum. The exhibited pieces belong to Luis Pinto Coelho himself: he feels that this is the right place to show his many collections.

In this magical and intimate area you can enjoy a drink chosen from a list of more than 40 pure and flavourful teas and about 100 different cocktails (the most popular are the dry martini, daiquiri and the Chinese Pavilion’s own house cocktail). This bar also serves light meals such as sandwiches, toasties, cheese and an assortment of tapas) and is a place where snooker players can enjoy a game. All of this is accompanied by light music or jazz. Pavilhão Chinês is open every day and allows smoking.

Lux-Frágil

The bar/nightclub Lux has national and international reputation.

Located right by the side of Tagus river, next to the Santa Apolonia train station, Manuel Reis transferred the know-how of Fragil (Bairro Alto) to a space for the measure.

It develops on three floors with disco in the ground-floor, bar on the first floor with a balcony over the river and roof terrace with a view over the Tagus. In the bar there is the peculiarity of finding a specific counter with an excellent selection of wines by the glass.

Largo

The restaurant Largo is located at largo do Teatro de São Carlos, at Chiado’s historic centre and occupies one of the naves of the former Convento da Igreja dos Mártires cloister. The space, designed by architect Miguel Câncio Martins, is divided in a main floor and a superior mezzanine, mixing the original arches with modern design elements. Beyond the porch light, three huge tanks with luminous jellyfish stand out. This luxurious environment is accompanied by chef’s Miguel Castro e Silva (also responsible for De Castro Elias) cuisine, which knows how to combine sophistication with simplicity.

As starters, we would suggest scallops with corn bread or marinated sea bass with fresh herbs. Afterwards you can enjoy the famous creation of this chef, codfish with wild mint bread quenelles or instead the sautéed squids with shrimp. Regarding meat dishes, roasted pork with grilled polenta or braised lamb shank on sautéed vegetables. Finish with a chocolate mousse served at zero degrees or a honey pudding with whipped cream cheese. There is also available a vegetarian option. At lunch, there is a fixed price menu, more affordable, which includes an appetizer and a dish (no drinks or dessert). The wine list is comprehensive and allows servings by the glass. The restaurant Largo offers a valet parking service and has a smoking area. It is open every day of the week. Watch the video!

Banthai

Banthai is a Thai restaurant founded in 2004 and it’s located at the inner courtyard of the Alcântara Rio condominium, near largo do Calvário. The ample interior space is complemented, in warmer weather, by a charming terrace. The extensive menu consists in the Kingdom of Siam’s specialities and the highlights are the spicy shrimp soup, fish cakes, shrimps with red curry, Poo Phad Phong Karee (crab curry), chicken with cashew nuts and Kao Ob Sab Paro (pineapple stuffed with Thai rice, egg, dry pork and bacon). To avoid surprises, you should always remember that Thai cuisine makes heavy use of spices and is usually very spicy.

For vegetarians there are some special dishes such as Por-pia Tod Pak (rolls of pasta with vegetables) and the spicy Pad Prik Sod Hed (Thai mushrooms and bamboos stir-fried with chilli and garlic). For lunch, there is also a buffet option that includes half a dozen different dishes, at an affordable price that allows an interesting perspective on Thai cuisine. The service, mostly female, is diligent and friendly. To park the car, there is an underground car park beneath the courtyard where the restaurant is located. The Banthai restaurant also offers takeaway, catering and special events services and it is open every day of the week.

BdMania

The BdMania store, which is just below Praça de Luís de Camões, is a paradise for fans of Superman, Batman, Star Wars and all the other superheroes and sci-fi series. This specialized bookstore, founded in 1994, serves as a worship place for those who love reading comics or collecting action figures and distinguished itself by importing North-American comics. But in their shelves you can also find Portuguese, Franco-Belgium, Spanish and Japanese (manga) authors and editions, in a fascinating assortment of characters and different artistic styles.

Additionally, there is always a big lot of miniature figures of superheroes and TV series, as well as much other merchandise including t-shirts, posters, statues and other related material. If you prefer, there is a “standing order” system, which ensures that every month you will receive your favourite comics. Sometimes this bookstore organizes a special discounts and promotions week, where you can buy books and other stuff at more affordable prices (see their Facebook page to stay in tune with all news). BdMania is closed on Sundays.

Urban Klub

A night club located midway through Santos and Alcântara, at Av. 24 de Julho, Urban Klub opened just a year ago and is now a reference is this city area.

It comes to life three nights a week – Thursdays to Saturdays – with sounds ranging from house to r&b, theme parties and dj’s invited on a regular basis, like Diogo Loreto, DJ K-tano & Oxigen, and DJ Frank Calvin, among others.

A young crowd of university students fills the club’s two floors and rocks the party every weekend in a colorful atmosphere that’s mostly made up of local nightgoers, not so much tourists looking for a night on the town (though that might all start to change once you read this).

Silk Club

Sophisticated, modern and restrained. These are the 3 main attributes that distinguish this club located between Bairro Alto and Chiado.

Installed on the 6th and 7th floors of No. 14 of Rua da Misericordia, access is done through internal panoramic elevators, thus reaching the top and a wide 200 ° view over the city of Lisbon.

The Silk, opened in 2008, is the result of an harmonious architectural and interior design conception. Its interiors are spacious as well as the outdoor terrace. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 3 22:30 to 4:00, but can be used for private events on any day, anytime.

Olisipo Tour – Yellow Bus

The circuit Olissipo Tour of Yellow Bus starts in Praça da Figueira square and crosses the historical and modern components of Lisbon. Using the audio guide (available in Portuguese and in other seven different languages) you can learn more about the city while you admire from the inside or the uncovered top of  the double decked bus. Crossing the downtown Lisbon and heading to the Tagus river, the circuit then continues parallel to the river to the modern Parque das Nações. Here you will see the Lisbon’s newest neighbourhood, built for the World Exhibition in 1998 and where you can see concentrated the most architecturally daring buildings of the city.

At your right will appear the Lisbon Oceanarium, Portugal’s Pavilion (with its famous concrete visor), the Atlantic Pavilion (a huge flying saucer shape parked on the ground), the new International Fair of Lisbon and Vasco da Gama Tower. Then, the bus returns to the centre of Lisbon through Avenida da República (here admire the Campo Pequeno bullring) and Marques de Pombal Square, going up to the Largo do Rato after all that. Here you can get off the bus to visit the Casa-Museu Amalia Rodrigues, the portuguese Fado’s diva. Finally, it returns to the river crossing Cais do Sodre area and ends in downtown Lisbon. This circuit takes around 1h40m up to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

In summer (May to October), the Olisipo Tour departs at 10h00, 10h45, 11h30, 12h15, 13h00, 13h45, 14h30, 15h30, 16h15, 17h00, 18h00 and 19h00. In winter (November to April), the circuit begins at 10h00, 10h45, 11h30, 12h15, 13h00, 13h45, 14h30, 15h15, 16h00 and 17h00. You can buy your ticket on the bus and in authorised points of sale or  even online. Children between four and ten years only pay 7.50 euros. Tickets are valid for 24 hours, which means you can get on and off as many times you can want and on any tour stops. With the valid ticket Olisipo Tour you can also use the four lifts in Lisbon. Take some time to get on the Santa Justa Elevator, located near the ending point of this circuit. The same ticket can also be used in the Aerobus, a bus service that connects the Airport to city centre.

A Travessa

The restaurant A Travessa is a classic of the Madragoa neighbourhood in Santos, occupying part of the Convento das Bernardas. With a room decorated according to this space’s antiquity, it also benefits from being able to use the convent’s cloister (which also houses the Museum of Puppetry), as a pleasant interior terrace. The cuisine is inspired by the Belgium’s traditions, where the owner Vivianne Durieu is from, but also offers good Portuguese dishes. So, on Saturday the prime dish are the moules frites, the famous mussels and chips that are the delight of the Belgians. But here the meals always begin with an assortment of appetizers, which include eggs with mushrooms, breaded goat cheese with strawberry jam, farinheiras (a pork sausage made of flour and spices) and padrón peppers.

After these appetizers, there are dishes such as grilled fresh fish, roosterfish fillets with champagne, grouse in Convento das Bernardas style and pork chops with herbs. Regarding desserts, A Travessa offers doçes conventuais (Portuguese convents traditional sweets) and Belgian pralines (chocolates with various fillings). To drink, besides a good wine list, this restaurant has a multitude of Belgian beers, which should be drunk very fresh. You can smoke on the mentioned terrace and although it is almost impossible to park nearby, A Travessa solved the problem with an old truck that brings and takes guests between the largo Vitorino Damásio car park and the restaurant (call it by number 968 939 125). Note that this restaurant does not serve lunches on Mondays and Saturdays and is closed on Sundays.

Festival dos Oceanos opens Museums at night

Today, 11th August, it”s a day of open Museum at night, in Lisbon, within the Festival dos Oceanos. This initiative envolves 28 Museums, which offer from 18h00 to 24h00 guided visits to exhibitions, concerts and other activities. The Tile Museum is promoting “multiculturalism”, starting with a visit to the tiles at 19.45, followed by a Creole Mass composed by the Argentinean composer Ariel Ramirez, in the Igreja da Madre de Deus at 21:00 and ending with a fado”s show at the Jardim de Inverno, at 22h15. The Communications Museum, will stage the Ballet Contemporâneo do Norte, at 21.00, with the show “The news of my death was an exaggeration”.

The Berardo Collection Museum offers, at 22h00, a visit to australian slot machines the exhibition of painter Pedro Cabrita Reis. The Puppet Museum conducts a workshop for children called “Come and create a new monster!” from 20h00 to 22h30. The National Museum of Ancient Art travels through the Bosch”s universe at 22:00. The Navy Museum has a tour of scientific instruments from 20h00 to 21h00, followed at 22h00 by a performance of a saxophonist from the Navy Band. The Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium holds two free sessions, between 21h30 and 22h00, alluding to issues related to astronomy.

