Lisbon

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

A Quick Peek at Lisbon

An April 2006 trip to Lisbon by pabrams52

GuestroomMore Photos

Lisbon is a new city for my husband and me. I always have a wonderful sense of anticipation when I arrive somewhere that I've not yet seen. Even though just taking our first stroll down the streets, I have a strong feeling that Lisbon will not let us down.

  • 7 reviews
  • 1 story/tip
  • 15 photos

A Quick Peek at LisbonBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Lunch at Gambrinus and the Cloister at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos were two of my favorite expereriences. But in addition to that, we met some lovely people from Great Britain with whom we chatted while waiting to be seated for dinner at Lagosta Real restaurant. After they finished eating, they sought us out and we talked easily and enjoyed sharing our respective travel memories. These impromptu encounters are what really make traveling FUN!

Quick Tips:

Do not take flash photos at the National Coach Museum in Belem. The museum specifically warns visitors with a sign as you enter but I saw and heard several people reprimanded for trying to use flash photography anyway. That is such bad form and leaves a poor impression of tourists with the locals. The coaches are precious and valuable and should be respected as part of the country's national history!

Best Way To Get Around:

The bus and tram system served us well and is quite abundant and available in Lisbon—use it. It isn't difficult and makes getting around a lot easier, particularly up the hills, which reminded me of San Francisco. The #15 electrical tram goes to Belém, and take the #37 bus to the Castelo de Sao Jorge from Praca da Figueira.

Dom Carlos ParkBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Dom Carlos Park"

Guestroom
This lovely hotel, which is situated just north of the downtown area, is centrally located in the heart of Lisbon near Parque Eduardo VII and just around the corner from one of their main avenues, Avenida da Liberdade. They offer moderately priced, spotless and tastefully decorated rooms. The rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet access for a fee, and free Wi-Fi is offered in their lounge on the ground floor. The rooms also come with a small refrigerator and minibar, spacious closets with adequate hangers, a tub/shower combination and firm mattresses. The service we have experienced so far (as we just checked in a few hours before this journal entry), was gracious and professional. Susanah at the front desk also assisted us on the level of a concierge as we inquired about restaurants. She capably answered our questions, called the restaurant to make our reservation and printed out the website data with a map showing its location. Though we've only been in Lisbon a few hours, already I have a very good feeling. In 2 days, we'll be boarding a cruise from the Port of Lisbon to sail to Barcelona (7 days). I will enter that as a separate journal as we have not yet embarked on that portion of our trip yet. http//www.domcarloshoteis.com/
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by pabrams52 on April 19, 2006

Dom Carlos Park
Avenida Duque de Loulé, 121 Lisbon, Portugal 1050 – 089
+351 (21) 351 2590

Chafariz do VinhoBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Seated upstairs at an alcove table
http://www.chafarizdovinho.com/en/index.htm
This is a chic and unusual wine and tapas bar with sit down table service. They are situated in an old building which used to be an aqueduct. The following link is from their site. If you click on: "Stories of the Aqueduct", it provides a full history on this area and building. The service was friendly and professional. The waiter guided us to a perfect bottle of red wine to accompany the four dishes and two baskets of delicious bread with cheeses, olives and pastes that we shared. You feel as if you've traveled back in time as you sit in the old stone, water-stained building with a domed ceiling. We were situated in a small window alcove which offered privacy and further atmosphere. The restaurant was recommended to us by a personal friend and we found it to be of excellent calibre.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by pabrams52 on April 19, 2006

Chafariz do Vinho
Rua da Mãe d'Água a Praca da Alegria Lisbon, Portugal
+351 213 422 079

GambrinusBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

The specially brewed coffee tableside
After an afternoon of strolling through the Baixa and Alfama areas of Lisbon, my husband and I had worked up an appetite and wanted to sit down and enjoy a really nice meal. We asked a shopkeeper for his recommendation, and he directed us to Gambrinus. We were not disappointed. They are open during the day, but their main business is for dinner at night. So, due to the low volume at the time we were seated (4pm), we had a most dedicated and helpful waiter at our service who guided us through our choices.

