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).