THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LISBON
Feb 26th, 2006, 05:11 AM
#221
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Trindade is good to have a steak. Besides that, and depending on where you are, I think there are other places deserving a try. Republica da Cerveja ("Beer Republic" in former expo98 area) and Cervejeira Lusitana with a good selection of home made beers. Cervejeira is present in the main malls (Colombo and Vasco da Gama).
Sher,I don't know the places you mentioned, but location of both couldn't be better. My wife was born 10 minutes from there and go there often to send the ween end with MIL (seetheworld, is there such a thing?
)
From there you are very close to Borba, Vila Viçosa, Alandroal (restaurant "A Maria"
, Redondo, Estremoz. You are still close to Evora, Marvao, Arraiolos, Sao Bento do Corval and Monsaraz.
As I said I don't know exactly the places, but within 1 or 2 weeks, I'll pass there to have a coffee, and I'll ask to see the rooms and the atmosphere. This is not because of you, but for personal curiosity.
Please, don't miss "Isaias" (the prophet) in Estremoz. If you ask for directions while looking for Isaias, write down in a peace of paper, because pronuntiation is quite different from you may expect. It's a very low end Portuguese style of restaurant. Take with you live cash because they don't accept cards and I think they don't even have telephone!!! The place is a former lagar (olives processing place) with the tools still visible. At the entrance there is Isaias himself, with is barbecue, preparing whatever clients ask. Of course the main dishes are grilled. Is has no individual chairs, but bancos (help Matt) around the tables, each for 4 or 5, and clients take any available seat. The menu includes disgusting food (e.g. pork maxilar bones) but regular food as well (streaks, pork ribs, cow ribs). I assume they have a limited understand of English, but don't let that prevent you form going there. If nothing else works, point to the raw food, ask "I want this" and Isais will prepare it for you.
Go there with open mind and I'm sure you will have a lot of fun.
By the end, bill will be an agreable surprise. The walls are covered with pictures of Portuguese and international figures side by side with Isaias around his BBC.
If you have special requirements like "no salt" or similar, write it in a paper to be sure you are understood.
Sher,I don't know the places you mentioned, but location of both couldn't be better. My wife was born 10 minutes from there and go there often to send the ween end with MIL (seetheworld, is there such a thing?
)From there you are very close to Borba, Vila Viçosa, Alandroal (restaurant "A Maria"
, Redondo, Estremoz. You are still close to Evora, Marvao, Arraiolos, Sao Bento do Corval and Monsaraz.As I said I don't know exactly the places, but within 1 or 2 weeks, I'll pass there to have a coffee, and I'll ask to see the rooms and the atmosphere. This is not because of you, but for personal curiosity.
Please, don't miss "Isaias" (the prophet) in Estremoz. If you ask for directions while looking for Isaias, write down in a peace of paper, because pronuntiation is quite different from you may expect. It's a very low end Portuguese style of restaurant. Take with you live cash because they don't accept cards and I think they don't even have telephone!!! The place is a former lagar (olives processing place) with the tools still visible. At the entrance there is Isaias himself, with is barbecue, preparing whatever clients ask. Of course the main dishes are grilled. Is has no individual chairs, but bancos (help Matt) around the tables, each for 4 or 5, and clients take any available seat. The menu includes disgusting food (e.g. pork maxilar bones) but regular food as well (streaks, pork ribs, cow ribs). I assume they have a limited understand of English, but don't let that prevent you form going there. If nothing else works, point to the raw food, ask "I want this" and Isais will prepare it for you.
Go there with open mind and I'm sure you will have a lot of fun.
By the end, bill will be an agreable surprise. The walls are covered with pictures of Portuguese and international figures side by side with Isaias around his BBC.
If you have special requirements like "no salt" or similar, write it in a paper to be sure you are understood.
Feb 26th, 2006, 05:16 AM
#222
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corrections:
*My wife was born 10 minutes from there and go there often to spend the week end with MIL.
not "peace" but "piece"
I wish Fodor's to have a after post editing tool.
*My wife was born 10 minutes from there and go there often to spend the week end with MIL.
not "peace" but "piece"
I wish Fodor's to have a after post editing tool.
Feb 26th, 2006, 05:42 AM
#223
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It would be wonderful if you have the opportunity to go by these places.
I am intriqued as Adelia de SAo Gregorio is the whole ancient village that has been restored to have several houses. Or this is how I understand it. The location is wonderful.
