Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most interesting cities in the world. City is great and deserves attention, so do not spend here 1-2 days, it is better to stay for a week or more.
Why Lisbon?
By the mid 18th century Portugal has become a superpowerful country and Lisbon was one of the biggest cities in Europe. Then, in 1755, happened one of the most devastating earthquakes in history, which is not only completely destroyed the capital, but also marked the beginning of the decline of the empire.
Nevertheless, the catastrophe, made a beneficial effect on the tourist attraction of modern Lisbon. The city has been completely rebuilt and remains in that conditions nowadays, while almost all the major European cities have been rebuilt starting from mid-19th century. In addition, Portugal has been avoiding wars in the last centuries. Therefore, Lisbon is the only metropolis in Europe with the original old center of the 18th century.
Hotel
It makes sense to find apartments in the city center. We lived right on the central square in Rossio Apartments (booking.com). The room has a kitchen.
Also, we spent two nights at the Myriad by SANA Hotels, which is located near the World Expo. There is a separate article about this area of the city.
Public transportation
Upon arrival, buy a Viva Viagem card in a machine. Fill it depending on the number of trips. One trip costs 1.4 euros, a day ticket - 6 euros. The card is valid in the metro, trams, buses, ferries and funiculars.
The most popular tram route is 28E, in the center it can be found on the street Rua da Conceição.
St. George's castle is open from 9 am. From this place Lisbon has began. You can get there by tram 28E to Largo das Portas do Sol and then walk up the hill. We took a tuk-tuk from the Commerce Square for 10 euros.
Cast-iron elevator is the city symbol since 1902 (find it on the previous photo). Due to huge queue we went upstairs on foot through the streets of R. do Carmo and R. Aurea. At the top of the elevator there is a great observation deck (1.5 eur, opening times). Better come in the evening.
Statue of Christ is geographically located not in Lisbon, but in the city of Almada and offers the excellent panorama of the Portuguese capital. It was built in honor of the fact that Portugal did not participate in World War II.
Getting there: first by ferry from Cais do Sodre metro station to Cacilhas, departures every 20 minutes, 15 minutes to go, Viva Viagem is valid. Then bus 101 to the statue (2 eur there and return, buy ticket from the driver).
A popular viewpoint where you can meet a dawn or sunset. Use one of the world's oldest funiculars Gloria (1885) to reach it (schedule, Viva Viagem card is valid).
From the previos viewpoint you can go to cafe Bar Terraço de Santa Luzia which offers excellent views of the city. However, the same views are open from the viewpoint Miradouro das Portas do Sol, which is located under the café. You can compare:
Torel garden is unknown among tourists, it is small and well hidden. Use Lavra funicular to go up then turn to the left and look for the garden (schedule, Viva Viagem card is valid).
One of the highest points in the city and the largest city park. The nearest metro station is São Sebastião. We went there by metro and returned on foot to the city center, which is very convenient. Notice the trees with parrots on the sides of this green lawn.
Come to the square early in the morning and in the evening, this is the best area of Lisbon and the signature of the city. Until 1755 here had located a royal palace, which was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake.
Despite the fact that the Lisbon stands on the river and gulf, there are no beaches in the city. We took a local train from Cais do Sodre to Caxias, where is the nearest beach.
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