Sacramento Church

The Church of Sacramento (Igreja do Sacramento) is close to the heart of Chiado, at the sidewalk with its name. The parish of the Blessed Sacrament was founded in 1584 to combat the Protestant heresy which denied the real presence of Christ at the Eucharist. The original church was built between 1671 and 1685, on the ground opposite the Palace of the Conde de Valadares, who offered the land to do it. This palace still exists today in front of the church and houses now the restaurant Sacramento no Chiado. The 1755′s earthquake knocked down the bell tower and the roof of the church and caused a fire that did extensive damage. The reconstruction began in 1772, in a project by architect Francisco de Abreu Remígio. It is a baroque church, Lisbon’s only with a east facade, with a single nave, filled with marbles and eight lateral altars.

In 1798, painter Pedro Alexandrino de Carvalho was commissioned to paint the big screen that covers the throne, the altarpieces of the side altars and the eight screens of the chancel, representing the four evangelists and the four master doctors of the Catholic Church. This painter is also the author of the central medallion of the nave’s roof and of the angels figuring at the set. Note also the six silver lanterns hanging in front of each of the side altars. They weigh a whole 79 pounds (36 kilos). The throne of the church is a magnificent piece in gilt. In the choir is an organ with 1,063 pipes, built in 1817 by António Xavier Machado Cerveira, who was responsible for most of the churches’ organs rebuilt after the Lisbon earthquake of 1755.

In the bell tower, at the rear of the church, were applied one clock and the bells from the Convento da Trindade, purchased at the auction that followed the expulsion of the religious orders from Portugal, in 1834. During the French invasion, in early 1808, the church was looted from all their silver, a total of 260 pounds (118 kilos), including pieces who had survived the 1755 earthquake. After the Chiado’s fire, in 1988, the subsequent reconstruction of the area, the adjoining car park building and the subway’s extending, the church has undergone another restoration, completed in 2010. You can visit the Igreja do Sacramento every day from 12h00 to 17h00, except Mondays (open from 15:00 to 18:00) and Sundays (open from 15:00 to 19:00).

100 Maneiras

100 Maneiras is the Bosnian chef Ljubomir Stanisic’s restaurant and is located in the Bairro Alto area. In September 2010, the chef also opened the Bistro 100 Maneiras in largo da Trindade. This restaurant bets in a market cuisine, as the chef favours shopping at mercado da Ribeira to compose his menus. 100 Maneiras only serves dinners and hasn’t any à la carte options. It offers a daily tasting menu, which includes ten different dishes, which vary every so often in order to counter a monotony that the most frequent customers could notice. Everything is well lit in a white room where three dozen people can be seated (early reservations are recommended), so that everyone can see the tasteful delicacies, in an always unpredictable parade of dishes.

Starters such as the estendal do bairro (a parody to how people dry their clothes in Lisbon’s typical neighbourhoods), a small bread with sausage kebab or an arugula cream with shavings of Parmesan cheese stand out. Then you can taste dishes like sesame-crusted tuna with coriander or mushrooms risotto with herbs olive oil and sauteed shrimp. One of 100 Maneira’s mythical dishes is the grande lata, a gold or red mullet fillet served on açorda (mashed bread with garlic), all within a tin can. Another flagship dish is the pork cheeks with mashed celery and pine nuts. For dessert, chef Stanistac offers things like a cheese foam with pumpkin jam ice cream or fake meringue lemon pie with ice cream. The service is efficient and relaxed and the wine list is simple and affordable. After dinner at 100 Maneiras, you can take a walk by the ever-lively Bairro Alto.

Parque Marechal Carmona

The park Marechal Carmona goes back to the 18^th, it is located in the middle of Cascais center and is one of the more charming of town. Opened to public in 1940, when was finished the junction of two old gardens from different owners, the palace of the counts of Condes Castro Guimarães joined with the viscount da Gandarinha property.

Entering the park 10 hectares you can find a lake with turtles and afterwards you can enter in contact with the grown trees and plants density, finding species like olive trees, carob trees, araucaria, moreton bay fig, eucalyptus and palm trees.

You can make a picnic in the park, have a rest in lawn, visit the mini-zoo or the greenhouse, get to know the youth library or go to the bar in the middle of the green. It is easy to observ some birds and the peacocks seem to be the guardians of the garden. It is good to take advantage of the biological products market that happens Saturday mornings and the fact that is so close to the Museum Paula Rego – House of Stories.

Parque Bosque dos Gaios

Recently inaugurated, it is a new-born park from Estoril, in the neighborhood Alto dos Gaios, a region that had in the last decades a considerable demographic growth and was eagerly waiting for the garden opening. The works done in the park where part of the town hall plan of giving a green extension to the allotments already growing at the west side.

The park allows the visitant enjoy an autochthon biodiversity throughout an elegant grove of pine trees surrounding the shore of a rivulet. One of the particularities of the park, that had to be taken in taken in its creation, is the existent special fauna. In spite of the urban advance the garden still has among its inhabitants eagles, owls, hare, rabbits and European jays (Gaios, in Portuguese, the name of the park).

With the transformation the garden offers tables for picnics, a miradouro, equipment for physical exercise and space for gymnastics and games, just as pathways throughout the woods.

Parque das Penhas do Marmeleiro

The park Penhas do Marmeleiro, an area of 4 hectares, is integrated in the Natural Park of Sintra and Cascais, just in the border of this two regions out of Lisbon. Who is going from Cascais to Sintra or who is coming from the mountain to the maritime town will find the park just attached to a locality called Murches.

The territory was being used illegally for graveyard of wastes and was because of that included in the project of requalification of the NPSC that had included the plantation of trees, the creation of the other Park da Pedra Amarela and new work for the farm of Pisão, creating a natural protect ambient and a re-new visual relation with the mountains landscape of Sintra.

The park was inaugurated in September 2009 and since then has been receiving new visitors that take walks around the two platforms with wooden paths made to reduce the erosion of the hikers. The visitor may contemplate the landscape of Sintra as the Ribeira das Vinhas or the Penhas do Marmeleiro.

Parque da Pena

The Park of Pena is one of the more extraordinary gardens in Portugal and together with the Palace of Pena and the mountain region of Sintra was elected cultural heritage of humanity by Unesco.

Let’s say that, while in the last half a century the urban growth between the valleys that go from Lisbon to Sintra hasn´t stop the Palace of Pena, with the park surrounding it, was contemplating from the heights. The big hill where the palace is situated is a green wall because considered a natural reserve, but what some people don´t imagine is that Sintra used to be, before the 18^th, only rocks and lower vegetation until it started to be gradually planted just to arrive at the natural exuberance that we perceive today. To get to know the park of Pena is consequently indispensable to face the epicenter of the Romanticism movement that created Sintra.

In an area that extends to 200 hectares, with its higher point at 528 m, the garden was initiated by the unique taste of the king Fernando II in 1839, there are so many things to discover and get impressed with that it is best to make the challenge. There are several entrances to the park , it has 11 lakes without including small fountains and tanks, it has botanic greenhouses and “wild” vegetation left free to herself, trees like acacias or a gigantic tree called tuia and other different species, the temple of columns, a throne, the garden of camellias or the recently open to the public Chalet and garden of the countess  d´Edla, king Fernando II wife.

Parque Palmela

The park of Palmela is a green area with 10 hectares situated in the town of Cascais in a valley where a rivulet passes, that has always promoted fresh air for the trees and the people.

It was in the past an old farm of the dukes de Palmela, now the Auditorium Fernando Lopes that organizes different activities along the summer, we advise you to investigate the cultural program that includes from jazz concerts to contemporaneous dance performances, philharmonic and symphonic concerts or plays from theatre companies, the 1.º garden in Portugal having and acoustic shell built in the outdoors.

In the park you may find equipment for physical exercise in case the visit does not want to enjoy only the walking around between the woods of different botanic species that had grow there through time. It as tables for picnics.

Quinta da Alagoa

The urban Park of Alagoa is a joyful garden very much wanted by the residences of the Carcavelos neighborhood. You may find it coming out of the train station and walking to the opposite direction of the beach, very crowded in the summer.

In the past the land was a farm belonging to the Companhia de Jesus who had vineyards where the wine from Carcavelos was produced. From that time you can still see some hydraulic equipment for the run of subterranean water, that still today giving water to the lake. It belonged until 1983 to a family named da Alagoa.

In 2006 it had some works of recovery and was equipped with to fullfil the population need of a green area, that had inclusively to protest in favour of the existence of the park due to real estate interests in the 90´s.

Parque de Monserrate

The park of Monserrate is located close to Sintra, in São Martinho, it is an precious pearl of gardens, and to those who don´t know him astonishing at first sight because of the natural atmosphere that lies there, wisely made following the romantic guidelines of calling nature not wanting to control her through words.

Following directly the English school of landscaping, due to the propriety being both in the 18^th century by Gerard DeVisme, an English aristocrat that was taking care of Brazilian diamond businesses in Portugal, responsible for starting the garden. In the 19^th century the garden is delivered in the hands of the botanic William Nevel and to the gardener James Burt, by its new owner Francis Cook. Creating as well a palace with Moorish and neo-gothic inspirations and an exuberant botanic garden. The name comes from a pilgrim that came back from Cataluña sanctuary of Monserrate and erected there an hermitage.

Inaugurating Romanticism experimented in Sintra, throughout its nature it presents  waterfalls, lakes, walking paths in the middle of woods, ruins and little secrets, as in the rest of Sintra.  2 500 botanic species where counted, such as the strawberry tree, European holly, cork trees, metrosideros, palm tree, the rhodendron, azaleas and bamboos.

Chalet of the Countess of Edla

The chalet of the Countess of Edla opened in May 2011, after four years of work to recover it from a fire that nearly destroyed it in 1999. It was built by King Fernando II for Elise Hensler, his second wife, between 1864 and 1869, in the west part of Parque da Pena. Elise Hensler was an opera singer who came to Portugal in 1860 to sing at São João theater in Oporto and São Carlos theater in Lisbon. She married D. Fernando II in 1869, after he widowed from Queen Maria II. The chalet is modelled as its counterparts in the Alps and is part of a garden of eight hectares, where it stands a large collection of camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas, all in the midst of huge granite rocks. At the top of the garden, there is a barn with horses.

