Tips for visiting Lisbon
Lisbon is the capitol and largest city in Portugal . The city has 500,000 inhabitants with the greater Lisbon area numbering 3 million. The Lisbon International Airport is located just 5 miles outside the city.
Language
The language of Portugal is Portuguese and while it is a Latin language with the same base as Italian, French and Spanish but it sounds nothing like any of them. There is a sush sound and a rolling of or's that is very uniquely Portuguese. People will say to you that everyone speaks English in Europe, this is not true in Portugal, not even in Lisbon. Personal experience with cab drivers rates about 1 in 10 who can speak fluently and only a few basic words from the rest. Be prepared to show them where you want to go on a map or write the name on a piece of paper.
Money
Portugal used the Euro and is part of the European Union. Each country has their own unique Euros but Euros from anywhere can be used in Portugal. ATM machines in Lisbon are plentiful. Most places will also take credit cards like MasterCard or Visa, some accept American Express and none accept Discover. There are still places where only cash is accepted so be prepared just in case.
Tipping
Tipping in Portugal is not as wide spread as in other parts of the world. Americans are apt to over tip, keep in mind that a 20% tax has been added to all restaurant bills, 10% is acceptable. Round up your fare in a cab, tips aren't required but as with everywhere are appreciated and the smile you get is well worth it. Tour guides also will be grateful for any tip you give, it is quite refreshing to have a tip being given because you enjoyed the service not because you are required to by etiquette.
Hotels
Hotels are expensive in Lisbon especially during the season. Expect rooms to be smaller than in the US and in most cases breakfast will be included. Don't expect the same breakfast you get in the US it will be much more International and if it is a buffet can include cold meats and cheese and room temperature milk and cereal. If you want two beds that is know as a twin and a double is one bed, the one bed can really be a double or it may be a queen or even a king.
Dining
Dining is delightful in Lisbon. They have every kind of cuisine that you could possibly want to try. There are also some typical chains such as McDonald and Hard Rock Caf. Be sure to try a few of the local specialties.. Grilled sardines, smoked sausage, salted cod, rice puddingwith cinnamon, cod cakes and delicious crusty bread are among the favorites. Tax is included in the menu price but not tip.
Deals
Sundays until 2pm many museums offer free entry, do your research and find out if the one you want to visit is included in this plan. The Lisbon card is a good deal for anyone who will visit all the places it covers. It also covers public transportation and the elevators.
Cabs
Cabs are plentiful and cheap, especially is there are three or more in your group, it will be cheaper to take a cab then to take public transportation.
Safety
One thing that everyone in Lisbon will tell you is to watch out for pickpockets and purse snatchers. Especially on the 28 tram you will be warned not to take it. It does run to most of the tourist areas so you will have to decided if it is worth the risk. Multiple warning were issued especially concerning Romanians who are much in evidence begging around town at most heavily trafficked areas. Our hotel had a policeman posted at the front door.
Fado
Fado is an obsession in Lisbon and there are many places you can go to enjoy this particularly Portuguese song style. You really go and have a meal and then the entertainment is provided.
Words to know:
Obrigada/pbrigado thank you
Things to do before travelling
Travel preparations can be stressful. That's why you should tick off these 10 things immediately.
1. Passport and Visas
Make sure you have your passport and necessary visas. If you don’t have a passport already, make sure you apply for one 2-3 months in advance of your trip. Waiting for a visa can take up to a month in itself, so get your application in early.
2. Vaccinations
Get the necessary vaccinations, and make sure you are updated on other shots, like tetanus. You can find information about country-specific vaccinations from your physician.
3. Mail
Have a friendly neighbor collect your mail or arrange for your local post office to hold your deliveries for the duration of your stay in Eastern Europe.
4. Pay Bills
Depending upon the duration of your stay, you may want to pay your bills in advance, or set up internet accounts so that you can pay from your checking account remotely.
5. Call Your Bank
Call your credit card company or your bank to let them know that you will be using your credit or debit cards in Eastern Europe. Tell them what countries you plan to be in and the dates you plan to be away. Some banks or credit card companies will automatically cancel cards that are used overseas for security purposes.
6. Color Copies of Documents
Give someone close to you a color photocopy of your passport and visas. If something happens to your passport (or you), it’s good for someone at home to have all of your identifying information.
7. Contact Information
Give contact information to appropriate parties. Let others know what email address they can reach you at, what hotels you may be staying in, and the duration of your stay in each location.
8. Communication
Electronic communication is the most time-efficient way to tell everyone you are safe. If you choose to mass e-mail friends, you don't want to miss anyone in the high-energy flurry of your messages--so prepare your list in advance. Also be aware that initial set-up of an internet journal account from Eastern Europe may be frustrating, so do it at home. The internet cafes are fairly user-friendly, but you may have trouble navigating programs designed with native speakers in mind.
