Lisbon is an exciting city and one of the smallest capitals of Europe.
Lisbon is the western capital located on the Atlantic coast, in the place where the river Tagus (Portuguese Tejo) flows into the ocean.
A very important thing to know is that the city is very clearly defined around the historical center. Lisbon Region is one of the richest regions of Portugal.
What to expect in Lisbon
√ Language: Portuguese
√ Currency: Euro, 1 euro = 100 cents
√ Clime: Lisbon enjoys a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Cuisine
Fish and seafood deserve to be tried in Portugal, because there are abundant and fresh. In restaurants you can also find delicious dishes with pork and lamb.
Breakfast (pequeno almoco) is usually taken at any time until 10 o’clock. Lunch (Almaco) can be eaten from 10 to 15 and dinner (jantar) from 19.30 to 21.30.
Snacks between meals are usually taken at a Pastelaria (confectionery coifetarie) Saldo cha (tea house) or at the snack bar, serving sandwiches, pastries and sweets.
Sopa of Portuguesa resembles green soup, but has extra broccoli, turnips, beans, carrots. Sopa cazido is a stew of cabbage with more meat and pasta. Conj galinha is chicken soup with rice.
Portuguese love boiled or grilled fish, usually served with generous portions of cabbage and boiled potatoes, sprinkle with some oil and vinegar.
Local Specialties:
– “caldeirada” is a stew rich in fish and seafood;
– “ameijoas na Cataplana” is an invention of the Algarve, clams or mussels consisting of steam cooked with sausage, tomatoes, white wine, bacon, onions and herbs;
– “marisco granted” is a spicy thick soup with garlic, filled with pieces of fish and seafood;
– “lulas recheadas” are squid stuffed with rice, olives, tomatoes, onions and herbs;
– “lamprela of Minho” is a delicacy served on a bed of rice and red wine sauce;
– “sardinhas” (sardines) are often served roasted on coals.
– “Frango” (chicken) is popular and is prepared in many ways: stew with wine, fried and baked crispy.
Getting around
√ Jeronimo Monastery is listed on UNESCO World Heritage list and is the resting place of Vasco da Gama. Jeronimo Monastery is the most impressive symbol of Portugal’s power and wealth in the great geographical discoveries.
√ Belem Tower, built in 1515 as a fortress with defensive role at the entrance to Lisbon harbor, was the starting point of many expeditions and seafarers.
Belem Tower is a monument to Portugal during the era of great discoveries, often used as a symbol of the country.
√ Lisbon oceanarium is the first aquarium that included oceanic habitats in a single controlled environment that have been recreated in stunning ocean ecosystems. Hosts lines, 4 different ocean ecosystems: Atlantic, Indian, Pacific and Antarctic.
√ Ajuda Palace is an exuberant extravagance. Although the construction of this palace was not completed as planned due exiled royal family in Brazil, caused by the invasion of Napoleon’s armies, is still one of the most beautiful buildings in Europe.
The interior is richly decorated with furniture, tapestries, statues. At the main entrance are 23 marble statues, each representing a particular attribute, such as generosity and gratitude.
√ Alfama is the oldest area of Lisbon. At the edge of the neighborhood is the famous “flea market” (Feira da Ladra), in Campo de Santa Clara.
Where to stay (our proposal) in Lisbon
1. HF Fenix Lisbon – Praça Marquês de Pombal, 8, 1269-133 Lisbon
Location: excellent location in the famous Marques de Pombal.
̶ Single: 70 Euro / night
̶ Double: 77 Euro / nigh
2. Corinthia Hotel Lisbon – Av. Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Sete Rios, 1099-031 Lisbon
Location: excellent location, close to Parque Florestal de Monsanto.
̶ Single: 130 Euro / night
̶ Double: 140 Euro / night
3. Hotel Tiara Park Atlantic Lisbon – Rua Castilho, 149, 1099-034 Lisbon
Location: In the city center overlooking the famous Parque Eduardo VII. Distances: Oceanarium 6 km, Zoo 2 km, 6 km Exhibition Center, Santa Justa Elevator 2 km, 1 km Liberty Avenue, Castle St. George 3 km, Airport 5 km.
̶ Single: 130 Euro / night
̶ Double: 180 Euro / night