In 1885, after the death of D. Fernando II, his widow inherited the whole Parque da Pena, including the Palácio and this cottage. But his son, King Luís, contested the will of D. Fernando II and the Portuguese government came to an agreement with the Countess to purchase these states, giving her the right to be the beneficial owner of the chalet and the surrounding garden. After the fall of the Monarchy in 1910, the house and gardens deteriorated due to lack of maintenance. This was the first chalet built in Portugal and started a fashion throughout Sintra, Cascais and Estoril. It is a building in Romantic style, made of stone and lime, but with simulated wood exterior walls, where the main protagonist is a cork’s tracery.

The ground plan is rectangular and the top has the shape of a cross. Inside, the organization is simple: in the ground floor there is a central staircase, with the main rooms facing the Palácio da Pena and the service compartments to the West. On the top floor, there is a large bedroom, also facing the Palácio and three support rooms. The highlight here is the decor, with murals on the stairs, the noble hall, the ceilings of the master bedroom and in the Countess dressing room (the Quarto das Rendas). Note also the decorative plaster in the Heras room, the blue and white tiles (called azulejar) flooring in the kitchen and the panels of inlaid wood and cork on the walls and ceiling of the dining room and on the King’s dressing room.

Parque Vale do Silêncio

The Park Vale do Silêncio (valley of silence) was created between the years 1966-68, to satisfied the needs of a garden in a new-born neighborhood of Lisbon called the Olivais, which means olive grove, made in the 50´s to fulfill the demand, at the time, of houses for the people that were arriving to the capital day-by-day.

The garden makes a green valley in the form of “L”, it allows the inhabitants to take advantage of the out-door by making a promenade through the autochthon vegetation that is  tipical from Lisbon. Ideal for picnics and social contact, sports like ball games, running or gymnastic.

With an area of 8 hectares, it wants to follow the idea of a garden city, that states that, there should be a proximity to the country-side throughout the cultivation of gardens, which does not happen at all in our days, it was conceived by the two town-hall architects Edgar Sampaio Fontes and Manuel de Sousa da Câmara. The garden has a wide lawn delimited by an alignment of  poplars, surrounding them there is a grove in which the hiker may meet some cork oaks, Portuguese oaks, the narrow-leafed ash, carob trees and  pomegranates, these last ones primitive from India that came settle and in Portugal.

Parque Tejo

The gardens of Park do Tejo are part of the biggest urban rehabilitation made in the ending of the 20^th century in Portugal, what was before a graveyard for industrial waste and deteriorated area, ignored for most citizens, has been transformed with the Expo 98 into the Parque das Nações, making a garden by the river that gave the possibility of walking by the water of the Tagus river, a difficult relation in the rest of the city.

In an area that extends to 90 hectares and with the intention of becoming the double, with the Natural Reserve  of Tagus Estuary just 6km away it is possible to watch several birds passing by like the cattle egret  (bubulcus ibis), the terrain is gradually mold in reliefs that make small hills and allow a panoramic view.

A garden ideal for bicycles and walking promenades, you may encounter poplars, black alders, palm trees, conifers, fig trees and pine trees, willows, olive  trees and cork trees, always with the river in sight , its principal ingredient.

Parque Monteiro Mor

This garden is a true botanic pearl of Lisbon and one of the more calmness  places of the city due to its lack of visits. Because it is situated at the periphery, in Paço do Lumiar, only those who want to go there wish to discover this old farm of the Monteiro-Mor.

It was there, that the Monteiro-Mor (the person that organized the hunts) of the court had residence in the 18^th century, at the palace where now is working the Museum of theatre (Museu do Teatro). The inheritor of the propriety, farm and palace, was the 3^rd Marquis de Angeja that had succeeded the statesman Marquis de Pombal in the function of prime minister of the government, he was the one responsible for the creation of a botanic garden in the farm with the coordination of Domenico Vandelli. Later, the 1^st duke de Palmela acquires the farm and a long time different masters of gardening applied their distinct landscaper conceptions to the place, Italian style, romantic style, the last one was José Possidónio that escort it to the 20^th century. In 1976 the state buys the propriety placing there the Museu dos Trajes (museum of clothes and dresses), from the town hall green houses came new plants and the garden was amplified and taken care of by the public gardeners until today.

What is a fact is we can take a glance of the most beautiful trees, strong and grown up,  some of them survived the Lisbon cyclone of 1941 and are more than 160 years old. Araucarias, sequoias and metrosideros, living fossils, which are a type of species that have not suffer any mutation for million years. Gingkos, laurel tree, judas tree, beech tree and maple tree, the moreton bay fig, Mexican cypress, guava tree, dragos and ombús.

Parque da Bela Vista

The neighborhood of Bela Vista takes its name from the privilege localization that offers, truly, a good view (Bela Vista). The Park of 85 hectares is the  3^rd biggest park of Lisbon, it is situated in a valley and a hill that goes up to 108 m which makes it easy to have a panoramic view over the neighborhoods of the oriental area of Lisbon and the Tagus river.

The oriental territory of the city was in the past consecrated for agriculture, in an urban model of proximity with the country side, from where it would get supplies along the year without the need of transportation of products throughout long distances. The area of the garden was donated to the town hall in the 40´s and the public engineer Duarte Pacheco presented the idea of an “oriental park of Lisbon”.

With the urban growth the idea toke form and the first  landscaper conception was formulated in the 70´s, nevertheless it was only inaugurated in 1993 incorporated on the “Green Plan of Lisbon” directed by Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles. In the 21 century the garden was amplified 14 hectares and it given an irrigation system.

Fenícios

Restaurant Fenícios (Phoenicians in Portuguese), opened in December 2009, is the first Lebanese restaurant in Lisbon. Managed by the couple Najat and Rachid El Dib, resident in Lisbon since 1985, the desire of this family has always been to open here a restaurant for the revelation of Lebanese cuisine. It is a cuisine that crosses Arab, Turkish and French influences, resulting in a kitchen full of exotic aromas and valued by the plentiful use of spices and herbs. In the restaurant Fenícios, the meals follow a mezza style, which consists of a variety of salads, starters and kebabs. In the starters, highlights are hoummos, a puree of chick peas with sesame paste, warak enab, small rolls of vine leaves stuffed with rice and falafel, little chick-peas cookies cooked with coriander and cumin.

Another of the house specialties is the mixed grill, which includes three small skewers of chicken, lamb and beef, with fresh salad. A vegetarian speciality is made up of falafel, moutabal (a dish of eggplant, yogurt and garlic), tabouleh (a salad made with wheat, tomato, onion and cucumber) and fried fries. As for the desserts, they are really sweet. Watch out the halawa, made with roasted pistachio nuts and the baklava, a sweet dough with syrup and nuts. You can follow meals with Lebanese and Portuguese wines or arak, a Lebanon’s typical liquor. At lunch, menus that include a dish, a drink and coffee are more affordable. At the end of your meal, you can order a white coffee, a drink of orange blossom with digestive characteristics. Fenícios also sells out their specialties and typical Lebanese products, in a deli style. Please note that this restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Jardim das Amoreiras

A garden with the scarce 0,6 hectares that nevertheless gives to the visitor a relaxing and cozy environment, right in the middle of the city. It is part of the structure from Aqueduto das Águas Livres the aqueduct with its arches in stone that discharges at the Mãe d´Água das Amoreiras, a reservoir of water just by that can also be visited. Attached to the aqueduct there is also a chapel the Capela de N. sra. De Monserrate.

In one of the side of the garden there is the Museum of Arpad Szenes – Vieira da Silva, which in the 19th  century Royal Fabric of Silk, the reason why the statesman Marquis de Pomball made the garden encouraging the plantation of Mulberries (Amoreiras in Portuguese) for the production of silkworms, origin of the name given to the neighborhood.

The garden has been made surrounding a small lake, accompany by a tilia and a gingko, it gives testimony of an elegant neighborhood that has become a traditional one.

Jardim da Praça do Império

This garden in Belém was inaugurated for the Exhibition of the Portuguese World at the time of the World War II in 1940, it was in the past a beach known as the “beach of Restelo” that would extend through all the territory arriving almost until the Monastery, called Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.

In the continuation of two other gardens, the Garden Vasco da Gama and the Garden Afonso de Albuquerque, it makes with them a green area that gathers visitants from Portugal and the world, with large grass lawn that can be a playground for groups, or to just walk alone, until you reach the doors of one of the most important cultural institutions in Lisbon, the Centro Cultural de Belém. Made by the hand of the architect Cottineli Telmo, with the purpose of commemorate the 800 years of independence and 300 of the restoration. The fountain in the middle has 30 coats of arms from the provinces of continental Portugal, the islands and the old colonies, invoking the old empire.

With a geometrical configuration, drawled by the hedgerows of boxwoods, myrtle and grey santolinas, it was made searching inspiration in the roman-greek model and you see the presence of olive trees and the Mediterranean cypress.

Parque Eduardo VII

The Park Eduardo VII is an emblematic panoramic corridor that makes the entrance to Lisbon, descending it you can contemplate the city waiting for the walker inviting him to adventure himself. It is the address of Estufa fria (cold greenhouse) that has tropical and exotic plants and where at the entrance you can encounter a captivating lake, perfect for a diversion from the whirling of contemporaneous life.

The name was given at the time of visit from the king of England in 1903, made with the purpose to find an alternative to the extinct public promenade of Avenida da Liberdade and become a green extension of it. Since the ending of the 19^th century several projects with different architectonic appropriations of the place have been rejected, until Keil do Amaral conducts its rehabilitation, giving it the aspect that it has today. The book fair is made there every spring.

With different sculptures spread around, you can see as well the pavilion Carlos Lopes, inaugurated at the time of the hundredth celebration of Brazil independence, where very close you can enjoy an esplanade by a lake with swans and ducks. If you keep on going up you will find as well the new Garden Amália Rodrigues made by the Portuguese landscaper Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles.

Parque da Fonte Luminosa

The Park Fonte Luminosa, situated in the Alameda Dão Afonso Henriques, is a long green lawn open to the sky, with the biggest fountain of Lisbon called the luminous fountain (fonte luminosa), that when functioning becomes something impressive due to the abundance of water in large scale. It has as well the Universidade Técnica, on the other side, one of the most important institution of scientific investigation in the country. The park is a public promenade that gets full of green when spring comes and the leafs of the lote trees blossom.

With 5 hectares, it is a place of interaction or resting, a playful ground, a place for gymnastics or promenades, located at the beginning of the Avenida Almirante Reis, attracting the people that enjoy there their free time.