9. Photos
You may want to set up an internet photo gallery to share photo current photos with friends and family. Download directly from your digital camera to the photo gallery if you don’t plan on bringing your laptop.
10. Someone to Watch Your House
If you rent, let your landlord know how long you will be gone. If you own a house, have someone check on your place once a week.
Cascais, Portugal
• Boca do Inferno (or Hell's Mouth) is a restaurant and a coastal rock formation with an inner small sea lake. Dependent on currents and winds the seawater can be pushed upwards here and create a spectacular view. Some of the natural formed caves can be explored. Beautiful place!
• The Casa da Guia in Cascais is a beautiful building from the late nineteenth century landscaped grounds, restored as a small shopping and entertainment. The ideal place to do some shopping, participate in events, visit exhibitions, outdoor walk quietly, enjoying the scenery and taste some of the culinary delights of international cuisine.
• Latitude 38: very nice place.
• Quinta do Cortador: Beautiful steaks its just a meat feast, and also delicious local wine!
• Fortaleza Do Guincho: Perfect for a romantic meal.
• Restaurant B&B: Small and charming restaurant with good food and modern, but cosy style
• Gelati Santini has the best ice cream in Cascais. Don't be surprised to find people queueing for a great ice cream.
• Sintra: It’s a little piece of paradis
• Cabo da Roca, cape, W Portugal, W of Lisbon. It is the western extremity of Europe
-Nightlife:
• Baluarte Bar. Very nice view over the coast. Fun place and good music for dancing.
• Coconuts: Amazing place. Highly recommended.
• O´Neill´s Irish Pub
• Ferdi´s Bar
• Bally Bally Pub
• Or you can always go to Estoril ´s Casino (the largest in Europe), 15min away from Cascais.
• For those who know how to kite surf you can always go to Guincho beware big rocks!
• If you are crazy about Golf you will really enjoy Cascais they have Quinta Da Marinha is a fantastic golf course.
• It´s perfect for long walks
Tarifa, Cadiz "The City of Wind"
Tarifa has become one of the most popular spots young people (16 to 45 years old) to spend their summers. The coast of Tarifa is also popular with windsurfers and kite surfers due to the strong winds of the straits. For this reason Tarifa is also dotted with hundreds of wind turbines.
Tarifa is a renowned place to watch migrating birds, in particular the storks which cross the Straits of Gibraltar in spring and autumn. Also whale and dolphin watching can be done on the 14 kilometer wide Straits.
THINGS TO DO
ACTIVITIES:
- HorseBack Riding
- KiteSurf
- WindSurf
- Bird Watch
- biking
WHERE TO GO DURING THE DAY:
- Hotel Dos Mares: Perfect if you are going with family.
- Hotel,restaurant,chiringuito, kite school,Horseback riding…
- Hotel Hurricane: They also have a little bito f everything.
But their fresh meal and cakes are amazing! - Arte y Vida: I love this place it is next to Hotel Dos Mares.
Music, Cocktail… It’s the perfect place to chill!!
And also very good bbq during the day!
If you want to see handsome people don’t miss this spot! - Spinout: it´s one of the best place for windsurfing kite.
they have 140 Tabou boards and 280 Gaastra sails for rent.
And of course a chiringuito next to it!
Tangana: Very cool chiringuito. “Hippy – chic style”.
EVENING PLANS:
In order to have a few drinks and relax alter a long day of sun I recommend:
-Gunlao
-Café del Mar
-Arte y Vida
-Tres Mares
-Explora
NIGHTLIFE:
-Pepepotamos
-Mosquito
-La Ruina
-El Misiana
-Terracita
-JM
FOR DINNER: - La Sacristía: it is a very nice place.
Good meal and perfect for afterwards have a few drinks - 100% Fun: The only problem is that they only accept cash!
- Venta el Tito:Wonderful meat in a beautiful terrace
Try to get there soon in case of wind to pick up a nice table! - Pacha Mamma: It is a fun place, chill out, music, bbq, nice people.
- Souk Bar: Marooco Food, very cute place!
- Casa Amarilla
- *El Tesoro: It is hard to get there but if you are planning a special evening this is your place & if you have full moon…
HISTORICAL LANDMARKS of the city include: - the well-preserved Guzman castle, near the port, built by order of caliph Abd-ar-Rahman III (960). Annexed are the Guzmán el Bueno Tower (13th century) and the church of St. Mary, on the site of a former mosque
- remains of the medieval walls. Of three gates once existing, today the Puerta de Jerez (13th cenury) has survived
- Church of St. Matthew, built in the early 16th century in Gothic style, also over a former mosque. Teh façAde was redesigned by Torcuato Cayón de la Vega in 1774.
- The ruins of the Roman city of Baelo Claudia, located nearby.
- Visit Marooco 35 min away from tarifa