may want to go fishing this day. I liked this boat as a possible charter. After, lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe. Then do a $20 tour of Benfica Luz Stadium and Museum. This 65,000 seat stadium is full of heart, plus you get a souvenir scarf! Stadium direct tickets: tickets
SL Benfica will be playing in Group C of the World Cup in the US in June. Will they make it to the knockout games? They have to meet Munchen, Boca Juniors from Argentina, and New Zealand's Aukland. They are predicted to be done in June... placing 3rd in Group C. But catching World Cup action at a bar in Europe is probably going to be a fun night.
Girls, (just a prediction!)
Girls, (just a prediction!)
This morning, we take the metro to the Baixa-Chiado metro station (exit to the Chiado side). I'd like to start my day at the Carmo Convent (€5 with Lisboa Card), one of Lisbon's most hauntingly beautiful (30-60 minutes) sights. It was its greatest medieval building, but stands as a reminder of the devastating earthquake of 1755 that destroyed most of the city. Its roof collapsed on the congregation as it was attending Mass on that All saints’ Day, and was never rebuilt, but the Gothic arches still stand. Most of the architecture dates back to the 1300s, but Manueline (Portuguese Gothic) windows and other details were added later, in the 16th and 18th centuries. There's a 15 minute movie, explaining the history. It's where Columbus' wife is buried. Inside there are exhibits, mummies, and more. Pope Clement VII granted 40 days of indulgence to any faithful Christian who visits this church. To the right of the convent is a gate that leads to the Santa Justa Elevator. There are cafés and terraces up there offering views of the castle and Rossio Square.
Rossio Square, in the Baixa area. It's been one of the city's main squares since the middle ages. It's a lively area, officially called Praca de Don Pedro IV. I'd like to check out the Column of Pedro IV, National Theatre facade and the unusual entrance of the Rossio Railway Station. Let's grab a coffee at CaféNicola, opened more than 200 years ago.
Head down Rua Augusta to find a glass of Ginjinha, from the A Ginjinha bar. It's a cherry liquor served in a chocolate cup. It's supposed to cure your soul.
Then we can head to the Elevador de Santa Justa, which is a great free spot for amazing views of Lisbon. (the views at night are even more impressive). You can take the spiral staircase up (Belvedere) for an even higher view.
From there, we walk downhill to the Museu do Dinheiro, or the Money Museum. It's a don't miss place, from it's ratings.
From the Money Museum, we walk through the Arco da Rua arch through the Praca do Comercio. We have the opportunity for some window shopping and people watching there, admiring the buildings and the artisanal shops. We might want to grab some to-go lunch and drinks, sit on the steps in front of Cais das Colunas, which is the most notable entrance to Lisbon.
Next, I'd love to check out the Lisbon Story Center. This highly rated museum uses dramatic sets and multimedia exhibits to give a 60 minute story of Lisbon's history.
Next we head to the MUDE. Lisbon Museum of Design and Fashion has several collections: the Eduardo Afonso Dias Collection, Daciano da Costa Collection, Antonio Garcia Collection and the Francisco Capelo Collection. The museum is considered one of the finest museums of this kind in the world. In total there are about 1,000 items on display from a wide range of categories. In addition there are 1,200 pieces of haute couture clothing and costumes.
This evening, it might be fun to watch the World Cup at a bar. Or attend a Laser show... check out Fever The site sells tickets. To see these shows in our area, it's $45-60. It's $10 here.
Or just rest....