AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE

Portela Airport is 4.5 miles or 7 kms to the city centre.
 
There is an Aerobus service (no.91) to the City Centre costing €3.00 (£2.70) which runs every 20 minutes between 0740 and 2045 with a journey time of 30 minutes.
The bus runs every 20 minutes and stops at Entrecampos, Campo Pequeno, Avenida República, Saldanha, Picoas, Fontes Pereira Melo, Marquês de Pombal, Avenida da Libertade, Restauradores, Rossio (City Center), Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré. On board, there are screens showing each stop as the bus approaches the area, and a list of nearby hotels, which is extremely convenient if you're not entirely sure which stop you need to get off at for your hotel.
 
Taxis are available 24 hours a day with a fare of approx. €13.00 (£11).
 
One of the quickest ways to travel in Lisbon is by Metro. It covers almost the whole city and next to most hotels you will find a metro station.

LISBON AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Taxi:
Taxis in Lisbon are a cream colour, and are always readily available, yet still relatively inexpensive. 
There are taxi ranks all over Lisbon, in the busy areas of town and you can also just wave your hand to hail one. The meter will show the fare, however, extra fees do occur, for example at night or with airport surcharges. 

Lisbon is a sunny and pleasant city for walking, but its steep streets may leave you tired after a day’s sightseeing.  The best method is to use public transport going uphill and then take a leisurely stroll back down.  The 7 Colinas card allows you a full day trip in buses or metro.
Lisbon's metro (the underground subway network) is modern and efficient. It runs from 6.30am to 1am, and many of the stations are decorated with contemporary art, making the metro a tourist attraction in itself!
The tram network in Lisbon makes a really charming way to do some sightseeing. With routes all over the city, you can jump aboard and relax as the tram takes you up and around Lisbon's hilly avenues and narrow passages, with great views.

City Centre to Estadio da Luz - Benfica
Take the blue line and get out at either Alto dos Moinhos or Colegio Militar/Luz.
Both are very close to the stadium.

City Centre to Estadio Jose de Alvalade - Sporting Lisbon
The yellow and green line metro routes both stop at Campo Grande interface opposite the Alvalade XXI complex.

City Centre to Estadio do Rostelo - Belenenses
Mainland railway to Belem, the follow the crowds.

TOURIST OFFICES
Palacio Foz , Placa dos Restauradores near to Rossio station.
Tel: 346 3314. Open daily.

EMERGENCY SERVICES 
Police, Ambulance and Fire
Tel:112

BRITISH CONSULATE
Rua de Sao Bernardo 33, 1200 Lisbon, Portugal.
Tel: 392 4000 or 392 4160.
Fax: 392 4185.  

BANKING HOURS
Monday - Friday 0830 - 1500
Some banks open 1800 - 2300 Monday - Friday in Lisbon.
Please note however that most do not have currency exchange desks.

LOCAL ATTRACTIONS

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Regarded as Lisbon’s most important landmark, the construction of this stunning monastery began in 1502 and was completed before the end of the century. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos thankfully managed to survive the great earthquake in 1755, unlike most of the city. It was constructed by Manuel I during the affluent years following the discovery of the seaway to India and it is the finest example of Manuel-architecture in Lisbon. The magnificent two-storey monastery is garland ornamented with stone shelves, sea monsters and other maritime symbols. It was traditional for Portuguese seafarers to pray in the chapel before their departure to the unknown.

The National Tile Musueum (Museu Nacional do Azulejo)
The National Tile Museum houses an amazing collection of decorative tiles both foreign and Portuguese dating from the 15th century to present.

Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge Castle)
Inhabited since Phoenician times, the site of this castle has witnessed countless visitors from the Romans to the Moors. This ruined 13th-century palace also served as the principal palace of Portuguese kings for more than 300 years. The 360 degree view of Lisbon and its environs from the castle ramparts is simply stunning.   

Museu da Marinha (Maritime Museum)
King Luís founded the Maritime Museum on July 22nd 1863. It is now regarded as one of the most important maritime museums in Europe. It features over 17,000 items including a massive photographic archive and 1,500 archives of ships’ plans and drawings. You cannot miss three anchors from Columbus’s Niña at the entrance to the museum and there are some fascinating displays and models based on the Portuguese discoveries.

The Alfama District
The Alfama district is located in the old town of Lisbon and is still wonderfully picturesque with narrow winding streets and colourful overhanging buildings. Unfortunately, none of the Moorish buildings remain due to the earthquake of 1755 but the layout of the streets gives you a good idea of what it might have been like. Take a stroll around the area and soak up the atmosphere.

The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
The Belém Tower is located on the banks of the Tagus River. Built in 1521 as a monument to the Portuguese discoveries and as a lookout tower, it resembles a miniature castle. Originally, the tower stood farther out in the river but after centuries of silting the riverbanks have merged with the tower. It incorporates many motifs of maritime life.

