Lisbon



[ English ] Lisboa, or Lisbon, is the biggest city and capital of Portugal. Lisbon is, amongst other names, known as the white city, thanks to its unique luminosity. The light, the atmosphere and the climate offer marvellous walks all over the city. It has a beauty that extends beyond the monuments, which can be experienced in the streets, that is embraced with all the senses. Although it was at the castle that everything began, historical sites can be found throughout the city. With a thousand years of history, Lisbon is full of monuments of great importance, that reflect some of the key moments in the Portugal’s history. Capital of the Empire, the peak of Lisbon’s wealth was during the Age of Discovery, which guaranteed its heritage of a rare beauty.

[ Português ] Lisboa é a maior cidade e capital de Portugal. Lisboa é conhecida, entre outras, como a cidade branca, graças à luminosidade única que emana. A luz, o ambiente e o clima proporcionam passeios maravilhosos ao longo de várias zonas da cidade. É uma beleza que se estende para lá dos monumentos, que se vive na rua, que se abraça com todos os sentidos. Se foi no Castelo que tudo começou, a história encontra-se em toda a cidade. Com mil anos de história, Lisboa está repleta de monumentos de grande importância, que traduzem alguns dos momentos mais fundamentais da história nacional. Capital de Império, Lisboa teve o seu expoente máximo de riqueza na época dos Descobrimentos, assegurando um património único de uma beleza rara.

CouchSurfing
[ English ] There are over 2000 registered CouchSurfers in Lisbon (use the CouchSearch to find them). While not all are equally active, Lisbon in general still has an active CS community which organizes several regular events. You can have a quick overview of the events that are being organized in Lisbon by checking the Lisbon CS Agenda. Most Lisbon CS communication and event organization takes place in the Lisbon CS group. Below you'll find a list of other groups and sub-groups that can be of particular interest while in Lisbon:

[ Português ] Há mais de 2000 CouchSurfers registados em Lisboa (podes encontrar-los através do CouchSearch). Se bem que nem todos são muito activos, Lisboa mesmo assim tem um comunidade CS bastante activa que organiza vários acontecimentos regulares. Para ver o que está a acontecer de momento em Lisboa basta consultar o calendário CS Lisboa. A maior parte da comunicação na comunidade CS em Lisboa, como também a organização dos eventos, é feita através do grupo de Lisboa. Em baixo encontras uma lista de outros grupos e subgrupos que também podem ser de interesse:


 * Lisboa Art & Culture
 * Lisboa Food & Lifestyles
 * Lisboa Language Exchange
 * Lisboa Last Minute Couch
 * Lisboa Rent a Room / Apartment
 * Lisboa Sports & Activities
 * Lisboa Volunteers
 * Lisboa ERASMUS and Ex-ERASMUS

BeWelcome
[ English ] There's a small but growing community of BeWelcome members in Lisbon.

[ Português ] Em Lisboa há uma pequena comunidade de membrose de BeWelcome que está em crescimento.

Requesting a couch – Pedir um sofá
[ English ] Please look for a couch by sending personal requests to potential hosts, you can find some tips on how to write a good request here. You can also try an Open Couch Request.If you haven't had any luck finding a couch AND are within 4 days of needing a couch in Lisbon, you can ask for one in the Lisboa Last Minute Couch group. Please do not request a couch in any of the other Lisbon groups. Furthermore always try to keep in mind the tips for being a good guest, which you can find here.

[ Português ] Ao procurar um sofá onde ficar, por favor envia pedidos personalizados para vários potenciais anfitriões. Podes encontrar aqui algumas dicas de como encontrar um sofá e escrever um bom pedido. Também podes tentar um Open Couch Request. Se não conseguiste encontrar um anfitrião E faltam menos de 4 dias até precisares de um sofá em Lisboa, podes pedir um no grupo Lisboa Last Minute Couch. Por favor não peças um sofá em qualquer outro dos grupos de Lisboa e tem em conta as dicas para ser um bom hóspede, que podes encontrar aqui.

Hosting – Oferecer um sofá
[ English ] If you live in Lisbon and would like to host more, consider accepting someone who's looking for a couch in the Lisboa Last Minute Couch group or check the CouchSurfers looking for a couch through Open Couch Requests. Try to keep these tips for being a good host in mind.

