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When in ...
Lisbon
Perhaps surprising to many, Lisbon is one of the oldest
cities in the world, predating such international capitals
as London, Paris and Rome. Phoenicians traded in
Lisbon, before Romans used the city as a strategic port.
Germanic tribes later raided the region, before they
were ousted by Arab Moors. Finally, in 1147, Alfonso I
besieged the city and once again claimed Lisbon for the
Portuguese.
During the Age of Discoveries in the late 15th century,
Portugal sent expeditions to the Americas, India and
Asia. The seafarers returned with treasures of gold,
spices, sugar and textiles, which transformed Lisbon
into an international hub for commerce.
This distinctive history of occupation, exploration
and trade, fused with centuries-old traditions of the
Portuguese people, make Lisbon a city rich in culture
and personality. From Manuelian architecture and
stone caladastreets, to delicious seafood-based
cuisine and passionate strains of Fado, Lisbon is steeped
in old world charm.
Yet, Lisbon is also a vibrant cosmopolitan city. Trendy
cafes and boutique hotels are abundant. Designer
shops and art galleries are busy and cultural and
popular events fll the calendar.
By Greg Boegner
Managing Director of
PortugalConfdential.com
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No wonder Lisbon is consistently at the top of
travel experts lists for best European destina-
tion and city breaks.
To help us get to know Lisbon better, we
recruited Greg Boegner, Founder and
Managing Director of online resource
PortugalConfdential.com. As self-proclaimed
purveyor of everything cool in Portugal,
no doubt he can provide a fresh look at an
old city.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and the
westernmost city in continental Europe. It
sits on the edge of the Atlantic, where the
Tagus River meets the ocean. Seven hills
rise up from the banks of the river, creating
steep inclined streets and walkways, but also
providing beautiful vantage points from a
multitude of locations.
There is no city centre, per se, in Lisbon.
Many neighbourhoods (or bairros), each
with their own unique character, stretch out
from the Praa do Comercio at the river. The
Baixa, perhaps the oldest part of the city, is
the former business centre. Chiado attracts
hipsters to its fashionable restaurants and
trendy shops. Bairro Alto ofers bohemian
chic by day, and a bustling bar scene at night.
Quaint Alfama leads up to the Castelo So
Jorge, with some of the most spectacular
views of the city. And, Parque das Naoes,
former dockyards revitalized for the 1998
World Exhibition, ofer a modern perspective
of the city.
Every facet of Lisbon has its own story to tell.
Museums detail the rich heritage through
art, fashion, carriages, tiles and Asian arte-
facts. Ancient ruins reveal former castles,
monasteries, aqueducts and catacombs.
Monuments relive histories of navigators,
discoveries and conquests. Each caf and
every street uncovers the soul that permeates
the city.
Explore and enjoy Lisbon.
WHERE TO STAY
Best Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
The Four Season Hotel Ritz is considered to be
one of grandest hotels in the city. In fact it was
recently named in the Top 100 Best Hotels in
the World, in a Travel + Leisure readers survey.
The 10-foor mid-century design structure sits
atop one of Lisbons seven hills. It enjoys views
of Eduardo VII Park, St. Georges Moorish Castle,
the Old Town and the Tagus River. All rooms
are exquisitely decorated and include luxu-
rious marble bathrooms. Most have terraces
overlooking the park. Perhaps our favourite
amenity is the rooftop gym and running track
with 360 views of the city.
www.fourseasons.com/lisbon
Best Boutique Hotel
Hotel Bairro Alto
This sleek 55-room, 5-star boutique hotel sits
at the point where the trendy and fashion-
able Chiado neighbourhood meets the artsy
and bohemian Bairro Alto district. Built in the
18th century, Hotel Bairro Alto was known as
a world-class hotel, hosting artists and intel-
lects, including famous French actress Sarah
Bernhardt. The hotel was renovated in the
21st century, with modern decor and high-
technology amenities. The attic (Mansard)
rooms with their own design characteristic are
guest favourites.
www.bairroaltohotel.com
Best New Hotel
Beautique Hotel Figueira
Cool, boutique, design hotels are springing
up all over Portugal. In this case, a 4-star
beautique hotel has sprouted at Praa da
Figueira (plaza of the fg tree), in the Baixa
district. The fg tree fgures prominently in the
design of the Figueira, becoming the soul
of the hotel. Superstar interior designer Nini
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Hotel Bairro Alto
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Andrade e Silva is the creative mind behind
the concept. She literally shaped the walls
and notched out niches, producing an organic
efect resembling fg tree trunks, branches
and leaves. The 50 rooms are mid-century
modern in inspiration, with a nod to the
earthiness of the 1970s, yet fnished in pure
21st century comfort.
www.thebeautiquehotels.com
Best Hotel in an Old Fortress
Forteleza do Guincho
For three centuries, the Fortaleza do Guincho
in Cascais (outside of Lisbon to the west)
stood as security for the people of Portugal.
