This pleasant capital city overlooks the harbour and is the perfect place for visitors to stroll and appreciate the tree-lined avenues, large public gardens and squares. It is worth taking the time and opportunity to explore by tram to see this beautiful city.

Flights to Lisbon vary in price according to season. Some tour operators have charters offering cheap flights to Lisbon, but these are few and far between. TAP Air Portugal, BA and Portugalia are the main carriers.

Shopping:

Lisbon is an international city and you'll find some very recognisable names fronting stores. However, Portugal is particularly known for its Port wine and leather goods, so if you are a wine connoisseur or shoe collector you'll be in Heaven.

Recommended Malls - Colombo, Amoreiras

Best Buys - leather goods (shoes, handbags), textiles and fine Portuguese wines and Ports.

Shopper's Tips - bargains can be had at markets about if you look and haggle!
Normal shopping hours are 9.00 - 17.00 hrs, daily and to 15.00 hrs on Saturdays.
Shopping Malls normally open between 10.00 - 23.00 hrs, Mon - Sun

Site Seeing Attractions:

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St.George Castle) - is a magnificent castle which once housed the kings and queens of Portugal from the early ages until the 1500s.

St. Jeronimos Monastery - constructed by King Dom Manuel in 1502, signified Portuguese importance as a world power. Admission is free.

The National Coach Museum - one of Lisbon's most popular attraction. The collection houses world class examples of opulent coaches dating mainly from the 17th to 19th century. Admission Esc400.

Alfama Quarter - having survived the terrible earthquakes of the 18th century, the area still retains its original charm with cobbled lanes, old buildings, wooden trams and local fish markets.

Belem Tower - built in 1515 as monument to Portuguese maritime discovery. Admission Esc400.

The Museum Calouse Gulbenkian - holds one of the finest collections of paintings including tworks by Reubens, Rembrant and Ghirlandio, including his finest work of the "Portrait of a Young Woman". Admission is free.

Recommended Entertainment:

Lisbon has excellent nightlife if you are into dining and clubbing, although theatre is primarily performed in Portuguese.

Theatres - Maria Matos and Teatro Municipal Theatres have shows in Portuguese and occasional international shows.

Sports - try boating, diving or snorkeling, fishing and golf.

Night Clubs/Discos - a variety of nightlife entertainment is available within the city. Kapital situated at Avenida 24 De Julho is considered the place be seen (smart dress only -no jeans). Expect things to really liven up in the early hours. Other clubs to consider are Absoluto, Tres Pastorinhos and Fragil; smart dress only. Kremlin and Plateau are good places to dance if you have the energy to carry on.

Bars - again the Avenida 24 De Julho area is where all the night life happens and where most of the liveliest bars can be found. Try Pavilhao Chines, A Capella and Arrozdoce for a lively night out.

Eating Out - There is every type of international cuisine available from pasta to cordon bleu. Take advantage to try the local specialities in the restaurants around the dock area. Suckling pig, salted cod, sardine and eel are Portuguese favourites. Fish in general is very good and rich tomato sauces often a part of a dish. Portuguese wines are very palatable and a glass of Port to finish a must. Prices are reasonable, but like any major city, the more popular and plush, the higher the price.

Local Transport -
* Metro - a very quick, fast, clean service - cost per journey Esc120 (40 Pence). Please remember before boarding to stamp your ticket as this will save you a lot of hassle and a possible fine.
*Taxis - are moderately cheap. A typical journey from the airport to the city centre takes approx 20 minsand costs £3/5 or approx Esc1000/1500.