[ Português ] Se vives em Lisboa e gostarias de hospedar mais, que tal aceitar alguém do grupo Lisboa Last Minute Couch ou algum dos CouchSurfers à procura de lugar através dos Open Couch Requests. Não te esqueças destas dicas para ser um bom anfitrião.

Hotels – Hotéis
[ English ] You can find a list of hotels in Lisbon here.

[ Português ] Podes encontrar aqui uma lista de hotéis em Lisboa.

Hostels
[ English ] Lisbon has many quality and affordable hostels. You can find a comprehensive list with reviews here.

[ Português ] Lisboa tem muitos hostels de boa qualidade e baratos. Podes encontrar aqui uma lista abrangente.

Youth Hostels - Pousadas da Juventude
[ English ] Click here for the list of Portuguese youth hostels.

[ Português ] Clica aqui para uma lista com todas as pousadas de juventude em Portugal.

Camping – Campismo
[ English ] Lisbon's only camping is located in a forest park just outside the city. For more information please consult the camping's website.

[ Português ] O único parque de campismo de Lisboa encontra-se num parque florestal mesmo for a da cidade. Para mais informações, consulta o site do parque de campismo.

Emergency List
'''Portugal uses the general European Emergency Number 112. This number can be dialed from any landline or mobile in order to reach the emergency services (ambulances, fire-fighters and police).'''

'''Portugal usa o Número Europeu de Emergência 112. Este número pode ser ligado a partir de qualquer linha fixa ou telemóvel para contactar os serviços de emergência (ambulâncias, bombeiros e polícia).'''

Central Lisbon

 * São José Hospital (PUBLIC/NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE)
 * Adress: Rua José António Serrano, 1150-199 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 884 10 00
 * http://www.chlc.min-saude.pt/


 * S. Louis Hospital (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Rua Luz Soriano 182, 1200-249 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 321 65 00
 * http://www.hslouis.pt/


 * Hospital Particular de Lisboa (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Avenida Luís Bívar 30, 1069-142 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 358 62 00
 * http://www.hpl.pt/

Northern Lisbon

 * Santa Maria Hospital (PUBLIC/NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE)
 * Adress: Avenida Professor Egas Moniz, 1649-035 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 780 50 00 / 21 780 51 11 / 21 780 52 22 / 96 590 50 00
 * http://www.hsm.min-saude.pt/


 * British Hospital (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Rua Tomás da Fonseca, Edifícios B e F, Torres de Lisboa, 1600-209 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 394 31 00 / 21 721 34 00
 * http://bh.gpsaude.pt/gpsBH


 * Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa / Portuguese Red Cross (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Rua Duarte Galvão 54, 1549-008 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 391 39 33 / 21 940 49 90 (Emergency) / 21 771 40 00 (Hospital)
 * http://www.cruzvermelha.pt/:


 * Hospital da Luz (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Avenida Lusíada 100, 1500-650 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 710 44 00
 * http://www.hospitaldaluz.pt/


 * Hospital dos Lusiadas (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Rua A e D do Loteamento do Alto dos Moinhos, 1500-473 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 770 40 40
 * http://www.hpplusiadas.pt/pt/Paginas/welcome.aspx

Northeastern Lisbon - Oriente

 * SAMS Hospital (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Rua Cidade de Gabela 1, Olivais Sul, 1849-017 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 842 20 00
 * http://www.sams.pt/sams/sams.asp?temaId=77&root=SAMS&url=/sbsi/english.asp


 * CUF Descobertas (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Rua Mário Botas, 1998-018 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 002 52 00
 * http://www.josedemellosaude.pt/vPT/Unidades/HospitalCufDescobertas/Paginas/Homepage.aspx

Western Lisbon

 * CUF Infante Santo (PRIVATE)
 * Adress: Avenida Infante Santo 34, 1350-179 Lisboa (map)
 * Phone: 21 392 61 00
 * http://www.josedemellosaude.pt/vPT/Unidades/HospitalCufInfanteSanto/Paginas/Homepage.aspx

Amadora

 * Amadora Sintra Hospital - Hospital Prof. Dr. Fernando Fonseca (PUBLIC/NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE)
 * Adress: IC 19-Venteira, 2720-276 AMADORA (map)
 * Phone: 21 434 82 00 / 21 434 84 44
 * http://www.hff.min-saude.pt/