Thank you for the restaurant advice. I am going to put it on my list with A Maria (which the owner of this property recommends).
It will be very difficult to make a decision.
I am intriqued as Adelia de SAo Gregorio is the whole ancient village that has been restored to have several houses. Or this is how I understand it. The location is wonderful.
Thank you for the restaurant advice. I am going to put it on my list with A Maria (which the owner of this property recommends).
It will be very difficult to make a decision.
Feb 27th, 2006, 09:38 AM
#224
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Dear Matt, lobo_mau, sher, michi,
My husband and I will be in lisboa for about 5 days during the second week of march, him for business and me for pleasure, and I would like to say "THANK YOU!!!" I had purchased the DK Eyewitness tourguide, bought a map and read different tourist websites, but this thread has been the most helpful. I feel like I'm being taken around the city by a friend who points out not only the standard tourist attractions found in guide books, but more importantly, all the things about Lisboa that one falls in love with as a resident of the city. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all the posts and I feel better informed and eager to experience Lisboa.
Thanks again!
My husband and I will be in lisboa for about 5 days during the second week of march, him for business and me for pleasure, and I would like to say "THANK YOU!!!" I had purchased the DK Eyewitness tourguide, bought a map and read different tourist websites, but this thread has been the most helpful. I feel like I'm being taken around the city by a friend who points out not only the standard tourist attractions found in guide books, but more importantly, all the things about Lisboa that one falls in love with as a resident of the city. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading all the posts and I feel better informed and eager to experience Lisboa.
Thanks again!
Feb 27th, 2006, 11:02 AM
#225
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hiboston. If you do not enjoy yourself, I will be very surprised. The people are warm, friendly and very helpful.
The food is a little unusual, but be open. Everyone loves pastries. And if worse comes to worse, you can live on them for five days. How bad can that be?
Please write a trip report when you come back.
Sher
The food is a little unusual, but be open. Everyone loves pastries. And if worse comes to worse, you can live on them for five days. How bad can that be?
Please write a trip report when you come back.
Sher
Feb 27th, 2006, 12:19 PM
#226
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i'm not too concerned about the food, since i'm very open to most types of food. just not brain. =) i will definitely write a report upon my return, maybe even while i'm there, kind of like a travel journal. i'm staying a bit outside of the main city, a little to the north at the marriott (due to husband's work), but i did notice that the metro is not far and i plan on utilizing the metro quite often. oh, and i'll be sure to stop in at a local market to check out the different types of food they sell.
Feb 27th, 2006, 12:56 PM
#227
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I am pretty sure that Marriott has a shuttle that takes you to and from the airport.
I have heard that it is a very nice hotel but a little outside the normal tourist areas. I cannot remember if I read about bus service.
Check out www.tripadvisor.com.
Have a wonderful time.
I have heard that it is a very nice hotel but a little outside the normal tourist areas. I cannot remember if I read about bus service.
Check out www.tripadvisor.com.
Have a wonderful time.
Feb 27th, 2006, 07:28 PM
#228
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hj, your words have shown that you are a lovely person. Don't be affraid with food and don't spend a week eating pastries as suggested
If anything else fails you have always "SOS food". It is something called bitoque (sounds like "bee tok". It consists of a small steak (pork or beef, grilled or fried) with liberty fries , 1 egg and a small portion of salad. Very international. The good thing is that the same dish, with the same name and the same composition may be found everywhere. Besides SOS food, I'm sure you will find your way to eat real food. I'll give you in the next few days, some examples of real food, that doesn't include brain Don't be affraid because brains are not part of the Portuguese ordinary diet. I even think it was banned sincer the mad cows crisis.
Marriott is a bit far from Metro Stations. I think that the way from one of the 2 Metro stations I am thinking to the hotel is not very charming, mainly after dark and for a lady alone. I'd catch a taxi, they are not very expensive and they leave you just before hotel front doors.
Tomorrow I'll post some more notes because I can only keep one eye opened at a time (it's 4.20 am). Tomorrow it's Carnival Tuesday. Within 40 days it will be Easter.
If anything else fails you have always "SOS food". It is something called bitoque (sounds like "bee tok"
. It consists of a small steak (pork or beef, grilled or fried) with liberty fries , 1 egg and a small portion of salad. Very international. The good thing is that the same dish, with the same name and the same composition may be found everywhere. Besides SOS food, I'm sure you will find your way to eat real food. I'll give you in the next few days, some examples of real food, that doesn't include brain Don't be affraid because brains are not part of the Portuguese ordinary diet. I even think it was banned sincer the mad cows crisis. Marriott is a bit far from Metro Stations. I think that the way from one of the 2 Metro stations I am thinking to the hotel is not very charming, mainly after dark and for a lady alone. I'd catch a taxi, they are not very expensive and they leave you just before hotel front doors.
