THINGS TO DO IN AND AROUND LISBON
Feb 3rd, 2006, 09:55 AM
#41
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Hi there TeresaJAT
It would be a <i>real</i> shame to miss the celebrations of Festa de Stē Antonio so I think your suggestion about splitting time up like that is fine. Plenty to fill up your 8 days in Lisbon especially as you may be a little hung over on the day after St Ant. (Forgive my presumption that you drink - it seems the whole of Lisbon does this night.) There is a 99% chance that I'll be in the crowd, my elder daughter atop my shoulders, clutching my wife's hand strolling with the masses up to the castle and down the narrow streets. It is a great party - and as other's have mentioned it perhaps if there are enough fodorites coming over for it we could arrange something and all meet up and all go together. Get "<b>Lobo Mau</b>" out as well. (But hey this is the internet and there are a million nutcases out there...
You don't need a hire car in Lisbon, and driving in the capital can be a little "sketchy" hence the reason I drive a battered old Land Rover Discovery, people actually notice me instead of cutting me up as used to happen in my last car
I don't know Rick Steve's books but I see in a thread that he ruins restaurants: oh boy my favourite in Lisbon is 2 minutes from the main tourist area and yet no tourists go there for it is hidden under an archway. It is a real local's only place with old shop workers from the garment street eating there - long tables where everyone squeezes in together - you'll soon be invited into a conversation, and it is so cheap. I may reveal its identity so long as readers of this thread promise to keep it to themselves...
Please feel free to email, or post any more Q's here.
Take care,
Matt
It would be a <i>real</i> shame to miss the celebrations of Festa de Stē Antonio so I think your suggestion about splitting time up like that is fine. Plenty to fill up your 8 days in Lisbon especially as you may be a little hung over on the day after St Ant. (Forgive my presumption that you drink - it seems the whole of Lisbon does this night.) There is a 99% chance that I'll be in the crowd, my elder daughter atop my shoulders, clutching my wife's hand strolling with the masses up to the castle and down the narrow streets. It is a great party - and as other's have mentioned it perhaps if there are enough fodorites coming over for it we could arrange something and all meet up and all go together. Get "<b>Lobo Mau</b>" out as well. (But hey this is the internet and there are a million nutcases out there...
You don't need a hire car in Lisbon, and driving in the capital can be a little "sketchy" hence the reason I drive a battered old Land Rover Discovery, people actually notice me instead of cutting me up as used to happen in my last car
I don't know Rick Steve's books but I see in a thread that he ruins restaurants: oh boy my favourite in Lisbon is 2 minutes from the main tourist area and yet no tourists go there for it is hidden under an archway. It is a real local's only place with old shop workers from the garment street eating there - long tables where everyone squeezes in together - you'll soon be invited into a conversation, and it is so cheap. I may reveal its identity so long as readers of this thread promise to keep it to themselves...
Please feel free to email, or post any more Q's here.
Take care,
Matt
Feb 3rd, 2006, 02:26 PM
#42
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I don't want to impose myself, but I asked Little Red Riding Hood if she wanted to go to Alfama on Santo Antonio's night with Matt from England, daughter, wife and possibly other friends and she is loving the idea. Keep in touch. We have 4 months to organize something
Feb 3rd, 2006, 02:48 PM
#43
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Well, we are still planning our second Portugal trip for late Fall, probably October.
So both of you are invited for a drink and dinner when we are in Lisbon Matt and Lobo(I know that is really not your name).
It is the least we can do for all of the great information.
I think we are kind of old for you guys, though. We are 60/59. Do you think it matters?
Maybe this will get Matt to reveal the name of the restaurant!
So both of you are invited for a drink and dinner when we are in Lisbon Matt and Lobo(I know that is really not your name).
It is the least we can do for all of the great information.
I think we are kind of old for you guys, though. We are 60/59. Do you think it matters?
Maybe this will get Matt to reveal the name of the restaurant!
