Lisbon in April

Log Out | Lost Password? | Topics | Search Contact | Register | My Profile | SO home | MOL home

Thread Originator Last Poster Posts Pages Last Post   Closed: New threads not accepted on this page

Author Message   patmich Citizen Username: Patmich Post Number: 49 Registered: 3-2005 Posted on Saturday, February 18, 2006 - 7:35 pm:        I am going to Lisbon (actually Sintra) in April for business, but thinking of going early and spending some time sightseeing. Any hotel recommendations or things to see and do in Lisbon.   IShep Citizen Username: Twinsmom Post Number: 142 Registered: 1-2003 Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 8:07 am:        It has been a while, but there are some nice options in Cas Cais (I forget the spelling). I loved Lisbon and environs--and the food, in particular the seafood and breads, is wonderful. Make sure you go a Fado performance.   Lou Citizen Username: Flf Post Number: 64 Registered: 8-2005 Posted on Sunday, February 19, 2006 - 10:46 pm:        Here's some ideas... In Sintra: • "Hotel Tivoli Palacio de Seteais", is a beautiful place to stay (it is an 18th century palace surrounded by beautiful gardens ), right in the heart of Sintra. I can't find a website, but both of the links below have contact information and a little about the Hotel. http://viajar.clix.pt/com/h.php?hid=1165&lg=pt http://www.travelnow.com/hotels/hotelinfo.jsp?cid=26475&ID=183862&locale=pt • "Lawrence Hotel" is supposedly the oldest hotel in the Iberia Peninsula and a very charming place. I don't know much about it besides that there are rumors that it has been the chosen place to stay by many known celebreties/politicians, including the president of US (I believe Bill Clinton). Therefore, I assume this is a more expensive place. But here's the contact: http://viajar.clix.pt/com/h.php?hid=979&lg=pt And here's some info about it (in english!) http://www.portugalvirtual.pt/_lodging/costadelisboa/sintra/lawrences/index.html • For a more affordable place, there is "Hotel Tivoli Sintra" - the same company as "Hotel Tivoli Palacio de Seteais" and right in the center of Sintra, however, it's not situated inside of an 18th century palace, which brings the rates down. Still a nice place. http://www.portugalvirtual.pt/_lodging/costadelisboa/sintra/tivoli.sintra/index. html In Lisbon: • I have stayed at the Sheraton. Right in the center of the city - perfect if you are going in a business trip. Really nice service and a very comfortable and nice place. Quite easy to go to and from the airport. http://www.sheratonlisboa.com/por/ • If you prefer a more quiet neighborhood, yet close enough to downtown, I recommend the neighborhood of Belem (4km from center city, along Tejo river). Belem is an historical neighborhood (it was the settling off point for the portuguese discoveries in the 15th and 16th centuries), so it has really nice small restaurants and cafes, a cultural center, few monuments to visit and nice gardens to enjoy. It is quiet, yet a lot of options of public transportation to go pretty much anywhere in Lisbon. There is a nice small hotel, right in the center of Belem, called "Hotel da Torre". Not one of the most sophisticated hotels in Lisbon, but it is a good option aside the big chain hotels that you find in every other city. Still if not to stay, I do recommend visiting Belem while in Lisbon. Here's the "Hotel da Torre" contact information: http://www.maisturismo.pt/htorre http://viajar.clix.pt/com/h.php?hid=66&lg=pt • In Lisbon, I would recommend a visit to Bairro Alto - one of the old parts of town, where very small houses are located in very narrow streets. This neighborhood during the day is quiet, often with children playing on the streets and older women hanging out on the windows, however, as the sun goes down, it changes into one of the most popular night life centers to go clubbing and bar hopping until early morning. You find good places to go listen Fado in Bairro Alto. • Go visit Cascais and Estoril • Parque das Nacoes is at the end of the subway line towards the East side of the city, where the International Expo 98 was located. It is now an area with nice restaurants, exhibits, shopping and good outdoors to enjoy the view of the river. • If you wish you visit the Lisbon Castle area, I suggest a stop by Chapito - a center dedicated to the arts and mostly to performers, they have a really nice restaurant with a beautiful view of the city. They are located at : Costa do Castelo, 1 - 7 (you can take the bus 37 that says "Castelo de S. Jorge" on the front, from "Praca da Figueira" (downtown Lisbon) or you can take the electrico (trolley) 28 that says "Miradouro de St Luzia" on the front.) Here's their website: http://www.chapito.org I grew up in Lisbon, so am quite familiar with it. I will be happy to give you any extra information, if you would like. Enjoy Lisboa! Boa Viagem.