November trip: Lisbon or Barcelona?
 

Hi Everyone,

My husband and I have gotten into taking short (7-10 days) trips, concentrating on one city. This year we are thinking of either Lisbon or Barcelona. We'd probably travel in mid-November. Our goal is to not be very cold - but a bit chilly is fine.

I've looked at weather history for both cities, and temps seem to be about the same, But temp doesn't always tell the whole story - how about wind and rain?

We like museums, strolling around historic areas, historic buildings - and enjoying a glass or two of wine in a nice environment.

Any information or recommendations would be welcome.

Thanks!

If you've never been to Lisbon, you should give it a try. You'll like it!

Robert speaks the truth!!!

Of the two cities I prefer Barcelona. If you're criterion is weather, rather than sights, Lisbon is probably warmer in November.

Lisbon would be my choice. Lovely city.

I love both and in both you have enough to see and to do for a week. However, because of weather, I suggest Lisbon.
We were there at end of one December and the weather was beautiful, sunny and not too cold.

Two wonderful and very different cities, modernistic Barcelona (but with the medieval Gothic quarter) and Old world and imperial Lisboa.

I would perhaps go to Barcelona for the cutting edge theaters, concerts, architecture, museums etc, but not much beats the strange, easy-going Lisboa vibe, and of course the Fado.

These sites give good and updated info:
Barcelona: http://www.barcelonaturisme.com/
Lisboa: http://www.visitlisboa.com/Home_UK.aspx?lang=en-GB

One of Barcelonas greatest daughters, the flamenco dancer Carmen Amaya (1913-1963) is celebrated in the majestic Catalan National Theater until Nov. 10. Fantastic Rocío Molina dances: http://www.tnc.cat/en/la-capitana-ho...men-amaya-info

Perhaps fado vadio (street fado) in tiny A Baiuca in Lisboa?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkfozXTUwU0
http://www.portugaldailyview.com/wha...-small-taverns

Weather statistics for mid November in Barcelona and Lisboa based on past 17 years:

Barcelona: Average highs at 64F night lows at 50F, four hours sun pr day and rainfall 2 out of ten days.

Lisboa: Daily highs at 64F and night lows at 52F, 6 hours sun pr day and rainfall 3 out of ten days. (wetteronline.de)

Lisbon has some fantastic museums and historic sites, the Gulbenkian Museum puts many world class museums to shame it's a definite don't miss. Portuguese wine (excluding port) that I buy in USA is so-so; Portuguese wine consumed in Portugal is not only delicious, it's quite affordable. Prices for everything seem very reasonable. We're going again in October.

Thanks to everyone for your replies. I think it will be Lisbon in November this year. We will see Barcelona on another trip.

Any recommendations for hotel (not over 200 euros/night)and restaurants? We're not real "foodies" but do enjoy a nice meal of local food.

And a final question about the Metro. I have a lot of trouble with escalators, which means I usually cannot ride metros. Does anyone know if there are elevators in the Lisbon metro stations?

Obrigada.

We're going to Lisbon for the first time in October. We're renting an apartment for much less than 200 euro. I'll be interested to see what restaurant recommendations you get.

€200/night should cover you at a number of excellent hotels in the city, including the 5-star Hotel Altis in Lisbon’s historic center, not far from the Bairro Alto. The 4-star boutique hotels Figueira and do Chiado both have views of São Jorge Castle. The popular 5-star Avenida Palace is located at the end of Avenida da Liberdade. My personal favorite, the 5-star Olissippo Lapa Palace is slightly over your budget, but not by much. It's one of the best luxury properties in Europe and a steal when you can get it for under €250/night.

For restaurants, you might be interested in Restaurante Largo for lunch or dinner. Lisboa à Noite, in the Bairro Alto, is worth considering. Restaurant Eleven is on the high end, but worth a look. And Olivier Avenida Restaurant, just off Avenida da Liberdade in the Hotel Tivoli, is very popular.

There are a number of excellent restaurants in the city, so you shouldn't have any problems finding what you're looking for.

Yes, there are escalators and elevators (www.golisbon.com/transport/transport.html).

Robert2533, thanks very much. I'll check out your suggestions.

--Kathy

There seem to be some good deals now at Lapa..LHW, Orient Loyality/clubs and several others.. check them out. As Robert2433 if you can get in there for around 250E gfrab it!!!

I stayed at the Hotel Lisboa Plaza this past May. They are part of a small local chain of boutique hotels. Here is the website, in case you want to check it out: http://www.heritage.pt/heritage-lisbon-hotels

We stayed at the Avenida Palace last year because of its central location, right next to the Rossio Train station and a metro station around the corner.

We were very impressed. It's a gorgeous, well maintained old building with exceptional staff. I cannot recommend them highly enough. We are looking forward to returning there in a couple of weeks.

http://www.hotelavenidapalace.pt/en/...Fc01QgodVEYA0Q

Taxis are plentiful and inexpensive in Lisbon if you have trouble with the metro.

PA-Kathy...

Nikki is right, we found the taxis in Lisbon to be inexpensive too. I travel with my mom, who also has trouble with escalators (especially in the down direction), we are big users of public transport (buses and metros/subways) when we travel. We did use the metro in Lisbon and found we could use a combination of elevators and escalators, but many times we also used taxis, which we don't typically do when we visit Rome, Paris, NYC, San Francisco or Seattle.

Also in certain neighborhoods in Lisbon the streets are very steep, if that is a concern for you. Prior to our May trip I kept reminding my mom of the steepness of Lisbon in general (I had been there before) and until we got there, I think mom didn't realize how steep some areas really would be. Just a heads-up for you. This didn't stop us from doing everything we wanted to do, it just took a little longer. If you would like to read my Portugal trip report here is a link:

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...y-portugal.cfm

Thanks so much for hotel suggestions - I have been checking them all out. As it's our first trip to Lisbon, location is the major factor for us. Olissippo Lapa Palace looks fabulous, but a bit out of the center of things - or am I misreading my map? Avenida Palace looks to have a prime location.

LowCountryIslander, thanks for letting me know about your experience with an escalator-challenged companion. It seems guidebooks never consider things like this.

Avenida Palace has a better location, easy to go everywhere from it's central location.