Lisbon: Good, bad or so-so?
Mar 1st, 2001, 08:08 AM
#21
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II've not been to Lisbon but it is a definite for me. I have been to Barcelona - beautiful architecture, great food. One person suggested hanging close to the Rambals - not sure if they were joking - but I would recommend avoiding the Ramblas - too touristy which also means pickpockets and scammers. Get up early one morning and meander through the Gothic district - it's really beautiful without the crowds and the guitar players setting up. I've heard Cortona is amazing. I yearn to wander the Iberian pennisula for 6 months. Enjoy.
Mar 1st, 2001, 04:31 PM
#23
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Lisbon cannot be compared to Barcelona Each city has its own charm and identity... as it should. I enjoyed them both and would like to return to each one, but Barcelona is the more sophisticated of the two. Seville is also one of my favorite cities but so is London,New York, Madrid, Amsterdam, etc etc etc. Why travel if not to experience diversity. You will love all the places you go to if you accept them for what they are. Enjoy your travels!!!
Jan 2nd, 2002, 02:32 PM
#25
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In Lisbon I stayed at the Borges. It was inexpensive and the staff was nice, but the bed was old an the room was a bit run down. It's a step up from sharing a room at a hostel but in retrospect I would have paid a little more for a nicer place. <BR><BR>I did take the bus up to Obidos and spent a couple of days there. Very nice B&B's there and not too expensive. It's a beautiful town, especially in the evening when the day trippers go away. The countryside to the north of Lisbon is wonderful.
Jan 2nd, 2002, 02:39 PM
#26
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Lisbon is a unique city. We visited last summer and loved the people. They are serious but sweet. I might only spend 2-3 days there, however. The charm of Portugal for me was in the small towns like Obidas, Sintra, even the small fishing village of Navarre. we also visited Evora to the south. The place to stay is in the town's "pousada". Those small hotels which were once palaces or fortresses and are now run by the government as hotels. Having visited several of these, we regretted not arranging this in advance. The regions of Portugal are so varied. Caiscais is just outside of Lisbon and might be a base too, although it is more of a resort and probably expensive. Both countries are wonderful.
Jan 2nd, 2002, 04:06 PM
#28
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I have been to Portugal for two consecutive Februarys for 9 days. I have found a place in my heart for this lovely country. The people are not intrusive but very helpful when asked. I have toured the north and south and each have their charms. Lisbon, itself, is a unique European city, however, the charms of Portugal are found in the Alentejo which I found unique, Obidos, as mentioned for a day trip, the austere Catholisism can be found in Tomar to the north with its roots in the Knights of the Templar. Lagos is a wonderful seaside resort, lively with a lot of Germans & Brits but all time favorite would have to be Evora in the Alentejo for its history, town square and lovely inns. This year I will not return to Portugal, and I feel a piece of my soul is empty.
Jan 3rd, 2002, 07:52 AM
#30
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Betty Ann if you're still visiting this site can you please post the info on the downtown Lisbon hotel you mentioned earlier? <BR><BR>We were in Lisbon about 5 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it but didn't make advance hotel reservations and weren't crazy about the place we ended up staying. We're planning another visit in Sept this year. Our last trip took us to the Algarve and Lisbon areas and this time we'd like to see Northern Portugal and Lisbon again. (We're also thinking of going to the Azores for a few days if we can work out out the flight logistics). Any good Lisbon moderate (under $125) hotel recommendations appreciated. <BR><BR><BR>
Jan 3rd, 2002, 08:16 AM
#31
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Maddy,<BR><BR>I haven't yet been to Lisbon, but will, next April. The hotels recommended by Fodorites are the Lisboa Plaza, Britania, Tivoli, and Tivoli Jardim, besides the Metropole.<BR><BR>I booked a room at the Regency Chiado, also recommended by a Fodorite. The rates for the Britania, lisboa Plaza, and Regency Chiado are much better if you book through: <BR><BR>http://www.placestostay.com<BR><BR>For the Tivoli and Tivoli Jardim, the lowest rates I found were at:<BR><BR>http://www.srs-worldhotels.com/portugal/lisbon/rooms_listiv.html<BR><BR>However, the Dollars&Sense rates seems no longer available.<BR><BR>Good luck, regards,<BR><BR>S<BR><BR>
Jan 4th, 2002, 01:32 AM
#34
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Kristi<BR><BR>To do both cities in a 9 to 10 days trip, you must fly between them.<BR><BR>Lisbon and Barcelona are 1,200 km apart. Driving at 120 km/hour maximum legal speed it means 10 hours minimum or most likely 15 or 16 hours with stops.<BR><BR>It's possible to take the train, but it's a full day and not less expensive then flying.
Jan 7th, 2002, 03:02 PM
#35
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Kristi:<BR><BR>You might consider a flight from Barcelona to Lisbon. I purchased a ticket for an April trip for $200 round trip; the flight lasts about an hour and 15 minutes. You might pay around that taking a train, and that trip would take forever!<BR><BR>Questions for my trip:<BR><BR>Does anyone know how long it takes to drive from Lisbon to Seville? From Lisbon to Porto?<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>RJ