Tomorrow I'll post some more notes because I can only keep one eye opened at a time (it's 4.20 am). Tomorrow it's Carnival Tuesday. Within 40 days it will be Easter.
Feb 28th, 2006, 07:08 AM
#229
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I have another question.
We will spend two days in the Sierra de Estrela region possibly around Belmonte or maybe Linhares is better.
How can I find out about wineries that I may visit here.
lobo_mau. I think eating pastries everyday is perfectly acceptable. It was really only a small joke suggestion.
We will spend two days in the Sierra de Estrela region possibly around Belmonte or maybe Linhares is better.
How can I find out about wineries that I may visit here.
lobo_mau. I think eating pastries everyday is perfectly acceptable. It was really only a small joke suggestion.
Feb 28th, 2006, 07:50 AM
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Lobo,
I would be up for a cup of coffee or a drink. I will have my two brothers and our wives with us, as well as our parents. One brother plays some Mandolin and would like to find somewhere local to hear some fados. Unfortunatly, we will miss the Saint Anthony’s day celebration. We will be there from June 3 – 10th. Then we are going to Madrid, then Malaga. Send me your email and we will set something up. Abregado.
David
I would be up for a cup of coffee or a drink. I will have my two brothers and our wives with us, as well as our parents. One brother plays some Mandolin and would like to find somewhere local to hear some fados. Unfortunatly, we will miss the Saint Anthony’s day celebration. We will be there from June 3 – 10th. Then we are going to Madrid, then Malaga. Send me your email and we will set something up. Abregado.
David
Feb 28th, 2006, 01:11 PM
#231
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A few clarifications: the low end restaurant in Campo de Ourique I very much is recommend is not "solar dos passarinhos" but "casa dos passarinhos" (tel: 213 882 346).
Pastelaria "o melhor bolo de chocolate do mundo" (for chocolate cake lovers)is in Campo de Ourique as well, and opened 10 am - 7:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. They sell whole cakes only with order as I painfuly found yesterday.
The site http://www.pai.pt has a map with the location and telephone number of anything business related (restaurants, pastelarias, hotels and so on). Just write the name in the box and... voilá! Usualy the "x" marks the spot, but in this situation it's the circle.
David, I like Parreirinha de Alfama, I don't know if it's the best, but Ilike it. It must be reserved in advance because the place is tiny and a group of 8 almost fills it. I think you should come to Lisbon for a fado experience, because in Sintra I don't think you can find anything interesting. Sintra to Lisbon, outside the rush hours is about 20 to 30 minutes. Your brother will appreciate "guitarradas". It's a performance of guitar players, without any voice of lyrics, just plain music. Parreirinha players usualy do that at least once a night. I am not ready to join you at the anniversary dinner, but I'm ready to join you during the fado show, if you like. Please understand that talking, even in low voice, is strictly forbiden during singers performance. If you fail this, singers will let you know. You should't smoke as well. Compulsive smokers may always come outside for a cigarette.
Sher, don't be sensitive. I appreciate always your posts.
Next time I'll show up in Fodors, I'll divide the Portuguese food in 3 categories: "safe food", "more or less food" and "disgusting food", with the names in Portuguese for each one. Needless to say that the last group is my very favourite
A note for everybody: I recommend the European style of eating: fork in the left hand and knife in the right. Its not that difficult. Practice a bit as a home work. If you don't do this you'll miss the fun of some dishes as grilled fish and similar that require the usage of both hands.
Pastelaria "o melhor bolo de chocolate do mundo" (for chocolate cake lovers)is in Campo de Ourique as well, and opened 10 am - 7:30 pm, Monday to Saturday. They sell whole cakes only with order as I painfuly found yesterday.
The site http://www.pai.pt has a map with the location and telephone number of anything business related (restaurants, pastelarias, hotels and so on). Just write the name in the box and... voilá! Usualy the "x" marks the spot, but in this situation it's the circle.