Today, the fortress stands as a meticulously
remodelled 5-star hotel masterpiece.
Architectural elements of the former structure
remain in place adding charm and an air of
nobility. Yet, modern amenities secure its
place as a contemporary hotel with elegant
and boutique qualities. The chambers of the
old fortress have all been transformed into
luxury guest rooms with views to the sea. A
stay at the Fortaleza do Guincho would not
be complete without having dinner at their
Michelin Star restaurant.
www.fortalezadoguincho.pt
WHERE TO EAT
Best Haute Cuisine
Belcanto
In the 1950s and 60s, Belcanto was Lisbons
most fashionable restaurant. Decades later,
the restaurant fell out of favour and out of site.
Just a couple years ago, popular Portuguese
chef Jos Avillez renovated the space, trans-
forming Belcanto into a sophisticated cosmo-
politan restaurant. In the kitchen, Avillezs
innovative variations on lamb, beef, veal, crab,
lobster and ray, earned Belcanto rave reviews
and a Michelin star within the frst year of
reopening. Today, Belcanto is once again one
of Lisbons top restaurants.
www.joseavillez.pt
Best Traditional Portuguese
PapAorda
PapAorda is where Portuguese socialites go
for Portuguese food. The small restaurant on
a narrow street in the artsy Bairro Alto district,
is usually crowded with Portuguese celebri-
ties and society sophisticates. The name is
taken from one of Portugals favourite dishes:
Aorda a stew thickened with bread and
seasoned with garlic and coriander. Of course,
at PapAorda, aorda is the house specialty.
Try the, codfsh aorda, or indulge in the
Aorda Real, made with lobster and shrimp.
Be sure to book in advance!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/
Papa%C3%A7orda/230548140319584
Best Contemporary Portuguese
Can the Can
In Lisbon, the humble little can of fsh is
celebrated as haute cuisine in a cool, modern
restaurant in Terreiro do Pao at the water-
front. Chef de Canned Cuisine is Kleanthis
Akis Konstantinidis, a native of Greece. Akis
creates innovative dishes such as slices of
cod conft with cornbread on a bed of greens
sauted with garlic, and grilled beef loin with
olive oil infused with citrus zest, thyme and
anchovies. Fado performers entertain on most
evenings.
www.canthecanlisboa.com
Best Trendy Casual
Guilty!
In recent years, Chef Olivier da Costa has
become a rock star of cuisine in Portugal
with highly-lauded and extremely popular
restaurants Olivier, Olivier Avenida, and Yakuza.
With Guilty!, he turns his attention to casual
food with a twist. The result is an innovative
Beautique Hotel Figueira
Beautique Hotel Figueira
Forteleza do Guincho
Belcanto
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menu of salads, burgers, pizzas and pastas,
which have both food snobs and budget-
watchers grinning. Pizza dough rolls with black
trufes, ham and cheese are favourites, as is the
pappardelle with leito (suckling pig) and snow
peas. At night, the bar becomes a hot spot for
hipsters.
www.restauranteguilty.com
Best Fado Restaurant
Casa de Linhares
Dine amidst rich Portuguese culture at Casa
de Linhares. Vaulted ceilings, stone pillars and a
large freplace in the former home of the Count
of Linhares is the perfect setting for traditional
cuisine and music. Portuguese variations of fsh,
beef and pork are on the menu, as are several
options to savour the much-loved bacalhau
(codfsh). The meal is accompanied by well-
known and amateur artists performing beau-
tiful and passionate Fado. It is an evening that
appeases the appetite and touches the soul.
www.casadelinhares.com
Best Ice Cream
Santinis
In 1949, Italian immigrant Attilio Santini started
producing handmade gelato from a little shop
in Praia do Tamariz. The Portuguese immedi-
ately started queuing. Today, ice cream lovers
continue to form lines outside Santini shops in
Cascais, Estoril and Chiado. The 100% natural
product is still made using the original recipes.
