Hop On Hop Off

A simpler, funny and cheaper way to know Lisbon.

We've talked here about what we think is the best way to know the city, but that has its costs...

Fortunately, there are other solutions and the "Hop On Hop Off" tour is when comparing cost and flexibility, the best solution.

This option helps you customize your visit to Lisbon, by allowing you to exit on the any of the many stops along the itineraries and to visit what you wish, for as long as you wish, and then get back to the bus stop and wait for the next one to carry on with the tour.

There are 3 itineraries to choose from: Belém, Oriente and Castelo, all of them quite different and covering most of waht Lisbon has to offer.

All have on thing in common: the departure point Marquês de Pombal. The Belém itinerary goes along the river and has stops in places such as the Coach Museum and the Jerónimos Monastery. On the way back it goes thru the Basilica da Estrela and the Gulbenkian Museum.

The Oriente itinerary covers the newest part of Lisbon Parque da Nações, it stops in the Lisbon Zoo, the Casino and the Oceanarium and on the way back it goes via the river and it stops in the Tile Museum. Last but not least the Castelo route, is the shortest and it stops in the Fado Museum, a very important stop which can't be missed, now that Fado has been considered an "Intangible Heritage of Humanity".

As you can see Hop On Hop Off tours its an excellent solution to visit the city, the price of the tickets range from 15 up to 25 Euros and itineraries can be combined. Tickets are available for purchase with our Concierge.

Good weather is a must to use this service so, summer and spring ate the most appropriated seasons but, even during winter, if it is not raining, the buses are out there waiting for you.

The Bar

According to Wikipedia, a Bar is “a business establishment that serves alcoholic drinks - beer, wine, liquor and cocktails - for consumption on the premises”.

Well, it’s much more than that isn’t it?

A Bar is where people meet, to talk, to discuss, to celebrate, to cry, but mostly to share their mood, feelings and opinions, with friends or family and sometimes with the Bartender, that “friend/ shrink” that listens to us when no one else does.

That’s why the Bar is a very important part of a hotel, and it can`t be seen by managers as “every hotel has one so we must have one too” or a “cost center”. When we are too busy selling rooms we sometimes forget what to do when the customer is already in the hotel.

A Bar can complete the character of a hotel or be the character itself, it can be its heart and soul. It is very important to create the perfect ambiance where people can feel calmed and relaxed, after a sightseeing day, but at the same time an ambiance where people can feel vibrant to start a party night.

The Bartender is a key element, his knowledge, his patience will provide the client with the confidence and tranquility of a good service. 

That’s why it is important to invest and promote it, to organize events which add value to the client’s stay. Musical events mainly, but there others that can be exploited, like sports events played on a big TV screen.

So, in the end it’s only a matter of vision and determination to grant the clients with experiences they won’t forget.

The famous 28

One of Lisbon's iconic transports is the Tramway, and Tram 28 is the most famous due to its route. These trams have been around since the early 1900's and still maintain the same charm of the beginning, inspite of the new and modern ticket system.

28 is part of Lisbon's Tram route, and it is mostly used by tourists who wish to experience Lisbon in the most traditional and historical way. It cruises the city throughout narrow streets that are difficult to reach, even by car. It touches a couple of landmarks of Lisbon's history, places such as St. George's Castle, Sé Cathedral and Estrela Church.

The route goes between Prazeres and Martim Moniz and here is where we start our ride. This stop is not far from our Hotel, just a few walking minutes, very easy to get to.

The first meaningful and historical stop is the Church São Vicente de Fora, designed by Fillipo Terzi, its construction started in 1582 and finished in 1627. Then Feira da Ladra where you can find antiques and second hand items.

The Tram keeps rolling down the narrow Calçada de São Vicente until it reaches the Portas do Sol and the belvedere Santa Luzia which enjoys the beautiful sights of the Tejo river and from where you can simply get to  St. George's Castle.

The next stop is Sé Cathedral a landmark of Lisbon's foundation after the conquest to the Moorish. Downhill and pass St. Antonio's Church and through Downtown Lisbon rebuilt after the great earthquake of 1755.

