TravelToLisbon

What Can You See Near Lisbon On Your Lisbon Vacation?

During your Lisbon vacation planning, you will be pleasantly surprised to note that Lisbon is conveniently located for several day trips to the surrounding towns. In fact, everything is easily accessible from here, making it a major Lisbon attraction. This means you can visit beach resorts, ancient palaces, world famous holy shrines, and wine tasting towns near Lisbon by either making a day trip or by staying there to enjoy the feel of the place.

The most famous places to see on your Lisbon travel are the beautiful beaches of Cascais and Estoril just ten miles from Lisbon; when you get a little further, you reach Sintra designated as a World Heritage Site with its enchanting palaces, parks and museums; Queluz, with its lovely palace and further on, Mafra and its fantastic Baroque monastery. 

A Brief Look At Places Near Lisbon
You can reach most places on your Lisbon vacation through a train link and enjoy picturesque rides to your destinations. You will see the buildings of the Port of Lisbon Authority, the 25 of April Bridge, Belem, the Belem Tower and the Monument of Discoveries.

Estoril
This is on a stretch of coastline called the Portuguese Riviera and there are beautiful beaches here, frequented by the rich and famous. The Casino up the hill at Estoril is Europe’s largest. For sports buffs, there is plenty of golfing, fishing, water sports and motor sports to indulge in.

Cascais
Cascais is west of Estoril and is on the mouth of the River Tagus. It is more of a fishing village, but with a modern town and fancy summer resort. There are plenty of shops along the pretty cobble stoned streets. You will enjoy plenty of beaches here as well.

Mouth of Hell
Close to Cascais is the Mouth of Hell or the Boca do Inferno where you will see the sea crashing into the rocks and caves, looking spectacular. 

Sintra is accessible from here and is very charming.

Ericeira
Near Sintra is Ericeira, between the Cabo da Roca and Cabo do Carvoeira, just thirty miles from Lisbon. It is located on the cliffs with a great view of the Atlantic Ocean. Ericeira enjoys mild weather and features several beaches. It used to be a charming fishing village, too.

Mafra
Mafra is close to Ericeira. On the road to Mafra, you will see a fantastic working model of a Portuguese farm with minute details. Mafra is an ancient settlement with a unique Baroque monastery with Brazilian gold and diamonds that is an unforgettable sight.

From here you can proceed to Obidos, Fatima, Setubal and a host of other charming places on your Lisbon vacation.

Reaching Lisbon Is Easier Than You Can Imagine – Head For It Now

Lisbon is a beautiful vacation destination with a favorable climate, all year long. Home to river Tajo, Lisbon has beautiful hillocks, which surround the river. After Portugal’s fusion with the European Union (E.U), Lisbon is considered more refined and classy than before. Moreover, it is developing very fast. Its population has risen over the years, as immigrants from different parts of the world have moved here.

When you finally make up your mind for a Lisbon vacation, you must choose the best mode to reach here. You can reach Lisbon by air, train, by road, or even by boat, depending upon where you are heading from and how far you are located. Lisbon vacation planning can be an exciting experience fo you and your family.

Reaching Lisbon By Air

TAP Portugal is the national air carrier of Portugal. It links Lisbon to numerous European cities and also to the United States. So, you can either take a direct flight to Lisbon from most of the places in Europe or from New York. If you research and book in advance, you will get many cheap flights to Lisbon. The largest international airport of Portugal is the Aeroporto da Portela. The aerobus service from the airport connects it to the city centre. If you plan to take a taxi from the airport, it is preferable to use pre-paid service from the airport, to avoid being charged horribly more than what is right. It may cost you a little more, but will save you from the hassle of being cheated.

Getting To Lisbon By Road or Rail

You can either drive; take a hired cab or a bus to Lisbon. One can access Lisbon from any of the six major highways. These are mostly toll roads and you have to pay toll for using these. Using a bus is a good option, as nearly all the main cities of Portugal have direct bus services to Lisbon. Sete Rios’ is the name of the main bus terminal at Lisbon. Approaching Lisbon by train is also a good choice, as the railway network is well connected.

Lisbon is approachable by the waterway due the River Tagus, which flows through the city.  You can get a boat to Lisbon from any of these boat stations Barreiro, Trafaria, Montijo, and Cacilhas

You can choose from various modes of transport keeping your budget and time in mind. Hence, reaching Lisbon is easier than you would have ever imagined!