David, I like Parreirinha de Alfama, I don't know if it's the best, but Ilike it. It must be reserved in advance because the place is tiny and a group of 8 almost fills it. I think you should come to Lisbon for a fado experience, because in Sintra I don't think you can find anything interesting. Sintra to Lisbon, outside the rush hours is about 20 to 30 minutes. Your brother will appreciate "guitarradas". It's a performance of guitar players, without any voice of lyrics, just plain music. Parreirinha players usualy do that at least once a night. I am not ready to join you at the anniversary dinner, but I'm ready to join you during the fado show, if you like. Please understand that talking, even in low voice, is strictly forbiden during singers performance. If you fail this, singers will let you know. You should't smoke as well. Compulsive smokers may always come outside for a cigarette.
Sher, don't be sensitive. I appreciate always your posts.
Next time I'll show up in Fodors, I'll divide the Portuguese food in 3 categories: "safe food", "more or less food" and "disgusting food", with the names in Portuguese for each one. Needless to say that the last group is my very favourite
A note for everybody: I recommend the European style of eating: fork in the left hand and knife in the right. Its not that difficult. Practice a bit as a home work. If you don't do this you'll miss the fun of some dishes as grilled fish and similar that require the usage of both hands.
Mar 1st, 2006, 02:11 AM
#232
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David,
Talking of Fado, here are some links to places where you can take in a performance:
www.asevera.com
www.adegamesquita.com
www.casadelinhares.com
www.cafeluso.pt
www.clube-de-fado.com
www.restsrvinho.com
www.tavernadelrey.com
www.timpanas.pt
www.velhopateosantana.com
Lobo, don't know if you know any of these - I can't personally comment on how good/bad they might be.
Matt
Talking of Fado, here are some links to places where you can take in a performance:
www.asevera.com
www.adegamesquita.com
www.casadelinhares.com
www.cafeluso.pt
www.clube-de-fado.com
www.restsrvinho.com
www.tavernadelrey.com
www.timpanas.pt
www.velhopateosantana.com
Lobo, don't know if you know any of these - I can't personally comment on how good/bad they might be.
Matt
Mar 1st, 2006, 02:22 AM
#233
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Buying handicrafts and souvenirs:
Here are a few places worth checking out in Lisbon for things to take back...
"Artesanato Regional Português"
Praça dos Restauradores, 64.
(Hand made regional products)
"Linha Bordado"
Rua Cidade da Horta, 36a
(Hand made products inc embroidary, rugs and blankets)
"Santos Ofícios"
Rua da Madalena, 87
(Hand made products from Portugal)
"Bazar Mumi"
Largo de Santo Antonio de Se, 6,8 (Next to the cathedral)
(Hand made/painted tiles and ceramics)
"Loja da Descobrimentos"
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 12-a (Next to Casa dos Bicos)
(Regional Portuguese Products)
"Artesanato do Tejo"
Lisbon Welcome Centre, Rua do Arsenal, 25
(Lisbon and Tagus area handicrafts)
"Mateus Shop"
Rua Castilho, 61-b
Handicrafts from across Portugal.
So they should occupy a few minutes of your time and a few euros from your wallet!
Lobo, how are you doing sir? Dinner? Thursday? Friday?
Matt
Here are a few places worth checking out in Lisbon for things to take back...
"Artesanato Regional Português"
Praça dos Restauradores, 64.
(Hand made regional products)
"Linha Bordado"
Rua Cidade da Horta, 36a
(Hand made products inc embroidary, rugs and blankets)
"Santos Ofícios"
Rua da Madalena, 87
(Hand made products from Portugal)
"Bazar Mumi"
Largo de Santo Antonio de Se, 6,8 (Next to the cathedral)
(Hand made/painted tiles and ceramics)
"Loja da Descobrimentos"
Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 12-a (Next to Casa dos Bicos)
(Regional Portuguese Products)
"Artesanato do Tejo"
Lisbon Welcome Centre, Rua do Arsenal, 25
(Lisbon and Tagus area handicrafts)
"Mateus Shop"
Rua Castilho, 61-b
Handicrafts from across Portugal.
So they should occupy a few minutes of your time and a few euros from your wallet!
Lobo, how are you doing sir? Dinner? Thursday? Friday?
Matt
Mar 1st, 2006, 02:53 AM
#235
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Seetheworld,
Sorry I haven't had chance to reply re your vegetarian Q - the PC is still on the blink and I have limited time on the laptop when my wife isn't using it.
