Located in one of the outstanding and incredible districts of Lisbon named Alfama the church of Santa Engracia, more known as the National Pantheon, is a 17th century monument, where important and famous Portuguese personalities, among them writer Almeida Garrett and Amalia Rodrigues (the famous Fado diva) are buried. Several Portuguese presidents and political figures are buried there too. Manuel de Arriaga (President of the First Portuguese Republic), Teófilo Braga (Portuguese writer), Sidónio Pais (4th President of Portugal), Óscar Carmona (11th President of Portugal), Guerra Junqueiro (Portuguese poet and writer), Aquilino Ribeiro (Portuguese writer and diplomat) and many other popular figures rest in peace right in this Pantheon.

There are also cenotaphs to Luís de Camões (Portugal’s and the Portuguese language’s greatest poet), Pedro Álvares Cabral (Portuguese noble, military commander, navigator and explorer), Afonso de Albuquerque (Portuguese nobleman and admiral), Nuno Álvares Pereira (Portuguese general), Vasco da Gama (Portuguese explorer) and Henry the Navigator (Portuguese royal prince). The first tombs were transferred to the church from the Jeronimos monastery.

The design of the church represents Portuguese Baroque. The interior is very light and colorful embellished with different types of marble. The main facade includes four huge Tuscan columns, which stand like the protectors of this wonder. The harmonious interior of the church is dominated by the curved spaces of the central crossing and naves. The floor and walls are decorated with baroque, polychrome patterns of marble. The magnificent 18th-century baroque organ was brought from Lisbon Cathedral.

The National Pantheon is a great way of getting acquainted with the Portuguese history and learning about the renowned public figures of this nation. You won’t face any transport related issues as the National Pantheon is in Alfama, while there the public transport works very well.

Photos credits to 1,2,3

The museum was inaugurated in June 25, 2007. It houses approximately 860 works by major authors of the cultural world of the twentieth century (particularly American and European artists) and a few works from the twenty-first century as well.

The museum is packed with iconic works from coffee-table books and glossy art-history bibles. You will enjoy works by Picasso, Duchamp, Piet Mondrian, Francis Bacon, Richard Serra, Nam June Paik, Nan Goldin and others. The large part of this museum features Portuguese Modern Art works, so you have an interesting opportunity to learn the lifestyle of the country through the hands of its famous artists. The museum most popular, therefore it can easily be included among such renowned museums as Tate Modern Museum in London and Center Pompidou in Paris. Note that Berardo Museum is the first in its kind in Portugal.

The creativity and the limitless imagination of the artists will take you to a world where everything is possible. You will come across things that will seem totally impossible or unbelievable, sometimes you will start arguing about them, but one thing is for sure — you will admire them to the full. The dominating directions are surrealism, pop art, hyperrealism, minimalism and conceptual art. Just the variety of styles gathered in one place is already astonishing. The Berardo collection presents a period of about 100 years beginning in 1909 with a cubist painting by Pablo Picasso, Tete de Femme.

The tickets are free. The opening days and hours are from Sunday to Friday from 10 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

Boasting of one of the richest collections of musical instruments in Europe from the 16th to the 20th centuries Music Museum was opened in 1994. We must be thankful to Angelo Lambertini because due to this music lover instruments were collected here, and some just come from the ancient collections of Monteiro de Carvalho and Alfredo Keil.

There are over 1000 musical instruments detached here: the Boisselot & Fils piano brought by Franz Liszt from France in 1845, the Marcel Auguste Raoux trumpet made for the 1st Count of Farrobo, the French harpsichord by Pascal Taskin built by the order of  King Louis XVI, the cello by famous Antonio Stradivari belonging to King Louis, portable violins used by various dance teachers, a flute made of silver and glass and more.

The museum organizes different concerts and shows. Other than that, it arranges conferences and exhibitions and offers its visitors a documentation center and a shop.

Don’t expect to see only musical instruments here. You will also have a great opportunity to admire the vast collection of photographs, paintings, amazing sculptural works, ceramics and drawings that will shock you with their beauty and old breath. A sound archive as well is available for the visitors.

Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10.00am to 6.00pm. It’s closed on Sunday, Monday and on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25.

