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Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal. It is the seat of the district of Lisbon and capital of the Lisbon Region. Due to its economic output, standard of living, and market size, Lisbon is considered one of the major financial centers of the Iberian Peninsula, together with Madrid and Barcelona. Lisbon is located in the west of the country, on the Atlantic Ocean coast at the point where the river Tagus flows into the Atlantic Ocean.

In the first years of the 19th century, Portugal was invaded by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte and king John VI of Portugal temporarily fled to Brazil. Considerable property was pillaged by the invaders. The city felt the full force of the Portuguese liberal upheavals, beginning its tradition of cafés and theatres. In 1879 the Avenida da Liberdade was opened, replacing a previous public garden. Lisbon was the centre of the republican coup of October 5, 1910 which instated the Portuguese Republic. Previously, it was also the stage of the regicide of Carlos I of Portugal (1908). During World War II Lisbon was one of the very few neutral, open European Atlantic ports, a major gateway for refugees to the U.S. and a spy nest. In 1974, Lisbon was the central destination point of the Carnation Revolution maneuvers, the end of the Portuguese Corporative Regime (Estado Novo). In 1988, a fire near the historical centre of Chiado greatly disrupted normal life in the area for about 10 years. In 1994, Lisbon was the European Capital of Culture. Expo ‘98 was held in Lisbon. The timing was intended to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Vasco da Gama‘s sea voyage to India.

Lisbon is one of the warmest European capitals. Spring and summer months are usually sunny with maximum temperatures close to 35º-40 °C during July and August and lows between 15 and 20 °C. The heart of the city is the Baixa or city centre; this area of the city is being considered for UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The Baixa is organised in a grid system and a network of squares built after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, which levelled a big part of the medieval town. The Castle of São Jorge and the Lisbon Cathedral are located on one of the seven hills of Lisbon, to the east of the Baixa. The oldest district of the city is Alfama, close to the Tagus, which has made it relatively unscathed through the various earthquakes. Other monuments include: The Castle of São Jorge, atop the tallest hill of the central city, Praça do Comércio with the beautiful façade of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição Velha nearby, Rossio Square, Restauradores Square, Elevador de Santa Justa, an elevator (lift) in Gothic revival style, built around 1900 to connect the Baixa and Bairro Alto, the richly-decorated Church of São Roque, Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) and Carmo Convent.

The city of Lisbon is rich in architecture; Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Traditional Portuguese, Modern and Post-Modern constructions can be found all over the city. Along the Rio Tejo (Tagus River), is the historic neighborhood of Belém. Bairro Alto is an area of central Lisbon, Portugal. It functions as a residential, shopping and entertainment district. Today, the Bairro Alto is the heart of Lisbon‘s youth and of the Portuguese capital‘s nightlife. Lisbon‘s Punk, Gay, Metal, Goth, Hip Hop and Reggae scenes, all have the Bairro as their home, due to the number of clubs and bars dedicated to each of them.

The fado, Portugal‘s national song, still survives in the new Lisbon‘s nightlife. The crowd is a mix of local and tourist, straight and gay, and almost anything else imagined.

GO THERE FOR

Culture & Variety – It’s one of the world’s great historical cities, with amazing sites, cultural treasures and a beautiful setting that make it a paradise for walkers and photographers. Its surroundings offer an incredible variety of tourist attractions, fairytale palaces in one of Europe’s most romantic towns (Sintra), world-class golf and fun in Europe’s largest casino in Estoril, surfing in Cascais, escaping to a natural park in Arrábida and dolphin-watching in Setúbal.

Value & Location – It’s one of Europe’s best values — officially Western Europe’s least expensive capital and it’s the closest European capital to the United States and around a two hour flight from all the other major European cities.

Climate & Resort – Its mild climate makes it an ideal year-round destination. Even in winter, when most other European cities are freezing, Lisbon’s high temperatures rarely go below 10?C (50?F). It is the only European capital located so close to sandy beaches; enabling visitors to combine culture with fun by the sea.

Size & Gateway - It’s a compact and intimate city, ideal for a short city break or a longer romantic stay, with a lively café culture and a nightlife that is one of the most vibrant in Europe. It makes a perfect base to explore many of Portugal’s outstanding towns and villages, from Evora to Obidos.

Safety & Welcoming – It’s a friendly city with a cosmopolitan population, welcoming to all visitors and families with children, and open to minorities and alternative lifestyles.


