terça-feira, 14 de agosto de 2012

SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CAFÉS IN LISBON

PASTELARIA VERSAILLES
It’s one of the most iconic cafés in the city for nearly a century, having been an exclusive space with a doorman selecting patrons. Times have changed and it’s now open to everyone, but it maintains a sophisticated and monumental Art Nouveau décor: mirrors, stucco ceilings, chandeliers and wooden furnishings.

A BRASILEIRA
The most photographed statue in the city stands (sits) outside this café, but that’s not the main attraction. That statue is of poet Fernando Pessoa who frequented this space opened in 1905, and the reason why tourists and locals are still attracted to its tables is because it’s a true Lisbon monument. The interior takes us back to the Belle Epoque, with woodwork, mirrors and modernist paintings.

ANTIGA CONFEITARIA DE BELÉM
It’s one of the must-go spots in the city, a pastry shop that draws all attention to its custard tarts, making everyone overlook the beauty of its interior. With walls covered with blue and white tiles, it’s a space that takes us to the past, all the way to the business’ foundation in 1837.
VERTIGO
Stepping into this café is entering the 1930s or 40s. All decorative details are reminiscent of that era, from the old photographs on the walls to the stained glass ceiling.

CHÁ DA LAPA
Hidden on a street parallel to the Ancient Art Museum, this tea house opened in the 1980s but the décor makes it look like it dates from an earlier time. In the first room are small wrought iron tables and in the second are comfortable sofas against dark-wood walls.

segunda-feira, 6 de agosto de 2012

THE MUST-DO LISBON ITINERARY | A Step-by-Step Guide to the Best of Lisbon by "Lisbon Lux"

DAY 1 - Classic and Monumental Lisbon
 
 
Start in Avenida da Liberdade, the city's big central boulevard. Although primarily known for its luxury shops and hotels, it's a great introduction to the city with its traditional pavement designs and ending at Restauradores Square where you'll find a tourism office in case you need any information before you start sightseeing. Just steps away is the landmark Rossio Station with its unusual façade, and Rossio Square, the heart of the city. It's faced by the neoclassical National Theater and it's where the Portuguese cobblestone pavement designs were born (these similar wave patterns are now famous in former Portuguese colonies like in Rio de Janeiro's beaches). Past the baroque fountains you reach Rua Augusta, a pedestrian street usually animated by street artists.

Before you reach the triumphal arch at the end of the street, step into the Design & Fashion Museum. It's free and even if you have no particular interest in the subject, you'll enjoy seeing the creativity of international designers from the recent past and present. Go through the triumphal arch and you're now at Comercio Square which opens to the river. Take a break on the terrace of the cafés or at Cais das Colunas, the quayside area across the road.

Now re-energised, head to the bus stop in front of the arch and wait for tram 15 that takes you to Belém. Several stops later you'll find yourself in front of Jeronimos Monastery. It's a World Heritage monument, and although the church interior with Vasco da Gama's elaborate tomb is impressive, the main attraction is the cloister which is a marvel of stone carving. Back down the street you'll see the Pasteis de Belém café where you can have one (or several) of Lisbon's famous custard tarts.

Nearby you may also choose to see the fairytale carriages of the Coaches Museum, or may continue back in front of Jeronimos Monastery and check out the modern art by names like Andy Warhol, Picasso and Dali in the Berardo Museum of Modern Art. Then cross the road using the underpass in front of the garden to reach the landmark Discoveries Monument. Portugal's famous explorers are gigantically sculpted in stone, and from the top are views of the river and surrounding monuments. That includes Belém Tower, the following destination. It's Lisbon's most iconic monument and you should take some time to admire its architectural details. Have lunch at one of the several restaurants with outdoor tables, then take tram 15 or a bus back to downtown.

Your stop should be Comercio Square, where you should once again go through the triumphal arch, this time down three blocks to Rua da Conceição for the stop of the popular tram 28. Take the tram up the hill (you may also walk if your legs can still take it), and your next stop is the Portas do Sol viewpoint. Take photos from this terrace overlooking the city's oldest and most characteristic neighborhood, then walk back up to the castle. You'll be standing over the city and can rest among peacocks and breathtaking views. After that you may head back to the Portas do Sol terrace, the starting point for an Alfama walking tour which will take you on a picturesque journey back in time through village-like medieval streets.

Finally, you deserve a good dinner in a beautiful setting, so take a taxi (very inexpensive in Lisbon) to Docas de Santo Amaro. It's a dock under the monumental 25 de Abril Bridge with several restaurants facing a marina, the perfect ending to your day.

DAY 2 - Contemporary Lisbon


Your day should start back in Rossio Square,
where you then head to Rua do Carmo, a shopping street that's the gateway to the city's most elegant and trendiest districts, Chiado and Principe Real. You'll pass by well-known international brands but as you walk up Rua Garrett you'll see other local treasures like the world's oldest bookstore, Livraria Bertrand. A little further up is the Café Brasileira where everyone stops for coffee in the company of a statue of poet Fernando Pessoa. Another poet is remembered in Camões Square just steps away, and if you continue up the hill you'll reach the city's most photographed street -- Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo. An already beautiful, colorful street descending the hill towards the river is made even more picturesque with the presence of a historic funicular which makes an unavoidable tourist stop. Continue down the street for your first of two monuments recalling the time when Portugal glittered with Brazilian gold. Entering Santa Catarina Church is unexpectedly stepping into a rich profusion of golden carvings and stucco decoration which never fails to impress.



