New gallery dedicated to Naïf and Figurative Art opened in Lisbon

Located in Chiado, the new Allarts Gallery is the first and only gallery in Portugal exclusively dedicated to Naïf and Figurative Art. Its main goals are: to encourage, enhance and promote the knowledge of Naïf and Figurative Art in Portugal and to show that genuine spontaneous artistic creation is a unique and commanding vision of the world and can generate cultural value to the countries and to their regional micro cultures. The inaugural exhibition occured on May 22, 2009 and comprised 30 works by well-known artists, both nationally and internationally, eight of whom Portuguese. This gallery in located at Rua da Misericórdia 30, in Lisbon. For more information visit http://allartsgallery.com/

Lisbon's City Museum's garden is inhabited by giant creatures until September 2009

More than 200 giant ceramic replicas of flora and fauna, including wasps, snails, crabs, snakes, mackerels, lobsters and swallows, born from the imagination of Portuguese fine artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, and conceived by top young fine artist Joana Vasconcelos can be visited until September 2009 at Lisbons's Town Museum (Museu da Cidade). The main objective was to bring new life to its gardens by transforming it into a true fairytale scene. The work of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro can also be visited at the Bordalo Pinheiro Museum, located right next to Museu da Cidade, in Campo Grande. Previously Joana Vasconcelos used a tapeworm made of raffia to cover and climb a building located at Rua do Alecrim, 12 that was named Vitrine. This is part of “Art Building”, a Lisbon project that covers older building slated to be rehabbed with the objective to bring some color to those sties. Until the end of July don't miss “the Bordaliana” exhibition, also featuring Joana Vasconcelos works at Espaço Fundação PLMJ.

Lisboa is a Hip and Charming City where modernity and sophisticationlive in harmony with tradition and history according to prestigious publications

"Despite Lisbon's growing reputation as a hip and youthful destination, it remains a place for idle strolling, ecclesiastical stirrings and Old World splendors" - New York Times - December 14, 2008.

The prestigious US newspaper The New York Times has published for the 6th time in 18 months another great article on the Portuguese capital entitled Príncipe Real district: "Lisbon’s Haven for the Artsy Set". This article follows the one about “Europe for all budgets – a guide of ten cities to save or splash out” that highlighted Lisboa as a holiday destination for “all wallets” while providing great suggestions in terms of the lodging, restaurants, shopping, entertainment and leisure for those who wish to holiday in Lisbon. Other articles by the New York Times on Lisbon included: "Getting from Seville, Spain, to Lisbon Without Wasting Time or Money", "36 Hours in Lisbon", "Lisbon Comes Alive", "Lisbon: A House of Soulful Songs", "For Sale in ... Lisbon", "Day out: On the Waterfront, With Style" and "The 53 Places to Go in 2008" that listed Lisbon as #2 on this list and called it “dynamic,” “alive,” and “Western Europe’s fastest rising cultural center”.

The French magazines Marie Claire and IDEAT, in their May editions, also share with their more than four million readers, a tourism guide of Lisboa, describing it as a cosmopolitan, vibrant and very charming city. Suggestions include a tour of the various neighbourhoods of the city, from the elegant and trendy Chiado and Bairro Alto to the narrow streets and alleyways of Alfama and Graça, where the fado house sing Lisboa’s song. The renovation of the artistic scene, urban architecture and the design and cultural attractions such as the Chiado Modern Art Museum and the Berardo Collection are just a few examples given that highlight the new creative and sophisticated atmosphere that Lisboa now enjoys, a city that knows how to live a relaxed and pleasant life.

The British newspapers are also noticing the great value and experiences that Lisbon has to offer. In May The Sunday Times suggested an Instant weekend in Lisbon, saying thay "it's chic, cultured, mouthwatering and scandalously cheap" making it city that visitors can still afford. Previously the same newspaper considered Lisbon the hostel capital of the world since it can claim to have the world's best hostels, after 800,000 backpackers and budget travellers voted for their favourite hostels around the world.

Certainately an European city that is worth to visit.

