Beginner's Guide to Portugal

Day One

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You’ll spend the entire first day of your vacation at the Park of Nations. It is an amazing place to visit and has so many wonderful things to see. The World Exposition on 1998 took place here, and the park is now primarily used for leisure, trade, and cultural activities. It includes a Pavilion of the Knowledge of the Seas where you and your family can learn more about oceans. Also at the Park of Nations is an amazing Oceanarium with a huge aquarium where you can see the global ocean. The Oceanarium houses about 15,000 different creatures of 200 species. The sharks are a tourist favorite! Also, check out the Pavilion of the Future where you can take a unique journey through the universe. Also at the Park of Nations is the Vasco da Gama Tower, from which you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. At the end of the day, take a cable car ride over the top of the park, along the Tagus, for a memorable adventure.

Day Two

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Start the day out with some shopping at Baixa. Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown area and is one of Lisbon’s biggest shopping districts. It was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, but Marqués de Pombal rebuilt it. Much of the original architecture is still evident today. Don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs!

Have lunch at the Café a Brasileira. Located in the Chiado quarter, this café was a favorite place of the famous poet Fernando Pessoa. This is an interesting place to people-watch and enjoy some good food while resting from your busy morning. Outside, check out the statue that is dedicated to Fernando Pessoa, who was one of Lisbon’s most well known writers.

After lunch, head to the Lisbon Zoo. The Lisbon Zoo is located in the center of the city and is 120 years old. It boasts nearly 2,000 animals representing 400 species, making it one of the best zoological collections in the world. Favorite attractions here include Dolphins Bay, Rainbow Park, a Cable Car, Reptile House, Children’s Farm, Sea Lion feeding, and presentation of birds and reptiles. The zoo also has several restaurants, a shop, a library, an education center, and guided tours. You can have dinner here and enjoy the zoo on into the evening.

If you’re not interested in the zoo, you may choose to visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, or the National Museum of Ancient Art. This museum is the most important art museum in Portugal. In fact, it is one of the most important art museums in all of Europe. This museum showcases the development of old Portuguese art. The MNAA is located near the Tagus River and was founded in 1884. Some of the most famous works in this museum are the Saint Vincent Panels. Nuno Gonçalves painted them in approximately 1470. Also featured here are works by early 16th century painters that were known in Portugal, such as Jorge Afonso, Gregorio Lopes, Cristovao de Figueiredo, Francisco Henriques, and Frei Carlos. Works by artists from the 17th to 19th centuries are represented as well, including some works of Josefa de Obidos, Bento Coelho da Silveira, and Domingos Sequeira. Don’t miss the exhibit of Portuguese metalwork here, which includes pieces from the 12th to the 18th centuries.

Tonight, have dinner at Gambrinus. Located downtown, Gambrinus is Lisbon’s best seafood restaurant. It is over 70 years old and is also a beer house, which is where it gets its name – Gambrinus is the god of beer. The menu offers a variety of exotic flavors. You won’t want to miss this eatery!

Day Three

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For your final day in historic Lisbon, start off by visiting Belém. Belém is known as the site from which famous navigators set sail. It is a suburb that has a multitude of gardens, parks, and monuments. The Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Torre de Belém, the Belém Cultural Centre, and Rua Vieira Portuense are all favorite tourist attractions located here. If you are interested in this area, you may choose to spend the whole day here. However, if you want to fit in a few more activities, we have more planned for you in the afternoon.

Have lunch at the Esplanada do Principe Real. This café serves lunch and dinner. Surrounding the café are beautiful gardens, and there is also a play garden for children. You’ll enjoy the eclectic mix of people here, as well as the carefree attitude of the locals. What a wonderful place to linger over lunch after you’ve spend the morning sight seeing.

In the afternoon, you’re going to visit Bairro Alto and Bica. The Bairro Alto, which means high quarter, was designed in the 16th century and is to date one of the most beautiful historical quarters in Lisbon. It contains shops, restaurants and bars mingled with amazing architecture. Adjacent to the Bairro Alto is the Bica quarter. While the Bica has regular streets and houses, it is well known for its funicular lift, the Ascensor da Bica, which was built in 1892. This amazing lift is not to be missed!

Have dinner at Pap’Açorda. Known to be one of the best Portuguese restaurants in Lisbon, Pap’Açorda is located in the Bairro Alto district. Its name comes from a specialty dish that is a soupy bread and seafood mixture. This restaurant is decorated beautifully and has an extensive wine list. Don’t miss the homemade chocolate pudding for dessert! If you’re not too tired, stick around after dinner and enjoy the vibrant night life in Bairro Alto.