Lisbon - Vacation In A City Full Of Life

Lisbon is unique in that it is among the very few European capitals to feature a river as well as a coastline. Lisbon has a rich and fascinating history. Enjoying the kind of pleasant weather throughout the year that most other countries in Europe only dream of, Lisbon is a pleasure trip for visitors. On your Lisbon vacation, you can experience many marvelous Lisbon attractions.

Lisbon Sights Will Win You Over   

The Praça do Comércio square is the main meeting point in the city. With its history of great maritime activity, you’ll have the pleasure of seeing many Manueline monuments like the Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Vasco da Gama’s resting place. The Parque das Nações reinstates Lisbon’s connection with its river and its oceanic themes. Lisbon sights include the
Quaint medieval parts of the city called Alfama and Mouraria with the castle looming over them. On the other side is the Bairro Alto that takes you downtown to Baixa Pombalina.

On your Lisbon sightseeing trip, you will be struck most by the diversity of the place. It is ideally located so that you can do your Lisbon vacation planning to include several nearby places that are easily accessible from Lisbon. Estoril is very close to Lisbon and features a charming seaside resort. Sintra is just forty minutes from Lisbon with a fairytale atmosphere with palaces and many places of natural beauty, designated as world heritage sites.

Your Unforgettable Lisbon Vacation Has Everything

You have the sea, the beaches, and the fabulous weather that is more or less consistent throughout the year. When you do your Lisbon travel planning, you will have to make a careful itinerary so you do not miss anything important. There are plenty of museums, monuments, parks, nature reserves, palaces and castles. Lisbon is great for shopping and you will find that all sorts of Portuguese specialties are available here. If you just plan to have a lazy Lisbon vacation, that is possible too, because it is wonderful to just walk around the city and get to know it. From time to time, you can enjoy the hospitality of many outdoor Lisbon restaurants that are ready to serve you the local dishes.

You will find, on your Lisbon vacation, that the people place great value on tradition and rituals. The people of Lisbon are a spontaneous and cheerful lot, always ready to celebrate numerous cultural and religious events. The most popular festivals honor the local saints in June. Seafood is a specialty here. Lisbon is very famous for its Port wine with several world-renowned wines to its credit. Do not forget your glass of moscatel wine from Setubal during your Lisbon vacation. Make your Lisbon trip memorable by drinking in the sights and sounds to the last drop.

Lovely Weather – A Major Lisbon Attraction

A Lisbon vacation equals a visit to what has been referred as the eighth wonder of the world and among major Lisbon attractions is its wonderful weather. With all that it has to offer as a place of great historic importance, Lisbon is a city that you can visit any time of the year. The weather is always very pleasant except in summer when it gets warm during the day, but even then it turns soothingly cool in the evenings.  Winter is short and tends to be wet with lots of rain. Lisbon hardly sees any snowfall.

Springtime Is Best For Lisbon Travel Planning

Lisbon vacation planning is best done with springtime in mind – during the months of May to September. Lisbon sightseeing is better on foot than by driving around and you can easily plan your Lisbon travel practically any time of the year. Actually Portugal itself always enjoys great weather.

Many families enjoy a Lisbon vacation in the summer particularly if they are keen on a beach vacation. All along the Lisbon coast, the beaches are filled with people sunbathing.

As a tourist destination, Lisbon is perfect as it is not very expensive. By planning your Lisbon vacation in advance, you can easily get cheap flights to Lisbon as well as cheap accommodation in Lisbon.

Packing For Your Lisbon Vacation

It is best to dress light when you are enjoying your Lisbon vacation. If you happen to visit during the winter months – December to March, you might need a light jacket and an umbrella. During autumn and winter it may be a good idea to pack full-sleeved clothes and pants, but the weather is more or less suited for light clothes, so those should be adequate. Thanks to the sea nearby, evenings are cool even in summer.

Throughout Lisbon you will find plenty of outdoor cafés that serve you both during daytime and night. After a pleasant walk around the city, you will be ready for some fine Lisbon dining.  Lisbon restaurants also serve you outdoors.