You will hardly find a person who doesn’t love music because this phenomenon is an inspiration, a friend of sad and happy days helping us overcome hurdles and burdens of life. So if you wish to appear in the true and real world of music, visit the Music Museum in Lisbon.

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Vasco da Gama center is located in the Parque das Nacoes, which is not far from the Gare do Oriente station. The distance is very short, hereby I advise you to walk to the mall. It’s takes only 10 minutes to get there from the city center and only 5 minutes from the Lisbon National Airport. Car parking space is prepared for 2700 cars, so no need to worry about it. The center itself resembles a small town with various supermarkets, cinemas and an underground parking lot. If you are planning to spend an hour or two there, I should tell you it’s simply impossible because once you enter you are destined to spend your entire day there. For my part, I suggest that you not miss anything; starting from shopping to eating. There are fast food small centers where you can buy cheap food and it will definitely satisfy you, but if you prefer home food and can afford spending money on expensive restaurants, don’t hesitate visiting the world-class restaurants on the top floor.

According to the latest data, the shopping center includes 164 shops, over 36 restaurants, 10 movie theaters, a health club and a playground. The center houses both Portuguese items and many designer labels. Note that the prices set in this center than the prices set in other cities of Europe.

The building of shopping center is very fashionable. The architect deserves to be awarded. The best time to visit this center is during holidays, because at that time you will find great many things even cheaper. If you are visiting the center with children, then you needn’t worry about “what to do with them.” The activities offered there are so many that at least one of them will surely attract your child and provide you with some time to spend on the purchases.

If you love popular designer clothing and perfume, here you are! One thing great about this center is, that you never get bored and you are always sure to find what you need. Do your shopping, have a rest in the cinema watching an interesting movie, take your kids to the supermarket and organize a family-friendly shopping for a week. Not in vain they say that shopping helps relax and feel relieved. In such a center you will relax at most.

The Vasco da Gama Shopping Center is open from 10am till midnight. Many of the locals say that visiting Lisbon without this shopping center is a big mistake. Trust them; they have been living in this garden city for many years!

Photos credits to 1,2,3

Setubal is a home awash with history dating back to before even the Roman Period. The town us said to be founded by one of Noah’s relatives. Due to its close relation with the sea in approximately the 1st century AD fish salting industry started there. Nowadays Setubal is at the heart of the Portuguese sardine industry and is very famous for its sweet and subtle wine. The city enjoys the surroundings of pedestrian streets, fountains and gardens.

Setubal is nestled in the mouth of the Sado River on the coast just below Lisbon and opposite the amazing peninsula of Troia. An ancient Roman town once known as a very popular fishing center, called Cetobriga lies there buried under the sands. In Setubal there is a tiny and beautiful Church of Jesus dating back to the 15th century and embellished with stonework in the typical rope style of the Manueline era. Local pink marble called Arrabida was used to make its columns. The monastery houses the most impressive collection of the 16th century paintings and religious artefacts dedicated to one of Portugal’s most important and well-known poets Bocage whose origins are from Setubal.

The awe-inspiring city also boasts of its overlooking chapel, Fort of Sao Felipe situated right on the hill of Setubal. Spanish King Felipe II built this astonishing, star-shaped chapel to defend the town in the 16th century when he annexed his neighboring Portugal. Today this castle is one of the most attractive and luxurious parts of Portugal and is renowned with its antique furniture and breathtaking scenery of the bay.

Setubal is an active city with many outdoor activities taking place. Just look at the river on a weekend day and you’ll see the number of fishermen, people canoeing, sailing, or practicing windsurf. Several sports like cycling or mountain climbing are also very popular, or you can simply take a walk on one of the several beautiful public gardens. As you see, everything is provided. Just take a photo-camera for best shoots in the most artistic getaway of Portugal, historical Setubal.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

The “Belém Tower”, situated in the district of “Santa Maria de Belém”, is a restored defence tower dating back to the “Age of Discoveries”. In addition, the “Jerónimos Monastery” is a beautiful monastery and a brilliant example of the “Manueline-style architecture” in Lisbon. Both of these sites are protected by the “UNCESO”, which puts them at the top of your “to see list” when visiting Lisbon. Having great weather and climate all year round, makes this a fantastic holiday destination – especially if you want to soak up some sun and feel the heat. There is a vast array of accommodation available for your stay in Lisbon.A holiday apartment offered by Wimdu can be a great way of staying in this city, particularly if you want to really experience the culture.