Police

 * PSP- Policia de Segurança Pública
 * http://www.psp.pt
 * PSP/ Lisbon Metropolitan Police Command: 21 765 42 42
 * Esquadra de Turismo / Lisbon Tourism Police Station: 21 342 16 23
 * Esquadra de Turismo / Cascais Tourism Police Station: 21 486 39 29
 * PSP Trânsito / Traffic: 21 750 12 00


 * GNR- Guarda Nacional Repúblicana
 * http://www.gnr.pt
 * GNR de Sintra: 21 924 49 25
 * GNR - General Command: 21 321 70 00

Forest Fires
Dial 117 to connect to firefighters in case of a Forest Fire.

Foreign Embassies
http://www.mne.gov.pt/mne/pt/ministerio/missoes/

Pharmacy
http://www.farmaciasdeservico.net/localidade/lisboa/lisboa/0

Credit Cards

 * American Express: 707 50 40 50 / 21 427 82 05
 * Mastercard: 800 811 272
 * Visa: 800 811 107

Dangers & Nuisances
Lisbon is not really a dangerous city and the worst that is likely to happen to you is sunburn or a hangover. The most common crime in Lisbon is theft from hire cars. Should you leave your car overnight in the street, there is every chance that your car will be broken into. Do not leave anything of value in your car (even locked in the boot) or in your hotel room. Use the safe that is on offer to you by your hotel.

'''Pickpockets and bag snatchers are also a problem and they have got their act together. Beware of people that brush up close to you or jostle you and don't leave bags and camera equipment unattended for even a moment.'''

Avoid dingy, empty city alleys and back streets or anywhere else for that matter that doesn't feel right at night. '''If you are the victim of theft, you must report it to the police and get a report copy, if you want to make an insurance claim. If your Passport is taken or gets lost, you must contact the consulate to get a replacement issued. Violence against tourists is very unusual. Common sense at all times should spare you any grief.'''

Getting To And From Lisbon
Lisbon is very easy to get to. It's just a short flight away from most European locations and also easily accessed by road, sea and rail.

Airport
Lisbon Airport is located within the city limits and is Portugal's main gateway. There are direct connections with many European, African, South- and North-American destinations. Approximate flight times to Lisbon: From London is 2 hours 20 minutes; from New York is 6 hours 45 minutes; from Los Angeles is 12 hours (plus transfer); from Toronto is 9 hours 30 minutes (plus transfer); and from Sydney is 22 hours 30 minutes (plus transfers).

There's a special Aerobus running between the Airport and the city center and another between the Airport and the Oriente area. This service runs between 7AM and 11PM. Tickets can be bought on board, check pricing here. This ticket is valid for 24 hours on the whole Carris network and gives 25% discount on certain tourist buses and historical trams.

Buses 22, 44, 83, 705 and 745 connect the Airport with various areas of the city. See the bus + tram section below for more info. These buses are cheaper but officially do not allow any luggage to be taken on them, however if you just have a small bag / hand luggage, you shouldn't have any problem.

There's two taxistands at the airport, one near the Arrivals and one near the Departures. While there can be a queue near the Arrivals, there usually are plenty of free taxis near the Departures. It's also said that you are less likely to be ripped off if you get a taxi at the Departures stand. The fare from the Airport to the city should probably be around €10 to €12. See the Taxi section below for more information.

Train
International trains arrive at / depart from Santa Apolónia train station. There are two international lines:
 * 1) Lisbon - Hendaye (French/Spanish border), connecting with the Paris TGV. More info here
 * 2) Lisbon - Madrid. More info here

There are several types of trains connecting Lisbon and the rest of Portugal:
 * 1) The Interregional trains are the cheapest but also slowest;
 * 2) The Intercidades trains are more expensive and require reservation but are considerably faster;
 * 3) The Alfa Pendular trains only connect Lisbon to a handful of other cities but are the fastest and consequently also most expensive trains (also requiring reservation).

Trains to and from the North of Portugal generally stop in Santa Apolónia and Oriente stations with the exception of the Alfa Pendular between Faro and Porto which stops at Entrecampos and Oriente stations in Lisbon. Trains to and from the South of Portugal (including the Évora line) stop at Entrecampos and Oriente train stations.