Sources:
www.travel.yahoo.com
www.timeout.com/travel/lisbon
www.visitlisboa.com
www.virtualtourist.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.golisbon.com

Lisbon: Restaurants and Activities Overview

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Are you ready for a vacation? Maybe you want to go someplace that is different, out of the ordinary from your day-to-day life. Lisbon, Portugal may be just the place for you. A medieval city, Lisbon cleaned up its act when it was chosen to host the 2004 World Cup. It is now very clean and welcoming, with many historical sights, a beautiful waterfront, and lots of shopping opportunities.

This guide will highlight some of the most famous tourist attractions and activities in the city, as well as some of the most well-known and best-loved restaurants. Prepare yourself for a fantastic journey into the city of Lisbon!

Activities and Attractions

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Monastery of the Hieronymites and Tower of Belém – Construction of the Monastery of the Hieronymites began in 1502. It now stands at the entrance to Lisbon Harbor, showing off some of Portugal’s best architecture. Nearby is the Tower of Belém. The Tower was built to commemorate the expedition of Vasco da Gama.

The Park of Nations – The World Exposition on 1998 took place here, and the park is now primarily used for leisure, trade, and cultural activities. It includes a Pavilion of the Knowledge of the Seas where guests can learn more about oceans. Also at the Park of Nations is an amazing Oceanarium with a huge aquarium where visitors can see the global ocean. The Oceanarium houses about 15,000 different creatures of 200 species. The sharks are a tourist favorite! Also, check out the Pavilion of the Future where you can take a unique journey through the universe. Also at the Park of Nations is the Vasco da Gama Tower, from which you can enjoy amazing panoramic views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. Take a cable car ride over the top of the park, along the Tagus, for a memorable adventure.

Lisbon Zoo – The Lisbon Zoo is located in the center of the city and is 120 years old. It boasts nearly 2,000 animals representing 400 species, making it one of the best zoological collections in the world. Favorite attractions here include Dolphins Bay, Rainbow Park, a Cable Car, Reptile House, Children’s Farm, Sea Lion feeding, and presentation of birds and reptiles. The zoo also has several restaurants, a shop, a library, an education center, and guided tours.

Alfama, Castelo, and Mouraria – One of the oldest historical quarters in Lisbon, most of the Alfama’s original layout is still intact, even after an earthquake in 1755. Castelo and Mouraria, also very old quarters, are adjacent to Alfama; all three are near St. George’s Castle. Every June, feasts to honor the saints are held in the streets of these three quarters. Also nearby are the Graça quarter and Säo Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia churches.

Bairro Alto and Bica – The Bairro Alto, which means high quarter, was designed in the 16th century and is to date one of the most beautiful quarters in Lisbon. It contains shops, restaurants and bars mingled with amazing architecture. The night life at Bairro Alto is very popular. Adjacent to the Bairro Alto is the Bica quarter. While the Bica has regular streets and houses, it is well known for its funicular lift, the Ascensor da Bica, which was built in 1892.

Baixa – Baixa is Lisbon’s downtown area and is one of Lisbon’s biggest shopping districts. It was almost completely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, but Marqués de Pombal rebuilt it. Much of the original architecture is still evident today.

Belém – Belém is known as the site from which famous navigators set sail. It is a suburb that has a multitude of gardens, parks, and monuments. The Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Torre de Belém, the Belém Cultural Centre, and Rua Vieira Portuense are all favorite tourist attractions located here.

Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa – Also known as the cathedral of Lisbon, the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa is an experience of different architectural styles. It is the oldest church in the city. Construction began in 1147, and the building has survived several earthquakes and has been modified time and again.

The Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga – This museum, also known as the National Museum of Ancient Art, is the most important art museum in Portugal. In fact, it is one of the most important art museums in all of Europe. This museum showcases the development of old Portuguese art. The MNAA is located near the Tagus River and was founded in 1884. Some of the most famous works in this museum are the Saint Vincent Panels. Nuno Gonçalves painted them in approximately 1470. Also featured here are works by early 16th century painters that were known in Portugal, such as Jorge Afonso, Gregorio Lopes, Cristovao de Figueiredo, Francisco Henriques, and Frei Carlos. Works by artists from the 17th to 19th centuries are represented as well, including some works of Josefa de Obidos, Bento Coelho da Silveira, and Domingos Sequeira. Don’t miss the exhibit of Portuguese metalwork here, which includes pieces from the 12th to the 18th centuries.