Now, it will start climbing another hill to the Chiado District where you can find Café Brasileira and S. Carlos Theatre continuing through Camões Square and then Calçada do Combro, where you will find the access to the Bica lift.

The ride continues through narrow streets of simple houses until it reaches the National Parliament in São Bento. Now, it is time to climb the Calçada da Estrela and on the top you may see Basílica da Estrela a landmark built in the XVIII century.

The route is now near its end, through the fancy district of Campo de Ourique until the last stop in front of Prazeres Cemetery.

As you can see a ride that you can't miss, with a piece of advice: watch out for pickpockets. Unfortunately, they exist and are present on this Tram. Don't let them ruin a perfect ride.

Lisbon Zoo

With 135 years, Lisbon’s Zoo was the first park in the Iberian Peninsula to have fauna and flora. Hosting two thousand animals from 300 different species, Lisbon’s “Noah’s Ark” plays an important role in the protection of endangered species and their habitats.

Lisbon’s Zoo is one of the world’s most important parks with one of the largest animal collections and it centers most of its activity in animal protection and reproduction.

Thru daily presentations, visitors can watch, from a short distance, species from all over the world and be amazed by its curiosities.

A visit to the Zoo offers an unforgettable experience: a ride in the cable car; a visit to the “Quintinha” (a small farm dedicated mainly for children) where you can find domestic animals; a surprising passage thru the Reptile House and finishing with a Dolphins’ presentation.

By visiting Lisbon’s Zoo you’re contributing to its mission to develop and promote a zoological and botanical park, as preservation, reproduction, and reintroduction of endangered species center, through scientific studies and environmental enrichment programs.

Ginjinha

Ginjinha is one of the most Portuguese typical drinks and today, we’ll introduce you to it. Present in every market or any typical tavern, it has its “hotspots” in Rossio Square.

The morello (or sour) cherry is the fruit of the morello tree (Prunus cerasus L.), which belongs to the same species of the cherry tree (Prunus avium L.). Although from distinct species, the fruit of both trees have great similarities, the morello cherry is more acidic than the cherry which is sweeter.

The morello tree had its origin in the Southwest Asia but was brought by the Romans to various places of their empire.

In Portugal, there are written references to its presence since, at least, the 1st century A.D.. In the 15th century, the use of the morello cherries was already very common in our country, either for fresh consumption or for medicinal applications. In the 18th century, due to conventual recipes, a handmade drink of morello cherries dipped into brandy started to be marketed. This experiment recipe later evolved into the well-known ginjinha (little morello, in Portuguese).

Nowadays, ginjinha is a liqueur obtained through the maceration of the morello (sour) cherries with sugar and aguardente (a Portuguese brandy), without preservatives. But still, it is frequently flavored
with other ingredients such as cinnamon stick or vanilla. It has a red or ruby color, it is fruit-scented, with velvety and sweet or bittersweet intense flavor.

With an alcohol content of around 20%, it ought to be savored at a temperature of about 10°C, as a digestive, or simply whenever you feel like it.


The ritual of drinking this liqueur is very simple as you can either have it without the morello cherries, "ginjinha sem elas” (ginjinha without them) or with the morello cherries, "ginjinha com elas” (ginjinha with them).

Like other fado singers, the eternal Amália Rodrigues dedicated a fado song to ginjinha, praising it. It is a typical product of some Portuguese regions such as Serra da Estrela and Algarve, with a higher reputation in the regions of Óbidos and Alcobaça. In Lisbon, ginjinha is especially popular and it is one of the capital’s ex-libris.

Lisbon’s Viewpoints

Bathed by the Tejo River, Lisbon was built on hills during 2000 years and on top of each hill a different perspective of the city.

On each hill, you will find a viewpoint with its own history but with the same finale... our beautiful city: Lisbon!

The only man-made viewpoint is the Santa Justa lift, which was built by a student of Gustave Eiffel and offers views of St. George's Castle and the "Baixa Pombalina".

St. George Castle's viewpoint is probably the best sight of the city: you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Tejo River all the way to the bridge and, on the opposite side, a beautiful view of the downtown area up to the Parque Eduardo VII.

