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By Chris | October 4 2007
We asked Lisbon’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for the perfect day in Portugal’s capital
GENERAL MANAGER, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL – RITZ LISBOA
+351 213 811 400
guilherme.costa@fourseasons.com
Four Seasons Hotel – Ritz Lisboa, Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 88, 1099-039
“Begin your day in Lisbon with a fabulous breakfast in your room or suite, followed by a stroll through Alfama district, the historic part of the capital. Then take your pick from a private bullfight, a motorcyclesidecar tour, sailing, port wine dégustation, or an introduction to our national gastronomy. Why not enjoy a unique golf experience or ride the Portuguese waves on our amazing beaches!”
Cuisine: Portuguese
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca 88, 1099-039
Cuisine: Traditional
Travessa do Convento das Bernardas 12, Bairro da Madragoa- Santo 1200-638
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Rua do Teixeira 35, 1200-459
For: Luxury Candles
Rua do Loreto 53, 1200-241
For: Traditional ceramics
Rua do Alecrim, 95 – Chiado
For: Handmade hats
Praça Dom Pedro IV, 72-73 – Baixa
For: Luxury leather gloves
Rua do Carmo, 87-A. 1200-093
For: Traditional Portuguese products
Rua Anchieta, 11 – Chiado, 1200-023
HEAD CONCIERGE, PENHA LONGA HOTEL SPA & GOLF RESORT
+351 219 249 011
“Visit the historic quarter of Lisbon by tram. These narrow streets, tiled façades, and wrought-iron balconies – of medieval and Moorish origin – are best seen by tram (elétrico).
Stroll by the River Tagus and lunch at the Santa Amaro docks. Go shopping in the Baixa Pombalina – one of Lisbon’s busiest quarters. Explore historic Belém, linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery as the departure site of famous navigators sailing to the New World. Among Belém’s attractions are the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Torre de Belém Cultural Center and Rua Vieira Portuense. Try the delicious custard tarts – Pasteis de Belém – at the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. Listen to Fado, a form of music composed of four-line stanzas, based on a story of great passion and sung as a poem, accompanied by the 12-string Portuguese guitar and classical guitar. Fado first appeared in Portugal at the end of the eighteenth century, as a nostalgic style favored by sailors. Its name derives from the Latin word fatum, meaning ‘fate’ or ‘destiny‘.
Choose from a wide variety of restaurants located near the hotel, from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international fare.
Take a helicopter flight over the stunning Lisbon coast and Sintra mountains.
“Begin your day with a 9am breakfast on our breakfast terrace, followed by a tour of Sintra with one of our multilingual professional drivers in a deluxe Mercedes Sedan, visiting both the historic town of Sintra and the surrounding countryside.
“Sintra has been classfied as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the early 1900s, Estoril and Cascais were among the most fashionable resorts in Europe and rivalled Cannes and Biarritz as a refuge for deposed monarchs and aristocrats in exile who came here to enjoy the natural beauty of the region and its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The following sites are not to be missed: Palácio Nacional de Queluz, considered the Portuguese version of Versailles, on the outskirts of Lisbon; the Palácio Nacional da Pena, Sintra’s signature 19th century palace; the Palácio Nacional da Villa, a former royal palace; the Adega Regional de Colares, one of Portugal’s very special wine cellars and the Museu do Brinquedo (toy museum). While you are in Cascais, we recommend you visit the Museu dos Condes de Castro Guimarães, famous for its paintings and for Indo- Portuguese ceramics and archaeological pieces. We suggest stopping for lunch at the ocean view restaurant Porto Santa Maria, renowned for its selection of fine seafood.”
Cuisine: Central European
Hotel Tivoli Jardim, Rua Júlio César Machado 7, 1250-135
Cuisine: Traditional
Travessa do Convento das Bernardas 12, 1200
Cuisine: Contemporary Portuguese
Rua das Gáveas 69, Bairro Alto, 1200-206
“The best shopping area in Lisbon is Avenida da Liberdade and Chiado, where you can find all kinds of trendy shops and haute-couture brands.”
“Go on a day trip by boat along the Lisbon coast from the Nations Park to Cascais and Estoril. Experienced skippers will be delighted to show visitors the natural beauty of the ocean, sailing past dramatic cliffs and ancient fortresses.”
CHIEF CONCIERGE, PALACIO BELMONTE
+351 218 816 600
“Palácio Belmonte suggests tailor-made excursions and activities during your stay in Lisbon. Enjoy an organic breakfast with a view of the historic Alfama Quarter and the Tagus Bay, followed by a private tour to savor the unique architecture of old Lisbon.
“For lunch, dine on the very best grilled fish and seafood at Doca Peixe followed by a lazy afternoon, then enjoy a fabulous sunset view from a yacht on the Tejo River and dinner at the unique local tapas bars known as ‘Tascas’. Here you will experience authentic Portuguese hospitality with your own private Fado singer. Alternatively, simply wander through old Lisbon and soak up the beauty of the city and its astonishing views.” If you stay longer we can arrange for you to:
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Rua do Teixeira 35, 1200-459
Cuisine: International
Armazén 14, 1350-353
Cuisine: Seafood
Av Nossa Sra do Cabo 2845, 2750-374, Cascais
For: Traditional Portuguese products
Rua Anchieta 11, 1200-437