Museu da Electricidade – The Museu da Electricidade, or the Museum of Electricity, was first built in 1914 to supply Lisbon with electricity. It is now an historical landmark, providing a living history of electricity. This is an interesting place to visit, not only for the restored electrical equipment from the early 1900’s, but also for the beautiful European architecture of the building itself.

Restaurants

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Café Pastéis de Belém – A Pastéis de Belém is a small pastry that is very popular in Lisbon, and this café is the only place to get them. The café opened in 1837 and is most famous for this particular pastry. It is said that the recipe for the Pastéis de Belém is only known to three people in the world! Try this pastry for a real taste of Lisbon culture!

Café a Brasileira – Located in the Chiado quarter, this café was a favorite place of the famous poet Fernando Pessoa. This is an interesting place to people-watch, and some visitors find the statue dedicated to Fernando Pessoa quite intriguing.

Pap’Açorda – Known to be one of the best Portuguese restaurants in Lisbon, Pap’Açorda is located in the Bairro Alto district. Its name comes from a specialty dish that is a soupy bread and seafood mixture. This restaurant is decorated beautifully and has an extensive wine list. Don’t miss the homemade chocolate pudding for dessert!

Gambrinus – Located downtown, Gambrinus is Lisbon’s best seafood restaurant. It is over 70 years old and is also a beer house, which is where it gets its name – Gambrinus is the god of beer. The menu offers a variety of exotic flavors.

Sulça – Sulça is located between Praça D. Pedro V and Praça da Figueira in Rossio square. This popular café serves cakes and other delicacies and is considered to be among the best places to eat in Lisbon.

Esplanada do Principe Real – This café serves lunch and dinner; it closes at midnight. Surrounding the café are beautiful gardens, and there is also a play garden for children. You’ll enjoy the eclectic mix of people here, as well as the carefree attitude of the locals.

Päo de Canela – Open late into the night, this restaurant is small and cozy. This is a perfect place to enjoy tea and scones. The Päo de Canela is located just off of Rua de S. Marçal.

Spazio Evazione – Near the Tejo River and next to the Museu da Electricidade sits Spazio Evazione. It is a beautiful place to have lunch or dinner while you’re sightseeing. Enjoy the beautiful weather under an umbrella at a brightly colored table. Stop here for a refreshing drink or some ice cream.

Sources:
www.travel.yahoo.com
www.timeout.com/travel/lisbon
www.visitlisboa.com
www.virtualtourist.com
www.en.wikipedia.org
www.golisbon.com

Lisbon: Overview and History

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Lisbon is the largest city in Portugal and also its capital. Lisbon's population is 564,657, and the greater Lisbon area has a population of 2,760,723 and is the fastest growing area in Portugal. The city is divided into 53 parishes. The westernmost capital of mainland Europe, Lisbon is located on the Atlantic Ocean coast right where the Tagus River connects with the Atlantic. Historic Lisbon is built on seven hills. Since some of the streets are too steep for motor vehicles, the city employs three funiculars and one elevator. The Monsanto Natural Park, one of the largest urban parks in Europe, occupies most of the western side of the city.

During the Neolithic era, or the “new” Stone Age, the land that is now Lisbon was occupied by the Iberians. The Iberians, who also inhabited other parts of Atlantic Europe, built religious monuments called megaliths, some of which are still present around Lisbon today. After the first millennium BC, Celts invaded and intermarried with the Iberians. From this intermingling came new, Celtic-speaking tribes such as the Conii and Cempsi.

Evidence shows that a Phoenician trading post was once operated in what is now Lisbon's city center. This is probably because of Lisbon's harbor, which made this area an ideal spot for trading, since Phoenician ships could easily travel from Lisbon into the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall. In fact, Lisbon was once named Alis Ubbo, meaning safe harbor in Phoenician. It is thought that the Phoenicians also traded with inland tribes for metals, salt, fish, and Lusitanian horses, which were famous at that time.

Greek mythology states that after Ulysses left Troy and fled to the Atlantic to escape the Greek coalition, he founded Lisbon. However, archeological studies prove that the Phoenicians occupied the area before the Greeks. The Greeks knew the area as Olissipo, which they thought was a name derived from Ulysses.