It has started to be construted in the 40´s, together with the new avenues (avenidas novas) like Areeiro, Avenida de Roma, Alvalade, etc, which are known as the high area of Lisbon (Alta de Lisboa), at the time having a large urban growth the constructions used the modernist architectonic model imposed by the State. The statues in the fountain, made by Maximiano Alves, are a reference to the maritime mythology of the Lusiadas, the epic book from Luis de Camões, with different figures from the sea, the bas-relief are from Jorge Barradas and want to symbolize work.

Jardim do Ultramar

A garden with 7 hectares that goes beyond the senses, a true subtropical and tropical opulence, in the middle of the tempered climate of Lisbon. It has around 500 species of plants from all over the world, going from the green areas to the greenhouses, made with a clear educational purpose. It is dedicated to the flora of the places where the Portuguese nautical travels have went, it promises to surprise any traveler that decides to give a visit.

The entrance is a promenade made with huge California fan palms and Mexican fan palms, in each side you can also contemplate living fossils, which are a type of species that have not suffer any mutation for million years. In the left side, gingkos, dawn redwood and monkey-puzzle tree, as bushes of the genders Cyca, Dioon and Encephalartos that go back to the ages of the dinosaurs. Close to the lake you can see sago palms, native from Japan, as sacred figs, from the southeast Asia, also known as the Buda tree. There is an oriental garden that dresses the Chinese hibiscus or Chinese rose and bamboo.

It was created by law enactment, by the king D. Carlos I, in 1906 it was located in the terrains of the zoo, in 1912 it started to occupy the land where it stands now, the existence of natural water there influenced the choice.

Jardim Botânico da Ajuda

It is a garden built with a renascence influence, made from geographical measures, for the purpose of having promenades along the hedgerow of boxwood and little trees carefully pruned. Divided in two platforms, a central one that goes around a main fountain and two secondary ones, and the other, a balcony that surrounds the first one as if hugging it, from where you can catch a sight of Tagus river.

Before being the most ancient  garden of Portugal it use to be a farm that was producing agriculture directly to the royal court. After the 1755 earthquake the statesman Marquês do Pombal sent the royal family to live in Ajuda, one of the neighbourhoods that came out less injured from the catastrophe. It did not took much for the king José I (1714-1777) to want to acquire it, in 1768 the garden royal botanic garden was created, with the coordination of the naturalist Domenico Vandelli, with the function of gathering samples of plants that were coming in from the colonies.

That is way it is the beginning of the history of Portuguese botanic gardens. 1200 species broth from Africa got to be catalogued. During some periods of the 20^th century the garden was a bit abandoned and in the 90´s it was rehabilitated winning the price of European Heritage Conservation.

Manifesto

Restaurant Manifesto is chef Luís Baena’s space, opened in early 2010. Irreverent and seductive, it shows up with a black decoration contrasted by a colourful pop art style. The tables and the chairs occupy the centre of what looks like a dance floor, black vinyl discs are charger plates and in the walls are phrases that illustrate the chef’s philosophy. Luís Baena’s kitchen is so creative and audacious as the decor, though anchored in the set of Portuguese flavours and products. The cheapest option is to choose à la Carte, which is often renewed and offers many options. At lunch (with more affordable prices), the menu includes snacks like chicken pastry pie, Barrancos (a famous pig farming area) ham sushi, coriander migas (mashed fried bread) with cod and lamb pie.

Luís Baena’s creativity becomes more lush at dinner, with dishes like scallop’s carpaccio with pineapple, oysters risotto, sauteed kidneys with Madeira wine, breaded ball of shrimps and mussels with mayonnaise crab cream. Emblematic desserts are chocolate marquise and papos de anjo (egg yolks boiled in sugar syrup) in passion fruit syrup. For the more curious, there are the tasting menus. They are called blowup, vertigo and stairway to heaven menus, progressively growing in price and experiences. The first includes four plates, the second six plates and the last as many as dictate the chef’s imagination and allow the client’s appetite. The wine list is recommended, full of red and white wines and also of champagnes. The service is friendly and parking is available just nearby at Largo de Santos and in the underground car park at Largo Vitorino Damásio. Note that the restaurant Manifesto is closed Saturdays for lunch time and during on Sundays.

James Blunt in Lisbon in October

A James Blunt concert is scheduled for Lisbon, on the 16th October. The beginning of the show, which will be held at Coliseu dos Recreios, is scheduled for 21h00 and the ticket prices go from 28 euros (stalls) to 32 euros (boxes). The former British military comes to Lisbon to promote his latest album, “Some Kind of Trouble”. James Blunt is a pianist, guitarist and songwriter and released his first album, “Back to Bleda”, in 2004. The theme “You’re Beautiful” earned two Brit Awards and five Grammy nominations. “Some Kind of Trouble” was released in 2010 and reached fourth place in the top UK sales, with more than 100,000 copies sold in its first week.

Jardim Calouste Gulbenkian

If it wasn´t for an Armenian gentleman called Calouste Gulbenkian that had come to Portugal in April of 1942, making a stopover before New York, if he didn´t get sick and decided  to stay for recovery, the Portuguese culture would be very less rich and the culture of gardens in Lisbon just as well. The garden Calouste Gulbenkian wisely invites any walker, that is passing by outside, to come in to walk inside of its pathways directed with a naturalist purpose to be spontaneous and gracious.

Made by the landscapers architects António Viana Barreto and Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, during the 60´s the works of transformation of the old Park Santa Gertrudes were taking place and the building of the foundation. The other park existed since 1883 before that it use to be a farm called Quinta do Provedor dos Armazéns that had plantations of vegetables and vineyards. Before the foundation a funfair was there d uring 1943 and 1956. In 1957 it was acquired and it gave birth to the garden and the buildings that we know, where the search for simplicity meets nature through in a delicate form.

The walker can enjoy a lake with ducks, lawns, an esplanade, sculptures in the open sky, an open theatre where in August there is a famous Jazz festival, visit the art library, and the museums, the Foundation has a varied cultural program which we advise to investigate.

Parque Florestal de Monsanto

The Park of Monsanto is told to be the lung of Lisbon, a large park of 900 hectares, with a lot  to discover, pedestrian paths throughout a well preserved biodiversity, rare in these days, flora and fauna unique in the region, it truly gives air to the capital.

It is the biggest green area in the city of Lisbon, in the past it  was  known as “the holy hill”, archeology traces shows that its first occupation goes back to the Paleolithic and  Neolithic periods. Romans have used the land to the plantation of wheat and Muslims have made plantations of olive trees and vegetables. At the end of the 19^th century was being discussed the creation of a big green corridor, one of the hypothesis would be a territory that would go from Campo Grande to Monsanto, the “wood of Lisbon” as they were calling it at 1925. In 1938 the idea is accomplished and the plantation of trees begins by decree-law. Projected by Keil do Amaral, it has suffered a reduction with time because of urban development and installations that were putted there not with the main purpose of the park, but it has survived and has a new face nowadays.

It has eucalyptus, Mexican white cedars or oak woods, there is coark oaks that maintain the bark and holm oaks, a Mediterranean wood with several different species and a lot more. The “Espaço Monsanto”, association that develops the study, maintaining and divulgation of the park gives organized tours that we advise because of the profound biodiversity of the place.

Jardim da Estrela

If you enter through any door of this garden you will get in contact with a singular and mature botanic universe, with a romantic temperament, that involves the hiker in the 19^th century ideal of fusion between civilization and nature, expressing the exotic compound of diversity of flowers, trees and bushes, just as in the appearance of the old trees of a nature not control by man.

Several of the trees present in the 4,6 hectares have more than one century and an half, the garden was inaugurated in 1852, with the patronage of the queen D Maria II, and over the supervision of Jean Bonard, master of gardening of several gardens in Lisbon. The area of Estrela has suffer a big population and bourgeois affluence  after the earthquake of 1755, with it has arise the idea of a garden close to the Basilica da Estrela, already being constructed at 1779, so that an alternative to the woods on the suburbs would be possible.

With sinuous and round paths it is a beautiful garden and one of the most beloved by the people from Lisbon, with 4 lakes it gives a relaxing environment. The existing old trees are gingkos, English oaks, Himalayan-cedars, ombús, coral reef araucarias, the Canary island date palm, the moreton bay fig and the carob tree.

Bella Lisa Elevador

Bella Lisa Elevador is a ristorante-pizzeria located at the top of the Santa Justa Elevator, with a fantastic view over Lisbon. Access is via the walkway that runs from the Largo do Carmo to the entrance to the elevator’s top. Bella Lisa Elevador offers an unpretentious cuisine at reasonable prices while, as an extra, offering a spectacular location at the town’s centre. Torn between a refreshing terrace and a cosy interior room, specialties of the house are fresh pasta and thin crust pizzas. In the pasta section, highlights are the ravioli al funghi (meat ravioli stuffed with mushrooms and cream) and paccheri gamberoni (a large tubular pasta served with prawns and tomato). Among the wide assortment of pizzas, pay attention to the varieties of salmon with arugula and the fresh seafood one.

You can also choose risottos, meat and fish dishes. For dessert, the recommendations indicate the panna cotta and tiramisù. The wine list fulfils well its role and the service is fast and friendly. Sometimes the Bella Lisa Elevador organizes special menus, for example rodízios de massas (pasta buffets) on Thursday’s nights. The restaurant is open from early morning unti midnight also serving snacks and warmly welcomes group dinners. After dinner, between Thursdays and Saturdays, this space becomes the Lift Club disco bar, serving cocktails all night long.

Jardim do Campo Grande

The Garden of Campo Grande has not been in a good shape of preservation but new works of recovery are about to begin. However, the 11 hectares were it is located has a large importance on the city history and its green area offers a captivating and pleasant time.

The use of the territory goes back to the 16^th century when in 1520 the young king D. Sebastião (1554-1578) was training his army to fight in the lost battle of Alcácer Quibir, in Marocco. All Campo Grande (Big field) use to extend itself to the adjacent neighborhoods of Entre Campos (Mid field), Campo Pequeno (Little field) and Alvalade and it use to be a meadow. It is in the domain of the queen D. Maria I (1734-1816) that the afforestation begins following the building of the garden public promenade, nowadays surrounded by traffic.  In the 19^th century it hosts one of the city biggest market during the month of October, supplying agricultural products, handicraft, it had theatres and other animations as horse races. In 1833 it was one of the battle field of the country’s civil war between absolutists and liberals.

