Lisbon

Fast Facts

Practicalities
Cost of living: Eating out on a budget cost 7 - 15 Euros, mid-range 15 - 20 Euros and at the top end expect to pay 25 - 40 Euros. Half a bottle of wine costs 3 - 7 Euros, coffee 1.50 Euros, a pint of beer 1.30 Euros and ice cream 0.80 Euros. Petrol costs 0.99 Euros per litre. Prices are approximate and may change.
Portuguese National Tourist Office: 22/25A Sackville Street, London W1X 2LY
Tel: 020 7494 1441
Website: www.portugalinsite.com

Events
In June, Portugal's month of saints day festivals, Lisbon holds the Festes da Cidade, celebrating the simple joy of existing. July brings the Sintra Music festival and in September bullfights are the theme, although bulls are no longer killed.

Activities
Sport is popular pastime and Estoril offers tennis, riding and excellent golf. For a more relaxed pace, Lisbon's sophisticated shops are ideal for browsing. Stylish boutiques line chic avenues, while street vendors and local sellers provide excellent bargains. Visit the city's cosmopolitan resort towns for local wine and pottery.

Recommended Reading

The Rough Guide to Portugal by Ellington, Fisher & Kenyon
Walking in Portugal by Bethan Davies & Ben Cole

Explore Lisbon
With sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs, the temptation is to relax by the sea, but visiting the regions cosmopolitan towns will uncover many treasures. Estoril and Cascais form the 'Portuguese Riviera', where modern attractions mix with historic sights, like the Palacio de Conde de Castro Guimaraes. In Lisbon, famed for it s vibrant nightlife attracting international clientele, traditional restaurants hide within castle ramparts.

Getting around
Use local trams to climb the steep streets of Lisbon's old quarters and enjoy the stunning views. The Cascais rail line travels along the coast into Lisbon. Local buses run between resort towns and, for short journeys, taxis offer a good, relatively inexpensive service.

Eating and Drinking
The emphasis along the coast is seafood, and Estoril and Cascais are famous for their elegant seafood restaurants. Try egg and nut dainties in Cascais, and savour the regions rare world class wines by taking the electric train to the wine cellars of Colares.

Local interest and culture
Lisbon's rich history comes alive in the streets of its old town. Explore the religious pilgrimage site of Fatima and visit the beautiful walled town of Obidos, the 12th century abbey at Alcobaca and Sintra's many palaces. Experience traditional Lisbon life at the Wednesday fish market in the charming port of Cascais.

Beaches
Glorious golden beaches and little coves backed by towering cliffs, stretch along the length of the coastline west and north of Lisbon. Blue flag beaches are recognised as having high environmental, sanitary and safety standards. 29 beaches in Lisbon received the Blue Flag award in 2003. For more details refer to www.blueflag.org

Fun for the children
Lisbon zoo offers hours of distraction, with a dolphinarium, farm, reptile house, bird shows and animal feeding. Or visit Fiera Popular, Entrecampos' fun packed amusement park, Vasco de Gama Aquarium or Praca do Imperio planetarium.

Highlights

Five must sees: Sintra's hill top palaces, Farol de Guia lighthouse in Cascais, Batalha monastery, Europe's largest casino, in Estoril, Cruise along river Sado.

Great Views: The Blue Coast mountains offer stunning views, and Lisbon is best viewed from the hill top medieval castle St George.

Memorable Moments: The number 28 tram follows a spectacular course, negotiating impossible corners and hills, with dramatic views over the river and down ancient city streets.

Destination Treasures: Experience the unique atmosphere of Lisbon's old quarter with its medieval streets, tile covered buildings and the sounds of the 'fado', the city's traditional music, drifting into the night.

Travel tips: Use the trams to explore Lisbon's steep streets.

Your Resorts

Estoril

A small beach resort that was previously known as the 'Portuguese Riviera' has a wide range of sporting activities including two first rate golf course. Well know for its lovely sandy beach and manicured gardens the resort also boasts a year-round calendar of cultural and sporting events.

Eating out:
A small selection of traditional restaurants and cafes are available where you can sample local Portuguese wine.

Evening entertainment:
The livelier areas of the town are filled with bars ideal for people-watching and if you feel tempted try out the local casino.

Shopping:
A number of local shops and supermarkets are available for serious shopping venture into Lisbon.