Lisbon - Western Europe for foodies

Although we talk about Portugal and its capital lately mainly when we mention the economic crisis, Lisbon is the westernmost capital city on the European continent. Despite the financial problems, the charming city is worth visiting, because Lisbon is one of the three oldest capitals of Europe, along with Athens and Rome, it was founded more than 3000 years ago. According to legend, it was founded by Odysseus when he left Troy and headed for the Atlantic. In addition to its rich history, visitors are also attracted by its numerous districts, from the old town to the ultra-modern Park of Nations.

Yesterday, today and always

With only 600 thousand inhabitants, Lisbon is one of the most pleasant European capitals. It lies on the banks of the Tagus River and has been the Portuguese capital since the 12th century. Only the Age of Discovery in the 15th century, when the New World was discovered, finally put the city on the world map. Thanks to the wealth that came from the Portuguese colonies, the city, located in an area with many geographical advantages, was enveloped in a mantle of architectural brilliance. But like many magnificent cities, Lisbon also suffered a severe blow. Most residents cite November 1, 1755, when the city was destroyed by an earthquake, as one of the blackest dates in the city's history. The terrible toll taken by the earthquake was 60 thousand victims and the complete destruction of almost all cultural and historical heritage. But the tragedy gave impetus to a new creative drive. In the city center, more precisely in the area Baixa Pombalina, the period after the earthquake is not only reminiscent of the wide and elegant streets, but also the name itself, as the city was renovated according to the plans of the Marquis De Pombal, who also envisaged the construction of the first earthquake-proof buildings. The city, which is located on seven hills, has as many as 32 viewpoints. Many elevators lead to the highest parts of the city, which is divided into upper and lower, among which the two most famous elevators Gloria from 1885 and Santa Justa, which is famous for its interesting neo-gothic architecture. It was built by Raul Ponsard, who followed the style of Gustave Eiffel. Bairro Alto or rather, the Upper Quarter is a charming part of the city where, in addition to the monuments, the night life of the city is also concentrated. On Rua do Norte we will find two of the most important institutions dedicated to the melancholy fado, which is the most recognizable musical expression of Portugal: Adega Machado and a restaurant Nona. Parque das Nações proves that Lisbon is not just a city full of history. In 1998, Lisbon was the host of the world exhibition, and in order to impress the world public, they decided to build a completely new quarter in the city, which extends over 70,000 square meters. They are with areas on the other side of the Tagus River Parque das Nações connected with one of the longest bridges in the world, named after the famous sailor Vasco da Gama. The biggest attraction of the area is certainly the largest aquarium in Europe, which is divided into four huge pools representing different oceans and living environments. Parque das Nações is best seen during a panoramic ride with the cable car that winds above the buildings.

Flavors that are hard to resist

A Portuguese fully set table is much more than just wine and cod. It is a brilliant show for the eyes and the taste buds. Although it is often confused with Spanish, Portuguese cuisine is special mainly because of its simple ingredients and local products. The secret is in spices like piri piri (a small, extremely hot pepper) or Goan curry, and of course in the creativity of cooking masters. Of course, almost no recipe is missing at least a few drops of the famous Portuguese olive oil. Since an important part of Portuguese cuisine is fish dishes, it is best to combine a beautiful view of the Tagus River and excellent fish dishes in the restaurant 5 Oceanos. You can also try typical Portuguese dishes in the award-winning restaurant Adega Tia Matilda. Portuguese cuisine has also influenced the increasingly popular Brazilian specialties and due to the large number of Brazilians who have found their new home in Lisbon, you can also visit a typical Brazilian restaurant in the middle of the Portuguese capital Sabor Mineiro, which offers grilled meat dishes. UAI is another Brazilian restaurant whose menu mainly features dishes from the historically very important Brazilian state of Minas Gerais. One of the restaurants that, thanks to the originality of the master chef, has become one of the most famous and celebrated in Lisbon, is particularly interesting for visitors from the former Yugoslavia. Star chef Ljubomir Stanišić came to Portugal in 1997 from Sarajevo. After years of studying with the stars of contemporary Portuguese cuisine, he opened a restaurant in Bairro Alto in 2009 100 Maneiras, and just a few steps away, he opened another in September of last year Bistro 100 Maneiras, in which he tells his story of a troubled personality through dishes that reflect Portuguese, Balkan and French influences.

Go home with your hands full

A shopping trip in Lisbon may not be the easiest task, but it is very easy to return to the hotel with a lap full of bags. It is best to start at one of the art markets, where we can buy beautiful products for little money. If you are near Parque das Nações or Alfama on Tuesdays or Saturdays, you must not miss the market Feira da Ladra. A particularly interesting section of this flea market offers new clothing and South American art. In the Bairro Alto area, we have to reserve Sunday mornings for shopping for "valuables" at the market Feira das Coleções near Cais do Sodré metro station. While wandering around Bairro Alto, sipping coffee and exploring hidden areas, it is also interesting to see the latest creations of the famous Portuguese fashion designer Fatima Lopes or take time to browse books in a bookstore Livraria das Artes, where we can find new and used books of various genres and price ranges. In the lower part of the city, a walk along the elegant street is a must for shopping lovers Avenida da Liberdade, where among the boutiques of well-known brands you can still visit antique tailoring workshops, take a break from shopping in pleasant restaurants or treat yourself to pampering in luxury hotels. Among the wide range of markets, shopping streets and centers, we will have the easiest typical Portuguese products in the store A Vida Portugesa. The very name of the store tells us that we will find ceramic products, Portuguese delicacies, textiles and even cosmetic products - souvenirs with useful value.