It has two beautiful lakes and a lot of shadows, one of them has a bar restaurant in an island and is the only lake in Lisbon with romantic boats that you can use. In these garden you can appreciate more than 600 different eucalyptus species, palm trees from Brasil, Cedar-of-Himalayan, pine trees, metrosideros, locust trees, umbra trees and pepper trees.

São Pedro de Alcântara Garden

The São Pedro de Alcântara garden is located in the street with the same name in the Bairro Alto area and is also one of Lisbon’s best sights. It is next to the upper entrance of the Glória funicular. It offers a panoramic view of avenida da Liberdade, Graça, St. George’s Castle, Lisbon’s Cathedral and the city centre, with the Tagus River in the background. Along the railing, there is a tiled map of the city which will help you identify these various points. This garden sits on a wall built in the mid-eighteenth century and is divided into two levels which are connected by a ladder. It also has a pond and a statue of Eduardo Coelho, founder of the Diário de Notícias newspaper.

The official name of the São Pedro de Alcântara garden and viewpoint is the António Nobre garden in honour of an ultra-romantic writer of the nineteenth century. The beginning of its construction dates back to the 1830’s. It was reconstructed in 2008 and on both of its levels there is now a kiosk-terrace with coffee service. On the higher level, there are many Portuguese trees, like for example the ash tree which is next to the lake. The lower level is adorned with roses and has circular benches and sculptures of Portuguese figures and Greek and Roman mythology. Even though this area lacks greenery, it is the ideal resting place for those who enjoy the sun. Moreover, on both levels you will find wooden benches where you can rest.

Jardim do Príncipe Real

The garden of Príncipe Real, with 6 classified trees, defines nowadays the square of Principe Real, making it a garden square open to the urban pedestrian confluence. Who crosses it enters in a romantic garden from English influence, where you establish, walking, an harmonic and playful contact with nature, an equilibrium with the city in little round pathways.

It has started to be planted in 1859, at the same time that was being built the network of water distribution to the city. That is the reason why under this garden you can find the Reservatório Patriarcal (Reservoir, water tank), which belongs to the Museu da Água, possible to be visit including organized walks in the subterranean tunnels.

The garden is home to one of the most famous and beautiful trees of Lisbon, the Mexican White Cedar, a magnificent example of gardening and the first one in the city history to be claim of public interest. Unique, it has a crown of 78 feet of diameter, sustain by an iron structure it gives shadow and relaxing fragrances. You can also find the silver lime from the Balkans, Himalayan cedar from Asia, Southern Magnolia from North America, a ceiba from Brazil and Moreton Bay Fig from Australia, a little place in the city with only 1,2 hectares that is truly a worldwide garden.

The Tapada das Necessidades garden

Tapada das Necessidades is a wide garden of 25 acres (ten hectares), located between the Alcântara and Lapa areas. It has two entrances: one on the left side of the Palácio das Necessidades church (at the largo das Necessidades) and another at rua do Borja. Visitors can easily escape from the city in this romantic green space whose history dates back to successive generations of Portuguese Royalty. Legend has it that an image of Our Lady of Health was brought here by a couple escaping from a plague. With that religious relic, in 1604 they founded a chapel called Nossa Senhora das Necessidades (Our Lady of the Needy); hence the huge number of devotees who come here to ask for help in reducing suffering.

In 1742, King John V ordered the construction of the Congregation of the Oratory convent here (later transformed into the Palácio das Necessidades). During the reign of Queen Maria II, the palace became the official residence of the Portuguese kings. With the support of her husband, D. Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha (best known for the Pena Palace building) and with the guidance of the French gardener Jean Baptiste Bonnard, they constructed a romantic garden with a small zoo. In its middle there is a lovely circular domed greenhouse (made of wrought iron and glass) and the Casa do Regalo, built to serve as a painting studio for Queen Amélia, King Carlos’s wife, the last Portuguese King.

The Tapada das Necessidades garden hosts various types of indigenous trees from all over the world, such as carobs, dragon-trees, arbutus, wild olives and sophora japonica. The cacti garden, one of the oldest in Europe, is another appealing point of interest. The garden (which features some old signs aswell as some recent renovations) is open in winter from 8 am to 6 pm (10 am to 6 pm on weekends). In the summer months, it always closes at 7pm. Bicycles and dogs entry are not allowed. To participate in a guided tour, please visit the blog of the Tapada das Necessidades Friends.

Praia do Rei

The Rei beach is particularly frequented by families and groups of children from camps, that can enjoy here the existing sunshades.

Located in the alignment of beaches from Costa da Caparica to here, is already far from the village, but has good infrastructure to support the beach, including surveillance and a cafe / bar on the dune. It has free parking and surveillance and sea conditions makes it an attractive place to spend a quiet day.

Of course in the summer season could become more crowded, but not as much as other beaches.

Praia da Rainha (Caparica)

In line with the other beaches of Costa da Caparica, after the beach of the Riviera, the Rainha beach is a family beach.

In this case the car park is private to access the beach access and payed for the users, so it is generally easier to get parking space at the most crowded seasons.

The beach is wide and has excellent accessibility to all. It is also well known for its quality waves throughout the year. This symbiosis makes this space the perfect place to learn to surf.

Praia da Riviera

The Riviera beach belongs to the whole of the beaches to south from Caparica, 7km from the center of the village. It is a long sandy beach limited by low dunes and woods behind, which are not visible from the beach. At the top of the dunes there are cafes / bars with terraces.

Parking is free (on dirt), accessible from the road connecting Caparica to other south villages. It is an excellent option in the busiest days, whereas the nearby beaches end up being more crowded.

In a relaxed and family atmosphere, here is possible to find sometimes some surfers. This beach is more tolerant to the presence of dogs.

Praia da Mata

Also called as Piedense, is mostly frequented by young people and families. It is a long sandy beach with beautiful natural landscapes, integrated in the 15 kilometers of beaches in that coast line.

Like most beaches in the area, is surveilled during the summer and has free car parking, a bit chaotic at the most crowded seasons. Also has a cafe/ bars in the area. The little train that runs on top of the dune only in the summer months, strolling vacationers along the beaches can be used to get there from the village of Costa. Although the sea is generally calm, can be found  good conditions to practice Surf / Bodyboard.

Praia da Saúde

Integrated in the beaches of Costa da Caparica, the Saúde beach is the preferred destination for the camping area users next by its side. It is the first from the beaches of Costa da Caparica that extends beyond the village. As almost all in this coastline, is monitored during the summer and has ample free parking and coffee / bar. The landscape is typically characterized by the old fishermen’s houses right on top of the dunes.

Access is by car, heading South from the Village or taking advantage of the little train that runs through this line of coast in the summer months. The sea is somewhat inconsistent, but usually offers good conditions for lovers of sea sports

Praia da Vila da Costa

The beaches of Costa da Caparica are places of extreme beauty and great stretch of beach.

The ways to get there aren’t the best, however some improvements are being provided but slowlly. It is worth the effort to enjoy the magnificent surroundings of the area.

Belonging to the municipality of Almada, the area is also known as Costa or just Caparica. The residential area right next to the beach has been accumulating over the years a wide range of restaurants and bars, becoming more attentive to customers from the beaches. Also has a market that takes place between Tuesdays and Sundays, where the wives of fishermen and farmers hail their products.

Oceans Festival begins on 30th July

The Oceans Festival runs from 30th July 30 to 13th August at various locations of Lisbon. Concerts, exhibitions, animations and other events will animate the city for fifteen days. The british singer Joss Stone will perform at the opening concert of the festival on 30th July at 21h00, at Praça do Comércio. The soul music singer is sharing the stage with the Portuguese singer Sara Tavares, and the Portuguese band X-Wife will be on charge of the first part of the show. With more than 11 million albums sold worldwide, Joss Stone has been honored with a Grammy and multiple BritAwards. During the show, Sara Tavares will present the public with an unprecedented duet with Joss Stone. The entrance to the show is free. The Oceans Festival also presents, on the 5th and 6th August at 22h00, at Praça do Comércio, the show Waterwall, a depiction of the struggle of man against nature, through a battle of 16 dancers and acrobats with a raging wall water. On days 1st, 3rd, 8th and 10th August at 22h00, in the Pátio da Galé and also with free entry, the Ocean Festival celebrates the world music with unprecedented concerts that bring together, on the same stage, Portuguese fado singers and international artists.

H3

H3 is a Portuguese fast food chain, which reinvented the gourmet hamburgers concept. The owners decided to invest in a kitchen that stands exactly between fast food and gourmet, introducing the not so fast food idea. At the heart of Chiado, this is one of theirs most iconic stores, but H3 has dozens of restaurants scattered in Lisbon and even in other parts of Portugal, Brazil, Spain and Poland. As a fast food restaurant, H3 offers an experience of quick service, limited to pre-defined menus at affordable prices. But their hamburgers are really good, with fresh meat and served with Thai rice and crispy fries. You can select the simplest variety (just a grilled hamburger) or menus with sauce, mushrooms, cheese, tuga (with Portuguese sauce and a fried egg), benedict (with hollandaise sauce, poached egg and spinaches) or in a special bread (a foccacia).

If you are not into hamburgers, try the alternative dish, alheira (a bread and garlic sausage) croquettes. As extras, you can order salad with vinaigrette sauce or spinach esparregado (purée). The menus include one drink and you can choose lemonade (made with real lemons), iced tea, sodas or water. For dessert, choose between a chocolate’s coulant with ice cream or profiteroles powdered with sugar. If you prefer ice cream, you have at your disposal the Everydae. This Chiado’s H3 is open until 2 am on Thursdays to Saturdays. In the other H3 restaurants, schedules may vary according to their location.

