City of Lisbon

The city of Lisbon is built on seven hills, descending on its south side to the river Tagus (Tejo). Long gone are the days when Lisbon was simply regarded as the unfortunate capital of Portugal, the ÎPoor Man of Europeâ. Today, this proud Portuguese capital is buzzing, after reinventing itself as one of Europeâs most captivating city-break destinations. Lisbon overflows with confidence, from its funky new avant-garde buildings and its ever-growing number of tourist attractions, through to its trendy bars and world-class nightclubs.  

A rich and eclectic history complements the new face of Lisbon, which is most dramatically showcased at the Parque das Na›es, the futuristic playground built for the wildly successful Expo 98. The Parque has now become a Mecca for both visitors and locals alike and is a shining example of urban regeneration, having transformed one of the cityâs most rundown areas. New businesses are also springing up on the city outskirts, to complement those already prospering in the city centre.  

Lisbon is something of a playground for adults, a giant theme park where even getting around ö via the clanking old trams, the gravity defying funiculars and the bobbing boats ö is immense fun and the next meal or mellow coffee in a pavement cafŽ is only a step away. This sense of carnival fun reaches its zenith as the sun comes down, with the melancholy of traditional fado contrasting with the rave clubs now brightening up the night.

Lisbonâs renaissance will be complete in 2004, when the city will boast the two biggest stadiums as it hosts the final of the European Football Championships, event, like Expo 98, which looks certain to reinforce the local belief that Lisbon is now one of the great European capitals. 

The following link will provide you with everything you need to know about Lisbon, sights, tours, districts, music, Have a read, take a download ö it will provide you with enough information for your short visit.

http://www.cityguide.travel-guides.com/cities/lis/cityoverview.asp 

This link will give you a choice of guidebooks, an one of which are excellent -  

http://lisbon.com/guides/index.shtml 

Selection of attractions: : 

Castelo de S‹o Jorge (Castle of St George)
The Castle of St George is perched on the highest of Lisbonâs seven hills, high above the Baixa and the Mouraria (the Moorish Quarter).

Transport: Tram 12 or 28; bus 37.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-2100 (Apr-Sep); daily 0900-1800 (Oct-Mar).
Admission: Free.

Tram 28
The legendary tram 28 is a tourist attraction in itself. Vintage trams still ply the well-worn route from the city centre on sea level, right up through the jumble of streets towards the heights of the Castle of St George.

Torre de BelŽm (BelŽm Tower)
One of the cityâs most famous sights is more impressive on the outside than it is on the inside. This white stone tower ö built in the early-16th century, to defend the river ö was the last thing that the seafaring adventurers saw before setting off on their epic adventures.
Avenida de Bras’lia
Tel: (21) 362 0034. Fax: (21) 363 9145.
Transport: Tram 15; bus 27, 28, 29, 43, 49 or 51; train to BelŽm station.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1830.
Admission: Esc400/EUR1.99.

Mosteiro dos Jer—nimos (Hieronimite Monastery)
This 16th-century monastery is one of the few surviving examples of medieval Manueline architecture  and featuring naval motifs, it  is listed along with the Torre de BelŽm as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the resting place of Vasco da Gama and the nationâs most famous writer, Lu’s de Cam›es
Praa do ImpŽrio
Tel: (21) 362 0034. Fax: (21) 363 9145.
Transport: Tram 15; bus 27, 28, 29, 43, 49, 51 or 112; train to BelŽm station.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1700 (Oct-Apr); Tues-Sun 1000-1830 (May-Sep).
Admission: Esc400/EUR2.

Parque das Na›es (Nations Park)
The former Expo98 site has been converted into a leisure oasis, with a shopping centre, a string of attractions, concert halls, bars, restaurants and a walkway along the River Tagus. The Torre Vasco da Gama ö the siteâs landmark tower and Lisbonâs tallest building ö has an observation platform and restaurant, two-thirds of the way up. The Ocean‡rio ö one of the largest oceanariums in the world ö has huge pools that are home to manta rays, penguins and sharks. Designed for all manner of public events, the Atl‰ntico Pavilion is a highly successful venue for concert, fairs and other functions. The waterside cable car, connecting the tower and Oceanarium, offers excellent views over the site. Summer weekends are best avoided, however, as every family in Portugal seems to descend on the site.

Parque das Na›es
Tel: (21) 891 9333.
E-mail: info@parquedasnacoes.pt
Website: www.parquedasnacoes.pt
Transport: Rail or metro to Esta‹o do Oriente station; bus 5, 10, 21, 25, 50, 68 or 114.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.

*See our Prices Page for a link to currency converter.

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