Photo credit to: http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2008/07/13/travel/0713-LISBON_index.html?scp=12&sq=lisbon&st=cse

Flavour Kiosks re-open in Lisbon

Thirty kiosks in gardens, belvederes and other public spaces around Lisboa will now allow visitors to experience the atmosphere of these settings during the 19th and early 20th centuries, while enjoying a drink or meal. This is a project developed by Lisboa City Council with the aim of renovating and modernizing the areas around the kiosks, and promoting entrepreneurship and jobs within the city. These locations not only offer free Internet but also allow visitors to enjoy drinks and savour freshly prepared typical appetisers, sandwiches and sweets from the region. The kiosks will be inaugurated in May and be open almost everyday, form 7.30am to midnight, on Avenida da Liberdade, Largo de Camões, that will close an hour later, Eduardo VII Park, Príncipe Real, Benfica Eucalyptus Park and the gardens of Botto Machado, Estrela, Francesinhas, Torel and Amoreiras. Picture is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jumento/39550292/

Lisbon's Oceans Festival: a giant wave of entertainment in August

Concerts, street entertainment, new circus shows and fireworks are just a few of the events scheduled for the Oceans Festival 2009, an event that will be filled with entertainment for everyone of all ages.

Under the aegis of the European Astronomy Year, the Festival will be held from August 1 to 15, 2009. It will once again add greater life to the riverside area, from Belém to Nations’ Park, as well as Lisboa’s Historic Centre, with a diverse calendar, including almost two dozen events (conferences, exhibits, entertainment and shows). This mega event promoted by Lisboa Tourism, and sponsored by Portugal Tourism, Lisboa City Council and Casino Lisboa, will be associated in 2009 with UNESCO. They will jointly celebrate the International Astronomy Union, and the observations made by Galileo, using his telescope. The Oceans Festival and the culinary event Fish in Lisboa, both organized by Lisboa Tourism, have already contributed greatly to place the Portuguese capital firmly on the international calendar of mega events. http://www.festivaldosoceanos.com/

Blast while visiting Lisbon: London and Paris' hot stepsister

Carly Erin O'Neil in an article for Blast Magazine writes that "If London and Paris are the Grand Dames of Europe, then Lisbon, Portugal is the unruly, prettier stepsister who deserves all of the attention". She also mentions that the “city of the seven hills”, contained within 10 square miles, is a winding stretch of neighborhoods that have as much character as a NYC stalwart that can be easily visited by foot or by public transportation O'Neil finishes saying that "A trip to Lisbon awakens the senses and the visitor leaves with a renewed outlook on life". Click here to read all the great suggestions provided.

New luxury hotel is scheduled to open in 2010 at Torre Vasco da Gama overlooking the Tejo River

The "Sana Torre Vasco da Gama Royal Hotel" is scheduled to open during 2010 with 178 rooms in 20 floors. Designed by Portuguese architect Nuno Leónidas, this luxury hotel will be managed by Portuguese company Sana Hotels. The observation deck and the panoramic restaurant will still be accessible through the three current panoramic elevators. This tower, named after Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama, is a 145 m/476 ft-high lattice structure that was built in 1998 for the Expo 09 World's Fair and designed by Leonor Janeiro, Nick Jacobs and SOM (Skidmore, Owings and Merrill).

Portable gardens add colour to Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio is more exuberant and colourful than ever thanks to 45 “portable gardens” with olive trees, that make this Lisboa landmark even more charming. Created on a mobile block with an attractive and bold design, these gardens on wheels offer even greater environmental quality to the city, and further appeal to make the most of this public square. Visitors can now enjoy one of the most innovative public art works available in the Portuguese capital. Designed by Portuguese fine artist Leonel Moura, this project is inspired on mobility, allowing the user to move it as he wishes, and create interaction areas. Leonel Moura first presented this design at the Valencia Biennial in 2003. Photo credit: http://www.cm-lisboa.pt/archive/img/jardins-moveis002-copia.jpg

Lisbon just has two new design boutique hotels: Altis Belem and Internacional Design Hotel

The Internacional Design Hotel, located on the Rua da Betesga in the heart of Lisbon offers since March 2009 one of the best lodging locations in the city. Each of its 4 floors has a different theme, scent, room decor and color scheme: Urban - scented CHANNEL 5; Pop Art - bubble gum scented; Zen - green tea scented and Tribu - cinnamon scented. The rooms are also organized four sizes: S, M, L and XL. The new restaurant and bar are also sites to be scene.