Feb 3rd, 2006, 03:17 PM
#45
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Lobo, do you know the Art Nouveau Animatografo do Rossio on 225 - 229 Rua dos Sapateiros?
http://www.urbe-nupi.pt/urban_links/...gles/foto5.htm
Forget the fact of what it is now, it was once Lisbon's first cinema opened in 1907. Okay if you go there, (not inside I hasten to add unless purely for research purposes) look across the street. It's the little place nearest the archway... no more clues than that. I don't want this Rick Steve muppet turning up and ruining it for me! You have to eat the jaquinzinhos with bean and tomato rice with a jarro of the house white. So cheap it makes me laugh with a few slices of Broa (corn bread) to mop up the sauce. You know I have some amusing stories to tell about this place!
How does lunch sound in a couple of weeks?
Matt
http://www.urbe-nupi.pt/urban_links/...gles/foto5.htm
Forget the fact of what it is now, it was once Lisbon's first cinema opened in 1907. Okay if you go there, (not inside I hasten to add unless purely for research purposes
) look across the street. It's the little place nearest the archway... no more clues than that. I don't want this Rick Steve muppet turning up and ruining it for me! You have to eat the jaquinzinhos with bean and tomato rice with a jarro of the house white. So cheap it makes me laugh with a few slices of Broa (corn bread) to mop up the sauce. You know I have some amusing stories to tell about this place!How does lunch sound in a couple of weeks?
Matt
Feb 3rd, 2006, 03:20 PM
#46
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And yes Sher your proposal sounds perfect. If you can put up with a young whipper snapper like me In fact I'll go as far as to suggest a trip on the tourist tram after lunch and we'll have a great day out.
Look foward to it.
Matt
In fact I'll go as far as to suggest a trip on the tourist tram after lunch and we'll have a great day out.Look foward to it.
Matt
Feb 4th, 2006, 04:20 AM
#48
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Isabel: Approximate times for train journeys and relevant stations:
Lisboa Entrecampos to Evora - 2hrs +/-
Lisboa Entrecampos to Marvao Beira - 4hrs +/-
Lisboa Entrecampos to Obidos - 2 hrs 15 +/-
Lisboa Santa Apolonia to Santarem - 1 hr +/-
So each are reachable, though the trek to Marvao will be long and only worth doing if staying overnight. Bearing in mind that Marvao is also up a mountain and a small village you'd have to take a taxi too, in fact I cannot recall having seen the railway station nearby.
For further details re trains go to www.cp.pt and choose the english version.
I'll look into the tour options a bit later.
Speak soon,
Matt
Lisboa Entrecampos to Evora - 2hrs +/-
Lisboa Entrecampos to Marvao Beira - 4hrs +/-
Lisboa Entrecampos to Obidos - 2 hrs 15 +/-
Lisboa Santa Apolonia to Santarem - 1 hr +/-
So each are reachable, though the trek to Marvao will be long and only worth doing if staying overnight. Bearing in mind that Marvao is also up a mountain and a small village you'd have to take a taxi too, in fact I cannot recall having seen the railway station nearby.
For further details re trains go to www.cp.pt and choose the english version.
I'll look into the tour options a bit later.
Speak soon,
Matt
Feb 4th, 2006, 04:55 AM
#49
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Hello Matt,
I have been enjoying reading this since you first posted. Great information! I will save this for our next trip to Portugal. Both lobo_mau and Sher offered helpful info as we planned our trip there last July so this thread will be added to the ones I saved with their information.
Thanks so much!
I have been enjoying reading this since you first posted. Great information! I will save this for our next trip to Portugal. Both lobo_mau and Sher offered helpful info as we planned our trip there last July so this thread will be added to the ones I saved with their information.
Thanks so much!
Feb 4th, 2006, 05:35 AM
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Hi there Marianna,
Welcome aboard! To be honest I'm no expert here and my opinion re Portugal and Lisbon is only as a foreigner living here. It helps to have people like <b>Lobo Mau</b> to keep an eye on me should I offer wrong information.
As a bit of a traveller myself - regular visits to NYC, Africa every now and then and England I like to see up to date info and on a board as this it is the <i>only</i> place to get it. Guide books are only current at the time of writing. Things change, especially here in Lisbon where things can be confusing and chaotic at times.
Don't let me hog the bandwidth, if there's anything you wish to add please jump in - it'll be nice to keep this thread ongoing as a vital resource for anyone coming to Portugal. Read all the books first then come here!
Look foward to speaking soon,
Best regards
Matt
Welcome aboard! To be honest I'm no expert here and my opinion re Portugal and Lisbon is only as a foreigner living here. It helps to have people like <b>Lobo Mau</b> to keep an eye on me should I offer wrong information.