I'm sorry to say that the choice is limited - in most restaurants there will the offer of an omelette, or salad. In general being vegetarian isn't catered for and in the smaller villages where tourism hasnt made a mark you will receive some odd looks if you say you don't eat meat. In fact even when we go out to have family meals my wife is served fish or chicken because they aren't considered meat! Seriously. If he eats seafood he will be okay, if not seafood nor poultry his restaurant dining experiences will be disappointing. In Lisbon there are a couple of vegatarian sit down places but they are over priced for what the food is - no competition. Snack wise most coffee shops will sell savoury things o cheese sandwiches etc.
Lobo, do you know any vegetarian restaurants...;-)
Matt
Sorry I haven't had chance to reply re your vegetarian Q - the PC is still on the blink and I have limited time on the laptop when my wife isn't using it.
I'm sorry to say that the choice is limited - in most restaurants there will the offer of an omelette, or salad. In general being vegetarian isn't catered for and in the smaller villages where tourism hasnt made a mark you will receive some odd looks if you say you don't eat meat. In fact even when we go out to have family meals my wife is served fish or chicken because they aren't considered meat! Seriously. If he eats seafood he will be okay, if not seafood nor poultry his restaurant dining experiences will be disappointing. In Lisbon there are a couple of vegatarian sit down places but they are over priced for what the food is - no competition. Snack wise most coffee shops will sell savoury things o cheese sandwiches etc.
Lobo, do you know any vegetarian restaurants...;-)
Matt
Mar 1st, 2006, 06:34 AM
#237
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Lobo,
Thanks so much for the encouragement and all the information. I must have spent couple hours last night researching and studying all the info. regarding Lisbon. I also practiced my pronunciation so that I can get by without much embarassment. =) I read in an earlier post that you admire Ataturk greatly and was pleased to be reminded of my trip to Istanbul nearly four years ago. It brought back fond memories, the grand palaces, the fresh seafood restaurants, the friendly and beautiful people and of course, the nightly parties at city squares after Turkey would win a match in the World Cup.
Matt, thank you for posting the addresses of many stores selling regional Portuguese products. My mother in law was in Lisbon about 5 years ago and was extremely impressed by the handmade lace work. I'll be sure to stop in on several of the stores.
It is -2.7C here in Boston and with the windchill factor, it feels like
-8.3C. I can honestly say that I am looking forward to my trip!
Thanks so much for the encouragement and all the information. I must have spent couple hours last night researching and studying all the info. regarding Lisbon. I also practiced my pronunciation so that I can get by without much embarassment. =) I read in an earlier post that you admire Ataturk greatly and was pleased to be reminded of my trip to Istanbul nearly four years ago. It brought back fond memories, the grand palaces, the fresh seafood restaurants, the friendly and beautiful people and of course, the nightly parties at city squares after Turkey would win a match in the World Cup.
Matt, thank you for posting the addresses of many stores selling regional Portuguese products. My mother in law was in Lisbon about 5 years ago and was extremely impressed by the handmade lace work. I'll be sure to stop in on several of the stores.
It is -2.7C here in Boston and with the windchill factor, it feels like
-8.3C. I can honestly say that I am looking forward to my trip!
Mar 1st, 2006, 07:37 AM
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Thanks Matt. I am looking forward to the Fado but not to my brother trying to play along. You and lobo should open a travel agency. I manage one in Manhattan. The information you provide is invaluable.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Mar 1st, 2006, 08:42 AM
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David, my wife and i come over to NYC every couple of years, we were there last Sept and always use The Broadway Inn. We catch a show, a yankees game, visit friends in Brooklyn, a Jazz club (and search out many old Blue Note records to bring home) spend an afternoon browsing through the Strand Bookshop and this time saw the NY Philharmonic with Maazel - Mahler's 1st and Chopins piano concerto Nº1 with Lang Lang behind the Steinway. We love Manhattan, so next time we come over we'll have to hook up and have dinner. You know the best Pizza I've ever had was in the downstairs foodcourt of Grand Central!
We'll probably be over later this year again...
Anyway, hope to see you soon in Lisbon with Lobo,
Matt
We'll probably be over later this year again...
Anyway, hope to see you soon in Lisbon with Lobo,
Matt
Mar 1st, 2006, 09:08 AM
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Matt, sounds good to me. The pizza you probably had was from Two Boots, but we don't want to turn this into a NYC thread. It’s pretty great though. I like the Newman. My wife, who likes the slice with the crawfish, and I were just there. I know of some great Italian food so be sure to let me know when your coming to NYC. I hope we can hook up in June with you and Lobo in June for some fine wine. I want to go to the restaurant across from the first movie theater.
David
David