Darwin’s Café

Best known as the Champalimaud Foundation’s restaurant, Darwin’s Café opened in February 2011 and takes good advantage of the scenario where it is located, with an ample outdoors terrace over the Tagus river. The luminous and spacious interior room, able to accommodate about 150 guests, is decorated with elegance and resembles the ancient scientific libraries. Chef Antonio Runa, also responsible for Avenida da Liberdade LA Caffé, is in charge of this space. For this restaurant, the chef built a menu where the main references are risottos, pastas and puffs. But venture yourself on the octopus tentacles over mashed sweet potatoes or duck’s tournedo baked with mozzarella for something different and tasty. For dessert, the highlights are the strawberry, peach and mint gazpacho and the eggplant’s crème brûle with macadamia ice cream. There is also a children’s menu that includes a hamburger with an egg and fried fries, a scoop of ice cream and a natural juice.

The wine list is diverse, offering green, white, rosé and red wines from all the wine regions of Portugal. There is also a menu for snacks served on the terrace, full of hamburgers, sandwiches, paninis and juices. For lunch and dinner, it is a good idea to book ahead, because Darwin’s Café is the latest trend in town. Unfortunately, the service is correct, but a bit chaotic. Take a moment to appreciate the blue point where the river meets the ocean and do not bother yourself with the long waits. You can smoke on the outside terrace and leave the car in the underground car park of the Champalimaud Foundation. Please note that Darwin’s Café is closed on Mondays at dinner time.

Praia de São João

Being the first from the beaches of Costa da Caparica, extending for 15 kilometers to South, the beach of São João is an extensive beach with steep dunes. As almost all on this coastline, is sruveilled during the summer and has ample parking but paid and restaurants / bars for support, as well as all other facilities for bathers.

The route of access by car for those who are already in Costa da Caparica, is across the road which runs down to Trafaria, turning in the area of the campsite Orbitur. Alternatively, for those coming from Lisbon, is the boat to Trafaria and then walk about 1km to the beach. The sea is somewhat inconsistent, but usually offers good conditions for sports lovers.

Praia de Caxias

This is a beach protected from the wind, although the beach is not very extensive. It is located next to the Fort of São Bruno and is not very much frequented, despite its natural beauty. Reasons for these facts are the lack of infrastructure support and surveillance. Not far away, next to the Fort, is a cafe / restaurant, just cross the small bridge over the river Barcarena.

Transportation to here is preferably the train station which is across the marginal road. Parking is very limited, although existing and free.

Not being officially considered “bathing beach”, this beach is not subject to regular official analysis of the National Water Institute. However, the Oeiras City Council regularly reviews the quality of water.

Praia de Paço de Arcos

It is intended primarily to be a beach for fishermen, but its sands (400 meters) attracts a large number of bathers, which also use the zone of rocks that stretches to Fontainhas, next to the Forte das Maias.

This beach has only a cafe / restaurant, however there are other alternatives not too far, considering the proximity to Paço de Arcos village.

The access may be done from the train station in Paco de Arcos, making it not very long to walk from there.

Esquina da Fé

Esquina da Fé is a good restaurant for the lovers of genuine Portuguese cuisine. In a quiet street, perpendicular to the rua de São José, you’ll find this two-room restaurant offering cheap home-style food with Minho (the northern part of Portugal) influences. Esquina da Fé is a traditional Lisbon’s restaurant, typically decorated and with a very informal ambience. The lower prices and its simplicity make it a particularly attractive place for groups. Boiled, baked and grilled dishes dominate the menu, but the best sellers are the various cod dishes and pork tender loin. Worthy of recommendation are the steak stuffed in a Chaves style (with cheese and ham) and, as starters, the meat croquettes, which some people ensure are some of the best in Lisbon.

The house wine, served in handmade pottery jars, is of good quality. But the wine list is rich in different demarcated production regions. For dessert, pay attention to the homemade chocolate mousse, the arroz doce (a rice pudding topped with cinnamon) and the encharcada (a bread and eggs pudding). During autumn and winter, you can also taste a dessert called formigos, a traditional Christmas sweet from the North of Portugal, made with eggs and almonds. The service is friendly and fun: it is not hard to get in this restaurant almost by accident and get out as a friend of the house. To digest your meal, enjoy the shop fronts at the cosmopolitan avenida da Liberdade, which is just a few steps from Esquina da Fé.

Praia de São Pedro do Estoril

The São Pedro do Estoril Beach presents extensive sands during periods of low tide, located in ravines of considerable beauty, being limited to the east and west by the existing pontoon Ponta do Sal, composed mainly of limestone and marl with 90 and 120 million years old.

There are two step ladder, and a pedestrian tunnel under the road. A large parking area serves this beach and because it is located near the train station is also easily accessible by users of the railway.

Many times the sea has a big waving, which attracts surfers quickly.

Praia da Poça

Beach located in São João do Estoril with an urban character, has all kinds of equipment and services easily accessible and a wide range of activities. The Forte Velho is a close ​​nightlife area, installed in a fortress near the beach.

It is served by a small car park which has direct access to the Avenida Marginal, easily depleted during peak periods of summer. For access to the beach can be used the pedestrian tunnel that connects the beach to the valley of Santa Rita, on the other side of the road and railway line.

The sea is calm and inviting for families of young children and for those who enjoy sailing and windsurfing.

Praia do Tamariz

Tamariz Beach is the most cosmopolitan of the municipality of Cascais and is aligned with the Casino Estoril’s gardens, on the other side of Marginal Road and the railway line. It is accessible by a tunnel from the gardens of the Casino, where inside there is a tobacco/newsagent kiosk and a few music stores and decoration. It is a pole of attraction in the region, bringing together various bars and clubs to ensure the night and day animation. Being located next to the railway station and bus terminal, is a favorite destination of vacationers going to the beaches by public transport. It hasn’t its own parking lot, being to park in the area around with pay meters. In the busiest months, is not easy to park a car as well as settle down on the beach.

For those who prefer swimming pools, there is a free oceanic pool on São João do Estoril direction, and another one, belonging to a private development and therefore pay, in the opposite direction.

Along the beach is located the restaurant “Praia do Tamariz” that by its exceptional location, the quality of its cuisine (have their own seafood ponds) and the level of service is a must-visit place for lunch or dinner . It also has a terrace overlooking the beach.

Praia das Moitas

The beach is situated along the sea wall which is the promenade between Cascais and Estoril. It is relatively close to the train station of Monte Estoril and is a small beach, so is often crowded in the summer months being normal to have some difficulty in settle down.

The area is rocky, so beware when entering the sea to avoid injury by accident on the rocks. The beach has no parking and is accessible by a short walk or bike.

It has two terraces next to the beach, where you can find a very appreciated snack by most of the Portuguese, the snails and beer. Look for it in Pica cafe.

Oriente Museum exhibits Japanese mascots

The Oriente Museum presents the world of Japanese manga (comics) and anime (cartoons), from 19th August to 18th September. The most famous animated characters of Japan, its origins and its historical and cultural relationship with the Japanese people will be on display in the South gallery of the Museum. The mascots from manga and anime attract both adults and children, who exhibit them on all sorts of ornaments and objects. In Japan, these mascots are in passbooks, transport tickets and at police stations, in the form of huge plush dolls. And there are fans who paint themselves, dress and behave like their favorite characters. The Oriente Museum and the Japan Foundation prepared an exhibition that shows the fantastic world of the characters from the Japanese comic books and cartoons.

Praia da Conceição

Right next to the Duquesa beach, this beach joins to its neighbor at low tide in a unique and extensive beach. It has a bar that manages the concession of the infrastructures to support the beach, such as sunshades for rent. However, considering the proximity to the Duquesa Beach, it is normal for users of both beaches use the various bars and restaurants in the area. Parking is on public road, paid with parking meters and limited to existing posts. However the short distance from the train station in Cascais make the access by foot possible.

Users of this beach here also enjoy the diving school, where in addition to the practice of this activity in the clear waters of the sea, can be rented canoes and boats.

Praia da Duquesa

It lies in the final section of the breakwater at the entrance in Cascais, between the Palace of the Duques de Palmela and Chalet Faial, once the court of Cascais.

The name of the beach has its origins in the nobility stays in Cascais, having been used by the Duchess of Palmela in summer season.

It is served by bars and restaurants, some with nightlife. It also has a diving school, where in addition to practice this activity in the clear waters of the sea, can be rented canoes and boats. It is also sought for other sports such as sailing and windsurfing.

Praia da Rainha

A small beach, discreet and guarded by its location between two cliffs, is in the center of Cascais, near the train station. The beach owes its name to the Queen Amelia, who was there during the royal family stay in Cascais.

It has two entrances: the main, by a staircase in the Largo da Praia da Rainha and other more hidden staircase, theBeco da Praia da Rainha, by the Rua Direita. The parking area is very limited and paid, and should be consider the option of underground parking at Train Station and move to the beach on foot. It has two terraces and usually in the summer months, sunshades for hire.

The wavering is a quiet and invites to relaxing and refreshing baths.

Praia da Torre

The Torre Beach is limited by the West walls of the fortress of São Julião da Barra and is therefore also a beach protected from winds, served by terraces and restaurants.

The beach is not very large but is the oncly one considered as beach resort in Oeiras, being subject to regular official analysis INAG, National Water Institute.

With good infrastructure, is frequented by young people who enjoy the sea for surfing and body boarding and beach volleyball and football.

Praia de Santo Amaro de Oeiras

As the largest on municipality of Oeiras and one of the most sought after, the beach of Santo Amaro de Oeiras has good infrastructure complemented with restaurants and beach bars. It is said that in the early twentieth century, the advent of sea bathing was this, for Dr. Manuel de Arriaga (1. The President of the Portuguese Republic), the main beach where they bathed.

It is the beach preferred by many holidaymakers who use the train to get there, since it is very near the station of Santo Amaro. In the way from the station to the beach  is  the Garden of Santo Amaro de Oeiras where cool shadows give shelter from the sun in peak hours, although the existing lease area of umbrellas on the beach.

During July and August generally there are availabie chairs and other amphibious equipment to support mobility at facilitating the access of citizens (adults and children) with disability or incapacity, to the beach and bathing (see Bar “O Amarelo“).

Praia de Carcavelos

Being the first ocean beach after the mouth of the River Tagus, the Carcavelos beach is located between Parede and Santo Amaro de Oeiras.

In the winter has national-class waves where surfers have emerged for various sports.