Altis Belem Hotel & Spa - Opened since the end of February 2009, in the tourist area of Belém, this five-star design boutique hotel offers a unique waterfront location with amazing Tejo river views. With 45 rooms and 5 suites, the hotel main theme is based on the Discoveries. The Altis Belem also features a signature Feitoria restaurant, by 1-michelin star chef Jose Cordeiro, specialized in traditional and modern Portuguese cuisine and the B SPA with its indoor and outdoor pools, gym, Hamman, Vichy shower, a variety of massage and treatments, and a top-floor sundeck.

“Peixe em Lisboa” festival focused on fish and flavors returns to Lisbon

The 2nd edition of will "Peixe em Lisboa" will take place from April 18 to 26, 2009. At Pavilhão de Portugal, located in Parque das Nações, visitors will be able to find, from noon to mid-night, every day, special areas dedicated to Lisbon’s regional products such as olive oil, bread and the famous ginjinha liquor plus 2 wine bars, 2 beer bars and one devoted to spirits. More than 20 national and international chefs including Albano Lourenço (Quinta das Lágrimas - Coimbra), Dieter Koschina (Villa Joya - Albufeira), José Avillez (Tavares - Lisboa), Ricardo Costa (Casa da Calçada – Amarante) and Benoît Sinthon (II Galo d’Oro, Hotel Cliff Bay – Funchal) will lift the veil off the mysteries of seafood by offering a mouth watering assortment of dishes and some informative sessions focused in showing the importance of the fish on a balances diet. Admissions are 15 € per person and include a food tasting. This Lisbon Fish & Flavors festival offers a unique and magic combination between restaurants, live cooking shows, cooking courses, wine pairings gourmet products, live music throughout the event and, last but not least, the opportunity to taste the best wines, waters and beers. It will exist also a gourmet market, where is possible to get to know and buy the best coffees, chocolates, pâtés, olive oils, vinegars, cheeses, jams, etc., and discover the fascinating gourmet world. For more information visit http://www.peixemlisboa.com/

A unique museum in Lisbon entirely dedicated to the song of Portugal - O Fado

The “Museu do Fado” (the portuguese name for the Fado Museum) has reopened on October 3rd, 2008 in Lisbon. It is entirely dedicated to the music of Fado that is uniquely Portuguese. The museum, which is only 10 years old, was closed for the previous few months for renovations. Now, photographs of prominent Fado singers greet visitors can be seen through the museum’s three floors. On display for the first time are two works related to Fado by Jose Malhoa and Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, two of Portugal’s top 19th century artists. An audio guide to the museum is also available in four languages, complete with Fados to choose from. Past recordings, biographies of the singers and historic musical programs are all part of the collection. Although Amalia Rodrigues was the first singer to take Fado outside of Portugal’s borders in the 20th century, new performers are achieving unprecedented success on the World Music stage around Europe and elsewhere. Mariza, Misia, Ana Moura, and Mafalda Arnauth are just some of the names being placed under the spotlight, and Lisbon’s Fado Museum will explain the story behind their sound. Videos of Fado performances, including Mariza’s appearance on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman in the United States. www.museudofado.egeac.pt/ - Foto credit: http://www.mariza.com/ and Mariza Fans on Facebook.