All train stations have good metro and bus connections and also taxi stands.

To check train schedules, prices and buy tickets, go to the CP site.

Bus
Rede Expressos operates a vast network, connecting Lisbon to most of Portugal. You can look for buses and buy tickets here.

EVA operates between Lisbon and the Algarve (Portugal's southernmost region). Click here to proceed to the EVA site.

Both Rede Expressos and Eva operate from the Sete Rios bus terminal in Lisbon.

Eurolines connects Lisbon to various destinations in Europe, operating from the Oriente bus terminal. The Eurolines site can be found here

Car
If you're driving to Lisbon, enjoy the countryside along the way. The A1 Auto-estrada do Norte extends from Porto to Lisbon and the A8 arrives from destinations to the north and west of the city. The A9 bypasses Lisbon, connecting the A1, A8 and the A5, which links Lisbon with Cascais and the beaches. The A2 Auto-estrada do Sul arrives from the Algarve via Almada and the Ponte 25 de Abril. The A12 crosses the Ponte Vasco da Gama, offering a less congested route into the city.

Ship
International cruise ships stop at Alcântara, Rocha do Conde de Óbidos and Santa Apolónia. There are five marinas that receive private boats and provide mooring, Bom Sucesso, Belém, Santo Amaro, Alcântara and Olivais.

Getting Around Once You Are Here
big thanks to Luis Troni for his help with this section

Metro
The Lisbon Metro operates daily from 6:30AM to 1AM. While all stations are open during that time, some stations have certain entrances closed at night and during weekends/holidays but there is always at least one entrance open at each station.

There are four metro lines, covering a substantial part of the city and most areas of interest. You can check the network diagram here or if you prefer displayed against the city map here.

Metro tickets can be bought in the ticket machines or at the booths. Please refer to 7 Colinas - Viva Viagem Cards for more info on tickets and pricing.

The Metro gets very crowded during rush hour, but it's always interesting to get off in almost every metro station and enjoy the Art-deco, amazing panels of tiles, sculptures, and paintings turned into real masterpieces. This is our favourite way to get around Lisbon. It's cheap, cool and fast!

Trams and Buses
Buses and trams within Lisbon are operated by Carris. Besides the normal services, several special services for tourists and handicapped visitors (21 758 56 76 or 21 361 31 61). It's always cheaper if you buy your tickets in advance. The tourist circuits take visitors through Lisbon in open-top panoramic buses or in the 19th century trams. The Carris Tour, goes through down town and the historical site of Belém; the Hills Tour, takes the visitors to the historical city. Also not be missed are the funiculars of Bica and Glória. Try these unusual funiculars to get in touch with some of the most typical quarters of Lisbon.

As for the regular services, tickets can be bought onboard for €1,75 (bus) and €2,85 (tram). Alternatively you can use the cheaper 7 Colinas - Viva Viagem Cards, check out that section for more information about tickets and pricing.

The regular network operates from approx 5:30AM to 1AM, however some lines only run until 9PM. At night (approx 1AM to 5AM), a network of night buses runs across the city.

The Carris network maps can be obtained here.

The timetable for each bus/tram can then be checked here

(Sub)Urban Trains
Trains between Lisbon and neighbouring cities are operated by CP and Fertagus on the following lines:


 * Lisbon - Cascais. Operated by CP. More info here
 * Lisbon - Sintra. Operated by CP. More info here
 * Lisbon - Azambuja. Operated by CP. More info here
 * Barreiro - Setúbal. Operated by CP. More info here
 * Lisbon - Setúbal. Operated by Fertagus. More info here

The tickets can be purchased at the ticket office of the respective boarding stations and at the automatic ticketing machines. It is important that you do not attempt to travel without a ticket, otherwise you may have to pay a hefty fine. Please refer to 7 Colinas - Viva Viagem Cards for more info on tickets and pricing.

Ferries
Ferry connections between Lisbon and the South Margin of the Tagus river are operated by TRANSTEJO and SOFLUSA. More information about connections, timetable and tickets can be obtained here. This company also has Tagus Cruises, a tourist service that allows you to see Lisbon from the river. This is one of our favourites, specially at the end of the day, when the sunset can make this romantic crossing unforgettable.

7 Colinas / Viva Viagem tickets are also valid on these ferries. Please refer to the 7 Colinas - Viva Viagem Cards for more info.

