Lisboa (Lisbon) is the capital of Portugal and the westernmost city in continental Europe, located on the northern side of the Tagus Estuary, on the European Atlantic coast.

Almost 600.000 people live in Lisboa city itself and in the metropolitan area; the population rises to almost 2 million people.  

Suspended on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and in the mouth of the Tagus River, the water element is strongly patent all over the city, like no other western European cities. Lisboa is a luminous city, with beautiful white faded limestone buildings, intimate alleyways, and a relaxed charm that makes it a popular year round destination.

Lisboa is a historic capital, with magnificient hotels, a miscellany of remarkable character and charm, where 800 years of cultural influences blend with modern trends and life styles creating spectacular contrasts.

REASONS TO GO

One of the most beautiful of the European cities.

World class cuisine and an amazing and vibrant nightlife.
The Jer?nimos Monastery, the unique Fado and the Past?is de Nata.

ORIENTATION

The historical neighbourhoods of Lisboa have an attractive and unique culture, history, architecture and people.

The Bairro Alto is one of the most attractive neighbourhoods in the city with trendy boutiques, and bars, it is a meeting place with a diverse and multicultural atmosphere. It?s a delight to explore its streets and lanes, full of traditional restaurants, comfy bookshops, tea houses, funky design shops and Portuguese fashion designers boutiques.

Another area, Chiado, is the sophisticated core for the city?s young people, artists and intellectuals. In Chiado you will find the iconic caf? ?A Brasileira?, art schools, theatres and typical stores.

The Carmo area, next to the Chiado, has some fascinating historical sites like the Convent and Church of Carmo and the Archaeological Museum of Carmo.
From Carmo you can get to the Baixa by the Santa Justa?s Elevator, another of Lisboa?s icons.

The Baixa is the city's traditional shopping district with beautiful squares and big imposing avenues.

Bel?m, by the riverside is a spacious green area with many gardens, parks and monuments that are well worth a visit. The Jer?nimos Monastery, the Torre de Bel?m, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Bel?m Cultural Centre are some of the very interesting attractions of this area.

The Parque das Na??es is also a sparkling, dynamic and multifunctional space. It is the brand of contemporary Lisboa, and also the place where the Casino de Lisboa is located.

BEST TIME TO GO

Lisboa has a pleasant climate throughout the year. The pleasant temperatures during summer are ideal to explore and feel the city. Although the temperatures may drop a bit in the autumn and winter months, sun shines almost every days of the year.

HOW TO GET THERE

Portugal's largest international airport is the Aeroporto da Portela, located 7 km from the city centre. It has many domestic and international connections with all the main cities in the world, and is served by many low cost companies.

Getting from/to the airport

Aerobus (line 91) links the airport to the city centre, departing every 20 minutes.

Taxis cost about ?12 from the airport to the city centre. Make sure to ask the driver how much he estimates the fare will be before getting in the taxi, which will reduce the chance for a surprise bounce in the price.

By road

The city has good road accesses and the most frequently used routes are: the A1 highway, The 25th April Bridge, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, and the CREL, the outer ring-road for the Lisboa region.
By train

There are two big train stations in Lisboa: Santa Apol?nia and Gare do Oriente.

Cais do Sodr? is another important train station, connecting Lisboa to Cascais/Estoril coast.
By boat

The Port of Lisboa is the busiest port on the European Atlantic coast. It has three terminals for cruise ships: the Alc?ntara, Rocha de Conde d??bidos and the Santa Apol?nia terminals.

By bus

All nearby cities and most major cities in Portugal have direct buses to Lisboa. The main bus terminal is at Sete Rios (metro station: Jardim Zool?gico).

TRAVELLING AROUND

By metro

Lisboa's metro system is fast and efficient. Single trip tickets within Zone 1 (which covers most of the city) cost ?1.30. The extensive bus and tram network is run by Carris.

By tram

Tram line 28 takes you through Lisboa's most famous sites in about 30 minutes. This tram route goes from Campo Ourique to Martim-Moniz through many neighbourhoods, museums, churches and gardens.

By Car

Try to avoid using a car in the centre. It?s a nightmare to drive and park in this city.

By boat

You can take a ferryboat between Lisboa and Barreiro, Trafaria, Montijo and Cacilhas. Crossing the river Tagus to Lisboa is an excellent sightseeing occasion.

Using the public transportation and walking is the best thing to do. Most of the city?s principal attractions are close to each other and easy to visit on foot.

You can also use the typical funiculars and elevators (Santa Justa's).

The beautiful Santa Justa's Elevator connects the downtown to the Trindade, located several meters uphill.

SHOPPING

Check if the international luxury brands have any special offerings in their Lisbon shops down Avenida da Liberdade and Rua Garrett. Go for something different at the funky boutiques in Bairro Alto, and look for the sophisticated independent shops down Rua Dom Pedro V in the Principe Real neighborhood. Finally, find some extraordinary old shops filled with charm in Chiado and Baixa.

INFO

www.visitlisboa.com

http://www.askmelisboa.com/en