Visiting Lisboa - Portugal

[doemoezi]

<p>Any Portugees friend photographer who is willing to spent a day with me showing me the most interesting spots in Lisboa. I will be there end of March for a conference and I have some (small) free time.<br>

André</p>

[stephend]

<p>I can't show you around as I live in London, but I can point you to the blog I wrote after I visited in November last year: <a href="http://www.zx81.org.uk/travel/lisbon-portugal.html">Lisbon, Portugal</a>. It's a nice city, I'm sure you'll like it there!</p>

[gungajim]

<p>If some gorgeous Portugese lady doesn't respond to your post, you can always pick up a Lonely Planet guidebook which will get you to the city highlights.</p>

[david_henderson]

<p>You don't need a guide to get around Lisbon. I was there for the first time last week and with the aid of a guidebook , map and a multi-method transport ticket i got around really easily. I don't have a word of Portuguese. It isn't a particularly wonderful city photographically though a perfectly pleasant place to be. I like the Eyewitness guides because they have plenty of pictures of what there is to see. </p>

<p>Three alternative strategies for a day in Lisbon. First stay in town and walk the areas of the Baixa, Alfama(the hill to the east) and Bairro Alta (the hill to the west). You'll see a lot of old streets, and a lot of graffiti- sadly most of it rather primitive.</p>

<p>Second take a morning train to Sintra ( 35 minutes, every 15 mins from the Rossio station, fare included with a Lisbon pass) get a taxi fro Sintra station to the Palacio da Pena, and after you've done that to death, visit the Palacio Nacional in town. </p>

<p>Third go to Belem by taking a bus or tram along th e waterfront, though frankly the taxi far won't kill you either and its very quick. Visit the Torre de Belem- preferably when the tide's in, and the monastery of Dos Jeronimos at minimum, before heading back to Lisbon to do one or two of the districts indicated above.</p>

<p> </p>

[luca_stramare2]

<p>I have been there las summer. I booked a three hour taxi tour from the airport. I explained my interest in photography, the driver brought me to the main point of interest and gave me instructions and tricks. I filled some pages of notes. Then I came back to some of the same places at the right time to take my pictures.</p>

[hannu]

<p>I was in Lisbon about one and a half years ago. There's plenty to see and photograph right in the centre or near it.</p>

<p>The public transportation works nicely and it's easy to get from A to B by metro or bus, but to get a more atmospheric ride, take the tram number 28! It's a classic ride through the city. Also, don't miss the "elevators" which take people up and down steep hills. Especially Elevador de Santa Justa is a sight in itself.</p>

<p>(by the way, if you walk, take note that Lisbon has several steep hills, which makes the going slower than you might expect)</p>

<p>David's suggestions are quite good, although Sintra may be a bit far if your time is very limited, you need a full day for that. It is worth going to in case you do have the time.</p>

<p>Alfama is a cool, messy district that has cultural sights like Sé (the cathedral) or São Vicente de Fora, several viewpoints (miradouros, perhaps the best view over the city is from the Castelo hill) and also a big flea market (Feira da Ladra).</p>

<p>The monastery and tower at Belém are very impressive and not to be missed, buses go there regularly.<br>

Go to cafés like A Brasileira (center) or a pastry shop like Pasteis de Belém (in Belém, obviously). They are often very nicely decorated and the small snack food, like shrimp pastries (rissois de camarao), is tasty.</p>

<p>Some pictures I took while there can be found at http://raaka.rikos.org/travel/lisbon07/index.html</p>

[larios]

<p>I visited Lisbon back in November 2007. I had three days (including flight-days) which actually meant two full days to wander around. Following what David proposes above, is the best strategy and I found myself doing the same (didn't make it to Sintra. If I had one day more I would!).</p>

<p>To find your way around, pick a Lonely Planet of Fodor's guide and just walk. Taxis are cheap and the metro/ tram system is very efficient. Use them and you will be able to see most of Lisbon without any issues.</p>

<p>However, contrary to what has been said by some posters, I think that <a href="http://www.larios.gr/gallery_110736.html">Lisbon</a> is also fabulous, photographically speaking! I usually say that <a href="http://www.larios.gr/gallery_110736.html ">Lisbon</a> is not just about monuments, extravagant buildings or typical sightseeing. To "breathe" the city you have to engage with its people, to listen to its Fado songs, and to immerse into its history. Lisbon has a soul which cannot be captured just by pictures...</p>

<p>I tried to capture some of this character through my <a href="http://www.larios.gr/gallery_110736.html">Lisbon photos</a> found at my website.</p>

<p>If in the mood, you are also invited to download and watch my brief <a href="http://www.larios.gr/section116382.html">Lisbon photo slideshow</a> (6th in row, watch with sound on!) that may convey some of the city's beauty.</p>

<p>Hope you enjoy your visit!</p>

<p>Regards,<br>

<br /><br>

<a href="http://www.larios.gr/">Yannis Larios</a></p>