Travellers House Hostel in Lisbon is the World's top hostel - Hoscars Awards 2009

Hoscars 2009 Awards has just announced that Lisbon won an unprecedented 4 spots in the world's top 10 hostels. These nominations clearly show that the city of Lisbon definitely is a backpackers favorite. Lisbon's Travellers House was selected as the world's most popular hostel winning the award for ‘Best Location' and ‘Best Character'. Three other hostels located in Lisbon receive top nominations as well. The brand new Rossio Hostel won the ‘Most Fun Hostel' along with ‘Best Small Hostel' award, Lisbon Lounge Hostel claimed the award for ‘Cleanest Hostel and Goodnight Backpackers Hostel made the 8th position on the awards list. All of these Lisbon hostels start at 18 Euros a night. The Hoscars (HOStelworld Customer Annual Ratings) took place in Dublin, Ireland on January 27, 2009 to recognize the best hostels in the world. More than 20,000 worldwide hostels featured on Hostelworld.com were eligible for the awards and more than 800,000 customers who booked their accommodation online, rated and reviewed the hostels on six criteria - character, security, location, staff, fun and cleanliness.

Jthetravelauthority: new restaurants in Portugal

Jthetravelauthority: new restaurants in Portugal

Unique ethnic tour offered at Cova da Moura neighboorhood

At Cova da Moura, near Amadora, there are plans to launch a 100% local experience hotel. Architecture students from the Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa presented their plans for a hotel built into an neighborhood - Cova da Moura http://moinhodajuventude.blogspot.com/ imagine food tasting, local music, trips to the local food shops, local crafts even hairdos. More of this is on the way from the Chinatown in Lisbon's Martim Moniz or the Brazilian areas of the Costa de Caparica. Presently it is already possible to do a guided tour of Cova da Moura neighborhood, where the guide "Bino" provides inside views of one of the most mystified areas of Lisbon. Reservations available at Associação Moinho da Juventude: +351 21 4971070. Click here to check the youtube video about this project.

Explore Lisbon in a gas free and fun way

Lisbon can now be discovered by visitors with the help of a three-wheeled, two-seated yellow touring car guided by a GPS system. These "GoCars" were pioneered by an American company, GoCar GPS Guided Tours, and are available in Lisbon's Baixa neighborhood. The mini-cars rent for 20 euros per hour and come equipped with guidance systems in Portuguese, English and French. German and Spanish will soon be added. The on-board guide will point out landmarks and points of interest. The GoCar is environmentally friendly and has been used in San Francisco and Miami. New companies such Red Tour GPS and A vida é Bela offer pedal cars and Segways for Lisbon visitors. For more Segway tours options in Lisbon click here. City Cruiser rents a modern tricycle or eco-mobiles, with pedals and electric motors. All are based in the heart of the city and allow one to explore Lisbon in a gas free and fun way.

New Museologic Center opens at St. George Castle, one of Lisbon’s top monuments

A new permanent exhibition called “Núcleo Museológico do Castelo de São Jorge” opened on December 19, 2008 at Lisbon’s Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George Castle) located in the city’s highest hill. It includes more than 1000 important archaeological objects found over various excavations that the castle was subjected since 1997, such as tiles, knifes, ceramics, etc. Each of the pieces shows the richness and the cultural diversity that always existed in Lisbon. The exhibition also reflects the life and traditions of all the inhabitants that lived in the area for more than 25 centuries including Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Muslims, and Moors. The visit to the exhibition is included in the castle’s ticket price that costs 5 € - discounts are available and entrance is free for Children under 10 years old, Adults over 65 years old, Tourism Guides, Reporters and Teachers. This center is an additional reason why not to miss to go up the hill and enjoy breathtaking views over the romantic city of Lisbon while visiting the periscope of the Tower of Ulysses, which now houses a camera obscura with a giant periscope that allows to enjoy an amazing 360º panoramic view of the city in real time. This Museologic Center is part of a bigger project called "Musealização da Praça Nova " that is scheduled to open at end of the first trimester of 2009 also inside the castle and that was designed by architect Carrilho da Graça. 95% of the million visitors that the castle receives each year are foreigners. For more information visit www.castelosaojorge.egeac.pt

