Lisbon, Portugal's capital, lies across seven hills and overlooks the River Tagus. It's a charming old city, from Alfama, the Moorish-influenced part of town that survived the earthquake in 1755, to the lower town (or Baixa), that was flattened by it and later rebuilt in elegant 18th-century style.
Belem, the historic quarter, is beside the river. It is from here that many of the explorers headed off on their voyages of discovery. The beautiful Belem Tower, awesome Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries are all here. It's also the place to sample Lisbon's delicacy - the custard tart. The Antiga Confeitaria de Belem has held the secret recipe to the cinnamon-dusted treat since 1837.
Bairro Alto, the high neighbourhood, is the cultural centre, a lively district with fado singing clubs, restaurants and bars.
One of the best things about Lisbon though is getting around it. There are funiculars and a fantastic elevator connecting lower Lisbon to the upper parts. The number 28 tram trundles from Baixa to Campo Orique, taking in the Alfama and Graca districts. Getting to Lisbon is easy too. As Portugal's main international airport, there are plenty of cheap flights to Lisbon Airport.
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Lisbon has warm summers with temperatures often in the high 20s (Celsius), and wet, windy winters with temperatures around 10 degrees. Even in the coldest months of December and January the city rarely sees freezing temperatures, although the rain can make it feel colder. The hottest months are July and August, and the coolest are December through February.
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Peak Season:
Tourists start arriving in the spring and the flow continues through the autumn. The highest point of peak season is mid-June to August when prices also peak. During the European Football Championship (EFC) games, the city is mobbed with supporters, so check the schedule or join the party. Another drawing card is Carnaval in February or March, when prices are as high as those in summer.
Off Season:
Early spring, late autumn, and winter visitors can often find cheaper Lisbon flights and reduced hotel rates. The Indian summer of late September into early October is a particularly pleasant time to visit.
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The Carris Aerobus no 91 runs every day between 7.45am and 8.45pm, connecting Lisbon Airport to the city centre. Tickets giving a day's use of the bus and tram network can be purchased on the bus. 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 per cent higher on weekends, holidays and at night.
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Lisbon’s center is easily explored on foot. In the heat of summer, though, you may want to use funiculars and elevators to navigate the steep hills.
Public transport is composed of a metro, buses, trams, funiculars, and elevators. The fastest way to get around is the metro, which covers most of the city. Make sure to take some of the old tram cars. All public transport, especially the metro, is very crowded during rush hour, which is also the pickpockets favourite time to ride.
Public transport passes are worth considering if you are staying for a week or so. There are passes for one- and multiple-day unlimited tram, bus, funicular, and elevator trips. The Lisboa Card offers free travel on all public transport along with free entry to many attractions.
Taxis are plentiful and possibly the most reasonably priced in Europe.
Between Lisbon’s efficient public transport system, inexpensive taxis, and busy traffic, there is little need to drive yourself in the city.
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- Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest district and has a kasbah-like layout with narrow streets and small squares. Its greatest attraction is the Castle of Sao Jorge, which was taken from the Moors in the 12th century and became the residence of the Portuguese kings. It fell into disrepair over the centuries but was renovated in 1938.
- The Se Cathedral is simple with a beautiful stained glass rose window.
- Belem: several of the explorers (Prince Henry the Navigator, Bartholomeu Dias, Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco da Gama) left from here. The Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (built by Manuel I after Vasco da Gama's return from his voyage to India), Torre de Belem and the Monument of the Discoveries - built in 1960 to honour the patrons and mariners of the Age of Discovery - are the must-sees.
- Baixa is the commercial heart of the city. It was completely rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. It's a popular area with cafes and restaurants.
- Sao Roque church was founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century. The facade is plain, but inside there are several chapels, one of which – Chapel of St John the Baptist – is decorated with gold, silver, ivory, porphyry, agate and lapis lazulli.
- The Museu de Artes Decorativas houses furniture, jewellery and porcelain dating from the 15th-19th centuries.
- The Ponte de Vasco da Gama, spanning the River Tagus, is Europe’s longest bridge.
- The National Coach Museum has one of the largest collections of royal coaches in the world.
- The Palacio da Ajuda was destroyed by fire in 1795, but rebuilt in the 19th century as a royal residence. The rooms are certainly lavish with silk wallpaper and Meissen porcelain. Royalty left here in 1910 when Portugal became a republic and it is now a museum.
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