The Sé Cathedral
Lisbon's cathedral, (the Sé) was built by Portugal’s first king, Dom Afonso Henriques (1109-1185). It was damaged extensively during the great earthquake of 1755 and rebuilt in an earlier style, and is a mixture of Gothic and Romanesque styles. Parts of the twin towers, the rose window, the naves, and the vestry are part of the original 13th-century building. The gothic cloister was a 14th century addition and is decorated in tiles depicting the Song of Solomon. The chapel of St. Vincent was built in the 16th century while the main chapel was built in the 17th century.

The Bairro Alto District
The Bairro Alto, meaning the Upper City, is the trendiest area of Lisbon. Fortunately many of its buildings survived the 1755 earthquake, and today the narrow cobblestone streets and alleys are lined with ancient buildings making it a fascinating place to stroll during the day. The area is intensely colorful and full of life. The Bairro Alto is probably best experienced at night, being home to some of the best ‘’fado’’ (traditional Portuguese music) cafés in Lisbon, as well as a host of diverse bars discos and restaurants. 

BARS

A Ginginha, Largo de São Domingos.
It has become something of a ritual to imbibe uma ginhinha, a syrupy cherry brandy liquor, in a cloudy Duralex glass, at one of the rather insalubrious hole-in-the-wall bars across the city. From morning until night a motley crew of Lisboetas spill out onto the square from this sticky joint. A glass delivers the requisite sample kick, for less than a euro, and you can buy bottles to take home. Unless you aspire to catatonia, eating the cherry is best avoided.

Artis, Rua de Diário de Notícias, 95-97
This mellow dimly lit jazz bar is something of a Bairro Alto institution for jazz devotees. With chunky wooden furnishings, classic old movie posters and a smoky 1920s-style conspiratorial ambience, it is perfect for a close encounter with Lisbon’s sultry side.

Café Buenos Aires, Calçada (Escadinhas) do Duque, 31B.
On the steps that lead down from Igreja de São Roque to Rossio, this charming, friendly wood-panelled bar, with swirling wooden fans and impassioned Tango music, feels more La Boca than Bairro Alto. Snacks, pasta dishes and salads are served but it is worth a visit alone for its industrial-strength caipirinhas at E3.00

Café Targus, Rua de Diário de Notícias, 40,
The rather seedy looking exterior belies the zen harmony of this sushi bar, decorated with modernist paintings by up-and-coming artists. The glitter ball reveals Targus’ post-midnight alter ego, playing mostly chilled out jazz and funk to a boho crowd. The sushi is not bad either.

Cafédiario, Rua de Diário de Notícias, 3,
Cafédiario’s gregarious Chilean owner has created an up tempo and welcoming bar, so popular that it spills out onto the pavement at the weekends. The mojitos and caipirinhas are downright dangerous and the music, ranging from Cuban salsa to Brazilian samba reggae, infects the most rigid of northern European hips.

Capela, Rua Atalaia, 45,
At the weekend, Lisbon’s self-proclaimed arbiters of style are rammed into this former Gothic chapel. The music is an excellent repertoire of electronica and funky house. But at the more ‘cutting edge’ of Lisbon’s scene, Capela can have a rather pretentious vibe. If you are in need of spiritual deliverence, the drink of choice should be the ‘Holy Sacrament’.

Chafariz do Vinho, Rua da Mãe de Água, Príncipe Real.
Not renowned for its refined bar culture, Lisbon’s only wine bar is a classy place to develop a finer appreciation of Portuguese (and foreign) wines and port. Housed in the cavernous interior of Lisbon’s old 11th-century reservoir, the setting is wonderfully atmospheric. There is an excellent selection of petiscos and more substantial dishes.

Clube da Esquina, Rua Barroca, 30.
A favourite among Lisbon’s sexier masses, this ersatz Bairro Alto watering hole is the place to see and be seen. The split-level interior is a cool fusion of modern and retro. Black-clad staff strut and sashay beneath the interior steel frames and the stark, low-level lighting is offset by intimate alcoves and swirling ceiling fans. The excellent roll call of talented DJs doing a fine line in hip hop, electronica and chilled out house.

Luso Bar, Travessa da Queimada, 10.
Carved out of the 18th-century Palácio São Roque, this smart bar, annexed to the 1930s Café Luso fado house, successfully fuses the characterful features of the palace with contemporary glass and steel decor. Candles, laid-back music and slinky bartenders create a more sophisticated vibe than most of Luso’s Bairro Alto peers and attracts Lisbon’s more gilded youth and pre-fado tour groups.

Majong, Rua da Atalaia, 3,
A magnet for Lisbon’s more penurious bohos, this minimalist former Chinese restaurant is a popular launch pad for a Bairro Alto bar hop. It is decorated with cinema posters and plays danceable world music. An in-crowd cliquey vibe can prevail before the more late-night stupor sets in, thanks to the highly intoxicating bebidas.