Flavours change with the seasons, but some
outstanding favourites include: bitter orange
with chocolate, passion fruit, cinnamon, blood
orange and sweet egg with pine nuts.
www.santini.pt
Best Traditional Pastry
Pastel de Belm
Its a little bit touristy, but everyone will tell
you its a must do on any trip to Lisbon. In the
Belm neighbourhood of Lisbon, just adjacent
to the beautiful Jernimos Monastery, is a little
caf that has been producing a prized pastry
since the 1830s. This little puf-pastry tart flled
with a custard cream is the pride of Lisbon.
Typically, they are served warm, fresh from the
oven. Advice from the locals: sprinkle your
Pastel de Belm with cinnamon.
www.pasteisdebelem.pt
NIGHTLIFE
Best Roof Top Bar
Terrace Bar
Trivago.com calls the Terrace Bar at Hotel Bairro
Alto the 4th Best Hotel Terrace View in the
World! Its easy to understand why. Sitting on
the sixth foor rooftop, the Terrace Bar ofers
stunning views across the city and to the Rio
Tejo. Chill out music is playing and chaise
lounges are waiting. The atmosphere is trendy,
but with a relaxed vibe. Bring a book for after-
noon tea, or come with friends for after work
cocktails. Terrace Bar is a perfect location for
sunsets.
www.bairroaltohotel.com
Best Cocktails
Cinco Lounge
Cocktail culture is alive and well at this sleek
nightspot. Located in Prncipe Real, just a
short walk from the Bairro Alto, Cinco Lounge
is a cool hangout to unwind in an uptown
atmosphere while sipping on a perfectly
blended beverage. The menu of over 100
cocktails includes classics from the 20th
century as well as innovative new concoctions
created for modern trendsters. Check out the
Utterly Butterfy, made with fresh nutmeg,
butter, apple, cloves, lemon, all spice and
Element 8 rum heated up with pressed apple
juice, or the Hot Tub, prepared with Pampero
rum, Grand Marnier, orange oil and a hint of
cinnamon and famed in a brandy balloon.
www.cincolounge.com
The Terrace Bar at Hotel Bairro Alto
Can the Can
Casa de Linhares
Guilty!
Guilty!
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Best Disco
Lux Fragil
If youre Madonna, Cameron Diaz or Prince, and
youre in Lisbon for the night, where do you
hang? The stylish and fashionable Lux-Frgil, of
course. There are two foors of entertainment.
Top DJs spin edgy tracks on the ground level,
whipping dancers into a frenzy on the large
dance foor. Upstairs alternative music sets a
diferent tone for guests who want to relax a
little and take in the scenery. Keep going up,
though. On the roof is a terrace with expansive
views across the river. Hint: Lux-Frgil has a
very strict and subjective door policy. For the
best chance at entering, get there between
23:00 and 02:00. The busiest arrival time is
between 2:00 and 3:00.
www.luxfragil.com
Best Live Music
Musicbox
Its a nightclub, music stage, lounge and bar
all in one space. Its rock and roll. Its cocktail
cool. Its party rockin. Its Musicbox in the newly
revitalized Cais do Sodr neighbourhood.
Musicbox programs an agenda of diverse
musical acts--sometimes funky, sometimes
punk-y, sometimes old school, sometimes
futuristic. Either way, guests are always guar-
anteed the freshest acts and great music. Dont
miss the clubs resident band, Cais Sodr Funk
Connection, recreating the sound and sensa-
tion of the 60s and 70s.
www.musicboxlisboa.com
Best Pub Crawl
Bairro Alto
Imagine Temple Bar in Dublin, Soho in
London or Bourbon Street in New Orleans,
and you will understand the nightly festivities
in Bairro Alto. In the 16th century, this
neighbourhood was one of the frst suburbs
of old Lisbon. Today, Bairro Alto is part of the
city centre. It is popular for bohemian-chic
shops by day, and a lively bar-after-bar nightlife
late into the morning hours. The typically
younger crowd pours into the cobblestone
streets, chatting and mingling as they hop from
one cool hangout to the next. The fun begins
around midnight.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Best Luxury Labels Shopping
Avenida da Liberdade
Built in the late 1800s and modelled after the
wide boulevards of Paris, Avenida da Liberdade
is a majestic avenue in the heart of Lisbon.
Ten lanes wide, with pedestrian gardens on
either side, Avenida da Liberdade has become
the preferred address for luxury retailers.
International designers such as Gucci, Prada,
Cartier, Burberry and Armani, all have shops
here, along with many other international and
Portuguese labels. Enjoy a long, relaxed stroll
on the avenue and treat yourself to a little
something special.