After the defeat of Hannibal, who was supported by members of the Conii tribe, and during the Punic war, the Romans decided to take the land known as Hispania (which was the entire Iberian Peninsula) from Carthage. After they defeated the Carthaginians in the east, Consul Decimus Junius Brutus led the pacification of the west. He worked out an alliance with Olissipo, whose men joined Brutus' armies and fought the Celtic tribes of the northwest. Olissipo, in turn, was then integrated into the Empire and was called Felicitas Julia. The city was exempted from taxes, its citizens were allowed the same privileges as the Romans, and it was then allowed to self-rule over a new province called Lusitania, whose capital was Emerita Augusta. The Lusitanians, eager to regain control of their city, rebelled and the city was weakened over the next few centuries, causing a wall to be built.

During Autustus' rule, the Romans built a Theatre, the Cassian Baths (which are still present at Rua da Prata), Temples to Jupiter, Diana, Cybele, Tethys, and Idae Phrygiae, and the Emporer. They also built a large necropolis, a Forum, and apartment buildings, all between downtown and what is now Castle Hill. During the 18th century, many of these ruins were first discovered.

Olissipo became famous for its garum, which was a fish sause. Garum was highly sought out by high class citizens and was exported to Rome and other cities. Other exports were wine, salt, and horses. Another economic help for Olissipo was its suppression of technology. This allowed a rise in trade with newer Roman provinces. Olissipo also introduced higher civilization to the tribes living in inner Hispania.

Olissipo followed the mainstream Roman Polytheist cults, but also worshipped Asclepius, the god of Medicina, Cybele, the Moon goddess, and a local lizard and snake divinity. However, Olissipo was also a center for the spread of Christianity, like most cities in the Western Empire. Its first Bishop was Saint Gens, and several martyrs were killed by pagans during the great persecutions.

When the Roman domain ended, Olissipo was one of the first cities to embrace Christianity. Saint Gens' name is still carried by one of Lisbon's seven hills.

Around 711, the Moors overtook Lisbon, and under their rule, the city was very successful. Muslims from North Africa, the Moors built a number of mosques and houses. They also built a new city wall, the Cerca Moura, which still stands today. By this time, Christians, Muslins, and Jews were all living in Lisbon.

Under the Moors, life in Lisbon was very different than it is today. The official language was Arabic, and it was spoken by the majority of the inhabitants. The official religion was Islam, and the majority of Lisbon's people were Muslim by the 10th century.

Moorish inflence is still found in Lisbon. Many places, such as the Alfama, derived their names from Arabic. Lisbon's actual name is pronounced “Lizboa” in Portuguese and is also more directly derived from the city's Arabic name than its Latin one, Olissipo. The azulejo tiles seen throughout Lisbon are originally Muslim in style, and their name, azulejo, is derived from Arabic.

In 1147, led by Afonso I of Portugal, a group of French, English, German, and Portuguese knights conquered Lisbon. History states that people of all religions were killed. At this time, Lisbon was back in Christian hands. One of the most significant events in Lisbon's history was the fall of Islam. Arabic was soon replaced by Portuguese. Over time, most of the Muslims converted to Roman Catholicism and the mosques were turned into churches.

Due to its central location in the new Portugal, Lisbon became Portugal's capital in 1255. Throughout the last part of the Middle Ages, Lisbon became very successful in trading with northern Europe and other Mediterranean cities.

In 1290, Denis I of Portugal founded a university in Lisbon. Today, this school is the University of Coimbra. Today, there are three public universities in Lisbon: University of Lisbon, Technical University of Lisbon, and New University of Lisbon. There is also a public university institute called ISCTE.

In the 16th century, Lisbon became the main European hub of trade with the Far East. It also traded gold with Brazil. During this time, several expeditions left from Lisbon, including Vasco da Gama's departure to India in 1497.

An earthquake hit the city on January 26, 1531, killing thousands and leaving much of the city in ruins. However, another bigger earthquake hit on November 1, 1744. This quake killed between 60,000 and 90,000 people and 85% of the city was destroyed. Voltaire wrote a poem about the earthquake of 1744 and also mentioned it in his 1759 novel, Candide. This earthquake was also mentioned in a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

The city was rebuilt following the 1755 earthquake; the plans were designed by the Marquês de Pombal. The downtown area, Baixa Pombalina, was named after him. Pombal did not rebuild the city as it was, a medieval town. Instead, he modernized it.

Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Portugal in the early 19th century, causing King John VI of Portugal to flee to Brazil temporarily. Much property was damaged during this invasion, and the liberals began building cafes and theatres. The Avenida da Liberdade, which replaced a former public garden, was opened in 1879.

