Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Nuts in Lisbon (my hometown)

I am what in Portugal  we call, an “Alfacinha” Aka little lettuce for you nuts. This means I was born and raised in Lisbon. Never really understood this nickname though…

In my opinion Lisbon, is probably the most fascinating, exciting and satisfying of all the cities of Europe! With blue skies all year and a mild winter, this destination offers fabulous shopping opportunities, an amazing nightlife, breathtaking panoramas of the city and the river and a picturesque environment where old tram will carry you through the narrow alleys taking you up to the excellent new hotels in the broad avenues, the ancient practice merges with the sophistication of the XXI century…


A must list for you Nuts while visiting Lisbon:
  1. Snap a picture by Belém Tower
  2. Take a daytrip to Sintra
  3. Enjoy the night in Bairro Alto
  4. Scale the walls of S.Jorge’s Castle
  5. Find your favorite Site Seeing (Miradouro)
  6. Have a custard tart at Antiga Confeitaria at Belém
  7. Ride a tram through the old quarters.
  8. Take a break with a bica (strong black coffee) at a coffeshop in Chiado
  9. Spend an evening at a Fado House
  10. Walk along the Parque das Nações waterfront.
     
What is the best season to visit Lisbon?
Spring is the ideal season to visit the monuments and gardens in bloom, since the temperatures are always nice for a stroll. Summer is the season of beach par excellence and the best time of year to experience the wonderful beaches of Lisbon's coast.



What about the food?
Well, grilled sardine is the queen during the summer and the Popular Saints celebrations ... It is impossible not to smell the neighborhoods of Alfama, Bairro Alto and many other locations in June, when the Popular Saints invade the city streets with their flags and colorful balloons.


The restaurants and taverns offer quite a variety of snacks and appetizers such as Rissóis de Camarão (patties with shrimps), croquettes with meat or caracois (snails).
Also famous for its wines, the Portuguese tend to choose this drink to accompany meals.
(Please make sure you taste Portuguese seafood along with a fresh glass of green wine).

The Lisboetas are also big consumers of coffee served in small cups - commonly called the “Bica” - which is available all day on all types of coffees.

Make sure you do not miss the chance to sample the world-famous crayons in Belém, whose factory is located in the beautiful area of Belém. Grab a box of half a dozen pies, garnished with cinnamon and powdered sugar, and give yourself a moment candy while strolling among the breathtaking monuments that this area focuses.

Tip: Taste this delicacy with a pint of beer… (Believe me is worth to try)

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