I went to Geographia 2 nights ago, and was less keen on it than the receptionist who recommended it. The Canadians seated next to me also found it kind of average, and English-speaking lady to my right sent her soup back saying it only tasted of salt, and when the bowl was replaced she didn't like that one either. The tab wasn't ridiculous but it wasn't cheap, either. It was obvious that Geographia was full of English speaking tourists. Another receptionist said that Raizes was good, but I have yet to go there.

There are quite a few restaurants in the area, but unless you want to take transit to get to them, you better have good walking legs (as I do).

I walked to the famous Belem Tower from the hotel. There's a very nice route mostly along the river and it was approximately 6 miles/10 km to go there and come back, by foot. Yesterday I walked to the famous seafood restaurant, Ramiro, during the middle of the day. It wasn't that far (maybe 3 miles in each direction) but the route was very arduous, uphill and downhill, and most of the streets were quite narrow and full of both pedestrians and vehicles. I decided not to try to get there in the evening (when dark), plus I could see that going there would involve a significant wait for a table, once there.

I have yet to use the public transit here, and suspect that I will not use it at all during my trip. I took a taxi to the hotel, and I'm satisfied by what I can access on foot.

Promenade leading to Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Looking out on the river from the promenade leading to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos