We think to visit Lisbon and surroundings (Sintra, Cascais, Estoril) During last week in December and in first two days of January.
We know that it could be cold, but the temperatures are above 0 Deg.Celsius, so this will be OK for us. I do not know how windly is in this period of the year and if are there many and heavy rains. It will be very helpful for me if somebody who visited Lisbon at the end of December we can advise.
I suppose everything is closed on 1 January, but open the rest of the time. Is the access easy by train or bus to Cascais, Sintra, Estoril?

Nobody can advise?

Well we are heading there for 2 weeks on 27 Dec! No advice so far, but intereted in hearing from others...

We expect some cold weather, but are hoping for some sun...?

Hi Valtor, we were in Lisbon from 27th December last year to the 1st January this year and managed to be there at a time when it was exceptionally wet. We managed to travel through Spain, Portugal and to London during the wettest winter in 30 years!

Although the weather wasn't optimal we were still able to do everything we planned and weren't hampered too much. We found our time in Lisbon to be thoroughly enjoyable - have a great time.

A couple of weather websites to check out are www.wunderground.com and www.weatherbase.com

Thank you, Maccas. I plan to be there between 26 Dec - 2 Jan.
What you did on New Year's Eve? Had you reservation at a restaurant?

Hi Valtor,
A few years ago we were in Paris when they decided to cancel the NYE fireworks from the Eiffel Tower for the first time and this year we were in Lisbon when they decided to move the fireworks from the city out to Belem because of construction work!

We’d been to Belem on the 30th, checked out the sight of the fireworks, walked back to Lisbon and thought about doing the same thing for New Year’s Eve. However, because it turned out to be a miserable day weather wise and there was no extra public transport (as in additional vehicles or transport running later than usual) like we have at home we decided to skip the celebrations in Belem.

We did, however have an enjoyable night and at midnight we walked to the end of the street (Rua Joaquina ) in which we were staying where we were able to see quite a few of the fireworks that they were being shot from Belem. We weren’t able to see the small ones that didn’t have much height but what we saw was enjoyable none the less. Music was coming from Rossio Square just below us.

As far as dinner went we had no reservations and stumbled onto a tiny café away on the way back from visiting Cristo Rei. From the ferry terminal we followed the route of tram #25 and found the Café Glacial on Rua da Arsenal. (from my diary) It was rather small and modest looking and the clientele were mostly local middle aged to elderly people. As we made our selection and our food was brought to us we got lots of smiles and thumbs up signs from the other patrons. It was wholesome Portuguese food and was delicious. The owner’s son recommended the house wine and Stephen and the boys enjoyed this. He spoke some English and asked where we were from. A television set was on and when they showed the Sydney New Year’s Eve fireworks he told everyone that was where we came from. We sat next to an older Spanish couple and when we left there were handshakes, kisses and hugs for the New Year! It was a thoroughly enjoyable night.

I think the construction work has finished and, if so, the fireworks will be stunning. Have a great time in Lisbon – we loved it!
Amanda

Thank you, Amanda.
I was 19 years ago for three days in Lisbon (but alone, for some technical assistance), took a city tour, visited some museums and made a day trip to Cascais and Sintra. I liked what I visited. This year we plan to travel there with my husband and hope to have a beautiful week.
We did not decide about hotel, I suppose that near Rossi Square will be OK, what do you think?
We plan to spend 3 days visiting Lisbon, then one day Cascais and another day - Sintra.
Regarding New Year's Eve, I did not found info in internet, I shall look for a nice restaurant to make a reservation. I understand that if it is near Praca de Commercio (spelling??) it can have a nice view.

If later I'll have more questions, I shall write again here.
Thank you for the answer.
By the way, I was in Melbourne and Sydney in 2000 (also from my work) and loved them. I still remember the small penguins near Melbourne!

Liliana

Hi Liliana, our family (husband and sons aged 18 and 20) stayed in a property rented by visitingportugal.com and have posted a review on Trip Advisor. Wonderful experience - found out about them through a trip report by Peppermintpatti who provided a wealth of information here on Fodors.
Amanda

Hello there,
In December it's usually cold and wet in Lisbon. When I say cold I don't mean negative temperatures, that very rarelly happens around here. It usually get's from 2/3ºC degrees minimum to 11/12ºC as a maximum. Actually when it rains it get's hotter, so if it's raining the temperature will be around 10-20ºC. You can easily get to cascais, Estoril an Sintra by train, being the two first in the cascais Line that runs by the river (great views) and the last one on the Sintra line (not great views on the way, but great destination). If you want to have a nice meal on new year's eve try to book in advance as the best restaurants get all booked early. The stores are usually open on the 31st, at least until lunch time. In the big shopping malls you have stores open usually until 7 or 8 pm. On the 1st of January usually all is closed during lunch time, but usually are open for supper. Hope this helped out.