The republican coup on October 5, 1910 instated the Portuguese Republic and took place in Lisbon. Lisbon remained neutral during World War II, making it one of the only open European Atlantic ports. The end of the Portuguese Corporative Regime came in 1974 during the Carnation Revolution.

In 1994, Lisbon became the European Capital of Culture. Lisbon also hosted the Expo '98, which also commemorated Vasco de Gama's voyage 500 years prior.

From December 28, 2004 to January 1, 2005, Lisbon hosted the 27th Taizé New Year European Meeting. The Lisbon Half Marathon is held in the city every March. This is one of the most attended marathons in the world. Additionally, Lisbon continues to host a number of other international events such as NATO, EU, and other summits. The Dakar Rally began in Lisbon in January of 2006.

Sources:
www.en.wikipedia.org

Lisbon: Hotels and Accommodations Overview

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If you're planning a vacation to Lisbon, Portugal, you're most likely going to need a place to stay. Whether you're a big spender or a penny pincher, this guide will provide suggestions for hotels and accommodations that are right for you. We will take a look at several places in different price ranges, all guaranteed to help make your trip to Lisbon a memorable one!

Value Priced Hotels - under $100 per night

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Sana Metropolitan Hotel Lisboa – Located 10 minutes from the Lisbon International airport, the Sana Metropolitan Hotel Lisboa has 306 rooms and 8 suites. This is a newer hotel, built in 1997, and has a restaurant and bar onsite. Each room has a mini-bar, cable television, a safe, and a hair dryer.

Amenities include meeting/banquet rooms, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, A-V equipment rental, room service, and a multi-lingual staff.

Vila Gale Ericeira – The Vila Gale Ericeira is located on the beach in one of the most beautiful areas of Lisbon. This hotel is unique in that it is near so many tourist attractions. Each of the 202 rooms is equipped with satellite television, a work table, a mini-bar, and a safe.

Amenities include two pools, one that is salt water and heated in winter, a restaurant, a bar, a health club with a gymnasium, a sauna, a Jacuzzi and Turkish bath, 24-hour room service, a game room, a playground, laundry service, and meeting rooms.

Hotel Mundial – The Hotel Mundial is located in downtown Lisbon, near the theaters and Rossio Square. Each of the 262 rooms is soundproofed and includes a safe, hair dryer, mini-bar, satellite television, bathrobe, and radio. The Varanda de Lisboa Restaurant is onsite, offering a panoramic view of the city, and is open for lunch and dinner. Jardim Mundial coffee shop is also onsite and features a buffet-style lunch Monday through Friday. S. Jorge Bar is also part of the hotel.

Amenities include conference rooms, babysitting or child care, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, gift shop, 24-hour room service, and a multi-lingual staff.

Residencial Estoril – The Residencial Estoril is located near the airport and some tourist attractions, including Fair Area and City Center. Each room has a desk and cable television.

Amenities include social rooms, available babysitting, and laundry services.

Moderately Priced Hotels - $100 to $200 per night

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Marques de Pombal Hotel – Four miles from the Lisbon airport, the Marques de Pombal Hotel was built in 2000 and has 120 rooms on 14 floors. There is a restaurant on the premises.

Amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, 24-hour room service, health club, currency exchange, meeting facilities, electronic keys, and a multi-lingual staff. High-speed Internet access is available in the common area.

Hotel Real Parque – Built in 1994, the Real Parque is located close to the Lisbon airport, and is near Marques de Pombal and Saldanha squares. Though it is situated in a business area, at night the surroundings are peaceful. The in-house restaurant, Cozinha do Real, serves Portuguese and international cuisine. Also in-house are the Bar do Real and the Real Coffee Shop. Each soundproofed room boasts free Internet access, a hair dryer, cable television, a mini-bar, and a safe.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, currency exchange, on-site uniformed security guards, available computer use, gift shop, meeting facilities, electronic keys, A-V equipment rental, room service, and a multi-lingual staff.

