The Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans and Moors have all had a hand in creating the city, but it enjoyed its peak of prosperity during the age of Vasco de Gama’s great discoveries.

This flow of people and ideas has created a compelling experience for visitors, thick with atmosphere and full of self-confidence.

Set among seven hills, Lisbon basks in a warm, sunny climate on the estuary of the River Tagus.

Historic neighbourhoods, a thriving and varied nightlife, nearby places of interest, traditional "fado" singing, contemporary culture, numerous tourist attractions and interesting methods of transport have made Lisbon one of Europe’s most enjoyable cities.

Introducing Lisbon

Lisbon has four central districts. The Baixa (pronounced Baixsha) is home to financial institutions and traditional industries. From the River Tagus, Praco do Comercio runs to Praca de Dom Pedro IV, better known as Rossio, Lisbon's oldest square and the centre point of the whole city.

North, towards Rossio train station, is Praca dos Restauradores and to the east, another square in the shape of the Praca da Figuera. Further north is the mile-long Avenida de Liberdade at the top of which sits the Praca do Marques de Pombal, named after the arcitect who designed much of central Lisbon's neo-Classical grid.

West of the Baixa is the shopping area of Chicado that links the Baixa to Bairro Alto (or 'Upper City'), which is the place to spend an evening - the concentration of bars and clubs means that you can't fail but to have a good time.

To the other side of the Baixa lies the Alfama, the city's oldest surviving district, much of which pre-dates the Great Earthquake of 1755.

It remains a beautiful area to simply wander around and soak up the atmospheric streets, may of which are only a few feet wide.

Essentials

Tourist information offices are located on the Praca do Comercio and Rua do Arsenal.

For non-emergencies, ther tourist police station is located in the Foz Cultura building in the Palacio Foz, Praca do Restauradores (Tel: 21 342 1634).

The British Hospital (Rua Saralva de Carvalho, Tel: 21 394 3100) offers English-speaking receptionists and medical staff.

Chemists (farmacias) are open from 9am-1am and 3pm-7pm, monday to Friday as well as Saturday mornings.

Getting Around

  • Public transport

All public transport (with the exception of the metro) is operated by Carris, who sell a one-day network ticket allowing unlimited use on all Carris and Metro networks for 2.75 euros, a four day pass for 9.95 euros and a week pass for 14 euros. All these options are available from Carris booths and Metro stations.

As these are tourist tickets (bilhete de assinatura turistico), passports must be shown to purchase them. Travelling without a valid ticket carries a spot fine.

The bus and tram network is among the cheapest in Europe with a basic single fare of 1 euro. Most services run every 10-15 minutes from 6.30am to 1am.

Funiculars replace trams on certain routes, the most central being the Gloria, running from Praca dos restauradores to bairro Alto.

  • Metro

ll metro stations are identifiableby 'M' signs and run on four lines - red, yellow, green and blue. They run from 06:30 until 01:00, htough some stations close early.

Single tickets cost 65 cents and a book of 5.10 euros.

  • Taxis

Taxis in Lisbon are inexpensive and easily identified as cream-coloured Mercedes.

There is a 1.80 euro minimum fare with 20% excess for any journey between 10pm and 6am or at the weekend, and a 1.50 euro charge per piece of luggage.

Taxis can be hailed in the street or from ranks at the major stations and tourist spots such as Rossio and Praca da Figueira.

  • Ferries

Ferries, operated by Transtejo, run across the Tagus on several routes, from Cais do Sodre and Praca do Comercio. The fare varies between 60 cents and 2 euros.

  • Driving

Driving throughout Portugal is notoriously difficult and Lisbon is no exception. The city has one of the highest accident rates in Europe and is heavily congested for much of the day.

Parking spaces are limited and NEVER leave valuables showing in hire cares - break-ins are commonplace.