I am thinking of booking a very last minute trip to Lisbon and am looking for some suggestions/comments. <BR> <BR>First, does anyone have information about the Roma Lisbon hotel? Is it in a convenient location? <BR> <BR>What are some highlights in and around Lisbon? Several posts mention Sintra, Estoril and Cascais. Are these still lively in the off-season? <BR> <BR>Other than Alcobaca and Caldos de Rainha mentioned on other posts, does anyone have any recommendations about places to buy pottery? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for your advice! <BR> <BR>

Colleen - <BR> <BR>My wife and I have been to Lisbon three times already. I think the Hotel Roma is <BR>in my opinion "good" but well located. <BR> <BR>Here are some things that yu can do around Lisbon: Visit Alfama, walk down from the top, very interesting. <BR> <BR>Another suggestion: The Gulbenkian Museum, a real gem. Take in a Fado House, the non-touristy one is Parreirinha in the Alfama section. <BR>You may want to take a train to Cascais <BR>nearby, a lovely resort. Sintra is also lovely, you can get there by bus and come back on the same day. <BR> <BR>My wife and I are going there next month <BR>again. This time we plan to go to <BR>the Algarve section. <BR> <BR>As for pottery, I think you will find this item everywhere in Lisbon. <BR> <BR>I hope I answered your questions. It might help if you know a little Portuguese. Take a small book of expressions with you. <BR> <BR>Have a good time. LARRY <BR> <BR>

Colleen, <BR> <BR>Can't you go to another city? This is the only city in Europe that I dislike. I can only recommend taking a bus or train to southern Portugal, now there's a great time! While engaged in conversation about traveling, others have said the same thing. Sorry to be negative but it's my honest opinion.

Portugal is a lovely country. Depending on what you like in travel, you could spend days in Lisbon in places like the Jeronimos Monastery, the Coaches Museum, the tile museum, and many other places of cultural interest, or you could travel to the picturesque towns around--Obidos, with its medieval walls, divine Sintra (don't miss the Moors' Palace or the ruined gardens of Monserrat), the incredible monastery/palace in Mafra, great seafood in the seaside town of Cascais, and so forth. Even in the summer "lively" wouldn't be my first adjective for Portugal, but the people are friendly and the scenery is magnificent! Do be prepared for chilly winds, though, especially in Sintra and the Cabo da Roca, a lovely cliff area that is the westernmost point of continental Europe. Have a great time!

Sintra was wonderful but Lisbon, overall, was a disappointment. We really disliked the Alfama area -- sleasy and run-down. We were on a cruise (spending three days in Lisbon before we boarded) and most of the other cuisers thought that Lisbon was a poor choice for our three day land visit. Sorry.

Colleen, do not listen to the negative posters. Lisboa is one of the most beautiful cities in Europa. It is very authentic. Those here who say it is rundown don't understand that many of the buildings in Baixa, Alfama, and Bairro Alto date from the 18th and 19th century. This is not downtown Atlanta. However, there are very modern buildings and very luxurious sections of the city. Like the above stated, the Gulbenkian Museuem is full of art treasures, including Gaurdis, Fragonards, Chardins, and Rembrandts. You can also visit the Coaches Museum, Monastery of Jeronimos, Castle of Sao Jorge. If you visit the Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga you can see Bosch's Temptation of St. Anthony and Cranach's Salome. There are also great cafes and dance clubs in Lisboa, as well as Fado houses. You would also do well to visit the beautiful Sintra and Cascais-if you have the time. Lisboa is a city that is appreciate by travellers, not by tourists. Have a good time.

Ines de Castro, <BR> <BR>Where shall a solo female traveler be located in Lisbon, Chiado, Avenida da Liberdade, where is the best location for restaurants, night life..? <BR> <BR>What do you think of Hotel Britania, Hotel Avenida Palace and Hotel Regencia as far as locations are concerned? <BR> <BR>Give me a hint, please.

Capitu: You must give me the addresses of your hotels listed if you want me to tell you if they are in a good location. I am almost positive that Avenida Palace is next to the Restauradores Station on Praca Dos Restauradores. This is a very good location--near Rossio. I will give you names of good clubs tomorrow. I must email friends in Lisboa. But, there are do many clubs at the Docas. Kings and Queens used to be the hot spot.

Colleen-I think that its great that you are going to Lisbon. Our family went there two years ago for a week and had a wonderful time. We found the people friendly,the food inexpensive and tasty and the history/countryside fabulous! <BR>We took daytrips out of Lisbon to such places as Sintra and Belem. I would recommend taking the wonderful "electric trolley" out of the city to Belem(where the explorers all left out of) to see the water area/parks/church where Vasco de Gama is buried etc.The city of Lisbon is comprised of many parts so be sure to read up in the tour books before leaving.I would also recommend taking the underground out to the the area where the Expo/World's Fair a few years back. They have a beautiful aquarium on the water's edge,restaurants,skytram that goes over the water and park area that is left over(along with the largest shopping mall in Portugal-some great eating places in the top floor). <BR>As far as pottery and other shopping,there are various fairs/flea markets that are around the old area of Lisbon that are really inexpensive and beautiful.I could go on and on but will say that we decided at the last minute to go on our trip to Lisbon and were very happy with our choice. <BR>The seafood is FABULOUS!!!!

It seems from the previous posts that Lisbon is a city to love or to hate.

Capitud, We agree completely with Ines de Castro. Lisbon is unique and wonderful! We have just returned from a month in Portugal and are currently working on our third Portugal travelogue. The previous two can be found on our web site, which is non-commercial. The Britania and Lisboa Plaza are our favorite hotels in Lisbon. Both excellently located and outstanding in ambiance and service. We recommend them highly! Have a great trip. http://www.thetravelzine.com <BR>

thatīs right...Lisbon is a love\hate relation. I was born in Lisbon, I live in Lisbon, I work in Lisbon and sometimes I hate this place, and sometimes I love it. <BR>Thatīs life !!! <BR> <BR>Note to the traveller : best kept secret in Lisbon. Do you want to have a glimpse of what was left after de 1755 earthquake ? near Sé Catedral thereīs a public bathroom.Just go there and take your camera.

So, Correct, from your point of view, what's the best place to stay in Lisbon, Rossio, Chiado, Av. da Liberdade, Baixa, B. Alto, where? I'm not the frightened type of traveler, but a safe neighborhood would be wise, since I'll be alone. I like it to be lively at night, and handy to go visiting other places. <BR> <BR>What would you advise me to choose as the most suitable location? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance, <BR> <BR>Capitu

Thanks to all who responded. I decided to go to Portugal when I have a little more time to plan. I'll keep your suggestions for the next time. I'm going to go to Paris, one of my favorite places, instead in a few weeks.