Le Meridien Park Atlantic Lisboa – The Le Meridien is close to the Lisbon airport, next to Marques de Pombal Square, and across from Eduardo VII Park. Other close attractions include the Sao Jorge Castle, Parque das Nacoes, and the Jeronimos Monastery and Oceanarium. L’Appart, the hotel’s restaurant, serves Portuguese cuisine as well as seafood and fine wines. The hotel also has a bar, Le Ganesh. Guests at Le Meridien can enjoy special benefits at the local health club, Clube VII, including a gym, an indoor pool, tennis courts, a sauna and whirlpool, and a steam bath. Each room features a marble bathroom, a hair dryer, a bathrobe and slippers, turn-down service, voicemail, a CD player, a mini-bar, an iron and ironing board, and cable television.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, uniformed security guards on site, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, gift shop, meeting facilities, electronic keys, A-V equipment rental, room service, and a multi-lingual staff.

Hotel Dom Carlos Liberty – Built in 1963, the Dom Carlos Liberty is located near the Lisbon airport, the Marques de Pombal Metro station, and the Avenida da Liberdade. Also close by are the river pier, the marina, and the Estoril Casino. Each room boasts high-speed Internet access, a hair dryer, a mini-bar, cable television, and a safe.

Amenities include babysitting or child care, meeting facilities, fitness center, 24-hour porters, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, ATM or Bank, room service, and a multi-lingual staff. The hotel lobby features a library, newspapers and magazines, a plasma television, Internet access, and self-serve drinks and snacks.

High Priced Hotels - over $200 per night

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Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon – The Four Seasons Hotel Ritz is considered to be Lisbon’s finest hotel. The décor emulates historic Portugal, and the hotel boasts views of Eduardo VII Park, St. George’s Moorish castle, and Old Town, and the Tagus River. Each room offers a free newspaper, a refrigerator, cable television, a microwave oven, a DVD or VCR player, high-speed Internet access, a safe, voicemail, a kitchen or kitchenette, a balcony or terrace, fitness equipment, and a mini-bar. The Four Seasons allows pets.

Amenities include an indoor pool, a health spa, a shopping area, babysitting or child care, uniformed security guards on site, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, a barber or hair stylist, currency exchange, available computer use, gift shop, children’s programs, meeting facilities, electronic keys, A-V equipment rental, room service, and a multi-lingual staff.

Pestana Palace Hotel – The Pestana Palace Hotel was built in 2001 and offers 190 rooms on three floors. It is a very interesting place to stay because it incorporates a 19th century palace that has been fully restored and is classified as a National Monument. The hotel overlooks a private park that contains subtropical trees and plants. The Pestana Palace also features panoramic views of the Tagus River. The rooms have irons, cable television, high-speed Internet access, safes, voicemail, balconies or terraces, and mini-bars.

Amenities include an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a health club, laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, available computer use, gift shop, electronic keys, room service, an in-house restaurant, and a multi-lingual staff.

Lisboa Regency Chiado – Built in 2000, the Lisboa Regency Chiado is considered to be a lifestyle/boutique hotel. The rooms are oversized and the bathrooms are marble; the décor is contemporary. The hotel boasts amazing views of the Tagus River, the Castle, and Old Lisboa, and features a lounge bar and panorama terrace for dining and drinks. The décor of the rooms was influenced by designer Pedro Espirito Santo and uses Feng Shui techniques. Premium rooms have their own private panorama terraces with sitting areas. All rooms have a fax, a copy machine, Internet access, a work desk, voicemail, cable television, balcony or terrace, a safe, a sitting area, and a mini-bar.

Amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services, car rental, concierge services, currency exchange, electronic keys, room service, an in-house restaurant, and a multi-lingual staff.

Sources:
www.travel.yahoo.com

Portugal - The People and the Culture

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Portugal - Major Cities and Regions

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:07:17 +0000

Lisbon: Restaurants and Activities

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 15:08:31 +0000

Lisbon Vacations: A 1-3 Day Itinerary

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Beginner's Guide to Portugal

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Lisbon: Restaurants and Activities Overview

Activities and Attractions

Restaurants

Lisbon: Overview and History

Lisbon: Hotels and Accommodations Overview

Value Priced Hotels - under $100 per night

Moderately Priced Hotels - $100 to $200 per night

High Priced Hotels - over $200 per night

Portugal - The People and the Culture

Portugal - The People and the Culture Overview

Living in Portugal

Learning Portuguese

Music and the Arts

Portugal - Major Cities and Regions

Portugal - Major Cities and Regions Overview

Lisbon

The Algarve

The Azores

Lisbon: Restaurants and Activities

Lisbon: Restaurants and Activities Overview

Activities and Attractions

Restaurants

Lisbon Vacations: A 1-3 Day Itinerary

Lisbon Vacations: A 1-3 Day Itinerary Overview

A word about accommodations

Day One

Day Two