Click for a list of shops on Avenida da Liberdade -
portugalconfdential.com
Best Boutique Shopping
Chiado
Located between the lower Baixa district and
the higher Bairro Alto, Chiado is Lisbons chic
and trendy neighbourhood. Fashionable
restaurants and hip bars share the streets with
Lisbons coolest shops. International labels such
as Diesel, Boss, G-Star Raw and Hilfger
are here, as are popular Portuguese brands
such as Ana Salazar, Lanidor, Cubanas and a
Vida Portuguesa.
Best Concept Shop
Fashion Clinic
If looking for the latest in designer fashions
is on the agenda, but the itinerary leaves
limited time to shop, hop on over to Fashion
Clinic. These concept stores are stocked full of
the very latest trends in ready-to-wear shoes,
Cinco Lounge
Musicbox Ler Devagar Cinco Lounge
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accessories, perfumes, jewellery, eyewear and
more, from the most popular designer labels.
There are two Fashion Clinic locations on
Avendia da Liberdade. A shop for women is in
the Tivoli Forum. A companion mens shop is
at No. 192.
www.fashionclinic.pt
Best Wine Store
Garrafeira Nacional
Established in 1927, this family-run merchant
in Lisbons Baixa district has become the
foremost supplier of the rarest Ports, Madeiras,
whiskeys, champagnes and cognacs. Over the
last 80 years, they have acquired such a sizable
and unique collection of priceless vintage
wines and liquors, they decided to create a
museum within the shop. Some bottles date
back to 1795. A must stop for oenophiles.
www.garrafeiranacional.com
Best Book Store
Ler Devagar
Ler devegar is Portuguese for read slowly.
Book lovers will want to heed the advice at
this unique space within a reclaimed fabric
factory in the Alcantra neighbourhood. A
large collection of books in many languages,
especially with themes of arts and culture, are
shelved across two foors. Additional cultural
amenities include an art gallery, seminar
space and a caf. Special events and
performances are programmed throughout
every week.
www.lerdevagar.com
Best Souvenir Shopping
A Vida Portuguesa
So, you need a souvenir but a refrigerator
magnet of a cockrell, or a T-shirt with an
image of Cristiano Ronaldo is not what you
have in mind? Step inside A Vida Portuguesa
in the Chiado. The store celebrates
Portuguese identity with old-style products
that are still manufactured today. Unique
items like soaps, teas, toothpaste, bolts of
fabric and cake forms are handmade or
Portuguese-crafted. Most gifts are wrapped in
charming retro packages.
www.avidaportuguesa.com
CULTURE AGENDA
Best Museum
National Museum of Ancient Art
The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is consid-
ered to be among one of the most important
art museums in Europe. Works in the museum
span a period from the 12th to 19th centuries,
refecting the history, culture and role played
by Portugal in the world during those eight
centuries. Housed inside the 17th century
Palcio de Alvor-Pombal (a work of art itself ),
the museum includes painting, sculpture,
metalwork, textiles, furniture, drawings, and
other decorative art forms. Perhaps the most
famous works in the museum are the Saint
Vincent Panels, which date from before 1470
and are attributed to Nuno Gonalves, court
painter of King Afonso V.
www.museudearteantiga.pt
Best Modern and Contemporary
Museum
Berardo Collection
This beautiful facility, located in the Centro
Cultural de Belm, houses the vast collection
of Madeira-born businessman, art collector
and philanthropist Jos Berardo. All forms
of modern and contemporary art fll this
space from art deco and advertising art, to
photography and pop art. Paintings and
sculptures in the collection include works
by Dubufet, Picasso, Warhol, Bacon, Miro,
Mondrian and more.
www.berardocollection.com
Ler Devagar
Museum of Design & Fashion
Santa Justa Elevator
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Galeria So Mamede Berardo Collection
Best Funky Museum
Museum of Design & Fashion
MUDE is a unique institution celebrating
modern design of the 20th century.
Household items and garments are exhib-
ited in chronological themes from art deco
to modernism, continuing to pop art and
post-modernism. Represented are product
designers such as Russel Wright, Jean Prouv,
Hans Wegner, Le Corbusier and Charles
& Ray Eames. Fashionistas will delight in
seeing garments created by style icons Andr
Courrges, Paco Rabanne, Vivienne Westwood,
Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano.
www.mude.pt
Best Art Gallery
Galeria So Mamede
Galeria So Mamede is one of Lisbons oldest
and most respected art galleries. Located on
Rua Escola Politcnica in the elegant Prncipe
Real neighbourhood, Galeria So Mamede
specializes in Portuguese modernism and
contemporary movements. Established
national artists are well represented via
paintings, sculptures, drawings, ceramics and
photography. Yet, new, innovative talent is
also given opportunity to express and impress.