7 Colinas - Viva Viagem Card
Probably the best option when using public transportation in Lisbon is to buy a rechargeable card (7 Colinas / Viva Viagem) for €0,50. This is an individual card, so you CANNOT use the same card for multiple people at once. This card can be bought at any metro station, at any Carris (bus and tram) ticket office, CP train stations and also at the post offices (including on the airport). You can charge your 7 Colinas or Viva Viagem card with the following options (IMPORTANT: You can only have one kind of ticket on your card at any time and can only change after using all your tickets):
 * single tickets for the Metro (€1,25);
 * single tickets for Carris - Bus & Tram (€1,25);
 * 24 hours ticket valid on the Metro and Carris networks (€5,00 - valid for 24 hours from the moment of first validation)
 * single tickets for the CP suburban trains (prices vary depending on the number of zones. You can check the prices here.)
 * single tickets for Fertagus suburban trains (prices vary depending on the destination. You can check the prices here
 * Zapping. With Zapping you can charge a certain amount (varying between €2 and €15) on your card. Your card is then valid on the Metro, Carris (bus + tram), CP (suburban trains), Soflusa (ferry) and Transtejo (ferry) networks. When you validate your ticket the appropriate amount will be subtracted from your card. Prices per ride are the same as buying single tickets. If you use connecting means of transport, e.g. bus and metro, you get a discount on the second ticket. If you charge your ticket with an amount superior to €2 you get some bonus credit (the higher the amount, the more bonus).

Taxis
Taxis in Lisbon are cheap and abundant, offering a good solution if you're heavily packed. The fare is displayed on a taximeter on the dashboard. The taximeter offers 4 fares:
 * 1) valid Monday to Friday from 6 am to 21 pm;
 * 2) valid from 21 pm to 6 am, on Saturday, feast days and public holidays. There is an additional cost of 20%;
 * 3) valid outside the city Monday to Friday from 6 am to 21 pm ;
 * 4) valid outside the city from 21 pm to 6 am, on Saturday, feast days and public holidays.

There is a surcharge of €1,60 for luggage, and €0,80 if you ordered a taxi by phone. Taxi drivers in Lisbon are relatively honest, with the exception of some taxi parked outside the airport, who apply some higher fares, or try to hide the taximeter.

Useful numbers (various taxi centrals that you can ring to call a cab):
 * Teletáxis: tel. 218 111 100
 * Rádio Táxis de Lisboa: tel. 218 119 000
 * Autocoop: tel. 217 996 460
 * Volancoop: tel. 218 153 513

Make sure you pay the amount that's displayed on the taximeter, if the driver is asking for more say you'll only pay what's on the taximeter. If he keeps insisting, ask for a receipt and write down the taxi number. Use this to file a complaint but it might also convince the driver to lower the price.

Maps
Interactive Lisbon Map

When to visit Lisbon
Winter temperatures are considerably better than the UK, Germany and other countries in northern Europe. However, on occasion it does snow in the Lisbon region and the rain is certainly a more prominent feature than during the summer months.

Spring is an time ideal to visit the monuments and the blooming gardens, as the temperatures are always nice for a stroll.

Summer is the beach season 'par excellence' and it's the best time of the year to experience the wonderful beaches along the Lisbon Coast.

Autumn, when the leaves begin to fall, is a wonderful time for you to discover the quiet, romantic, and narrow streets of the old bairros (quarters) like Alfama and Bairro Alto.

What to bring with you
Our best advice to you is 'bring only the bare necessities'. Here you can buy almost anything, and there’s no need to bring your house on your back.

A back pack is surely one of the most useful items and comes in very handy for the day trips, shopping sprees and walks. A 'zippable' backpack is a safe way to carry your belongings but a concealed money belt or shoulder wallet will certainly keep your money and documents safe from pickpockets.

Regardless of the time of the year you choose to visit Lisbon remember to bring a light sweater, as nights are always a bit cooler. Spring and autumn might bring along some rain so make sure you also bring some wet weather gear, and especially during autumn and winter don’t neglect woollen garments, they might be useful!

Money
Since the 1st of January 1999, the Euro (€) has been the currency of the Eurozone, consisting of most members of the European Union, including Portugal.

Electricity
The local current is 220 AC and the connection is made by a two-pin plug.

