Lisbon is a city that mixes old world traditions with a vibrant, modern setting. Lisbon is a city that holds lots of little secrets like the fact that its Parque Florestal Monsanto is one of the largest urban parks in Europe at about 2,223 acres. One of Europe's hottest capital cities balances forward thinking design with centuries of architecture, because much of Lisbon was rebuilt in 1755 after a powerful earthquake destroyed almost two thirds of Portugal's capital city. Here's a list of top 4 must do's during your stay in Lisbon.

Heavenly Custard Tarts
At the top of your Lisbon cuisine experience are the famous custard tarts known as "pasteis de Belem". This delicious pastries are sold in plenty of local places but the local favorites are baked at the Confiteria de Belem (hint: if your bake shop includes most of the name of a product, then it must make it real good!). You can find Confiteria de Belem at 84-92 Rua de Belem, nearby the Jeronimos monastery (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos in Portuguese). The fact that the bake shop is so close to the Jeronimos monastery allows Confiteria de Belem that its pasteis de Belem are "heavenly". Make sure to complete your heavenly experience by visiting the early 16th century built monastery, showcasing a gabled limestone facade.

Fado Nightlife

Fado music and dance are an important part of Lisbon's and Portugal's way of life. One of the oldest urban folk music styles in the world, Fado traces its roots back to Africa and continued to grow on the streets of Lisbon. This music style has evolved throughout the years and now it has become a staple at intimate dinner clubs in Lisbon where you can enjoy marvelous performances by top artists singing originals or the greatest hits from Mariza and Amalia Rodrigues. There are several places to enjoy Fado shows such as A Tasca do Chico (39 Rua Diario de Noticias), Xafarix (69 Avenida Dom Carlos I) or the Clube de Fado (94 Rua Sao Joao da Praca).

The Design District

Santos is the official design district of Lisbon where art students and designers roam the streets and are easily found at restaurants like the trendy Estado Liquido fusion Sushi (5A Largo de Santos), where they enjoy fresh sashimi. Another popular eatery for designers and artists is the Maritaca (68F Avenida 24 de Julho), where they enjoy fabulous thin crust pizzas. Shopping is amazing at the design district, Santos. The perfect souvenirs from your visit to Lisbon are the vintage hand carved cedar toy cars fromTobeUs at Paris: Sete (14D Largo de Santos).

A Hidden Gem

The Fabrica Braco de Prata is a place that visitors to Lisbon often miss. Don't be one of them! This 1908 arms factory holds an amazing cultural center full of exposition rooms, cinemas, bars, cafes and bookstores. The main attraction of the Fabrica Braco de Prata is the open courtyard where lots of concerts are held. Look for the Saturday Fado concerts at midnight. The Fabrica Braco de Prata is located at 1 Rua de Fabrica do Material de Guerra.

Old World Traditions

Alfama is the oldest district of Lisbon and it is one that maintains the city's oldest traditions. This district is located on the slope between the Castle of Lisbon and the Tejo river. The importance of Alfama goes back to when the Moors dominated the city and Alfama made almost all of Lisbon. Throughout the years Alfama started to fall into poverty as the city began to expand outside its borders, however Alfama regained its important after completely surviving the great 1755 earthquake. This beautiful maze of narrow streets and tiny square is home also to the Lisbon Cathedral, the Church of Santo Antonio, the Santa Luzia Belvedere and the Largo das Portas ao Sol.