Lisbon will attract more than 9 new boutique hotels in 2009

Hotel developers are seeing Lisbon’s urban vibe and historical underpinnings as key reasons to locate new boutique hotels in the city. Nine new, small hotels are set to open in Lisbon soon, with a total of 470 rooms total. They’ll be located in such historic neighborhoods as Baixa and Bairro Alto, and along the Avenida da Liberdade, near fashionable areas and in buildings that reflect the city’s architectural and historic heritage. The city currently has only about 237 rooms in small, boutique hotels. One of those hotels will be the trendy and stylist Altis Belem Hotel, that is set to open in January 2009 in the Belem area. The hotel will feature 42 rooms of high quality and comfort, and an gourmet restaurant - Feitoria - that will serve the very best of Portuguese cuisine, where chef José Cordeiro, who in 2004/05 and 2005/06 received one Michelin star and was considered in 2004 the best chef by Academia Portuguesa de Gastronomia, will present a "genuine cuisine, based on the best that Portugal has to offer. The hotel will also have a bar, a terraced café, a spa and several meeting rooms. Click here to check the entire list of the new hotels that are set to open in Lisbon.

New Coach Museum set to open in 2010 at new location

Lisbon's famous Coach Museum (Museu dos Coches) will have a new display area come the year 2010 after renovations to a building that was once used by the military. The new museum will be located on Lisbon’s Avenida da India. According to the architect on the project, the museum's interior will be "simple and sober" to allow the coaches to stand out. Plans are to open the museum on October 5, 2010 as part of the Republic Day celebrations. The Coach Museum was an initiative of Queen D. Amélia de Orléans e Bragança, wife of King D. Carlos I (1889-1908), who inaugurated it in 1905. It contains an exceptional and unique collection of richly adorned royal vehicles, from the 17th to 19th centuries (coaches, berlins, carriages, chaises, litters, sedan-chairs), used by the Portuguese other European courts, the Patriarchs of Lisbon and Portuguese noble houses up until the advent of the motor car.

The recently new and trendy restaurants in Lisbon

Many new restaurants have opened in Lisbon lately. Here is just a short list:

5 OCEANOS - Fresh fish and shellfish dishes with Portuguese traditions are the specialties at this new venue.
BOCCA - Opened in the city center, with a menu produced by a young, creative team and cuisine inspired by Portuguese tradition. Head chef Alexandre Silva has worked at the top hotels in Lisbon (Sofitel, Tivoli, Lisboa Plaza, Bica do Sapato). Lunch and dinner, with a different menu for each, will be served. A recent menu included foie gras with pistachio crust, black risotto, fillet of Charolais beef, dark chocolate soft-centered pudding, and milk cream flavored with rosemary. The restaurant offers over 60 wines. To know more details about this place check also a recent posting by Jthetravelauthority.blogspot.com
BRASSERIE FLO - In the style of a traditional French brasseries, Brasserie Flo Lisbon offers French cuisine with culture and theatre.
MOON - the K group opened recently this new space at Kubo, located in Doca de Santos. With a modern and minimalist decor this new restaurant offers tasteful gourmet cuisine dishes and great views of the Tejo river and the 25 de Abril bridge.
OHCOD - This restaurant opened in April 2008 and belongs to the father and mentor of Chef Olivier, Michel da Costa. The menu here focuses on cod dishes.
OLIVIER AVENIDA - The Tivoli Jardim restaurant reopened with Chef Olivier in charge, presiding over an innovative and eclectic menu.
TABERNA IDEAL – opened about one month ago, this local tavern located at Rua da Esperança, 112, in Santos neighborhood, intends to recreate the local ambience of the traditional Portuguese taverns. Using antique porcelain, the home-made style food using fresh products offer unique and tasteful experiences. Tel. +351 21 396 2744
TERRACO RESTAURANT - In July, 2008, Chef Luis Baena opened this restaurant with panoramic views at the top floors of the Tivoli Lisbon Hotel. And more will follow by reknowned chefs such Henrique Sa Pessoa and Fausto Aroldi.
SERGI AROLA at Penha Longa - Just outside the city of Lisbon, near Sintra, Sergi Arola opened in May with the Hotel Penha Longa Resort. “Cozinha Atlântica” is the type of cuisine served here by the Spanish chef. Menu items include tapas, patatas bravas (potatoes with hot sauce), and sophisticated first courses. To know more details about this place check also a recent posting by Jthetravelauthority.blogspot.com