Another famous viewpoint is the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, with a perfect view of the river and harbor.

Moving up in the city you will find São Pedro de Alcântara, which you can reach by taking the Glória lift, and that allows you to enjoy views of St. George's Castle and of the Avenida da Liberdade.

On the opposite side, it is possible to find the Senhora do Monte and Graça's viewpoints, hidden behind the castle and from where you can see the Bairro Alto district and Martim Moniz.

These are only some of the options. There are other wonderful places to visit such as Penha de França, Monte Agudo and Parque Eduardo VII.

On our App, you will find a Route that will help on your visit

Lisbon Leading Golf Destination

The Sun is shining, the sky is light blue and you have green trees shaken by a small breeze but not enough to spoil your stroke, this is just the right scenario for a perfect Tee.

At the end of the day, you return to the hotel and guess what? You are in downtown Lisbon, surrounded by history and culture, just a few walking minutes away from a couple of the most well-known Cafés and Restaurants. Impossible, you may say! Not really, let me tell you why:

Lisbon is not known as a primary Golf destination, but according to a survey made in 2018 by the Lisbon Tourism Council, for 49,3% of the enquired, Golf is the reason they’ve decided to visit Lisbon.

There are several courses available in Lisbon or in the surrounding areas, with easy and quick access by car. This way, instead of staying confined to the resort facilities you can have the best of two worlds and enjoy the pleasure of golfing and still feel the bubbling of a cosmopolitan city.

Here are a few examples of Golf Courses, just at hand:

Quinta da Marinha

The Golf Course at Quinta da Marinha has 18 holes with 5.870 meters of unadulterated nature surroundings and major challenges. Designed by the legendary Robert Trent Jones Senior, this par 71 has great views to the Atlantic Ocean and Sintra Mountains. The area, Lisbon Golf Coast, won the IAGTO Award in 2007 - Best Established Golfing Destination Europe.

Paço do Lumiar 

Designed by an American architect, Gary Grandstaff, Paço do Lumiar is a 9 holes Golf Course designed as a challenge for the better player while remaining great fun for all the family. Huge U.S.G.A. tees allowing for constant repair on our 7 par three and 2 par four. Greens designed for any top-rated golf course, and all of this right in the middle of Lisbon!

Aroeira

At only 30 minutes’ drive from the Lisbon center, located on the other margin of the Tagus River, with an extremely mild climate, allowing to play golf along all the year, is Aroeira Country Club with 2 fields with 18 holes which is considered by experts, as one of the best Golf Complexes of Europe. Aroeira "I" was designed by Frank Pennick one of the most well-known and famous Golf fields architects, who achieved here a real masterpiece, to reach, in an exemplary way the requisites of a championship golf with the spontaneous and savage nature harmony which shelters and surrounds it.
This is just a small hint of what Lisbon has to offer.

The Land: Joaquín Sorolla’s Spain

Until March 31st the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga presents the exhibition “The Land: Joaquín Sorolla’s Spain”.

Born in February 1863, Joaquín Sorolla was a Spanish painter that shined in the painting of portraits, landscapes, and monumental works of social and historical themes. His most typical works are categorized by a dexterous representation of the people and landscape under the bright sunlight of his native land and sunlit water.

In the late 19th century, artistic landscapes painting became a requisite practice rather than a minor genre, Sorolla’s “inland” landscapes reflect artistic trends of the time which involved both experimentations with outdoor painting and significant ideological element.

In a partnership between Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga and the Sorolla Museum in Madrid, this exhibition, curated by Carmen Pena, brings together 118 paintings by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida from the museum and from Spanish private collections.

The exhibition shows how Sorolla, the master of the "open air" and the "intense light", unveiled new versions of the various Spanish landscapes, at the turn of the 19th to the 20th century, giving them new meanings and participating in a cultural movement that sought another image of the country.

The selection of pieces also includes some paintings representing scenes on the seashore and the work of fishermen on the coasts of Valence, some of Sorolla’s most typical themes.

Travellers’ Choice 2019

TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2019 were just disclosed and the Hotel Avenida Palace has been elected in 4 different categories.

The Travellers' Choice Awards are the highest honor given by TripAdvisor, based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers.

