Advice regarding visiting Lisbon

[madbrian]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 9:47am

My wife and I have decided to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary next year with a trip to Lisbon in June. So, any recommendations about sightseeing, dining, theater, etc. would be greatly appreciated. We are staying at the Doubletree Hotel near Fontana Park, and we will probably take a day trip to Sintra. Thanks.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 10:09am

Go to Lenita Gentil's fado club and hear her sing!

Sintra is wonderful but there are many tourists. If you can, also take an overnight to Evora, it has a tiny Roman ruin and an adorable pousada (state-run luxury-ish hotel) that is truly magical.

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 5:20pm

Brian, I went to Portugal, with emphasis on Lisbon, over ten years ago. It was a combo trip with Spain and the majority of the trip was in Spain. I don't remember doing a lot of specific touristy things in Lisbon, other than going up to the Castle and visiting the Belem Tower, their famous landmark. I remember just walking around the city. We did go to Fatima, which is not that far from Lisbon. Depending on how religious you are, I found it fascinating, and I'm Jewish. There are also quite a bit of small fishing villages not far from Lisbon that I would recommend visiting for their charm. I don't remember the specific names (we visited two) but they are all probably about the same.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/18/14 at 6:25pm

I've been several times and love it (though I prefer Oporto, which is gorgeous and less crowded). Musts:

Chinese Pavilion (sort of a "beverage cafe" unlike your regular bar) - amazing drinks (the menu of drinks is MASSIVE) and the atmosphere is breakthtaking, be sure to walk around and visit the different rooms.
http://barpavilhaochines.blogspot.com/

Pasteis de Belem - Most famous pasteis de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) in the world. You can even pick up a 6-pack of tarts to go!
http://www.pasteisdebelem.pt/

National Coach Museum - Wow. Near Pasteis de Belem.
http://en.museudoscoches.pt/

Torre de Belem and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos - Same area.
http://www.torrebelem.pt/pt/index.php

The Santa Justa Lift, Sao Jorge Castle and a ride on the #28 tram are pretty much required.

As for Sintra, the town itself is charming. I was there in the late afternoon and it wasn't crowded at all. But the whole reason for the day trip is the Palacio de Pena. It's worth the trip. Trust me. A truly unique and beautiful experience.
http://www.parquesdesintra.pt/parques-jardins-e-monumentos/parque-e-palacio-nacional-da-pena/