Insight Guides Explore Lisbon by Insight Guides

Author:Insight Guides
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Travel, Portugal
Publisher: Apa Publications
Published: 2017-05-10T16:00:00+00:00

Ponte Vasco da Gama

The massive 17.2km (10.75 miles) Ponte Vasco da Gama spans the shallow but wide Tagus Estuary, stretching out seamlessly into the horizon. Including viaducts, it is the longest bridge in Europe.

Ponte Vasco da Gama at sunrise

iStock

A second bridge across the River Tagus had become essential to alleviate the congestion on the Ponte 25 de Abril. To finance it, the Portuguese government contracted the building to a private consortium, Lusoponte, who hold exclusive control of toll collection of both Lisbon’s bridges for 40 years.

The bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes 4.5 times stronger than the historic Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The engineering marvel was completed in three years, and opened just in time for Expo ‘98. Before the opening it set a Guinness world record for amassing 15,000 Portuguese to feast on the largest feijoada (bean stew) ever, served at a 3 mile (5km) long table along the deck.

Food and drink

1 Senhor Peixe

Rua da Pimenta 35; tel: 218-955 892; www.senhorpeixe.pt; closed Mon and dinner Sun; €€

The lobsters in the tank and wonderful array of fish inside are likely to lure you into Senhor Peixe (Mr Fish). Usually buzzing with Portuguese, the restaurant offers around 20 different types of fish, mostly priced by the kilo. Among the specialities are arroz de lagosta (lobster risotto), choco frito (fried cuttle fish) and a wonderful caldeirada (fish stew) for two. Reserve a table on the terrace for river views across the gardens.

2 Restaurante D’Bacalhau

Rua Pimenta 45; tel: 281-941 296; www.restaurantebacalhau.com; daily noon–4pm, 7–11pm; €€

Bacalhau (salted cod) is king at this restaurant, steps away from the Tagus. It is served in around ten different ways, from lagueirada de bacalhau with egg, spinach and chickpeas to the popular com natas, baked in cream sauce with potatoes. You can try a selection of four by opting for mezcla de bacalhau (codfish mix, for a minimum of two). Other options are a skewer of grouper, braised salmon or grilled octopus.

3 Myriad by Sana Hotel

Cais das Naus, Lote 2.21.01; tel: 211-107 600; www.myriad.pt; daily lunch and dinner; buffet weekdays 12.30–3.30pm, brunch weekends noon–4pm; €€€

If you want to be right on the river, head for the lounge restaurant of the Myriad by Sana hotel, located on the Tagus with fine views of the Vasco da Gama bridge. It serves an excellent light buffet, with optional chef’s specials, or offers à la carte. The setting is contemporary, the service professional.

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