DON'T MISS

Alfama with Eléctrico Número 28
The historic “eléctrico” number 28, which crosses the city, is the best way to enjoy the city centre in comfort. The tour starts from the Praça do Comércio stop and climbs up the steep slope that reaches Castelo de São George. The first important monument you see is the Sé de Lisboa. Continuing, you’ll get to the first important panoramic point - the “Miradouro de Santa Luzia”, where you have a beautiful view. Next you’ll reach the Alfama district, which was built during the Arab occupation. This area is composed by narrow, tangled streets and small squares where many “tascas” are located. Climbing up to the top of the hill you’ll arrive at the “Castelo de São Jorge”, a charming place rich with history where you’ll find the most stunning views of the city. In the evening don’t miss a “Fado Show” and a glass of Port.

Belém Monuments
When you arrive in Belém from the city centre, you’ll be fascinated by the huge white structure of the “Jerónimos Monastery”. It was built, at the end of the 15th century by King Dom Manuel I and it consecrates the place from which Vasco da Gama left for a famous mission to the Indies. Another monument dedicated to the explorers is the “Monumento aos Descobrimentos” built in 1940 along the Tejo River. Continuing on the road to Cascais you’ll see one of Lisbon’s most recognisable monuments: the “Belém Tower”. The whiteness of its stone reflects the banks of the wide river to remind us of the starting point of many discoveries and expeditions in far away lands. The Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery have both been awarded World Heritage Site status by UNESCO.

Downtown Baixa
During your stay in Lisbon let yourself enjoy a stroll through the elegant streets of the Baixa. This district was entirely reconstructed by the “Marques de Pombal” after the earthquake of 1755. Two of the most beautiful squares of the capital, Praça do Rossio and Praça da Figueira, are surrounded by some of the most elegant shops in the city, from Rua Augusta to Praça do Comércio. If you want a panoramic view of the city, without getting too tired, the best thing is to take the Santa Justa elevator - it takes you directly to the “Convento do Carmo”, an ancient church of which only the walls remain today, and have been transformed into a museum.

Parque Das Nações
Designed and built in the Parque das Nações area for the International Expo Fair of 1998, the Expo district rises along the Tejo River, east of the city centre. Its monumental architecture, along with the many activities and events on offer, make this part of the city a crowded place, especially during sunny weekends. A great place to enjoy a pleasant afternoon, stroll through markets, past bars and along paths, and visit the huge “Oceanário” aquarium and treat yourself to a panoramic cable trip between Tejo and admire the architecture.

Night in Bairro Alto
A fundamental destination for your Lisbon nights is the Bairro Alto. If you want to taste the specialties in one of the many tascas or if you wish to have a drink in a fashionable bar, the Bairro Alto is the best place to enjoy an evening in perfect Lisbon style. Getting through the criss-cross streets from Praça do Camões, you are immediately enticed by the atmosphere that dominates the bars. From jazz to electronic, all music genres are represented. It is easy to find the perfect place to have a few drinks and dance until the early hours.

Sintra
About 30 km from Lisbon, Sintra is a small open-air treasure. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a Sintra is stop that you have to make, even if you are just staying for a few days in Lisbon. The most relevant attraction is the “Palácio Nacional da Pena” and its bizarre domes. After visiting the castle and its beautiful gardens, it is a great idea to stroll among the narrow streets, the luxurious country house gardens and the small craft shops. Not far from Sintra, along the coast, you will find beautiful beaches where you can relax and get some sun. Before heading back to Lisbon you can’t miss the sunset in Cabo da Roca, the Old Continent’s most western point.

Cascais
One of the most luxurious beach spots in Europe; connected to Lisbon by the scenic seaside road called the 'Marginal', Cascais, Estoril and Oeiras are considered the more affluent suburbs of Lisbon, sporting their own beaches and coastal walkway. A short 25 km drive along the A5 motorway also links these areas to the centre of Lisbon and its international airport in less than 30 minutes (outside peak hours). Cascais, a picturesque former fishermen's village, and nearby Estoril were used as a summer retreat by the nobility for centuries. They were also the havens of many kings and aristocrats exiled during the 20th century. The region is considered the Portuguese Riviera and is the perfect place to visit in both spring and autumn. The unique climate combined with a large variety of recreation, sports, accommodation and meeting resources attract many international events year round.

