need rec's on Lisbon - I have 2 days
 

I am travelling to Lisbon, Portugal mid-March and will have about 2 days to take in the city.<BR><BR>I have been surfing the general fodors info on hotels and sights, but would like to get personal recommendations as to what part of the city to stay in, any great places to eat, and highlights &quot;off the beaten track.&quot;<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>

I have been to Lisbon twice and just came up with a list of my favorite places for some of my family and friends who will be travelling there this April for my wedding. Here are my suggestions:<BR><BR>Jeronimos Monastery: A 16th century monument to the wealth of the Age of Discovery; it is the culmination of Portuguese Manueline architecture. <BR><BR>Tower of Belem: Built as a fortress between 1515-1521, it became a beacon for navigators returning from the Indies and the New World. It is a Manueline architectural gem symbolic of Portuguese naval power.<BR><BR>Monument to the Discoveries: This massive monument was built in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.<BR><BR>Commerce Square: Considered one of the most beautiful squares in Europe.<BR><BR>Rossio: This attractively paved square is a social focal point with cafes, restaurants, pastry shops, and the National Theatre. Be sure to sample some authentic Ginjinha (cherry liqueur) in the adjoining square (ask for a plastic cup).<BR><BR>National Tile Museum: Convent cloisters dating from 1509 provide a stunning setting for the National Tile Museum. Decorative panels, individual tiles, and photographs trace the evolution of tile-making from its introduction by the Moors, through Spanish influence, and the development of Portugal’s own style. <BR><BR>Caf&eacute; Brasileira: A national monument and authentic caf&eacute; from the early 1900s. Very good croissant.<BR><BR>Casa do Alentejo: Restored in 1919, this restaurant has a tranquil interior with a Neo-Moorish indoor courtyard with patio and fountain.<BR><BR>Cervejaria Trindade: A traditional beer hall and restaurant with beautiful decorative tiles (azulejos) covering the walls.<BR><BR>Porto Wine Institute: In this quiet lounge you can sample a variety of Port wines, some almost one hundred years old.<BR><BR>Antiga Confeitaria de Belem (Old Pastry Shop of Belem): A 19th century caf&eacute; which makes the best and the original Portuguese custard cakes (pasteis de Belem).<BR><BR>Enjoy!<BR>

Thank you very much! I have been pulling info together from multiple sources, mostly books, and appreciate your personal favorites!<BR><BR>Blue

Take the train from Rossio Station to Sintra, if you have time; Coach Museum in Belem area; Santa Justa Elevator for great view of Lisboa; Castelo St. Jorge; Gulbenkian Museum (take Metro from Restauradoes). Go to Fatima Lopes in Bairro Alto for fashion show at midnight, then go dancing in club adjacent; coffee at Cafe Brasiliera in Chiado (drag queens seen late at night here fighting for a table.) If you want to know the name and locations of the hottest clubs, email me directly. My ex is a party promoter and DJ in Lisboa.

I would highly recommend hearing some fado while in Lisbon (sure you have read about it - traditional Portugese 'folk' singing) and we went to a place called Senor Vinhos that we loved. it is not cheap (maybe 50 dollars a person) but the singers are wonderful and the atmosphere is great. also, there is a restaurant in the Castelo Sao Jorge that no one seems to know about. never saw it mentioned in any guide books except Karen Brown and it is pretty fantastic. it is run by the pousada chain, so the food is perfectly good, but it is really the setting that is so phenomenal. go for dinner. they have to open the metal gate with a big key to let you in and then you have the most amazing night city view and the whole grounds all to yourself. really, really special.

stay in the center and look for any 4/5 stars hotel like the altis park/ hotel metropolitan, etc.......<BR><BR>www.hotelsportugal.com<BR>for cars please check:<BR>www.portugal-spain.com<BR>www.drive-portugal.com<BR>www.travelers-portugal.com<BR>

Thanks for this good info rubyred.<BR>Can you tell me name of this restaurant, sounds perfect for a dinner I'm organising in October when we're there for a conference.<BR>