But even more astonishing is the interior of São Roque Church, reached by walking back towards Camões Square then up Rua da Misericórdia. It consists of several extraordinary chapels, including "the world's most expensive" which is a masterpiece of European art. What look like paintings are actually detailed mosaics surrounded by precious materials and that alone would make a visit here worthwhile. Continue up the hill and you'll reach one of Lisbon's most beautiful and most romantic spots, the viewpoint São Pedro de Alcântara. Have a drink at the kiosk cafés or perhaps you'd like to sample glasses of Portugal's world-famous port wine at the Port Wine Institute, a classy bar facing the viewpoint.

Then continue up Rua Dom Pedro V, a trendy shopping street with galleries and cafés (where you can pause for a meal) that leads to a landscaped square, Praça do Príncipe Real surrounded by colorful mansions. Take a break under the gigantic umbrella-like tree then continue up the street, now called Rua da Escola Politécnica. It's lined with more attractive shops, and at the end you'll reach the Rato metro station. Take it all the way to Oriente Station (by changing to the red line halfway into your journey), where you'll be in Lisbon's showcase of contemporary architecture. On your way notice the art decorating most of the stations, and take some time to admire the exterior of Oriente Station, designed by world-renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.


Here everyone is drawn to the Vasco da Gama mall (especially for its food court), and to the underwater world of the Oceanarium. Notice the pavement designs surrounding the building, and from there, on the riverfront, you can take a boardwalk called Passeio das Tágides that will give you a picture-perfect perspective of all the contemporary architecture and of Europe's longest bridge.


Back at Oriente Station you can once again take the metro to either the must-see Gulbenkian Museum or the Tile Museum. The Gulbenkian is reached at the end of the red line at São Sebastião Station, while for the Tile Museum you can go all the way to Santa Apolónia Station then take bus 794, or simply a taxi.


For dinner, choose one of the many restaurants in Bairro Alto or head to Rua das Portas de Santo Antão. This pedestrian street is lined with tourist restaurants but there are a handful that are actually well recommended. End your night at the charismatic Pavilhão Chinês bar with a cocktail or at any of the other most beautiful bars in the city.

DAY 3 - Great Escapes    
You haven't been to Lisbon if you haven't been to Sintra. This royal retreat is Lisbon's fantasy land, home to fairytale palaces surrounded by luxuriant vegetation. The must-see is Pena Palace (Europe's first romantic palace predating Bavaria's famous Neuschwanstein) and the spellbinding Moorish Castle nearby. Other extraordinary constructions include the esoteric Regaleira Palace and the exotic Monserrate Palace, but if you visit only one other palace besides Pena, make it the National Palace in the center of town. Known for its gigantic chimneys, it's one of Europe's oldest medieval palaces.

Sintra can be reached in less than 40 minutes from Lisbon's central Rossio Station and although you can spend an entire day exploring its fantastic monuments, you can also end your day at the beach. Back in Lisbon, take the train from Cais do Sodré to Cascais. You can watch the sun set on the Atlantic or may even get your feet wet. If weather does not permit sunbathing there are a couple of noteworthy cultural attractions like the Castro Guimarães Museum and the Paula Rego Museum. Walking along the sea you'll eventually reach Estoril, home to Europe's largest casino (less over-the-top and classier than the typical American or Chinese casino).

You can dine in Cascais or Estoril, or head back to Lisbon to check out one of the restaurants of its top chefs. After dinner have a drink above the city at one of the rooftop bars and terraces.