Lisbon Beaches
Lisbon is blessed as the only European capital located so close to sandy beaches. Although the waters are not as warm as in the south of the country, the Lisbon coast offers beautiful beaches that range from sheltered little coves to miles of dune-backed sands. Most of them are clean and fly the European Union Blue Flag for excellence and are ideal for a refreshing day in the sun.
Cascais
Guincho Beach - Located on the cliffs outside Cascais, this beach is one of the most beautiful around Lisbon. Although the beach is not the best for swimming due to powerful waves and wind, it is regarded as one of the best spots for windsurfing and surfing.
Crismina Beach - One of the large beaches in the Guincho area. Following the road that gets from Cascais, Cresmina is situated in a long sandy area surrounded by dunes.
Moitas Beach - Is a small beach situated next to the seaside walk between Cascais and Estoril, close to the train station of Monte Estoril. This area is quite rocky, therefore some attention is needed when approaching the water. The beach is accessed by the pedestrian seaside walk, consequently there is no car parking close to the beach.
Sintra
Praia Grande - Also known as Lagoa Beach, Grande do Rodízio Beach is situated in the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. The Beach has restaurants, bars and an extensive sandy area, being one of the most frequented beaches in Sintra’s region. The beach also provides great conditions for surfing and body-boarding, with one of the Mundial Surf/Body board competitions being held here. On the south side of the beach, there is a set of dinosaur footprints carved in a rock of the cliff. The left side of the beach, next to the high cliffs, is one of the favourite spots for fishermen, famous for its quantity and quality of fish.
Praia da Adraga - Considered by the BBC as one of Europe's best beaches, this beach is located just 15km north of Guincho, close to Sintra. Surrounded by tall cliffs, the beach is unspoiled with its clean blue waters.
Praia das Maçãs - Maçãs Beach owes its name to a river that used to run through apple orchids and the fruit used to fall into this river. The river carried several apples (Maçãs) into the ocean and onto the beach. The beach is about 250 metres wide, surrounded by shops, restaurants, bars and handicraft shops. This area has become a meeting point for the people of Sintra, and later from the Lisboa area, especially on Sundays. Next to this beach there is a salt water swimming pool, a children’s park and space for picnics. The beach also has good facilities for sport fishing.
Pequena Beach - With a sandy area of about 150 metres, this beach is known as “Pequena” (Small). Surrounded by high cliffs, some of them in risk of collapsing, this beach is often frequented by surfers and body-boarders due to its privileged sea conditions for this kind of sport.
Ericeira Beach - Ericeira is a lovely village located 54km from Lisbon. The village is surrounded by several beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean. One of the best is Ribeira das Ilhas, regarded as one of Europe’s best surfing spots. Since 1985, this beach has hosted a leg of the World Surfing Championship.
Across de Bridge (South of Lisbon)
Morena Beach - The Morena Beach is mainly known by the youngsters that frequent the beach during the summer months. It is also enjoyed by families and children for the curious sand and beach formation that, during low tide, create small ponds perfect for children to play.
Meco Beach - Regarded as one of the cleanest beaches in Lisbon, it is likely you’ll find yourself isolated in many areas. No wonder the final stretch of the beach is for nudists.
Tróia Beach - The Tróia Peninsula has excellent soft sandy beaches. Some parts of the peninsula are highly developed, yet others offer untouched sandy beaches.
Comporta Beach - The Comporta Beach is situated in the limits of the wonderful Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, which allows the region to preserve all its astonishing natural beauty. Comporta combines the charm of its dunes, the extensive pine tree area and the refreshing ocean. With an extensive beach, the area provides good conditions for practicing to surf or kite surf.


BASICS


Country Code: +351
City Code: 21
Emergency Number: 112
Directory Enquiries: 118 (Portuguese), 177 (International)
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are used.
Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Exchange Rate: 1 GBP = 1.20 EUR, 1 EUR = .84 GBP (Subject to change)
Time: WET (UTC), Last Sunday in March - Last Sunday in October WEST (UTC +1)
Lisbon Portela Airport
+351 (0)218 413 500
www.ana.pt


GETTING AROUND

From the Airport…
The Carris Aerobus no 91 runs every day between 7.45am and 8.45pm, connecting Lisbon Airport to the city centre. Tickets can be purchased on the bus; you can also purchase an all-day bus and tram network pass. A shuttle bus service also operates between the airport and the resorts of Estoril and Cascais. Taxi stands are situated outside departures and arrivals. Fares are 20 percent higher on weekends, holidays and at night.
Car rental: Car rental companies represented at the airport include Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt. Out of peak hours, it only takes 15 minutes to get to the Lisbon city centre by car.