As you walk along the sidewalk, you can have your portrait painted by artists on the roadside. Artisans sell jewelry and peddlers sell handicraft and leather work. It is terrific weather in spring and fall when you can enjoy the scenery.

The overall climate in Lisbon is quite mild and the temperature usually does not cross 28 degree Celsius, which means afternoons can be spent by the river, lazing around.  You will almost always have sunshine. All the historic monuments and gardens in full bloom can be visited on foot. If it does get too warm for you, the sea and the beaches are never too far to cool off in.

Lisbon Vacation – The Perfect Choice

Longing for a change from the usual routine, an escape to the extraordinary? A flight to a little heaven on earth called a Lisbon Vacation is a perfect choice for you. To have a meaningful, exhilarating, enjoyable time it is wise decision to plan your Lisbon Vacation well ahead.

When is the best time to visit Lisbon?

Lisbon is a lovely place to visit any time of the year as it has a mild and equable climate with no extreme weather conditions. So plan your Lisbon vacation based on your convenience. Summers are a good time to visit. Though it may be considerably warm during the day, it is miraculously cool during the evenings. The cool sea breeze keeps the heat under control. Winters are definitely better than many other parts of Europe like England or Germany. During winters you may experience occasional snowfall and rain. The beautiful flora during the spring is a treat to the eyes and the climate is pleasant for a stroll in the parks and streets. Spring is definitely the best time to plan your Lisbon vacation.

Planning Your Journey:

If you have decided to visit Lisbon, plan and book your tickets well in advance as Lisbon experiences a major influx of tourists throughout the year. There are several cheap flights to Lisbon. Portugal’s largest international air hub is Aeroporto da Portela is connected to the city centre by an aero bus.Taxi fares here can be quite erratic- be sure to enquire at tourist information counters so that you don’t get a shock! As for reaching by train, Lisbon boasts of two large stations one at Apolonia and the other, Orient station. If you decide to have a jolly car ride there are six major highways and the Vascodagama bridge to ease your journey.

Points to keep in mind while visiting Lisbon:

• It is a sensible thing to bring only the bare necessities as you can purchase anything you need in Lisbon. You need carry all your belongings. Have a handy backpack and a concealed money belt to keep your money and important documents safe
• Irrespective of which time of the year you are visiting Lisbon always carry a light sweater, as the nights are normally chilly. In case you are visiting during spring or autumn, have a few wet weather clothing ready as rains are common.
• If you are interested in discos or fine restaurants, do have some formal clothes as beach wear and casuals may not be accepted in some places.
• Before visiting this splendid city, it is good to have a fair idea of Lisbon accommodations, Lisbon restaurants, dining, and Lisbon attractions so that you do not miss out on anything.

Traveling In The Streets Of Lisbon - Knowing The True Essence Of The City

Once you reach Lisbon, you will need to travel around the city to sample various destinations. It will be a great help while on Lisbon vacation, for you know about the local transport system of the place, the amount of money you will require on each, and which will be faster and more time saving.

As Lisbon is a hilly area, most of the places within a short distance are accessible on foot. Walking about is also a great way of looking closely at places and getting to know the place intimately. For farther away places, you can use the public transport system of Lisbon. You can also use a car or a hired vehicle for the purpose of Lisbon travel. However, you could do well to mind the traffic. It has grown tremendously on the streets of Lisbon over the last decade.

Getting Around The City

Lisbon’s Metro is usually the first choice of visitors, as it is not only fast and efficient but has stations that serve as underground art museums. They have paintings of ancient and modern artists all over their walls. A large M on the street represents a metro station.

For shorter distances, taking a bus or a tram is the choice of visitors. The trams, commonly called the ‘eléctricos’, together with the buses are the cheapest mode of public transport. It is wise to take a ticket from CARRIS, available at CARRIS booths. It is valid for an entire day on a network of trains, buses, funiculars, subways etc.

Taking A Ferry Ride

To reach your destination while enjoying Lisbon sights, you can also take a ferry ride on River Tagus. Ferries were prevalent since the time when bridges were not constructed over the river. It takes just 15 minutes to get to the other side of the river and ferry service is very frequent.