Praia das Avencas

Near the village of Parede there is a small stretch of sand surrounded by cliffs that formed the Avencas beach. The access is made from a relatively small car park located on the north of the marginal, so it is not always easy to get parking. An underground passage, followed by stairs and a pedestrian zone established in the rock gives access not only the beach but a bar with the same name (Avencas).

It has an important marine fauna and flora, wich to there is an observatory of biophysical interest not far from there. The area is very popular for people needing bones treatments due to the healing power of sea water and the infrastructures of the area especially dedicated to this purpose.

The beach is signposted and supervised and has medical first aid.

Praia da Cresmina (small Guincho)

In a portion of beach bordered by cliffs and the sea with an intense undulation is the Cresmina beach, also known as small Guincho for being too close to that other beach. This beach is also popular for water sports.

It lies south of Guincho beach, being the first one for those who drive the road coming from Cascais.

The beach is free and the paths to the sands are marked on the routes most used by swimmers who go there. Right by its side there is a restaurant with a terrace to accommodate bathers less resistant to strong waves and wind. The parking lot outside the restaurant is private  and outside that area is haphazardly, so you should choose a way not to damage the car or the dunes.

Storik

Storik is a restaurant in Chiado, at the Terraços de Bragança building, where the stars are flammekueches, an Alsatian dish consisting of a thin-crust pizza covered with a mixture of crème fraîche and fromage blanc, sprinkled with smoked bacon. In addition to these flammes, the menu also features gourmet creations that mix Alsatian and Mediterranean flavours. This restaurant has two different ambiences, with separate entrances. On the upper floor there is a space suitable for business lunches or romantic dinners. A second entrance, independent of the first one, gives access to an area suited to younger groups. Here the menus are cheaper and you can even watch a musical or cultural event during your meal.

When it comes to starting your meal, a appetizer suggestion is a veal and pesto carpaccio or a salad of torresmo (pork rinds) and quail egg. As the house specialties are the flammes, you can choose between the varieties of chicken and tarragon, sausage and goat cheese, or ham and melon. The menu also includes dishes such as wild mushrooms risotto or sirloin steak served with potato gratin and three sauces (chimichurry, mustard or fresh herbs). For dessert, we recommend banana and chocolate or apple and cinnamon flammes or sautéed strawberries with Port wine. To drink, choose a Portuguese or Alsatian wine or venture yourself in the champagne sangria. If you choose to visit Storik in the afternoon, you will find a variety of teas accompanied with scones or Berliner cakes stuffed with homemade sweets. Employees are friendly and efficient and there is a smoker’s room. Storik is closed on Mondays at dinner time.

Praia do Guincho

Passing Cascais and following the road along the coast you reach the beach of Guincho, one of the best places in Portugal for surfing and windsurfing and often chosen for the sports competitions in that context. The months of July and August are the best for sports and is also the busiest month of the site, reaching up to become chaotic. The wind, from north, is particularly favorable from May until October.
Still, considering these characteristics, the beach is also frequented by bathers all over the region.

The southern part of the beach is usually chosen by surfers and the north side has most favorable conditions for windsurfing.

In summer, the bars and restaurants in the coastal area offers day and evening entertainment.
For those who enjoy good sights, from there you can head to Cabo da Roca, the most western point of continental Europe and to Sintra.

National Museum of Ancient Art displays “confronts” by Bosch

A room of the National Museum of Ancient Art, in Lisbon, holds from 12th July until 25th September the world of Hieronymus Bosch (1450-1516). The exhibition «Confronts: Bosch and his Circle» presents the triptychs “The Temptation of St. Anthony” (a museum piece), flanked by “The Last Judgement” and “The Trials of Job”. These two triptychs, from the Groeninge Museum collection, in Bruges, Belgium, are not works of Bosch. ”The Last Judgement” have been executed by a person close to the painter and ”The Trials of Job” by someone who imitated his style. Jeroen van Aeken, whose pseudonym is Hieronymus Bosch, was a Dutch painter and engraver of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, whose works portray scenes of sin and temptation, using complex, original, imaginative and caricatural symbolic figures.

Praia das Maçãs

PUB

Praia da Adraga

Located in the Sintra county, near Colares and Almoçageme, the access to this beach is very sinuous and can only be done by car. After spending Colares, it is with some fascination that arises between two huge mountains the blue sea of Adraga.

Because of its difficult location, parking near the beach is not easy, but it is still quite popular.

A place of incomparable natural beauty, combining the mountain environment with the beach, there is a rustic restaurant on the beach entrance which ensures perfectly the needs of those attending the site with snacks and drinks for all tastes.

Praia Grande

Located in the Sintra area there’s a long sandy beach facing west, a popular location for surfing and bodyboarding, occurring every year events related to those sports.

The sea is rough and the region is often swept with moderate winds from North, so conditions may not always be ideal for swimmers, but that does not make to be one of the busiest in the region.
On the North side of the beach lies the Hotel Arribas, where is installed one of the largest saltwater swimming pools in Europe, with 100 meters long.

SushiCafé Avenida

This SushiCafé, opened in April 2011, is close to Avenida da Liberdade and is an upgrade compared to the parent restaurant in Amoreiras. The restaurant, by the architectural atelier Saraiva & Associados, is elegant and divided into four areas: a bar, a fast-food sushi area, a dining area and a Japanese area. Notice the inner room illuminated by purple lights and filled with white tables and chairs. The lights change in tone, providing a modern and cosmopolitan ambience. The menu is as innovative as the décor and goes beyond the traditional sushi, sashimi and temakis, introducing unique techniques combined with an exclusive and refined Japanese cuisine. At lunch, the available menus are more simple and inexpensive, while at dinner this SushiCafé expects a more sophisticated and demanding clientele.

Chef Daniel Rente, in charge of the various SushiCafé, offers here some molecular cuisine techniques, including nitrogen foams and unique textures such as guindara goma (black skin cod with sesame sauce), buta shoga (pork belly cooked at low temperature), wagyu carpaccio (served with foie gras snow and chocolate) and sakana kebab (sea bream skewered on lemon grass). To dezato (dessert) taste delicacies such as satsumaimo taroto (sweet potato pie with cream cheese and pumpkin) or tempura ice (lemon ice cream tempura with pear crumble). Tasting menus are also available for one or two persons. The service is impeccable and has the distinction of being facilitated by a remote control placed on top of each table, which allows to call the employees or ask for the bill. The restaurant has a smoker’s area and advance booking is highly recommended. On Fridays and Saturdays, the SushiCafé Avenida closes later by 2 a.m., but is closed on Sundays. If you like innovative and cosmopolitan restaurants, here you definitely make a right choice.

Tivoli Lisboa Hotel

The people from Lisbon are already acquainted with the Tivoli Hotel in Avenida da Liberdade because meetings like conferences of different professional areas or weddings have been celebrated there since its foundation in 1933. Being a Hotel of 5 stars it has superior accommodation and mastery in small details, receiving its guests with Excellency and maintaining the style of class from the 30´s.

At the entrance you can find a cocktail-bar with charming sofas and a restaurant with quality cooking, while on the last floor there is a terrace with a panoramic view over the city. Some of Tivoli different services and facilities are: A gym with fitness room, facilities for children, meeting rooms, pool, parking space, 24h reception and facilities for disabled people.

It offers Standard rooms with 20 m2 decorated classically, bathroom in marble and executive desk, the Junior Suite with 40 m2 and two distinct areas, double sofa, table and chairs, TV, minibar and bathroom. The Suites are wide and have separated areas to sleep. Lastly, the Presidential Suite luxury elaborated and design for an intense experience, with more than 250 m2, dressing room, sophisticated bathroom, dining room and space for cooking, with a T bed and LCD TV.

SushiCafé Amoreiras

Do not expect to find many tourists at the Amoreiras Shopping Centre’s Japanese restaurant because this one is more frequented by the affluent residents of the Campo de Ourique neighbourhood and executives working in the surrounding office buildings. But the Amoreiras Shopping Centre SushiCafé was able to create a cosmopolitan atmosphere, allowing it to be always mostly crowded. Located in between the shopping centre’s two floors, in a mezzanine lined with restaurants, its decor is sober and functional. You can have a seat in the interior near the sushi bar or also choose a seat in the outside “terrace”. Recommended are appetizers such as carpaccio with orange lounge or the oysters with ponzu sauce, the various plates of sushi/sashimi, the temakis of which some examples are the cones with salmon and California (sushi cone with shrimp, avocado and cucumber), the special makis (combinations of pieces of sushi) and also the dishes of tempura, noticeably the crab ones.

Also enjoy other Japanese dishes such as katsu curry (breaded pork in curry) and duck breast with plums. For dessert, choose either the sponge cake that goes by the Japanese name of castella or the banana tempura with ginger ice cream. In addition to lunch and dinner, SushiCafé also serves snacks such as green tea with the previously mentioned sponge cake. The service is attentive and engaged. For parking, use the shopping centre’s underground car park. This SushiCafé offers a catering service and has three youngest “children”, the newer and sophisticated SushiCafé Avenue at Rua Barata Salgueiro and also corners-shops in Colombo Shopping Centre and Atrium Saldanha Shopping Center.

Vip Executive Art’s Hotel

This Exucative Art´s Hotel of 4 stars belongs to the international chain Vip Hotels, it is located at what may be called the new Lisbon an area rehabilitated before 1998 to give birth to the Expo 98 and that has given origin to Parque das Nações (Nations Park) gradually becoming a new area of residential demand. At 2 minutes from the Tagus River the Hotel has some rooms with very nice views.

It offers comfort at medium price in a modern, cosmopolite and welcome environment that allows working and as well resting or leisure.

Prepared with facilities to have meetings and conferences its gives good conditions to large groups of guests, there is a pool with exterior jets, a cocktail-bar and 3 different types of restaurants, Japanese, Show cooking, and Fusion cooking. With 300 rooms well equipped, with “Aquarium style” Bathtubs, you can also enjoy the Spa and the Wellness center.

Vila Galé Ópera Hotel

This Hotel of 4 stars situated so close to the Tagus River where you will easily enjoy promenades at the riverside has the vocation for the organization of meetings and banquets. With a fine relation of price/quality offers good conditions for a staying of leisure or work. It has been created on the concept of Music its decoration proceeds from the imaginary of the Opera. With black colors and beiges, wood of beech and inox, it uses as well an open and modern Design.

