Lisbon

Mercado de Ribeira: This building is being used as a market place in the mornings but it also has a cute restaurant.

Sè Cathedral: Once upon a time, at the time of Arab conquerors there was a mosque on this place. A 13th century monastery next to the cathedral is being restored now. The name ‘Alfama’ also takes roots from ‘Al Hama’ in Arabic which means hot water springs which was to be found in the area.

Casa do Fado: The Fado Museum. Fado does not sound like it belongs in a museum. It's best listened for on the streets or in the busy bars where people fill like sardines in a can, inhaling the thick smoke in the air.

Quick Tips:

The big surprise of this neighborhood is Ginja, the cherry liqueur. The small shop serving and selling this delicacy is has barely enough places for the tasters inside. Just pick up your glass and stand on the street, enjoy the drink while watching life going in front of you.. One can just do it in Lisbon so naturally.

Belém Tower (1515-21) is one of the most precious buildings in Lisbon representing Portuguese maritime history.

Best Way To Get Around:

Portuguese love fish. Especially the small restaurants in Alfama are recommended. Having maritime roots, Portuguese cooks will be serving generous portions of fish food, making basically all combinations one can imagine with ordinary ingredients. Portuguese food is neither heavy nor sophisticated, it is just unique to itself. There is always place for the dessert: Mousse of everything, especially maracuja fruit.

In Portugal you have the right to eat cakes and other sweet pastries all through the day. Some famous options are Confeitaria Nacional (Yes, that translates into national pastry shop, because eating is a national sport here..) which is not so brilliant, Antica Confeiteria de Belem (excellent) and many others spread over all the city..

The city has many famous cafes where you can stop by. O Brasileira (on the Rua Garrett a main shopping street), Nicola in Baixo and the cafe on Largo das Portas do Sol in Alfama in good weather, are great options.

Coffee, sweets and seafood are the musts of Lisbon, so don't miss them.

European art section is very rich. For example the Diana statue of Jean-Antonie Houdon is here. Products of some Flemish painters and 19th century 'paysage' painting as well as other French decorative arts are waiting in this museum to be admired by visitors.