USEFUL INFORMATION:
GETTING AROUND:
Although not really on the Atlantic, Lisbon is very close to ocean and that brings windy and fast-changing weather, so you'd better bring a jacket or an umbrella with you, at least in spring and autumn.
BY METRO:
Lisbon's recently refurbished metro system is quick and efficient. Single trip tickets within Zone 1 (which covers most of the city) cost 0.70, although you can buy a 10 trip card for 6.50. However, a more economic choice is the all-day (til 01.00am) pass which costs 4.00 . The all-day pass is also valid on city buses and tram lines.
BY BUS AND ELECTRICO:
The extensive bus and electrico (street-car) network is run by Carris. The only way to ride is buying a 7 Colinas card, which is also valid on the subway and streetcars. You can buy a 7 Colinas easily for 0.50 euros and charge it. The 7 Colinas card is rechargeable, but you can charge on it only one type of ticket a day (e.g. you can't charge it with a single ticket and a day ticket at the same time, but you can use it with a day ticket and then charge a single ticket the next day). Be sure to check out the public transport one- and multiple-day tickets which work on both the metro and busses, you will save a lot of money using them. If you plan to be in Lisbon for an extended time, you can purchase an unlimited pass that covers buses, metro, and funiculars at the Carris station in Santo Amaro. It's 10 euro for the Lisboa Viva card, plus 25 euro for a one-month unlimited pass. You can also get them in week-long or two-week unlimited denominations. Bring a photo ID (passport) and cash.
BY CAR:
Think twice before using a car in the city unless you are prepared to spend hours in traffic jams. Parking in certain areas can also be a pain. The busy traffic and narrow streets with blind corners can be overwhelming to tourists as well.
BY FOOT:
If your accommodation is in the centre of the city, walking is a great alternative. Many of the attractions of the city, such as the Castelo and the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, are within easy walking distance of the Baixa. While walking around Lisbon, if you become lost or cannot find the location you are looking for, try to locate the nearest Carris bus or tram stop. Most of these stops (not all) have a very good map of the city with your current location clearly marked on the map. All the prominent tourist sites in Lisbon are also shown along with an index at the bottom of the map. A quick consultation with one of these Carris maps should point you back in the right direction.
BY FUNICULARS AND ELEVADORES:
You may also use the funiculars and elevadores. Day passes for public transportation are also valid for those.
UNDERSTAND:
- Like Istanbul, Rome, Sheffield and Seattle, Lisbon is built on seven hills.
- The sparkling new Lisboa Ask Me Centre (Pη. do Comιrcio, 21 0312815, open 09:00 - 20:00 daily) will help you find accommodation and is happy to dispense advice, maps and brochures. Smaller Ask Me Lisboa kiosks are dotted about the Rossio district and airport and their multilingual staff also have maps and brochures.
- The Lisboa Card, which can be purchased from tourist information outlets, offers free use of all public transport in the city and free or reduced price tickets to many museums, galleries and tourist attractions. They can be purchased in 24 hour (adult / child: 14.85 / 7.50), 48 hour (25.50 / 12.75) and 72 hour (31.00 / 15.50) denominations. They are not very good value unless you plan to visit a lot of museums. Especially so if you are a holder of a student identification card (international or national) since the student discounts to these attractions are often the same as for the Lisboa Card.
CONTACT:
Private international call centres and public telephone booths are common throughout Lisbon. Be warned, however, public phones can be less generous than slot machines: many times they'll swallow your change and give you no credit. You're better off purchasing a Portugal Telecom pre-paid card you can insert into the phone, or even a discount calling card which connects you via a toll-free number. These can be purchased from street kiosks and convenience stores. Most payphones also allow you to pay by credit card, although support for this feature is somewhat expensive.
Internet cafes are also abundant in the Rossio and Restauradores districts as well as in the Bairro Alto (opening late there). Expect to pay between 2 - 3 per hour.
STAY SAFE:
Although Lisbon is a relatively safe city by European standards, crime rates are said to be on the rise. The most common crime against travellers is pickpocketing and theft from rental cars or on public transport (especially tram line 28). Lisbon has also seen some gang-related nightclub violence in recent years. Be careful at late night in the Bairro Alto. Travellers can get mugged being on their own or when they "bond" with a local gang. Also be careful with bank machines in the City Centre.
A lot of the hash and marijuana smuggled into the EU from Morocco is channelled through Lisbon (actually most is through the huge and not well guarded Portuguese coast, from the Algarve, where most of it gets in, to the very south). Chances are you'll be approached at least a few times by certain types offering 'hash' or 'chocolate'. A firm 'no thank-you' should be enough to deter them.
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