Traveller's from the USA will require a voltage converter.

Travellers from the UK will require a plug adapter and this is best bought in the UK as they are hard to find in Lisbon.

Internet
You can find a map with WIFI hotspots here

This list contains a few more WIFI spots.

General travelling tips
Check this blog for a list of sites with tips on various aspects of travelling.

History of Lisbon
Lisbon, also known as the city of the seven hills, is open to the Tagus river and its mild climate, rich fauna and flora helped fast colonisation of the area.

But there was something terrible that changed Lisbon forever - the 1755 earthquake. One often reads that monuments and churches were rebuilt or restored after 1755 earthquake. This was Lisbon's darkest moment in history.

On the morning of the 1st of November 1755 the first tremor was felt and a few minutes later there was a second, far more violent shock, reducing over half the city to rubble. The quake triggered a tsunami, which arrived soon afterwards. As usual the first indication was that the water drew back from the land. Soon, however, the water came back with a wave estimated at 50 feet high crashing through the city. Ships, docks and buildings in the city were battered by the high seas. Thousands of people were swept away. As if that wasn't enough, lamps and cooking fires upset in the tumult ignited a fire storm that proved impossible to control. It burned unchecked for three days, completing the destruction. In all more than 60,000 people died in the disaster in Lisbon alone. Thousands more died in other areas. The quake was felt throughout Western Europe and Northwestern Africa.

But the reconstruction of Lisbon took place rapidly and no sooner had the tremors abated than Pombal Marquis was outlining ideas for rebuilding the city. He started by saying "Bury the dead and feed the living" and then he rolled up his sleeves and began work. Due to his determination and practicality, Lisbon was soon back on its feet and better than ever. The area located between downtown Lisbon and Pombal Marquis Square, specially from Rossio Square to Commerce Square, shows the innovative grid system devised by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo - the Marquis himself!

What to visit in Lisbon
MUSEUMS

Museums List

CASTLES & FORTRESSES Saint George's Castle

Belem Tower

PALACES

Ajuda Palace

Fronteira Palace

Belem Palace São Bento Palace

HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE

Discoveries Monument Santa Justa Elevator

Rossio Station Casa dos Bicos

25th of April Bridge Monument to Christ

São Carlos Theater The Aqueduct Campo Pequeno Roman Theater Ruins

MODERN ARCHITECTURE

Vasco da Gama Bridge

Vasco da Gama Tower Oriente Station

Portugal Pavilion

Atlantic Pavilion

Belem Cultural Center

Lisbon Casino

Oceanarium

MAIN STREETS & SQUARES

Comercio Square

Rossio Square

Rua Augusta

Municipal Square

Camões Square

Figueira Square

Rua Portas Santo Antão

Restauradores Square

Avenida da Liberdade

Marquês de Pombal Square

CHURCHES

Jeronimos Monastery Carmo Convent

São Roque Church

Estrela Basilica

The Cathedral

São Vicente de Fora Monastery

National Pantheon Saint Anthony Church Graça Church

Conceição Velha Church

São Domingos Church

Memoria Church

PARKS & GARDENS

Edward VII Park

Tropical Garden Miradouro São Pedro Alcântara

Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Botanical Garden

Estrela Gardens Ajuda Botanical Garden

Principe Real

Santa Luzia

Portas do Sol

Docas

BEACH PLACES Caparica

Cascais/Guincho

Parede

Carcavelos

Ericeira

Sintra

Fado
The traditional music of Portugal grew out of the old quarters of Lisbon. Described as both melancholy and passionate it reflects the soul of the people and the city. You can find some of the best Fado musicians in "Fado Houses" in the Bairro Alto and Alfama areas.

Here's some suggestions of places where you can see Fado (NEEDS UPDATE):


 * VAI TU - Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo 6 (Bica) - Sunday 8PM to Midnight - Portuguese typical meal for no more than 10€. Vai Tu fado sessions include at least 10 fado singers and you really need a reservation.


 * TASCA DO JAIME - Rua da Graça 91 (Graça) - Weekends 4PM to ??? - A very small and cozy venue tavern like that hosts fado sessions. It's a great experience of the traditional fado and cheap as they come, you can just sit outside or drink a simple beer and spend no more than 2€!


