Hi Lisa <BR> <BR>We visited Lisbon in March 2001 and bought the "Lisbon Card". It gives you access to all public transport in the city of Lisbon, i.e. busses, trams, the works. If you want to go to Cascais or Sintra, etc. you have to buy a further ticket. <BR> <BR>We however enjoyed the "Card" as it saves time and you do not have to worry about change in a foreign currency, etc. <BR> <BR>Unfortunately Cascais did not do it for us either. We went there to see (amongst other things) the "famous fish shop" that all the tourist books talk about just to find out that the fisher men are selling the fish from the boats when they get back from the sea - no shop. <BR> <BR>Do yourself a favour and go to the Christo Rei (sp?) - the statue of Christ. The views from there are amazing. <BR>

Hi Lisa! <BR>João just gave you a good fado house i would recommend myself (that's the only one that through the years has not changed - may be because is out of the tourist circuits - or the willing of staying authentic. About walking around is another thing... I would advise you to take a cab, they will call it from the front door. It is not dangerous as in other cities. I don't know your age but elderly people will prefer a cab than walking. <BR>I went only once to Citânia de Briteiros, long time ago. From what I have seen at the time, if you like ancient sites I recommend Conimbriga, near Coimbra (avoid eating in the snack bar!) Instead of Citânia I would go to see Bravães (romanic chuch), Ponte de Lima and even the little town of Soajo - Lindoso, if you have time. This is in the mountain which means that you may take more time to make fewer kilometers by road. Landscape is very beautiful and the small villages very charming. <BR>There's so many choice that you have to come back several times to have a perfect view of Minho and its people. <BR>All the best and have a nice time there. <BR>Alex

I agree with Alex. Alfama is a great place to explore during the day light. But with a lot of narrow streets and inner courtyards, I think you won't feel confortable there by night. <BR> <BR>If you want to walk to Parreirinha by the end of the afternoon, it's OK. If you leave the place by 10:30 or 11:00 pm, I think you should ask the staff to call a taxi. <BR> <BR>

local <BR>noted your info on the lisboa card. We will be in lisbon for 4 days & the price of the 3 day pass is very high. Doing some research I think we will not use anywhere near the 4600$.00 this card costs for 3 days. Guess I will decide once there as you say, it does save time & trouble of change in local currency thank you

hi Alex! <BR>noted the info on fado well if we decide to go, will definitely go to that club and take a cab. <BR>I have planned to go to conimbriga so maybe I will take your new suggestion while up in guimaraes go to pointe de lima, soajo & bravaes. Thank you for al of your help

hi Joao <BR>noted your info and will take the taxi thank you. Will let you know how I enjoyed fado when i return. Thank you for all of your help

Lisa, <BR>Just checking this now so your questions may all be answered. Weather wise last year the first two weeks in August were hot in Lisbon (90s) and cooler as we headed to Porto (80s). The new york times or your local paper should list the weather in various european cities. also check www.weather.com for a 5 day forecast. I'd bring light clothes, and a few sweaters or jackets. As for your 4 days in lisbon/quelez/sintra/cascais. I'd spend three nights in lisbon and two full days there. Then I'd go to Quelez (drive from Lisbon)see that in the morning and go to Sintra (or Cascais before Sintra if you want but personally I'd skip that entirely). You could see one of the Castles in Sintra that day and sleep over there and then wake up the next day and have a relaxing day there. SOrry to micromanage your trip - and take all the fun out of planning - that's just my opinion. I don't remember buying the Lisboa card. I don't think the museums are all that expensive. sounds like you have a great trip planned. Have fun!

HI ILENE <BR>NOTED ALL YOUR INFO AND THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY. LISA

Sweetie, I spent 9 days in Lisbon last September and it wasn't enough. You need a whole day to explore Sintra and a whole day to see Cascais. You can do the Nazare, Fatima, Bathala thing in one day. The train from the Cais do Sodre to Cascais is cheap, about $2.40 each way. Likewise for Sintra. We didn't need to take any buses in Lisbon because everything is so close together. You will have to take the Metro if you are going to the Gulbenkian Museum. I urge you to see it. It is full of masterpieces. There are fabulous restaurants and clubs in the Biarro Alto. This is a gay neighborhood so you won't get hassled by the men if you are a woman. Try and get to the Cafe Brazilero near the Biarro Alto. It is very famous. Many gay men hang out there. They all sit at the tables at the far end GOING UP the hill. They all speak English pretty well. They will all be more than happy to help you if you are gay-friendly. My friend, Rogerio, is a very famous drag queen and party promoter in Lisbon. I could give you his cell phone number and he would help you if you told him you knew me. Another thing, don't listen to the ass that said the Portugese are racist. They are a very conservative people, but they are very Catholic and very honest. No one will try to bother you unless they AREN'T Portugese. John G.

If you no like gay people than dont come to lisboa. Lisboa is very beutiful city especialy for happy homosexuals. We have best restaurants an partys in europa.

Hi, just got back from Portugal. Lovely country. Many things to see, drink, eat... I just wanted to add to what all the others have already said: beware of the Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellars... We visited three, and one was a real tourist trap (Vasconcellos) do not buy anything there!!! We spent 160.$ canadian dollars on a bottle of port wine that we later saw for 37.$ in a wine store in Porto. Plus, this house has a reputation of passing off wines that are not vintages as vintage years... Play it safe by going to the well-known companies with international reputations. Like Taylors. We bought a good bottle of an exclusive product there(not available here) for a lot less than any comparables here. We also visited Kopke which is much smaller, less commercial. Sandman is well-known but is not reputable for outstanding quality ports. Don't buy there. Look for vintages, quintas, tawnies, LBV, colheitas, but not ruby port (Sandman's specialty). Try to bring back a bottle of 1994 or 1997 vintage port. You'd have more chance finding one in a garrafeira (wine store) in Porto or elsewhere in Portugal for a better price than at the cellars. The good cellars have sold out all their 1994 vintages. <BR> <BR>Have a nice trip (I know you will), and I would be happy to answer any questions.