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Days Three and Four

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On day three, start 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.

You’ll spend the rest of today at the Lisbon Zoo. The 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.

Day four is museum day. Spend the first half of the day at 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.

Have lunch at Spazio Evazione, which is near the Tejo River and right next to your next stop, the Museu da Electricidade. Spazio Evazione 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. For dessert, have some refreshing ice cream!

The second half of today will be spent exploring the Museu da Electricidade, or the Museum of Electricity. This museum 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.

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!

Next Page: Days Five and Six

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