Around Town…
Buses
Carris is the transportation company that runs buses, trams and funiculars in Lisbon for many years. It is advisable to buy the tickets in advance as they will be MUCH cheaper and more convenient. Tickets must be stamped in the machine on boarding the machine. If you plan to stay for a considerable time, it is better to obtain a tourist pass which provides unlimited travel by Carris. Passes can be obtained Carris kiosks in railway and busy metro stations.
Intercity bus station is located on the corner of Av. João Crisóstomo, near to McDonald’s, in a big beige building in Saldanha (accessible via the metro yellow line). This is the terminal for all intercity buses. Fast Rede Expressos buses also depart from this station.

Metro
The most favourable way to get around in Lisbon is the cheap and efficient Metro.
Metro trains run every day from 6.00 a.m. until 1.00 a.m.

Trams
Trams offer a nostalgic trip through ancient neighbourhoods such as the Bairro Alto and Alfama. It is interesting to note that many of them are pre-World War I and still running. Line 15 departs from Praça da Figueira to Belém and Line 28 passes through the Bairro Alto, Alfama and other parts of Lisbon.
Lines:
12 Praça da Figueira - Praça da Figueira-via Martim Moniz
15 Praça da Figueira - Algés
18 R. Alfândega - Cemitério do Ajuda
25 R. Alfândega - Campo de Qurique
28 Martim Moniz - Campo de Qurique

Funiculars and Lifts
Funiculars function to link the lower part of the city to the upper.
Elevador do Lavro
Largo da Anunciada - R. Câmara Pestana
Everyday between 7.00 a.m. and 10.45 p.m. Sundays and public holidays between 9.00 a.m. and 10.45 p.m.
Elevador da Glória
Restauradores - S. Pedro de Alcântara    
Sunday to Wednesday between 7.00 a.m. and 2.00 a.m.; Thursday, Friday, Saturday and public holidays 7.00 a.m. and 3.00 a.m.
Elevador da Bica
Rua São Paulo - Largo do Calhariz    
Everyday between 7.00 a.m. and 10.45 p.m. Sundays and public holidays between 9.00 a.m. and 10.45 p.m.
Elevador de Santa Justa
Rua do Ouro- Largo do Carmo    
Everyday between 7.00 a.m. and 10.45 p.m.

Taxi
The beige taxis of Lisbon are available at every corner of the city and offer reasonable prices to get around. However, be aware, some taxi drivers - especially those from the airport are badly reputed and may charge you more than they are supposed to. To avoid these unpleasant situations and ensure that you are paying the right price, buy a Taxi Voucher either at the Ask Me tourist office at the airport, Lisboa Welcome Center at Praça do Comércio or Palace Foz in Restauradores. This title of transportation is prepaid with a guaranteed rate. You can also buy "Taxi Vouchers" for transportation to other parts of the city or even the country.

Car Hire
Lisbon has some beautiful old streets which are a joy to walk along, but are somewhat more of a challenge if you are using a car. If you plan to drive around Lisbon avoid the peak time rushes otherwise you will waste time sitting in traffic. Generally, Lisbon is quite a compact city and parking can be tricky. Compared to other European cities, parking rates are low. If you wish to book before coming to Lisbon, you can easily arrange car hire Lisbon. Rhino cars can be picked up from all the major points including Lisbon Airport, Gare do Oriente and Santa Apolónia Station. Please be aware that the speed limit is 120 kilometres per hour on the motorway.


WHEN TO GO

Lisbon is a year round destination, as the climate is always mild and there are no extreme weather conditions (the daily mean ranges from 11.3?C/52.3?F in January to 23?C/73.4?F in August). But it can become quite hot in the summer (average high 27?C/81?F), though miraculously cool in the evenings, and there is a fair amount of rain during the winter months (on average 14 rainy days a month), so spring is perhaps the best time for a visit.

Public Holidays:
1st January – New Year’s Day
Variable (47 days before Easter) – Carnival
Variable – Good Friday
25th April – Freedom Day
1st May – Labour Day
Variable – Corpus Christi
10th June – Portugal Day
13th June – Saint Anthony Day
15th August – Assumption
5th October – Republic Day
1st November – All Saints Day
1st December – Restoration of Independence
8th December – Immaculate Conception
25th December – Christmas Day