Alexandre Kühl Oliveira: Alexandre Kühl Oliveira has been working as a travel photojournalist for the last 9 years. With over 200 published articles on nacional and international magazines, he has covered places on Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. Lisbon is where he feels at home...

Lisbon Playing with the Cold and the Rain

Temperatures have been hitting as low as 5ºC during day time. While I imagine this is normal for many of you readers, for us it’s just something we’re not used to, and many times not even prepared. Still, it’s like a play between the sun and the rain that brings along colder or warmer days. Today we’re back to rainy days and it’s 10ºC up. There’s no doubt that the sunny days are happier and brighter that rainy ones. Yesterday morning, while it was 5ºC and sunny,...

December 21st, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Review: Bairro Alto Hotel

The first contemporary boutique Hotel in Lisbon is located in Bairro Alto (map), right in the heart of the old part of town. After an extensive renovation started in 2001, the old abandoned Europa Hotel turned into the new hip-chick place to stay in town. A bit of History The building where Bairro Alto Hotel stands today was erected in the 1770’s, following Marquês de Pombal Lisbon’s reconstruction plan. It was then known as Hotel de L’Europe and was one of the most highly regarded hotels...

December 18th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Best Gourmet Products to Buy in Lisbon

Portugal could well be qualified as a top gourmet destiny. There’s even a chance it is already so by some. We have so many exquisite delicacies that make that special gift, especially at this time of the year. Some products have already broken the frontiers… Others, who knows, may be waiting for you… Olive oil, cheeses, chorizos, wine, honey and jams, bread, canned products and sweets are just a few you may want to look for. All natural, without addictives and conservatives, using but the best...

December 14th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Christmas Sweets at a local Pastelaria

With Christmas, not only the decorations on the streets of Lisbon are a must see/do. Check a local pastelaria and try some of the nicest sweets they are serving now. Sometimes I wonder why they are not available all year long. One of my favourites is Fatia Dourada (Golden Slice) – a slice of fried bread with sugar and cinnamon. Unfortunately, although I keep asking for one all year long, most of the times (not to say always) I’m joked upon. Others that you should keep in mind are: - ...

December 9th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Two wheel taxi ride

Going around Lisbon by taxi is sometimes hard, time consuming and expensive. The traffic is as bad as any other big city, especially on rush hours. Even to get out of the city, you have to hit the right timing or you’re bound to sit for hours… Now, you can chose for a new service Lisbon is offering, the moto taxi. The first thing that may come into mind in the lack of comfort and cold or hot, depending on the season. May I remind you, though, that we have quite a mild climate and not a lot of...

December 6th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Congratulations to Tavares Restaurant for a Michelin Star

After being nominated for one of the 100 contemporary Chefs by ten of the best Chefs in the world, the young Portuguese José Avillez and his crew are now celebrating the Michelin Star Tavares Restaurant has just received. Tavares Restaurant Just about a month ago, 10 of the best chefs in the world made a selection of their own personal choice for 10 contemporary Chefs to keep in mind – Ferrán Adriá (from El Bulli, Cataluña), Mario Batali (Babbo Ristorante and Enoteca, New York), Shannon Bennett...

December 4th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Review: Alcântara Café – cool, stylish dinning in Lisbon

The former 90’s top disco restaurant and bar in Lisbon is, after nearly 20 years, still one of the top references for fine dinning in a stylish and hip atmosphere. Back in the 80’s a printing factory was transformed into the most alive disco in the city, housing a stylish restaurant and bar with a direct entry into the disco. Today, after Alcântara Mar Disco being sold, the stylish Alcântara Café is still one of the most stylish options in the city. A unique Baroque-industrial look, with...

December 4th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

When music comes to Lisbon centre

If you like good music and festivals, this is without a doubt for you. Super Bock (local beer) and Stock 2009’s edition brings over 30 bands, national and international, and two days of party. The Legendary Tigerman, Oioai, Little Joy, Patrick Watson, Ebony Bones, Wave Machines, Voxtrot, Beach House and Kap Bambino are just a few of the bands you can see. Theatres, cinemas, cafés, parking lots and hotel terraces will host the concerts. Everything along the Avenida da Liberdade (map), right in...

December 3rd, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

A Guide to Christmas Shopping in Lisbon

Lisbon can be a paradise when it comes to shopping. Prices are low when compared to other countries. Streets are beautifully decorated at this time of the year. And stores are getting more and more interesting… Still, it can also mean a real nightmare of wondering around and bumping into the wrong corners of the city. Here’s a handy guide to help you on Christmas Shopping. The first thing you will want to decide is whether you want to go to Shopping Centres or along the city streets. There is...

November 27th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Run Through Lisbon Historic Center

Every December the streets of Lisbon come alive with athletes than run through it at the Lisbon Marathon. This year’s edition will be held at the 6th of December and departs from the city center (map). It will take the runners through the historic center, passing through Belém, next to Mosteiros dos Jerónimos, to return to the starting point. The marathon distance is not for the weaked heart. If the 42km discourage you, you can opt for the Half Marathon or even for the Mini Marathon 6km. This...