DONT MISS
Best Lift
Santa Justa Elevator
The Santa Justo Elevator is one of Lisbons
most interesting, and perhaps, beloved,
landmarks. It was built in 1902 as a means
of transportation between the high Bairro
Alto and the lower Baixa business district.
The steel frame architecture and close
resemblance to Paris Eifel Tower can
be attributed to Portugal-born French
architect Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard (who
coincidentally, was an apprentice of Gustave
Eifel). The elevator ride only takes about a
minute, but its worth the experienceand
the steps saved.
www.carris.pt/en/elevators
Best Attraction
Lisbon Oceanrio
The Oceanrio is an homage to Portugals
close relationship to the sea. Built for
the Lisbon World Exhibition in 1998, the
Oceanrio continues to delight visitors today.
Multiple tanks around the building ofer a
global perspective of sea life, including many
varieties of fsh, crustaceans, mollusks and
marine mammals. The highlight, no doubt,
is the massive central tank, completely
surrounding visitors.
www.oceanario.pt
Best Historical Landmark
Jernimos Monastery
500 years ago, this monastery was the site of a
modest chapel used by seafarers to pray before
departing and after arriving from their perilous
journeys. In1496, King Manuel transformed
the site into this remarkable structure as a
prayer to the Virgin of Belm, for the success
of Vasco da Gamas voyage to India. Today,
the monastery stands as a monument to the
great navigators who lead the Portuguese
Discoveries. Due to its historical signifcance as
well as fne examples of Portuguese sculpture
and architecture, UNECO has designated the
monastery a World Heritage site.
www.mosteirojeronimos.pt
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Best Day Trip
Sintra
There are many reasons to take the
half-hour drive or train trip to the north-
western village of Sintra. Ruins of an
8th century Moorish castle survive as
reminder of the Portugals Arab past.
The Palcio da Pena is a stunning 19th
century castle built by monarchs as a
summer retreat. The Chalet Condessa
dEdla is an alpine-infuenced structure
made for the Countess as a recreational
house. The village of Sintra is honoured
by UNESCO as the frst centre for 19th
century European Romantic architec-
ture. But, perhaps our favourite reason
to visit Sintra is to savour the queijadas
(sweet cheese cakes) and travesseiros
(almond pastries) at Casa Piriquita.
www.parquesdesintra.pt
FUN FOR KIDS
Best Play Day
Kidzania
KidZania is a small-scale city built inside
a safe facility for kids aged 3-15. Here
they pretend play in a highly-realistic
adult environment. Kids check-in at
an airport gateway, and proceed to a
make-believe world, participating in
over 60 diferent professions. Activities
as diverse as banking and nursing, to
cooking and TV producing, are designed
to be both fun and educational.
www.kidzania.pt
Best Unique Experience
The Doll Hospital
Since 1830, dolls of all kinds, from
antique cardboard to modern Barbies,
have been brought to the Lisbon Doll
Hospital when they need special atten-
tion. Caregivers attend to the special
needs of each mishandled or damaged
doll, with the utmost in care and love.
Kids can observe restoration of broken
limbs or loose stufng, as well as see a
large selection of dolls clothes, shoes
and wigs. An onsite Toy Museum
displays many types of playthings from
times past.
www.hospitaldebonecas.com
Greg Boegner is an American content
producer and marketing executive
living in the Algarve, Portugal. With a
background that includes producing
space shuttle TV at NASA in Houston,
acquiring flms and developing home
video programming at Warner Bros.
and Fox in Los Angeles, and supervising
childrens content for eKids Internet in
San Francisco, Greg is now focusing on
international business and media from his
European base.
As Founder and Managing Director of
PortugalConfdential.com, Greg is devel-
oping an intellectual property around the
promotion of Portugal as a contemporary
and trendy destination. With original
online content and ancillary products,
such as the recently published ebook,
Haute and Cool Cuisine in Portugal, the
Portugal Confdential brand is quickly
gaining acceptance by those searching
for everything cool and current about
Portugal.
Greg has recently launched a companion
site, Portugal-LOL.com, Everything FUN
for Kids in Portugal.
http://portugalconfdential.com
http://portugalconfdential.com/free-
portugal-restaurant-guide-cool-cuisine-
ebook
http://portugal-lol.com
The Doll Hospital Jernimos Monastery
National Museum of Ancient Art