Pavilhão Chinês, Rua Dom Pedro V, 89,
Behind chunky pillar box red doors, this is one of the most ludicrous watering holes in the city. An eye-popping medley of kitsch and classic paraphernalia, from Marilyn Monroe dolls to caricatures by Rafael Bordeiro Pinherio, are jammed into glass classes and suspended from the high ornate ceilings. Imbued with the decadence of an opium den, dapper waiters serve a wide range of pricey cocktails at the dazzling bars. 

RESTAURANTS AND CAFES

Casa Alentejo, Rua Portas de Santo Antão, 58 .
17th- century neo-Moorish Palácio Alverca is now home to the Alentejano cultural centre and restaurant and is worth a visit alone to admire the central courtyard, designed by Portuguese architect Silva Júnior in 1914 and richly decorated with azulejo tiles and paintings. Upstairs is where nostalgic Alentejanos partake of hearty açorda soups (a runny mixture of stale bread and garlic, topped with boiled egg). There is codfish açordas, delicious octopus rice, grilled seabass and ‘bullock’s entrecôte cooked the wine trader’s way’. The stewed turbot with pasta is highly recommended.

Valentino, Rua Jardim de Regedor, 15-30,
Reliable, conveniently located Italian restaurant with outdoor seating and a cavernous, split level interior with intimate alcoves. Popular with Lisboetas enjoying lazy Sunday lunches, there is a child-friendly repertoire of decent thin base pizzas, oozing calzones and rich pastas. The portions are mammoth but meagre use of herbs and spices can render some dishes rather bland. Fine fish and meat dishes push the prices up to the expensive price category. Excellent tiramisu for desert.

Bom Jardim, Travessa de Santo Antão, 11
Known as the ‘Rei del Frango’, The King of Chickens has become a Lisbon legend, famous for its spit-roasted chicken. And its a bargain, dished up with fries, salad and jugs of rough house wine, for less than E10. Troubadours, theatrical waiters and persistent flocks of rose sellers add to the rustic charms.

Águas do Bengo, Rua do Teixeira, 1,
Tucked down one of Bairro Alto’s leafier and more tranquil streets, this atmospheric African restaurant-bar is owned by famed Angolan musician Waldemar Bastos. Piquant Angolan cuisine, including steamed fish and vegetables, is served to hip-swaying African music. Waldemar often gives impromptu performances when in town.

Alfaia, Travessa da Queimada, 22.
A welcome Bairro Alto newcomer which combines a refined international style and presentation with superb traditional Portuguese dishes and attentive service. Main course dishes, average price E9, include wonderfully fresh dorado, tasty bacalhão a minhote, cod with onions, chicken wrapped in bacon and octopus skewers. Delicious home-made ice cream and tiramisu. Very popular, especially at the weekend. Booking advised.

Bizarro, Rua da Atalaia,133,
With its kaleidoscopic exterior strewn with fairy lights, Bizarro is true to its name. The interior continues the grotto theme, with walls painted with varinhas (fishwives), trams and traditional Lisbon scenes. Fish and meat dishes cooked on a charcoal grill, to the sound of fado, is the speciality.

Bota Alta, Travessa da Queimada, 35.
Opening out onto the street, in the heart of the Bairro Alto nexus, this eccentric wood-panelled tavern is a classic. Decorated with gnarled boots, gingham tablecloths and intriguing art, a faultless repertoire of Portuguese classics provides the mainstay of the menu. Favourites include steaks in red wine, cod with port and sausages.

Casa Nostra, Travessa do Poço da Cidade, 60,
Casa Nostra is a far cry from the red-and-white check tablecloths and frenzied Italian waiter cliché. The almost soporific mint and white decor, discreet service, and well-executed, if rather predictable, Italian cuisine has sparked a cult following. The success has spawned an even cooler off-spring down at the docks, Casanova. The house special is a very rich spinach and ricotta roulade. The desserts are worth leaving room for.

Charcutaria Francesa, Rua Dom Pedro I, 52-54.
Close to Príncipe Real, delicious fresh fish and meat dishes are cooked with Parisian panache in this small, arty restaurant close to Príncipe Real. Choose from sole fillets with garlic sauce, swordfish with banana and monkfish with saffron rice. A large selection of Portuguese and international wines. A very civilized Saturday brunch at 1030 is the perfect hangover cure.

Cravo e Canela, Rua da Barroca, 70,
Contemporary designer bar- restaurant with stylish decor. Reasonably priced international dishes ranging from traditional grilled fish to Asian specialities. Mouth-watering duck with champagne and pepper is recommended. The groovy bar area fills up after midnight, playing mellow jazz to laid-back, young media types.

STAYING IN TOUCH – INTERNET CAFES

Ciber Chiado: 12 computers available in this Internet cafe. Open Monday to Friday from 16:00-24:00, Saturdays 20:00-24:00. Largo do Picadeiro 1012-1200-330 Lisbon.