Spain and Portugal for Visitors

Posted by : John Ross on Feb 28, 2005 - 11:00 PM sitenews

Portugal's capital, the city of the seven hills, is a delight for visitors. Its eighteenth-century charm suggests the rhythm of an accordion, the cabaret wail of a fado singer, the briny smell of sardines grilling, the aroma of strong coffee from a pavement café, or a romantic adventure, preferably clandestine. The Spain and Portugal for Visitors Lisbon section now covers the city, Lisbon on the Net, its sights and museums, and much more, including its nightlife and best known music, fado. Visit Lisbon, or read on for more details and a short extract.

Other topics covered include eating and drinking in Lisbon, getting around Lisbon, and Lisbon hotels and other lodgings. Plus, a number of photo galleries of Lisbon and its various quarters. Here is an extract:

"Food and Drink. Eateries are scattered all over, but Rua de São Jose is the restaurant street. Even more than in the rest of Portugal, specialities tend to be fishy things (the smell of fresh sardinhas, sardines, grilling is likely to remain in your memory, especially if you are in Lisbon during its June festas;), though meat-eaters will not starve. Fish soups of one kind or another are a good start to a meal, while for your main course bacalhau, salt cod, is the national dish, prepared in a variety of ways, the eel-like lampreia, lamprey, is a delicacy when in season; and the caldereidas, fish stews, are fabulous. Meat eaters will find dishes such as the bife à Marrare, steak in pepper sauce, or its variant bife à café, steak in a pepper and mustard sauce. Lisbon's sweets are famous, particularly those traditionally convent-made - it is considered almost sinful not to try the pastéis de Belém. Choosing a wine in Lisbon can be a problem, as the region has no fewer than 18 denominaçãoes de origem controlada, the Portuguese appellation controlée." Visit Lisbon.