This is a recognition that occurs for the 6th time and places the Hotel Avenida Palace among the top 1% hotels around the world that, according to the travellers’ opinion, are truly exceptional.

These are the rankings for the Hotel Avenida Palace:

6th - Top 25 Hotels - Portugal
10th - Top 25 Hotels for Romance – Portugal
10th - Top 25 Luxury Hotels – Portugal
7th - Top 25 for Service – Portugal

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our Dear Guests who took the time to share their experience at the Hotel Avenida Palace.

Here's the complete list of Travellers' Choice Winners.

What to do this weekend

If you’re planning to visit us this weekend here are some of the events taking place in the city.

Exhibitions

Quel Amour
The exhibition brings together 68 artists from different generations, countries and cultures, for whom love has been an inspiration – in its many forms – in the creation of exclusive works. Among exclamations and questions, there are more than 150 works on different supports, including painting and design, sculpture, video, photography and performance, all of which seek an answer to “Quel Amour!?”.

Music

Gavin James
Gavin James is one of the top artists of the moment, and he is coming to Portugal for the first time tohappy sad songs”. “Start Again”, “Put You Back Together” and “Cigarette Break” are just some of the tunes he will perform at this concert.
present his new studio album, “Only Ticket Home”, which was released in October 2018. The Irish musician, who saw his debut album “Bitter Pill” go platinum, said he wanted to leave the world of ballads behind him, and that this new album is different, with “

Alceste
This opera in three acts by Christoph Willibald Gluck starts with an episode of Greco-Roman mythology in which Alceste sacrifices her life to save that of her husband, Admeto, the king of Thessaly. “Alceste” was first performed in Vienna in 1767, with an Italian libretto by Ranieri de Calzabigi, followed nine years later by a French version with a libretto by Le Blanc Du Roullet. It is this French version that will be performed at the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos. This new production will be presented by Graham Vick, with musical direction by Graeme Jenkins.

World Travel Awards

Lisbon was elected Europe’s Leading City Destination by World Travel Awards.

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, the World Travel Awards 2018 was held, for the first time, in Lisbon and reinforced the city as Europe’s major destination.

Besides been considered Europe’s Leading City Destination, Lisbon was also awarded World's Leading City Break.

Amongst hotels and institutions, Portugal received a total of 15 awards including the most desirable one, World’s Leading Destination, for the second year in a row.

Book Directly!!!

One of the questions that everyone asks before booking the hotel is “Where should I book it?” well, our answer is easy, book directly!!

In the past, there weren’t too many alternatives, in fact, the Travel Agents were the only alternative, but now, if you have an internet connection, everything is simpler and faster, the problem is choosing between all the existing options.

There are thousands of Websites which allow you to make the booking. In some, you can book a flight, hotel, car or even a restaurant and, of course, order a bouquet of roses or a bottle of Champagne, but most of them only permit the room booking.

In this decision, the customer normally excludes the hotel's Website mostly because the rate found on the hotel’s website is higher, but also because the customer is still not confident enough to leave the "comfort area" and prefers to book on big brands like Booking, Expedia, or Tripadvisor.

This is slightly changing, and although the hotels need to do much better, there are also good reasons to book through the hotel’s website:

- Inexistence of the possibility of fraud
- Direct communication makes it easy to arrange special requests
- Better rates
- Exclusive amenities

At the Avenida Palace, the Guests that book through the official website are entitled to a series of exclusive benefits, such as:

- Room upgrade, upon availability.
- Early check-in and late check-out free of charge, upon availability.
- Complimentary Bottle of Mineral Water in the Room, throughout the stay.
- 20% discount on Bar spendings.
- Discounts on Extra nights.
- Fresh Fruit Cup on arrival.
- A special surprise for children aged 3 years and over.

No matter what option you take, always take a look at the hotel’s website, you just might be surprised.

New App to visit Lisbon

Want to know Lisbon and have fun at the same time? Download the app Detective Trail.

Launched by MyCityHighlight, a Swiss company focused on tourism and leisure, Detective Trail is a mobile application with a pedestrian route and a treasure hunting game that allows tourists and locals to get to know the city while they have fun playing a series of jigsaw puzzles.

