Lisbon - what part of the city to stay in?
Aug 15th, 2007, 05:41 PM
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Lisbon - what part of the city to stay in?
We're a retired couple visiting Lisbon for the first time for a long weekend in October. I find tons of apartments available, but need advice on which area of the city is nice, safe, convenient to major sites and is close to public transportation. If the apartment is not on the ground floor, we'll need an elevator/lift. Thanks for your help. SWR
Aug 15th, 2007, 05:49 PM
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I would stay in Alfama, Bairro Alto, Baixa, or Chiado if you want to be close to the tourist sites. My ex-husband, Rogerio, a native of Lisboa, lives in Lapa. You will be fine as long as you are within walking distance of a Metro station.
Be sure to visit the Gulbenkian Museum, one of the best art/decorative museums in the world, IMO. (I work for one of the world's premier auction houses.)
Be sure to visit the Gulbenkian Museum, one of the best art/decorative museums in the world, IMO. (I work for one of the world's premier auction houses.)
Aug 16th, 2007, 05:45 AM
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The area that schuler is writing about is called Baixa. It is indeed very flat. Many shops and restaurants are located in this area. Alfama, Chiado, and Bairro Alto are hilly.
If you are elderly and have trouble walking, you should stay in Baixa. Luckily, you can take a tram up the hill to see the Se and Castelo Sao Jorge in Alfama. The hill is VERY steep.
Belem is also flat. The Coaches Museum and Jeronimos Monestary are located here.
If you are elderly and have trouble walking, you should stay in Baixa. Luckily, you can take a tram up the hill to see the Se and Castelo Sao Jorge in Alfama. The hill is VERY steep.
Belem is also flat. The Coaches Museum and Jeronimos Monestary are located here.
Aug 16th, 2007, 06:31 AM
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I like the zone near the Gulbenkian Museum, it is a bit hilly but not as much as to make it uncomfortable (I have a walking disability) and the museum is the place where I go every time I visit Lisbon, I love it !!
Aug 17th, 2007, 07:06 AM
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I would second Kenderina's suggestion, at least for those who prefer being in a more residential setting. There are two hotels in the "Hoteis Real" chain, the Hotel Real Parque and Hotel Real Palacio, both of which are within a few blocks of the Corte Ingles (big department store with great supermarket in the basement) (metro stop right in the store) and the Gulbenkian. It's a nice neighborhood, with a mix of apts, business, and shops, probably early 20th century.
These hotels are not small and charming but standard issue very comfortable.
These hotels are not small and charming but standard issue very comfortable.
Aug 17th, 2007, 07:15 AM
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Yes,as Reynolds said, I was at the "Real Parque" 
I was very happy with it two years ago, it was recently renovated inside. It has two restaurants, I only tried one, the most informal and the food was very good , too generous portions for me !!
I was very happy with it two years ago, it was recently renovated inside. It has two restaurants, I only tried one, the most informal and the food was very good , too generous portions for me !!