If you do not relish using public transport, you can easily hire a taxi. It saves you the hassle of getting to the station or bus stop and walking from there. It is also very common and an affordable mode of transport. You can also hire a car if you wish to drive around but driving in Lisbon can be very troublesome and stressful due to the heavy traffic situation there. It is also very difficult to find parking space. Car rental is a better choice, if you plan to drive out from the city.

So, it is very easy for a traveler to get around on the streets of Lisbon, with a multitude of choices available. Just take your pick.

Some Helpful Facts About Lisbon For A Great Holiday

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, a booming cosmopolitan city with a slightly disorganized laid-back charm. It is a growing and evolving city, filled with beautiful views, monuments, museums, art galleries and a stretching costal line. This has made Lisbon vacations quite sought after and popular among tourists from various parts of the world.

You can do your Lisbon vacation planning anytime of the year as Lisbon enjoys a mild and moderate weather, it has no extremes. However, the summer days can become too warm, but evenings and nights are very cool. In winters, there is plenty of rains, but very less snowfall. It’s best it during the spring and falls time. If you plan your Lisbon vacations in this time, you will find less tourist traffic, lovely weather and you can make your Lisbon travel more enjoyable.

List Of Informative Facts:

Listed below are some helpful facts about the city that will be quite handy during your Lisbon vacations:

• Currency Exchange: There are Currency Exchange booths at Santa Apolina Station and at the Airport. These are open 24 hours. ATMs offering best exchange rates, are found mainly in Baixa district, in other parts ATMs are less easily available. You may exchange money at the Post Office too.
• Medical Services: In case of emergencies during your Lisbon travel, you can also call your Embassy and ask for the contact details of hospitals where English-speaking Staff is available. There is an English hospital too, where the doctors, nurses and the staff speak English.
• Other Emergencies: The emergency number is 112 for calling the Police or ambulance. In case of fire, call 21/342-22-22.
• Safety: There was a time when Lisbon was considered one of the safest cities. Its dangerous to stroll down the streets at night, you may be stopped by the bandits. During day time, be very careful of your wallets, jewelry, and purses in crowded places, pickpockets are looking for their preys.
• Communication Services: You can make local telephone calls from any public booth. For international calls, the post office is the best option. During your Lisbon travel, you can also purchase Phone debit cards or use your pre-paid card. Telexes and faxes can be sent from many hotels or the post office. If you are not well versed in Portuguese, better leave the logistics to your hotel staff.

Internet services, Baby-sitters, Storage lockers, Laundry services are available at convenient points. Carefully undertake your Lisbon vacation planning, gather as much information as you can and book a good hotel where the staff understands your language. Relax and enjoy your Lisbon vacations!

Important Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling To Lisbon For A Fun-Filled Vacation

An important part of Lisbon travel planning is to know about some vital things about Lisbon, so that you can have a hassle-free vacation. While traveling to Lisbon, just like any other place, some basic traveling tips would apply. These include: carrying clothing suitable to the place and its climate, traveling light, carrying local currency and being aware of local rules and regulations. Let us elaborate on each of these.

Appropriate Clothing

It pays to research the climate of the place around the time you are planning to visit. Lisbon is quite warm during summers. However, this city experiences cool nights all year long. So carry a light sweater with you during your Lisbon vacation. You can expect little rain during spring and autumn. Keeping a waterproof windcheater or raincoat during this time of the year is recommended. If you are planning to travel during autumn and winter, you will require some warm woolen clothes.

Travel Light

Smart travelers do not carry all their personal belongings on a vacation. Traveling light is the mantra for a great holiday. With heavy luggage not only do you waste a lot of time in packing and unpacking, often it causes problem while commuting. A spacious backpack is handy and appropriate enough to carry your necessities.

Driving During Lisbon Vacations

Before you get ready to flaunt your driving skills in Lisbon, be sure of the traffic rules of the city. Not following the laws of the state can result in a fine or worse. The traffic rules are the same as in most of the European countries.

• Keep to the right side of the road while driving
• Wear the seat belt while driving or sitting in passenger seat
• Do not mix drinking and driving
• Give way to vehicles coming from your right
• Drive within the recommended speed limits

Your Money

The most important thing to keep in mind while your Lisbon travel, is having enough currency for all your requirements. Although these days’ credit cards can be used globally, it is still safe to have your own currency or travelers checks. Remember that Euro (symbol €) is the currency of Portugal and that of ten other European countries. So, if you are taking a tour around Europe, you will not require to specially exchanging currency for your Lisbon vacations.