After passing through several cities with great success the App is now in Lisbon presenting the users with problems and mysteries and puzzles, which once solved will grant them access to the route and the code that will take them to the final destination and the desire treasure.

The App covers many of Lisbon’s most important sites such as Bairro Alto, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Aqueduto das Águas Livres, Casa Fernando Pessoa, among others, making the user interact with the many mysteries to solve.

In Portuguese, English and German, Detective Trail Lisboa is available for download in digital format for iOS and for Android, and in print on the brand's website.

Fado Restaurants by the Concierge

If there’s an experience you can’t miss when visiting Lisbon is going to a Fado Restaurant, where one can really feel how traditional and mystic Fado is.

Although updated and offering all modern comfort, these restaurants still embrace the ambiance of the old taverns and brothels where Fado could be heard in the beginning, surrounded by violence and prostitutes in poor neighborhoods.

The following selection was made by our Head Concierge, and these are, in his opinion, the best Fado Restaurants in Lisbon.

Clube do Fado 
Located in the heart of Alfama and near Sé Catedral, this is the perfect place to enjoy excellent Portuguese traditional cooking, the sound of Portuguese Guitar and to hear the greatest Portuguese Fado voices.

Arcadas do Faia 
More than a half-century of existence always side by side with the big names of Fado, along with the dedicated respect for the rich variety of Portuguese gastronomy.

A Severa
Opened in 1955, got the name of "Severa" from a gypsy singer who was one of the greatest Fado singers ever.

Timpanas
Following the Fado's tradition, the Restaurant "Timpanas" has a typical ambiance and it is located, since 1963, in Lisbon's popular riverside district of Alcântara. Arriving at "Timpanas" you will be transported to an emblematic and genuine ambiance that will take you towards the old feeling sung in Fado.

Parreirinha de Alfama
It started as a charcoal selling store and a tavern and, over the decades that followed 1950, it became a place of reference for Fado and good cuisine lovers, by the hand of the Fado legend, Argentina Santos.

Visiting Lisbon with a Private Guide

There are many ways to visit Lisbon: your own car, public transportation, tuk-tuks, group sightseeing and a private car with a driver/guide who speaks your native language. 

Today we’re going to talk about the private tour with the help of one of our partners, Maurício.

The private driver/guide is one of the many options recommended by our Concierge, mostly because it is the most complete and comfortable way to know the city. Yes, it is a little more expensive than the other options, but if you’re truly looking for knowledge this is the best way to get it.

This article presents a small summary of what a city tour covers, but all this can be totally adjusted, if you wish to spend more time in a certain monument or skip another, you just have to tell it to your driver. It is one of the many advantages of a private tour.

The day starts with our unforgettable breakfast. After scheduling the pickup time with our Concierge, Maurício will be waiting for you at the lobby.

The tour begins, first around the Downtown area, through Rossio down to the Comércio Square and the first glimpse of Tejo River.

After that, the climb starts through the narrow streets of Alfama District. First stop, a visit to Sé Cathedral and its two bell towers, climbin until you reach the top where you will find St. George's castle and an extraordinary view of the city. On the opposite hill is this tour’s next stop.

Chiado, Lisbon´s main shopping District, Bairro Alto, famous for its nightlife, and another sight of Lisbon from São Pedro de Alcântara Belvedere. The visit carries on as we move towards the National Parliament and then Estrela Church.

No time to rest, the visit is about to reach its peak as we arrive to Belém District. Here you will visit the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, landmarks of a history of conquests. Then it’s mandatory to make a shortstop for coffee and the famous Pastéis de Belém, a delicious traditional local pastry.

It's time to return but now through a different route, you will pass by the Águas Livres Aqueduct, one of the most remarkable examples of 18th century Portuguese engineering. Then another beautiful view of Lisbon on the top of Eduardo VII Park.

The tour is near its end and after the roundabout Marquês de Pombal, you will go down the Liberdade Avenue and find the Avenida Palace right at the end.

Now, it is time to freshen up and have a drink in our Bar, listening to one of the many recitals scheduled on our Music Program, as you get ready for the next adventure.

