Lisbon

[Ess001]

Hi, any advice on Lisbon? Is it easily DIY-able, any nice spots to walk to from the dock?

Thanks

Ess

[Dark Knight]

Get the shuttle bus into town and set off walking
easy
if you are looking to see certain sights, then get a good map and walk
easy
there are buses that take you around you can hop on and off as well

I am sure many people will help with this one, as Lisbon seems a very popular stop off

[Manoverboard]

You need a decent guide book so that you can make the choices that suit you best but there are umpteen DIY things to do and see in this City and indeed beyond.

Starting perhaps with the Castle and a Tram ride via the Shuttle as posted by DN.

ps ... I use Thomas Cook Guide Books, the latest one for Lisbon ( click on the link below ) is as per ..

http://www.thomascookpublishing.com/Poc ... 0Edition)/

[jacksparrow]

First time I went to Lisbon I did the Estoril tour which was ok but the times I have been after that I just took the shuttle and wandered around which was ok.

[JenniC]

Did the HoHo bus last year and loved it.

[Romig1]

Did the HoHo bus last year and loved it.

Agree Jenni.

The HOHO bus has 2 routes and the ticket covers both (one goes up as far as the Expo site too). There may also be more than 1 HOHO company, their agents will probably jump on you as you leave the secure area.

A good overview of the city for a first timer, and plenty of opportunity to get on and off to see what you want specifically.

[oldbluefox]

You can't visit Lisbon without trying Pastis de Belem - a custard tart type delicacy which is absolutely delicious. They can look a bit burnt but don't let that put you off. There's a bakery which does them down at the bottom of the main shopping street on the left. I feel hungry just thinking about them!!

There are HoHo buses and trams which will give you a tourist ride around but if you do your homework beforehand you can visit most of the sites DIY. It's a beautiful city and you get an interesting sail in and out. Time to be out on deck. I feel sure you will enjoy Lisbon.

[Emrobo]

You can't visit Lisbon without trying Pastis de Belem - a custard tart type delicacy which is absolutely delicious. They can look a bit burnt but don't let that put you off. There's a bakery which does them down at the bottom of the main shopping street on the left. I feel hungry just thinking about them!!

There are HoHo buses and trams which will give you a tourist ride around but if you do your homework beforehand you can visit most of the sites DIY. It's a beautiful city and you get an interesting sail in and out. Time to be out on deck. I feel sure you will enjoy Lisbon.

My Portuguese friend has told me these are a must!!

We are planning on getting on a Ho Ho for the day

[Romig1]

When on the HOHO bus we were pointed out the original place in Belem for the custard tarts. The queue was way outside the door.

[Lulucat]

We had lots of these in our hotel in Madeira at Christmas and they were amazing - especially for breakfast with a glass of sparkling wine.

We have been to Lisbon on our last 3 cruises and we have enjoyed each visit. We have not done a HOHO bus (we don't much like buses) but Shanks's Pony has done us proud on our visits. In December, we finally got to go up the old lift (I am sure it has a name, but don't recall it). The views from the top are superb, and there is some lovely walking up there with magnificent views of the city. We really like Lisbon, but find ourselves just pottering about, as it is a lovely place to do that. All the jewellery shops seem to have a resident policeman though - always makes us smile.

[Ess001]

Thanks for all your suggestions of things to do, and eat!!!

Cant wait to go now!

Ess x

[The Invigilator]

This is great we are off to Lisbon too and wernt sure what to do. When are you going Ess001?

[The Tinker]

Found Lisbon a bit disappointing when we visited - easy to walk round but we were there on a Sunday and not much open as they had a marathon road race going on through the city centre. If we visit again would probably look to go on an organised trip somewhere.

[Ess001]

Sorry for late reply invigilator. We are going in 74 days 4 hours 43 minutes!!


Looking forward to it a bit! When are you going?

Ess

[oldbluefox]

Found Lisbon a bit disappointing when we visited - easy to walk round but we were there on a Sunday and not much open as they had a marathon road race going on through the city centre. If we visit again would probably look to go on an organised trip somewhere.

In fairness this can be a problem with many ports on Sundays, not just Lisbon.

[The Invigilator]

Hi ya Ess for us it's 8 weeks and 3 days so so so excited

[Claire55]

Lisbon has some lovely buildings but watch out for the beggars,

[Holiday Planner]

From the shuttle bus, we walked up to the castle, which was lovely with fabulous views. We happily spent about 2 hours there exploring the exhibits and walking the battlements. Look out for the peacocks. From the top we could see a riverside square that looked interesting. We made our way down to it and found it to be the Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square). It was lovely - reminded us of St Mark's Square but minus the crowds. Attractive arcades line 3 sides, with the 4th having steps down to the river. From there it was a 5 or 10 minute stroll back to the shuttle bus.

[arrbee]

We really loved Lisbon - a quirky city with lots of atmosphere. I've downloaded this tour and will be using it when we visit later this year. You might find it helpful?? http://promptguides.com/lisbon/index.htm

It says you have to pay for them but I've used them for various cities and never paid.

[Romig1]

From the shuttle bus, we walked up to the castle, which was lovely with fabulous views. We happily spent about 2 hours there exploring the exhibits and walking the battlements. Look out for the peacocks. From the top we could see a riverside square that looked interesting. We made our way down to it and found it to be the Praca do Comercio (Commerce Square). It was lovely - reminded us of St Mark's Square but minus the crowds. Attractive arcades line 3 sides, with the 4th having steps down to the river. From there it was a 5 or 10 minute stroll back to the shuttle bus.

Depending on where the ship berths it is possible to walk from the ship up to the castle. We have been to Lisbon on two occasions and berthed beyond the main square, by a railway station. From there you just keep heading upwards, through old alleyways and steps until you get to the castle.
As HP says, it is worth a visit (entrance fee payable), and there are loads of peacocks which chase the feral cats around! The views from the towers over the city are great too.

[Manoverboard]

A few years ago it was best to walk up through the Alfama district only with an Official Guide cos it was full of junkies, according to chums who live in Cascais, but if it has been cleaned up then that is good news as there are lots of interesting photo opportunities in those alleyways.