Lisbon questions
 

Hi everyone,

I'll be in Lisbon at the end of the month. I'm staying near the Campo Pequeno (the bull-fighting ring) and will be in the university area for a conference. I notice that most of the guidebooks don't focus on this area. Are there any good restaurants around there?

Most of the things I've read suggest that bus/taxi/metro is the best way to get to the city center. Is it walkable?

Should I make any restaurant reservations ahead of time? If so, where?

Finally, a question about international calling. If I don't have a cell phone with the right capabilities, should I use a calling card? Buy a cheap cell phone? I'll be there for less than a week.

Thanks in advance!

Hi Rosalicious
We'll be neighbours for a week since I see the bullring from my office.
The bullring itself has some restaurants to offer. The undergroung has a small shopping mall with a selection ranging from sandwich food to reginal food. The ring proper has some restaurants too. I can remember a Japanese and a Portugalia restaurant.
In Av Joao 21st (going up the hill) there is Hotel Alif. The ground floor of the buiding has a restaurant specialized in grilled meet (brazilian style BBQ).
Please notice that these are working class restaurants, not upscale.
I don't think you need to reserve. Most of locals arrive by 8:30 pm. If you come earlier than that, let's say 7:30 pm, you'll got most of the attention just for you.
Which university are you attending? Is it IST (Technical Univeristy of Lisbon)?
If you mean Rossio area as city center, than I must say that's not walkable (5 or 6 miles). I did that 1 month ago, but it is the kind of things you do only once a while.
If you want a cheap 2nd hand telephone, budget around 25 to 30 euros (with some air time).

Hi, Rosalicious,

I don't know too many restaurants over on that side of town, but here's one I liked: Taberna do Visconde -- nice outdoor seating, great salmon, it's a downstairs cafe connected with the upstairs (fancier and more expensive) Club dos Empresarios. Location is right on the Av. da Republica near Campo Pequeno metro stop. It's got a nice courtyard with the outdoor seating kind of hidden from the hustle of Av. da Republica.

Like Lobo, I've walked from the bull ring to downtown and it's a long walk, but it's a very interesting walk in my opinion. I suppose, though, that if you have limited time for walking around, it's better to take the metro down to Restauradores or Rossio and walk from there, because that's where all the sights are.

As far as calling home, we've always just bought calling cards. They're sold all over the place, but especially at newsstands. Some are better than others, but for 6E you'll get enough minutes to keep in touch with home for a week. I think EuroCity is the brand we try to get but my memory is kind of vague on that point.

Thanks for the responses! I'll be staying at the Hotel Alif, so I'm glad to know its restaurant has good food. I will definitely try the Taberno do Visconde as well.

If I have time (and if I'm feeling energetic!) maybe I will attempt the walk, but otherwise I'll stick to public transportation. :)

Lobo mau, I'll be attending a conference at the University of Lisbon. I know it is two metro stops away, but I'm hoping it is walkable too.

Yesterday, I meant grilled meat, not grilled meet. I don't even know what a grilled meet is.

The last but not the least. A strong recommendation to Magnolia Caffe in the corner of Campo Pequeno sq opposite to Alif. It has an advantage for you, it stays just on your way when you walk from the University. It has an atmosphere sophisticated, with space to read Portuguese and foreigner newspapers and magazines. The food tend to be Italian style, with a large offer of salads and fresh made juice.
I'm almost sure it has wi-fi to clients, but I'm not sure.
http://www.guiadacidade.pt/portugal/...mp;li=empresas

Sounds perfect--thank you, lobo mau!