Museums not to miss in Lisbon

With the arrival of winter and the first drops of rain, indoor activities play a major role in the guests’ visit, and so museums become one of the most searched attractions.

Chosen by our Concierge these museums are the ones that truly tell Lisbon and Portugal’s history through art. 

Museu do Chiado or Museu Nacional de Arte Contemporânea features the collection of Portuguese art from 1850 to the present, making it the most important collection of Portuguese contemporary art including painting, sculpture, drawing, video and other media.

Museu Nacional do Azulejo, is one of Portugal’s most important museums, with its unique collection, dedicated to the tile, a distinctive artistic expression of Portuguese culture. Another remarkable feature is the unique building in which it is installed, the former Convent of Madre de
Deus.

Museu Nacional dos Coches is Portugal ’s most visited museum. Made in Portugal, Italy, France, Austria and Spain, the coaches cover three centuries and range from simple to sophisticate. The main gallery in the style of Louis XVI, is occupied by two rows of coaches built for the Portuguese royalty.

Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga is located in a XVII century palace built for the Counts of Alvor, named the Palace of Alvor-Pombal, the museum contains the largest collection of paintings, with emphasis on the religious works of Portuguese artists. Most of the parts came from convents and monasteries after the suppression of religious orders in 1834.

Museu Calouste Gulbenkian is located at the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in Lisbon. Its collection consists of about six thousand pieces of ancient and modern art, of which only one thousand and thirty are displayed to the public.

Moda Lisboa

From October 11th to the 14th, the Pavilhão Carlos Lopes hosts the 51st edition of ModaLisboa.

This Thursday sees the beginning of a new era of ModaLisboa as Lisbon and Porto associations will partner for the first time.

The 51st edition of ModaLisboa is once more divided between sites set in Parque Eduardo VII, with one exception: the Nuno Gama fashion show, on Saturday, will take place at the National Museum of Ancient Art.

Find out more in the program below

World Smile Day

Today we celebrate the World Smile Day!

Created in 1999, the World Smile Day is celebrated every year on the first Friday of October.

Harvey Ball was the creator of the smiley, a yellow smiling circle, internationally known. 

Happy Smile Day

Augusta Street Arch

The Augusta Street Arch is an icon of Lisbon that catches the eye of every person who walks along the river and it is also a scenario of many pictures.

The Arch is a celebration of the pombaline and neo-classic art, but more than that it is a symbol of Lisbon’s strength to rise after the earthquake of 1755.

In 2013, after seven months of renovations, it became possible to climb to the top and get a different perspective of this remarkable monument.

Offering one of the most unique panoramic views of Lisbon, this viewpoint rapidly became one of Lisbon’s most visited sites, with over 835.000 visitors since it opened, and in 2017 it surpassed, for the first time, the 200.000 visitors mark.

The entrance is made through Augusta Street and the ticket, which costs 2,5€, grants you access to the elevator that takes you to the upper level. There, and after 30 steps, you can visit the clock room and, finally after another 40 steps, the viewpoint.

Open every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this site is definitely a must-see.

World’s Best Aquarium

In the year it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Oceanário de Lisboa was elected for the 3rd time, World’s Best Aquarium by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2018.

With more than 33.000 reviews, the Oceanário de Lisboa had a global rating of 4,5 out of 5 and was considered excellent by 64% of the reviewers.

Built for the EXPO´98, the Oceanário de Lisboa is a large public aquarium whose prestige is widely recognized, not only in Lisbon and Portugal but also across the world, and has etherealized the centuries-old bond between Lisbon and the ocean.

Its exceptional exhibitions and the architectural features of its buildings, full of symbolism, allows a unique, unforgettable experience. The Oceanário consists of two buildings connected by a large forecourt: the original Oceans Building and the new Sea Building. The forecourt, from which the exhibitions and the educational area can be accessed, boasts a magnificent panel featuring 55 thousand tiles.

Since its opening, the Oceanário de Lisboa has welcomed over 23 million visitors from 185 different countries. After 2015 and 2017 this is the 3rd time the Oceanário is considered the World’s Best Aquarium.