DAY 4 - The Soul of Lisbon    
Now that you saw the city's main landmarks, get to know the city itself. You can't leave Lisbon without experiencing what makes it unique and you should also devote some time to focusing on your personal interests. The must-do is a tour on tram 28, and this time you should start the day in Camões Square where you should head in the direction of Estrela Basilica. After visiting its interior and taking a fresh breath at the Estrela Garden across from it, step back into tram 28 now heading in the opposite direction, and go all the way to the Monastery of St. Vincent. You'll be impressed by its tile collection and by the views from its terrace, then begin your own personal Lisbon experience:
Royal Extravagance: If you enjoyed Sintra you may want to visit Lisbon's Ajuda Palace or go outside the city to visit the colossal Mafra Palace or the elegant Queluz Palace.
The Age of Discovery: If you're curious about Lisbon's pioneering role in world exploration, don't miss the Ancient Art Museum and you may also enjoy the Maritime Museum, the Orient Museum and the complete Vasco da Gama tour.
Green Lisbon: If you enjoyed the beach in Cascais you may also enjoy the fresh air in Lisbon's parks and gardens, many of which contain plants and trees from all over the world, dating from Portugal's colonial times.
The Scenic City: There isn't another city more scenic than Lisbon, so if you enjoyed the views from Portas do Sol and São Pedro de Alcântara, look for the many other viewpoints in the city for photos, relaxation and inspiration.
Tile Hunting: If you developed a taste for the singularity of Lisbon's tile art and especially if you want to take some souvenirs, check out the city's top tile attractions and shops.
Shop 'til You Drop: Shopping in Lisbon is a cultural experience. The city offers many original products and spaces that maintain the charm of yesteryear. Most are found in Chiado and Baixa, and you may want to visit the city's most beautiful shops (such as "A Vida Portuguesa" and "Confeitaria Nacional"). The world-famous luxury soaps, cork design and ceramics are the best buys.
The Local Flavors: You don't have to be a gastronomy enthusiast to want to take some time to enjoy Lisbon's cuisine. In addition to the famous pastries, look for original drinks and wines at the cafés, wine bars and restaurants where you can also discover "petiscos," a Portuguese version of what the world has come to know as "tapas." Either at star-chef restaurants or at a traditional neighborhood eatery, find the best spots to satisfy your taste buds. Finally, you may also want to check out the charming gourmet shops downtown.
The Fado: Listening to Fado music is an essential Lisbon experience. This World Heritage musical style is really an emotive recital of poems which you don't need to understand the words to feel. Although most are touristy, Lisbon's "Fado houses" are memorable places to end your visit to the city, making you leave with the understanding of the nostalgic feeling of "saudade."

MORE DAYS


Most people only have 3 or 4 days to visit the city, but if you're on a longer stay you may split a couple of the days above into two. You may for example spend an entire day in Sintra and another in Cascais or dedicate two whole days to following your personal interests and going off the beaten path. Another option is to split the first suggested day into two, as you can easily stay all day in Belém and another around the castle and Alfama.

Many also choose to use Lisbon as a base for exploring some of Portugal's major attractions easily accessible from the capital, such as Évora and Óbidos.

Article by Lisbonlux

sexta-feira, 3 de agosto de 2012

BmyGuest @ b.muu - Concept Burger

When you travel, you eat, you taste, so.....let's talk about a Burguer Boutique?

Yes, like those where you go, and choose something special for you. In this case, we talk about a very special Burguer Boutique in Lisbon, in a friendly neighborhood (Campo de Ourique), b.muu. There you can choose fresh burguers, homemade potatoes, some caramel cookies (you really have to try it), and some other special products, and just go home (they tell you how to do it), see your daily travel photos and videos, and taste them.

They have burguers (100 % portuguese cow) of all kinds: classic ones, concept, explore and paralelepipedos. You must try  roquefort one, truffle, mustard, foie onion chutney,  and if you miss some countries, they have an indian, mexican, italy, greek and of course Portugal burguer. 

You just have to cook them, and taste it.

I almost forgot,  if you don't want to walk, just call them, and they have a service, that deliver to you, at your adress in Lisbon.

BmyGuest @ b.muu

  • Adress: Rua Quatro de Infantaria 7-d, 1350-266 Lisboa
  • Phone: (+351) 21 195 23 02
  • Mobie: (+351) 91 268 84 88
  • Email: geral@b-muu.com
  • Website: www.b-muu.com
  • quinta-feira, 2 de agosto de 2012

    5 Alternatives to the Beach in Lisbon

    If you’re looking to catch some sun in Lisbon but prefer to stay in the center of the city instead of heading to the coast, here are a few spots to get your Lisbon tan:

    CAIS DAS COLUNAS The wharf that the monumental Comercio Square opens into once welcomed travelers to the city when they arrived by boat. Now it’s a magnet for everyone to rest as they go around the city admiring its scenic beauty. Some tourists even get their feet wet, others take photos with 25 de Abril Bridge as the backdrop, and others end up spending a couple of hours just sitting enjoying the serenity of Lisbon’s refreshing Atlantic location.

    DOCAS These tourist-friendly docks offer more than postcard views and several places to eat. They’re also the place to relax on the waterfront, watching the cruise ships go by, admiring the boats and doing some sun worshipping.

    BELÉM GARDENS Lisbon’s most visited neighborhood is known for its monuments, but Belém is also a place to relax between sightseeing on the lawns between all the landmarks. Whether closer to Belem Tower or already by the shadow of 25 de Abril Bridge, you’ll see tourists and locals laying in the sun and being cooled off by the ocean breeze.

    PORTAS DO SOL Not only is it one of Lisbon’s most beautiful viewpoints with one of its most inviting terrace cafes, it’s also a great spot to stand in the sun. Instead of the Atlantic you have the river Tagus in front of you, but with the loungy music of the café playing in the background you can imagine yourself relaxing at a summer resort.

    NECESSIDADES PARK Once the private picnic park of Portugal’s kings, this green oasis is now hidden in the center of the city and largely deserted despite being open to all. It’s found behind a gate next to a palace that is now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and when the sun is shining you’ll often see couples or small groups of people in their beachwear working on their tans. There are many other parks in the city where you can do that but this is where you’ll feel like you’re in your own private garden.