Head down to the “Bairro Alto” area, where you can find many shops to find great souvenirs to buy friends and family. There are a huge amount of restaurants to choose from, to spend your evenings sipping delicious cocktails, wine and beer. This place is known to have great nightlife, so if this aspect of a trip is important to you – make sure you don’t miss this place. The “Baixa” area is known as Lisbon’s city centre and has been excellently reconstructed after the earthquake that happened in Lisbon in 1755. However, if shopping is a priority for you, then head over to the “Chiado” neighbourhood. Here you can find modern and old places to shop! Stop by the “Café A Brasileira” to have a freshly brewed coffee and a homemade Portuguese delicacy. This cafe is one of the oldest and most famous cafes in the old part of Lisbon, so if you are looking for somewhere to take a break this is the perfect place!

Resto do Chapito

This modern and deluxe restaurant is where you can try International Cuisine dishes. You might even find dishes representing your national cuisine, so don’t you want to check out how they cook your national foods? The average price of a three-course meal at Resto do Chapito restaurant is 18 Euros. Аs you see it will not cost you an arm and a leg.

The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is so warm that you will never think of leaving it. The restaurant offers a most incredible and marvelous scenery of Lisbon, which you can enjoy from its terrace and candlelit tables. The menu is limited but very tasty. Everything is prepared  with love by a professional and skilled cook. After dinner you can join an audience of artists and bohemian students for live music, a theater performance and show,or just have a cup of drink at the downstairs bar. Opening hours are from Tuesday to Friday 7:30pm to 2:00am, from Saturday to Sunday 10:00am to 2:00am.

Via Graca

Via Graca is a world-class restaurant with its high quality service and amazing accommodation options. And this restaurant offers its visitors traditional delicious Portuguese cuisine. It’s a little bit more expensive than Chapito and the average price of a three-course meal will cost here 25 Euros but if you visit it you will understand the choice is the best you could ever imagine.

You can enjoy The Castle, the Hills and famous River Tagus with its fascinating bridges, so the scenery is something you can’t just miss. If you are looking for sunset, you don’t have to do anything, just stay here till evening and enjoy the awe-inspiring sunset in your life and enjoy your dinner with subtle wine. The atmosphere is very welcoming and family-friendly. Desserts and wines are countless here, so don’t hesitate tasting them too. Opening hours are from 12:30pm to 3:00pm and from 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Unfortunately it doesn’t work during Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes.

Enjoy your trip to Lisbon!

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

This deluxe venue is a five star hotel situated in Amoreiras the heart of the city. It includes 263 rooms and 20 meeting rooms comfortable for organizing conferences, meetings and banquets. It’s only 7 km away from Lisbon International Airport and enjoys all the incredible attractions of Lisbon. The location is very comfortable to access Lisbon’s superb transport system, tram or underground.

Modern architecture combined with modern decorations makes it an alluring place to stay and just enjoy. It gives an ideal opportunity to admire the glaring scenery of Tagus River with its marvelous bridges, the castle of Sao Jorge and its skyline.

The rooms are embellished with classical decorations and items in a very fashionable style offering the best of Dom Pedro’s hospitality and high-class service. It has also Classic Room that is a practical, nice place with king-sized design. It includes an extra bed, which can be easily added to accommodate up to three guests. You will find here everything you need — from mini-bar, satellite television and direct-dial telephone to radio and bathroom with a hair-dryer and many more. The Hotel also has the Tower Room specifically designed to accommodate guests traveling to Lisbon on business purposes. Furnished with a comfortable king-sized bed and work desk, guests have access to modern office facilities including high-speed Internet access and a fax machine. Executive guests also enjoy complimentary access to the VIP Lounge and Spa.

The facilities of the Dom Pedro Palace are countless and include everything that a hotel needs to be called a five star one. It has anti-stress Massage center, which includes various types of massages to choose from, relaxing, revitalizing and so on, a fitness room with perfect equipment and also a business center with telephone, fax, scanner, and more. You will get a chance to use Internet room in the lobby, VIP lounge and all meeting rooms.