 * FADO - Rua do Telhal (Avenida da Liberdade) - 2AM to ??? - A different club for a totally different experience on fado. Really traditional and a bit expensive but considering the hours you are paying for the singers staying up late. All the guys that sing here come from bairro alto rests - like Café Luso or Adega Machado or O Forcado - after they close. It works on weekends and you can spend around 15€.


 * TASCA DO CHICO - Rua do Diario de Noticias 37 (Bairro Alto) - Monday and Wednesday 9PM to 1AM. You don't need to pay anything, just find a seat if you can and enjoy.


 * TASCA DO CHICO - Rua dos Remédios 83 (Alfama) - Thursday to Sunday 9PM to 1AM. Similar to the Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto (same owner).


 * BELA VINHOS E PETISCOS - Rua dos Remédios 190 (Alfama) - Sunday 10PM to 1AM.


 * PARREIRINHA DE ALFAMA - Beco do Espírito Santo 1 (Alfama) - 9:30PM to ??? - Around €30 per person, reservation necessary.

There are many ways to listen to good fado without paying that much and without falling into some absurdly touristic places :) You should also check the Fado Museum, in Alfama.

Major Lisbon Events
Some tips here

Gastronomy
For such a small country, Portugal has a surprisingly large variety of gastronomic delights. Regions like Alentejo, the North of the country, the South and the Centre boast quite marked differences in their typical dishes. Having been a predominately seafaring nation, it is not usual to find a large amount of fresh tasty fish dishes and all sorts of shellfish. In Lisbon, a city of mixed cultures, tastes and spices, you will find everything from international, to regional and prize-winning cuisines. But the charm of Lisbon's cuisine lives in its traditions. Grilled sardine is the queen during the summer and on the Popular Saints celebrations... You just can't avoid smelling it in the small quarters of Alfama, Bairro Alto and many other locals around Lisbon in June, when the Popular Saints celebrations crowd into the streets of the city, bringing along tiny coloured flags, balloons, and popular marches. Restaurants and "tascas" (small taverns) offer an exquisite variety of snacks and appetizers, like boiled snails or deep fried green beans. Also famous for its wines, Portuguese choose national wine as the ubiquitous table beverage.

Bars
Bar do Rio

Bar Incognito Bica do Sapato

Bicaense Cafe a Brasileira

Cinco Lounge Fragil

Lux Music Box Resto

Lounge

Jamaica

Tejo bar

Adufe Bar

The Green Room

Restaurants
Vegetarian: There are plenty of restaurants in Lisbon that cater to vegetarians. You can find many of them on this map.

Shops & Shopping
There are some areas in Lisbon specially devoted to shopping. Clothing, jewellery, shoes, purses, perfumes, ceremony customs, trinkets and almost everything you might need are just some of the things that you can find on those areas.

Downtown – the area frequently called “Baixa” (downtown) comprises the Rossio, the Augusta street and its transversal streets, the recently renewed Chiado and the Liberdade (Freedom) Avenue. This is one of the oldest commercial areas in Lisbon. You will easily find streets named after the business or job that was done there once. Prata (Silver) Street, Ouro (Gold) Street and Ferreiros (Blacksmiths) Street are some of the examples we can quote.

Nowadays, you will be able to find here some of the best shops, restaurants, theatres and many more. This is Lisbon’s heart and the place to find names like Emporio, Augustus, Benetton, Levi’s, etc. Shopping Centres: Shopping centres are almost everywhere in the city. Bigger or smaller, they’ll do their best to suit your needs. We decided to list the bigger surfaces: Colombo, Vasco da Gama, Amoreiras and El Corte Inglés.

These areas include several shops of different branches of business, including restaurants and leisure facilities like movie theatres.

Amoreiras Shopping Centre, located in the centre of Lisbon, was opened in 1985 and counts on 2 floors with 350 shops. It is opened everyday between 10h00 and 23h00.

Vasco da Gama lies on the newest heart of the city – the Parque das Nações (Nations Park), where the Expo 98 was held. Inaugurated in 1999 and counting on 156 shops and 35 restaurants, it opens between 10h00 and 00h00 everyday.

Colombo Shopping Centre is excellently located near the football field of Benfica. Providing services to the public since 1997, it has 3 commercial floors with 437 shops and 69 restaurants operating everyday, from 10h00 to 00h00.

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