Emergency in Lisbon

Lastly, as you will be residing in Lisbon, you must have some emergency phone numbers handy. In this manner, you will have help on hand when you need it. These numbers may include the national emergency number, which is 112; phone numbers of fire brigade, police, ambulance, hospitals and airport.

Lisbon Accommodations: Hospitality Beckons

The capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is a city, which has been rediscovered and now has become a hot favorite with vacationers and history enthusiasts. With numerous museums, monuments and other places of historical importance, Lisbon offers great scope for exploration. You can begin your exploration of the charming city by basing yourself out of the hospitable Lisbon accommodations, which are there to suit every pocket. Ranging from five stars to Lisbon budget hotels you can easily find one matching your needs and pocket. If hotels are not your idea of a vacation then Lisbon vacation rentals are ready and waiting for you to make you completely feel at home on your vacation. Good accommodations make you enjoy the vacation even more.

Know Lisbon’s History Better!
Lisbon has a lot to explore, and offers many opportunities to get closer to its culture. Many restaurants have people playing the Fado on their guitars and mandolins. Fado is the heart rendering song that sailor women sing when they wait for their men to return. The seven hills of Lisbon are world famous and so is the castle of St George. This is perched atop the highest of the seven hills and the tram 28 which leads up to it offers you a sweeping view of the city and the coastline. Torre Vasco da Gama is the tallest building in Lisbon and a must see, and has an observation platform and a restaurant as well.

Spring Time in Lisbon is Beautiful
Numerous beautiful gardens line the city and they are quite something, so if you are planning a spring Lisbon vacation then you will have the benefit of visiting all these gardens in bloom. Lisbon is a beautiful combination of the old and the new. The romantic walkways will remind you of Paris and ferry rides will remind you of the gondola rides of Venice. Walking through the oldest sections of the city will give you an insight into the 2000 year old history of the city and will bring it alive for you. Cheap flights to Lisbon are easily available so planning a Lisbon vacation won’t be tough at all.

Lisbon restaurants offer a wide variety of gourmet food, and you can easily satisfy your taste buds over here. This vacation will turn into something special, as you probably won’t be able to stop yourself from binging on the yummy food. Lisbon is a memorable experience, be it any time of the year and Lisbon vacation planning makes it all the more so.

Lisbon Travel: A Unique Experience

If you have decided on Lisbon as your vacation destination then you are in for a treat. That’s because at Lisbon there is going to be something for everyone. Those who love nature can check out the beautiful gardens on their Lisbon vacation while for history enthusiasts there is no dearth of museums and monuments to be explored. Lisbon is a historically rich city and will enthrall you with its old world charm. Its contemporary attractions are worth sampling too. For those who wish to have fun and frolic on the beach, the sun, surf and sand are all waiting out there.

Lisbon accommodations are symbolic of Lisbon’s hospitality and there is something to suit every pocket ranging from Lisbon budget hotels to five stars. Lisbon vacation rentals cater to all those who want to be at home even on vacation. Lisbon has a great nightlife with various pubs and restaurants in the Barrio Alto area staying open into the wee hours of the morning. If you are looking for great music, food and loads of fun, then you know where to be.

Discover the Magic of Lisbon
The world tourist map has sort of rediscovered Lisbon after the mega soccer event Euro2004 was held here. Since then tourists throng the city all the year round. Lisbon’s various seasons are all beautiful in a unique way and you can visit the city anytime of the year. Lisbon is a city for all seasons.

While spring and fall are considered off seasons, the charm of visiting Lisbon during these times is great. That’s because you will have the place more to yourself and you can enjoy the romantic sidewalks.  Lisbon weather is pleasant all the year round, hardly ever freezing so you won’t have to worry on that account for your vacation at least.

Cheap flights to Lisbon are available by the plenty so Lisbon vacation planning is going to be really convenient. Lisbon is bounteous in its natural beauty and the warmth of its people. You will be tempted to stay for a longer time than you actually planned. Lisbon dining is going to be another adventure for you. There’s so much variety and innovation in its cuisine, you would simply not be able to get enough. At least in Lisbon, you can forget about diet. So, don’t wait and pack your bags for flying into Lisbon.