This hotel is a modern and fashionable miracle, where everything is prepared just for you. Make sure you book in advance! The atmosphere is very family-friendly and warm, so you will never think you are in a foreign country among foreign people; the staff is always smiling to you trying to do their best to make your visit amazing and give you memories to cherish forever.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4

 Sand and sea views

With the gorgeous Algarve and Alentejo coastlines, the south is often thought of as Portugal’s best beach destination. But while the white sand, nearby lagoons and calm turquoise waters are amazing, there’s also some excellent shoreline to be found in the north. Known as the ‘green coast’, the northern Minho region is home to some wild beaches that are a paradise for surfers and windsurfers, but it has to be said that the beautiful beaches of the south are often cleaner and better taken care of than those near cities on the northern coast.

 Cityscapes and culture

With towns and villages spread out across the countryside and plenty of winding roads between them, Portugal’s north may not seem to be the best place to enjoy city life at first glance. However, the colourful houses of Porto and the quaint cobbled streets of Lisbon are a pleasure to walk amongst, and these northern cities preserve their history and traditions in a variety of cultural sites. In contrast, the south is far more geared towards comfort and convenience, you’ll find it easier to find a café that will let you sit outside and serve you an early breakfast.

 Food and drink

If you’re unsure about experimenting with new dishes, you’ll be better catered to in Portugal’s south, where you’ll find restaurants of all kinds and plenty of popular European menus on offer. More adventurous eaters who want to get a true taste of Portugal may prefer to venture north and experiment in the predominantly Portuguese cuisine there. Northern and central Portugal is also particularly well known for its wine, and you’ll find some specialty varieties at very low prices.

image source and additional good read

 History hunting

When you’re holidaying in the hope of soaking up a little of a country’s history, you’re more likely to find what you’re looking for in the north. Sadly, an earthquake hit Portugal in 1755, destroying much of the architecture of the Algarve and Lisbon. The north however, was largely untouched, meaning there are still some fascinating examples of time past to be seen, including castles from the 9th century.

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 Climate and shade

Whether you’re a beach bunny who loves the sun or an explorer who would prefer a cooler climate could impact on your choice. The north is typically cooler, making it an easy place to visit for those who wilt in the heat, while the south is hotter and beloved of heat seekers and sun worshippers could do well to book their flights to Faro in the Algarve.

Commerce square is also known as Palace Square. It’s considered one of the marvelous and fascinating squares of Lisbon and was once the main maritime entrance of the Portuguese capital. It took its name from a Palace located here for 400 years until the 1755 earthquake, which completely destroyed that beautiful masterpiece. The square houses a spectacular and very impressive 19th century triumphal arch leading to Rua Augusta, which is one of the top shopping areas in downtown Lisbon. This arch is embellished with various historical personalities like world-known Vasco da Gama and Marques do Pombal. This architectural wonder is a unique historical heritage coming from centuries, so that when you see it you will feel the breath of medieval times, which will take you back to old Lisbon. The area of the square has always played an important role in Portuguese history; for example King Carlos I was assassinated there in 1908 by Republicans who were also shot.

Nowadays Praca do Commerce Lisbon area has a commercial business street level in all the buildings surrounding it and the Lisbon’s Welcome Center is to be found in the northwest section. The oldest cafe and one of the most visited places of Lisbon named “Martinho da Arcada” is situated just on opposite side and once in Lisbon it’s worth being visited too because this was and is  the favorite place of many renowned Portuguese writers, politicians and artists. This outstanding place would welcome you with oil burning lamps two centuries ago, today it’s a modern and antic combination of history and when you enter there you will understand that even every wall has much to tell you about the great history of this country.

Here you will admire the fabulous beauty of different statues like King José I, King of Portugal during the earthquake in 1755. The dark bronze horse, depicted trampling on serpents, is often called “Black Horse Square” by the English. The locals do not particularly care about the horse… but about who is sitting on it! The government offices now housed in the buildings surrounding the square would move to a new location, restaurants with outdoor tables and a modern museum dedicated to the Age of Discovery would replace them.

This is the main square of Lisbon, so you should not miss it during your stay. We recommend that you don’t miss even a detail and explore every corner attentively because at every step you will get acquainted with Portugal’s historical heritage and cultural values.

Photos credits to 1,2,3,4