November 26th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Review: Tasty Spicy Food at Sukhothai, Bairro Alto

With five years, I could hardly believe I had been missing this true Thai restaurant. Sukhothai stands right in the heart of Bairro Alto (map), Lisbon’s night scene centre, I had obviously passed through its doors many times. Just had not been drawn inside. And the reason is simple. It’s another small good looking restaurant, as many others in the area. Once I got in, it’s the simplicity what I most liked. And the service. And the food. The products are fresh and the Thai chef has his seasoning...

November 24th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Cascais Jazz is back in December

After 21 years, the first Jazz festival started by Luís Villas-Boas (also the idealist of Hot Club), is back to Cascais. In 1970, this festivals first edition received for the first time in Lisbon Miles Davis Septet. From then on, some of the best jazz players were brought to the stages by Cascais Jazz. Names like Ornette Coleman, Dexter Gordon, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie took part on the line ups. Next 4th to 6th of December we will be able to hear Cascais Jazz again at the Auditório...

November 22nd, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Brand New Golf Courses in the Five Stars Penha Longa Hotel, Spa and Golf Course

Penha Longa Hotel, Spa and Golf Course, a luxurious resort set amongst the breathtaking scenery of Sintra (map), announced its two newly renovated golf courses. After a €2 million investment program, the 27 holes are divided by the 18 hole, par 72 championship course Atlantico – ranked in the top 30 Courses in Continental Europe – and the 9 hole, par 35 Monastery course. With splendid views over the ocean and the villages of Cascais and Estoril on one side, and the mountains on the...

November 21st, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Three World Travel Awards for Lisbon

The 16th World Travel Awards, once more “acknowledging, rewarding and celebrating excellence across all sectors of the global travel and tourist industry” has granted Lisbon with three awards that really sets a high standard – Europe’s Leading City Break Destination, Europe´s Leading Cruise Destination and Europe’s Leading Destination. Voted by travel agents worldwide, there is no doubt that the city that was once asleep is now wide awake. Excellent museums and art galleries, design...

November 19th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Lisbon Hotels Among the Worlds Most Affordable

Hotels.com, a dedicated hotel website, states that Lisbon ranks the 16th most affordable city in the world to sleep in and Europes 6th most affordable. According to its Hotel Price Index, you can now expect to pay an average of €86 for a room instead of last years €102. Lisbon is certainly getting more and more interesting. At the same time, the quality of accommodation is rising fast. From design hostels to trendy-chic hotels, from pensões to turismos rurais. And if sleeping is getting...

November 17th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

REVIEW: Stuffed for Lunch on Delicious Brazilian Food at Tempero de Minas

Right in the centre of Lisbons business quarter, just by Saldanha (map), I found a great place to try traditional Brazilian food. Tempero de Minas proudly announces his food from the state of Minas Gerais. But adds some other great options too. As I got in I was amazed by the great buffet they were serving. A long way from the common rodizios other Brazilian restaurants hand out, mainly (excellent) all you can eat grilled meat and sausages. The variety of dishes is uncommon, with over 30 choices...

November 12th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

List of Lisbon’s Top Restaurants

A local magazine asked a few of the best Portuguese chefs their personal favourites when it comes to eating and drinking. The final result, as to Lisbon, is a premium selection of 43 of the finest restaurants. Fausto Airoldi (from Spot São Luís and Casino de Lisboa Restaurants), José Avillez (chef of the exquisite Tavares Rico), Marco Gomes (head of Portos Foz Velha Restaurant) and Vitor Sobral (from Tasca da Esquina) were asked each one to elect 25 of the best restaurants in Portugal, the ones...

November 11th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

S. Martinho is Offering Roasted Chestnuts

The 11th of November we celebrate Saint Martin’s day with the fist chestnuts and young wine. We gather around a table or a fire place outside telling stories, eating roasted chestnuts and drinking jeropiga, the first wine of the year. This is our Magusto, a popular festivity. Legend says that a knight, on the cold days of November, helped a poor man giving him half of his coat. Just after that, the sun started to shine as if it was a latte summer day. Today we still expect what we call St. Martins...

November 9th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

Choose your Wine at FIL market in Lisbon

The biggest wine tasting in Portugal is back, from the 13th until the 15th November. “Encontro com o Vinho e Sabores” (Encounter with wine and flavours) offers the general public the chance to taste over 1500 of the best wines made in the country. Over all, there will be over 200 producers you can talk to before choosing your bottles to take home with you. You will also be able to choose some excellent cheeses, olive oil, chourizos and many other Portuguese delicacies. For only €10...

November 5th, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More

REVIEW: Fresh Grilled Fish by the Sea at Furnas

While visiting Ericeira, just about a 45 minutes drive form Lisbon, I took the opportunity to check one of the best restaurants in the area. Esplanada Furnas is reputably known for its fresh grilled fish and its terrace overlooking the rough sea around the village. But they also serve great seafood. And meat for all of you who don’t like fish. Their clients come from all around Portugal to eat at one of the finest fish-grilled restaurant you may find all over the country. As I walked in, a whole...

November 1st, 2009 | Lisbon | Read More