They offer a full menu, and I decided to try their shellfish bisque and grilled steak. I finished my meal with their table-side-brewed coffee and a fine port. The service was excellent and highly professional. In the evening, reservations are recommended.

This establishment has a well-known and respected reputation throughout Portugal. We hadn't specifically sought them out, but were most lucky to find them, and left with some wonderful memories of a beautiful restaurant and a delicious meal.

  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by pabrams52 on April 20, 2006

Gambrinus
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 23-25 Lisbon, Portugal
+351 21 342 1466

Lagosta RealBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Taken from a listing in our guide book, this seafood restaurant turned out to be another gem in our visit to Lisbon. One can usually tell the success of a restaurant by the volume of diners inside. Lagosta Real was completely full and we had to wait a bit, even with a reservation. But, it was well-worth the wait! While our table was in preparation, we struck up a conversation with another waiting couple and it proved to be quite enjoyable, and it "made the evening." The specialty of the house is seafood, particularly shellfish. Their menu is offered in multiple languages for convenience and includes starters, salads, soups, fish, and meats. I enjoyed a starter of sauteed shrimp in garlic butter (YUM) and had grilled grouper for my entree. My husband ordered a fish stew to start and the Bacalhau Assado for his entree. The waiter made an excellent recommendation for our wine and we finished with a strong bica (espresso-like coffee). As we enjoyed our dinner, I noticed many passersby on the street peering in to check out the restaurant. It clearly catches your eye and appears quite popular, not only with tourists but also locals.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by pabrams52 on April 21, 2006

Lagosta Real
Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 23-25 Lisbon, Portugal
+351 21 342 39 95

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mosteiro dos Jeronimos"

Front of Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
This is one of those jaw-dropping sights you simply must take in. The complicated but exquisite detail in its design is unique, referred to as the "Manueline" style. For sheer size, this beautiful monastery is humbling. Take a close look at the detail at the entrance outside, which seems to make a overwhelming statement before you even enter the church. The cloister area is a peaceful and magnificent courtyard where you can reflect on its beauty and its creation against a beautiful blue sky above. There is a wonderful time line presentation in the library on the second floor of the cloister where the monastery has constructed a grand perspective of history over the last 500-plus years. It is a quick and fascinating "run through history" and provides valuable Portuguese history.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by pabrams52 on April 21, 2006

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery)
Praca do Imperio Lisbon, Portugal 1400-206
+351 (21) 3620034

Castelo de Sao Jorge (Castle of St. George)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Castelo de São Jorge"

Walking into the castle
Some historic attractions are not quite up to their guide book descriptions, but that is NOT the case with the Castelo de São Jorge. It is larger than life and really feels like the fortress that it once was. Climbing its battlements take a little bit of nerve (at least for me), but the experience is worth it. If nothing else, seeing the city of Lisbon from atop the castle hill is a view not to be missed. It is especially beautiful on a clear sunny day. Don’t try to count all the bright red-tiled rooftops which are in abundance in Lisbon. They seem to glow from that vantage point. One can also take in the magnificent bridge, Ponte 25 de Abril, which looks a tad like the Golden Gate Bridge. There is a lovely restaurant in the castle called Casa do Leão which offers upscale dining. It requires a reservation. It is frequently booked for groups and parties, so call ahead to make sure they are available.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by pabrams52 on April 21, 2006

Castelo de Sao Jorge (Castle of St. George)
Lisbon, Portugal

Don't Miss FadoBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

One cannot visit Lisbon without experiencing one of the most beautiful aspects of their cultural traditions: the art of Fado. I followed a guide book recommendation to "Parreirinha de Alfama" (Beco do Espirito Santo 1; Tel: 21 886 82 09) which is owned by one of Lisbon's famous fadistas, Argentina Santos. The fado house was packed, the food was good and I was mesmerized by the enchanting and soulful songs. One simply cannot fully appreciate this city and country without giving this expressive and emotional musical genre a try. It's an experience you will not soon forget and one that will make your visit richer and more memorable.Some other recommended fado cafes were: Restaurante Casa de Fados (rue da Barroca, 54/56; Tel: 21 342 67 42) and Casa de Linhares (Tel: 21 88 650 88)

About the Writer

pabrams52
pabrams52
Los Angeles, California

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.