As a bit of a traveller myself - regular visits to NYC, Africa every now and then and England I like to see up to date info and on a board as this it is the <i>only</i> place to get it. Guide books are only current at the time of writing. Things change, especially here in Lisbon where things can be confusing and chaotic at times.
Don't let me hog the bandwidth, if there's anything you wish to add please jump in - it'll be nice to keep this thread ongoing as a vital resource for anyone coming to Portugal. Read all the books first then come here!
Look foward to speaking soon,
Best regards
Matt
Feb 4th, 2006, 04:45 PM
#51
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Matt thank you so much - that is just the kind of information I need. I've bookmarked the train site. I'll definitly have more questions later but I'm now sure I want at least 10 days, so I can book my airline tickets in the next month. Oh and thanks for the hotel tip, it looks great, I'd book it now but my dates aren't firm yet.
Sher - thanks for that tip, it will be most useful. This will only be the second trip I've taken where I'm completely solo (not even meeting someone for part of the trip) so figuring out the eating/evening things is something I still have to work on. Sounds like Portugal is a pretty inexpensive place to eat.
Sher - thanks for that tip, it will be most useful. This will only be the second trip I've taken where I'm completely solo (not even meeting someone for part of the trip) so figuring out the eating/evening things is something I still have to work on. Sounds like Portugal is a pretty inexpensive place to eat.
Feb 4th, 2006, 05:49 PM
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Hi Matt
I think we have a lot in common, I am not a huge fan of pip shows either, but I'm a big fan of jaquinzinhos with beans and rice
I know the place you mentioned. A few years ago I went to play cards in Gremio Lusitano. They have a salao just over Arco de Bandeira with beautiful views over Rossio square.
I look forward to ear the stories you have about the place
I think we have a lot in common, I am not a huge fan of pip shows either, but I'm a big fan of jaquinzinhos with beans and rice
I know the place you mentioned. A few years ago I went to play cards in Gremio Lusitano. They have a salao just over Arco de Bandeira with beautiful views over Rossio square.
I look forward to ear the stories you have about the place
Feb 5th, 2006, 07:38 AM
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Hi Matt--
Jumping in late on this thread. We are just planning a last minute trip to Lisbon in the beginning of March. I loved your list of possibilities for things to do.
Do you realistically think we could keep ourselves occupied for 7-8 nights in Lisbon? Normally we give cities about 4 days and then head out with a rental car. This trip we're trying to keep transportation costs down and would be looking at doing day trips from Lisbon. Or, would we be better off with 3 or 4 nights in Lisbon and then just getting a car and heading off for a few days? Finally, about Sintra. From what I've read, I wouldn't want a car there anyway and public transportation is the way to go. Would you suggest one or two days there, an overnight or a day trip from Lisbon or what?
I'll be awaiting your response. Thanks so much.
Jumping in late on this thread. We are just planning a last minute trip to Lisbon in the beginning of March. I loved your list of possibilities for things to do.
Do you realistically think we could keep ourselves occupied for 7-8 nights in Lisbon? Normally we give cities about 4 days and then head out with a rental car. This trip we're trying to keep transportation costs down and would be looking at doing day trips from Lisbon. Or, would we be better off with 3 or 4 nights in Lisbon and then just getting a car and heading off for a few days? Finally, about Sintra. From what I've read, I wouldn't want a car there anyway and public transportation is the way to go. Would you suggest one or two days there, an overnight or a day trip from Lisbon or what?
I'll be awaiting your response. Thanks so much.
Feb 5th, 2006, 08:03 AM
#55
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Hi Julies,
Welcome to this Lisbon thread. I guess you are looking foward to the holiday so feel free to ask as many Q's as you have.
So first let's deal with Sintra. You could easily do 2 days, 1 day in Pena Palaca, another strolling through the extensive gardens and Moorish castle ruins, and at some stage wandering around the village lower down the mountain. Don't forget to buy a pack of Queijadinhas de Sintra. Take the train - Linha da Sintra which is more or less 1 hour each way - so keep your place in Lisbon and just do 2 day trips leaving early and returning late, but no <i>too</i> late as there have been problems with crime on this line. Give me a couple of days and I'll give you exact details of this railway trip.
