Lisbon
IGREJA DE SANTA ENGRACIA E PANTEAO NACIONAL (NATIONAL PANTHEON)
A Baroque marble church with pink and brown marble interiors, built over almost 300 years (1681 to 1966). Since the beginning of the 20th century, many rulers and national heroes have been buried there. Entry is free, but you can pay a small fee to climb 181 shallow steps to the inside of the great dome and onto the roof for a 360-degree view.
CASTELO DE SAO JORGE (ST. GEORGE’S CASTLE)
From the millennium-old battlements of this castle you have a bird's-eye view of the city in the company of roaming peacocks. Inside is a small archaeological museum and down the hill are a couple of terraces with perfect postcard views over Alfama, the city's medieval village-like neighborhood.
PARQUE DAS NACOES (PARK OF THE NATIONS)
Contrasting with the city's oldest neighborhoods is this 21st-century district showcasing striking contemporary architecture with Europe's longest bridge as the backdrop. It includes a state-of-the-art aquarium, a casino, and a wonderful waterfront promenade.
BERARDO MUSEUM
A Portuguese millionaire has put together one of Europe's greatest modern art collections which includes works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, and Dali among others.
CALOUSTE GULBENKIAN MUSEUM
Treasures from the East and the West, collected by one man, are now one of the world's finest private art collections. It includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and René Lalique.
MADRE DE DEUS CONVENT
The Madre de Deus Convent was built in 1509, at the orders of the Queen Dona Leonor, and nowadays houses the very interesting National Azulejo (Glazed Tile) Museum.
SOUVENIRS
Port, the fortified sweet wine for which Portugal is famous, makes for a marvelous souvenir to bring home. Hand-painted tiles and cotton embroidery are other classics. Another favorite is Portugal’s cork products -- which could include anything from shoes and belts to handbags and furniture.
SHOPPING
If you're looking for upscale boutiques, head to Chiado, where Rua do Carmo and Rua Garrett are lined with big international shops as well as a few local favorites -- such as Bertrand, the world's oldest bookstore (opened in 1732). The narrow streets of Bairro Alto are a good spot to browse antique stores (especially Rua Dom Pedro V) and fashion boutiques. The Baixa and Rossio districts are the central shopping and tourist areas. Several attractive parallel streets run between Rossio Square and Praca do Commercio, Some of the older storefronts are simply beautiful, with art nouveau facades. The enclosed Amoreiras Shopping Center has many nice shops and a great view of the city from the top.
PORTUGUESE CUISINE
Features lots of fish, soft-shell crabs, and meat and rice dishes. Some traditional dishes include Cozido a Portuguesa (stew for meat lovers!), Caldo Verde (Portuguese soup with onions, potatoes, kale), Bacalhau a Bras (shredded codfish), Bolinhos de Bacalhau (codfish fritters), Alheira de Mirandela (sausage dish), Arroz de Pato (duck rice). Ask your Local Host for more information.