With 259 rooms, 16 of them are Junior Suites, and they all are equipped with Air conditioned, Telephone including in the bathroom, Satellite TV, Radio, Safe, Hair dryer, Mini-bar, Fax/Modem connection, electronic door locker, Pay TV,  24h Room service and Reception. It has as well room with snooker and other games, a Garden, Laundry service, Garage and a Health club that includes inside Pool with warm water, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Turkish bath, Treatments and massages and Gymnasium.

At the entrance you can hear the Traviata welcoming you and from Wednesdays to Saturdays there is alive music. At a very short distance you can find the Belém Tower, the CCB (Cultural Center of Belém) or the Jerónimos Monastery and most of all the Centre of Conferences with whom it collaborates regularly. You may want to visit Lx Factory which is a sum of different cultural activities join together and stays very close.

Tivoli Oriente Hotel

This Hotel Tivoli of 4 stars offers good accommodation conditions at medium prices, we vividly you to look for the availability of the rooms in the higher floors as they have a wonderful view over the Tagus river.

The building made in contemporary architecture built to lodge the Hotel rises in height and imposingness offering 1 Superior Suite, 16 Junior Suites, 14 Individual rooms and 248 Doubles, 4 of them made for disabled people. With a sober and elegant decoration as with comfortable and modern furniture, the rooms are well equipped with Air conditioned, Telephone, Safe, Satellite TV, Working desk, Mini-bar, Electronic keys, Wake up service, internet, Pay-TV and bathrooms with bathtubs.

There is a Restaurant and a Bar-lounge and different facilities and services: Business center, Limousine service or Rent-a-car, Internet access in common areas, Rooms to the organization of events, conferences and exhibitions, Pick-up and transport to the airport, Marriages services, Assistance for tours, Laundry and Exchange bureau. It is exclusively non-smoking.

Alma

Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa

Alma, which means soul in Portuguese, is a restaurant owned by chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. Located in the Santos neighbourhood, the restaurant’s space was designed by architect Eduardo Malhado, inside which standouts a by now famous cotton lamp. Alma opened in 2009 as the first individual project of this chef and has a predominantly white, quiet and clean ambience. Henrique Sá Pessoa, famous for its television programs, offers here his best creations in a reinvented Portuguese cuisine style. If you choose an appetizer before your main dinner plate, how about a crispy goat cheese with sour red onion or shrimp and squid sautéed with cherry tomato jam? Among the main courses, the focus is on the classics of the house: piglet meat covered with sweet potato fondant, cod with mashed beans and tempura sardines. All three are emblematic examples of how chef Henrique Sá Pessoa recreated Portuguese cuisine. For dessert, choose for example a crème brûllé with raspberries or pineapple pie with spices and cardamom ice cream.

Alma also offers two tasting menus, more affordable: the Alma menu consists of an appetizer, a main course and a dessert, while the Degustação includes five different dishes. The wine list is attractive and it is possible to order many of them in glass servings. The table service is friendly and competent and suggests good food and wine combinations. Alma is only open for dinner time and is closed on Sundays and Mondays. As the restaurant, which is small, is almost always sold out, is a good idea to book a table in advance. You can park your car in the underground park located at the crossroads between Dom Carlos I and 24th July Avenues.

Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & SPA

The Sheraton Lisbon Hotel Spa of 5 stars is located in a high building, which gives him the advantage of a panoramic view over the city. In a central and cosmopolitan area the Hotel is made to realize an elevated level of superior commodities.

The rooms provide refinement to your stay and are determined to please those that come in business or leisure with a wide range of luxury services. It has 369 rooms of different types: the elegant Deluxe, the Club with access to the Club Lounge, Executive suites with wide living rooms and the Presidential Suite with Jacuzzi and 155 m2 long.

Each room with different prerogatives they all are properly equipped with Air conditioned, Free newspaper, Coffee and tea machine, Video check-out, Smoke detectors, Mini-bar, Ironing facilities, Safe, Sweet Sleeper beds, Walk-in closet, Extra beds, Radio and alarm clock.

SANA Lisboa Hotel

With a central localization between Saldanha and Marquês de Pombal this 4 star Hotel has recent facilities, with sober and smart decoration, that allow it to give his clients satisfaction and guarantee of a good stay. It has a good restaurant and a bar with a piano where there is live music. Whether you come for work or leisure you will be able to harmoniously set your equilibrium.

It offers 135 double rooms, 119 twins, 27 individual rooms where 2 of them are for disabled people, 5 suites and 1 presidential suite. They are all properly equipped with alarm clock, fax, WC with hair dryer, telephone, modem, central heating, air-conditioned, digital safe, double gazing, working desk, and pay TV.

Several other services are present at this Hotel like 24h reception, parking, floors for smokers, a business center, multilingual staff, tobacco shop, souvenirs shop, ATM, rent-a-car, babysitting, solarium, massages, laundry, dry cleaning, exchange bureau and Internet.

Pestana Palace Hotel

This 5 stars Hotel managed by the group Pestana is characterized by its luxurious facilities and has due to that superior comfort to offer. Assembled in a 19^th century palace, in a noble and residential area of the city, its high quality of luxury has been rewarded throughout the last years: “Portugal Leading Hotel”, “Best Luxury – World Trip Advisor”.

Its classical and elegant decoration makes your senses astonished and makes you look back to the Baroque and the Romantic. With wide dining rooms, several meetings and conferences rooms with the ability to hold very large work gatherings for large companies, there is restaurants and bars. The 174 Rooms and 15 Suites are very well equipped with air conditioned, central heating, cable TV and Pay-TV, mini-bar, hair dryer, safe, bathrobes, telephone, ISDN lines and working-desk. Some of them have better views and others have access to the garden which is classified has a National Monument.

Whether your propose is to work or relax the facilities fulfill completely the demands of luxury with its business center, 24h room service and reception, loundry and dry cleaning, parking, health club, inside and outside pools, sauna, turkish baths, jaccuzzi and scottish baths.

Coldplay opens today the Optimus Alive festival

The British band Coldplay plays today in The Optimus Alive, at the opening of this festival, which runs until the 9th of July at Passeio Marítimo de Algés. Coldplay are the biggest decoy of the 2011 Optimus Alive, here also will play groups like Foo Fighters, PrimalScream, Chemical Brothers, 30 Seconds to Mars and Jane’s Addiction. There are some news for this edition of Optimus Alive, including a new stage: the Coreto. Here it will be four days of live music, including several groups of traditional Portuguese music and Homens da Luta, the band that represented Portugal at the last European festival of song. The CP provides special trains back to Lisbon and Cascais on the days of the event at 2:30 a.m., 3:00 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4:00 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., except for the 6th to 7th of July dawn. On this night, the last train leaves at 2:00 a.m.

Hotel Zenit Lisboa

The Hotel Zenit Lisbon of 4 stars of medium prices is situated in a noble area of Lisbon, close to Saldanha and Marquês do Pombal, all the surrounding neighborhood of São Sebastião da Pedreira was the medieval entrance of the city and has long residential tradition, having excellent commercial and cultural points. The façade of the building appears with great style remembering the 20´s modernism.

With appropriated and comfortable facilities to work as to leisure this Hotel offers a good breakfast buffet, bar, conferences center, Internet, facilities for people with reduced mobility, Fax and parking space.

It has 86 rooms with modern and relaxing decoration, equipped with air conditioned, TV, private bathroom with hHair dryer, minibar, TV (access to payed films), radio and safe.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon

The Hotel Ritz of 5 stars is integrated in the city of Lisbon marking the architectonic scenario from the Eduardo VII Park or when you look northwest from a hill on the center. Wants to consider itself one of best Hotel in the city.

Luxurious and with the largest variety of suites and rooms from Lisbon´s Hotels it has to offers 282 rooms: The Junior Suite, Deluxe, Superior and Moderate. Regarding the suites there are the Presidential Suite, Royal, Residential, Foundation, Imperial and Central.

Beyond the many specialties, prerogatives and VIP treatment of each room and suite in general they are equipped with Cable TV Plasma/LCD, CD player, Clock radio, Complimentary newspaper with breakfast, Down pillows, DVD player, Fax machine on request, Hair dryer, Hypo-allergenic pillows on request, Safe, Ironing board, Telephone, Mini-bar, Housekeeping service and Wi-Fi internet, many rooms have private terraces.

Dom Pedro Palace Hotel

The Dom Pedro Palace is a 5 stars Hotel with superior quality, that is situated above Marquês de Pombal and offers excellent conditions and comfort to its guests.

As high as you go the better views you´ve got of the city. The Hotel has 263 rooms of different types: The Classic and Classic Corner with 31 m2, smooth decoration, double beds and desk; the Tower and Tower corner with 30 m2, fax, internet, access to SPA and to the Vip lounge. The Suites are located in the 20 º floor and have 58 m2 of luxury and give access to SPA and Lounge as well. Last but not least the Penthouse Suite the higher floor residence with 420 m2 secured private elevator and all the necessary commodities with a view of 360 º degrees over the city of Lisbon.

In general the rooms have Air conditioned, Internet, Telephone, TV, Radio, Sound system, Mini-bar, Hair dryer, Safe, Fire detector and extinguisher.

Altis Park Hotel

Situated in Olaias at 3 km from the airport on the area of the high Lisbon this Hotel of 4 stars with 169 rooms shows comfort conditions to its guests at medium prices, from the 8^th floor up it has a very good view over the city and the river.

With a functional decoration and furniture, simple and gentle colors, it offers different types of rooms: the Superior with 17.40 m2 that adapts to families because it may have several beds, the Classic with 16.40 m2 with views just to the back of the building, some of them are prepared to host disabled people and the Executive with 17.40 m2 with view to the river and the services of Robe and slippers, Internet, Newspaper, Minibar, Coffee and breakfast. The suites have 31.50 m2 bathrooms in marble and living rooms.

It has facilities as TV LCD, Air conditioned, Minibar, Access to wireless internet, Hair dryer, Telephone and Safe. Offers as well the services of Laundry, Room service, 9 floors to non-smokers and 6 floors to smokers, Tabaco and souvenirs shop. Animals are accepted with a daily fee and there is the shuttle service to the airport and to city center.