If renting a car, then you could easily plan a few day trips whilst staying in Lisbon. Perhaps to Obidos, Evora, and Ericeira. If really determined a trip out to Marvao and Castelo de Vide, but should you want to do this then let me know and I'll post better instructions on how to drive there.
So I think the idea of basing yourselves in Lisbon is fine, then taking day trips should you become a little bored of the city. But there is plenty to do in Lisbon if you don't rush around and take it easy.
I'm always reachable via email so feel free to ask Qs here or there.
Look foward to speaking soon,
Matt
Welcome to this Lisbon thread. I guess you are looking foward to the holiday so feel free to ask as many Q's as you have.
So first let's deal with Sintra. You could easily do 2 days, 1 day in Pena Palaca, another strolling through the extensive gardens and Moorish castle ruins, and at some stage wandering around the village lower down the mountain. Don't forget to buy a pack of Queijadinhas de Sintra. Take the train - Linha da Sintra which is more or less 1 hour each way - so keep your place in Lisbon and just do 2 day trips leaving early and returning late, but no <i>too</i> late as there have been problems with crime on this line. Give me a couple of days and I'll give you exact details of this railway trip.
If renting a car, then you could easily plan a few day trips whilst staying in Lisbon. Perhaps to Obidos, Evora, and Ericeira. If really determined a trip out to Marvao and Castelo de Vide, but should you want to do this then let me know and I'll post better instructions on how to drive there.
So I think the idea of basing yourselves in Lisbon is fine, then taking day trips should you become a little bored of the city. But there is plenty to do in Lisbon if you don't rush around and take it easy.
I'm always reachable via email so feel free to ask Qs here or there.
Look foward to speaking soon,
Matt
Feb 5th, 2006, 09:06 AM
#56
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Here is a very nice site with the most beautiful places to stay while in Portugal. Have a look at it as it's very well done and it covers the whole country ( Spain and Italy as well): www.secretplaces.com
Hope you all have a nice stay here!!!
Hope you all have a nice stay here!!!
Feb 5th, 2006, 09:06 AM
#57
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Okay some more transport links:
http://www.fertagus.pt/
The cross Tejo (Tagus) train service.
http://www.tsuldotejo.pt/
Bus services
http://www.rodoviariadelisboa.pt/
Bus services including airport shuttle bus and hire.
http://www.transtejo.pt/
Ferries across the Tejo (Tagus) and river cruises
Well worth exploring the various sites to find all kinds of services which suit your travel needs in and around Lisbon.
Everyone have a good weekend?
Matt
http://www.fertagus.pt/
The cross Tejo (Tagus) train service.
http://www.tsuldotejo.pt/
Bus services
http://www.rodoviariadelisboa.pt/
Bus services including airport shuttle bus and hire.
http://www.transtejo.pt/
Ferries across the Tejo (Tagus) and river cruises
Well worth exploring the various sites to find all kinds of services which suit your travel needs in and around Lisbon.
Everyone have a good weekend?
Matt
Feb 5th, 2006, 09:13 AM
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Oh and I am forgetting:
http://www.carris.pt/en/index.php
Carris operates buses and the old trams in Lisbon including the red tourist trams, as well as the newer modern tram between Lisbon and Belem.
http://www.carris.pt/en/index.php?ar...icos_tur_elect
This page details the route of the tourist trams, shame the photo is lousy. Well worth looking here.
Thanks Tere for jumping in, I'm sorry if I get anything wrong, please let me know.
Matt
http://www.carris.pt/en/index.php
Carris operates buses and the old trams in Lisbon including the red tourist trams, as well as the newer modern tram between Lisbon and Belem.
http://www.carris.pt/en/index.php?ar...icos_tur_elect
This page details the route of the tourist trams, shame the photo is lousy. Well worth looking here.
Thanks Tere for jumping in, I'm sorry if I get anything wrong, please let me know.
Matt
Feb 5th, 2006, 11:38 AM
#59
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I've just returned from a very sweet afternoon in Sintra including travesseiros and queijadas in Periquita shop
I think visitors should avoid Sintra during weekends, even during low season, because it is packed with locals, like me
I think visitors should avoid Sintra during weekends, even during low season, because it is packed with locals, like me
