 | Lisbon Today Given its tumultuous history, Lisbon has constantly undergone rebuilding and renovation which has dampened its former historical glory somewhat. In its place however has bloomed an optimism and carefree, party atmosphere, making the city a must stop destination for late nights and good times. Recent years have seen Lisbon become 1994’s European City of Culture and host of Expo 98 and the 2004 European Football Championships with redevelopment continuing to further Lisbon’s economic and cultural prospects. Today Lisbon is the 12th most popular city in the European Union and a candidate for |
 | Lisbon History Fires, plague, the worst recorded earthquake in Europe’s history, revolutions, coups and dictatorship, you name it and no doubt Lisbon has experienced it within its history. Beginning 3000 years ago, the Phoenicians first settled here, calling it ‘Alis Ubbo’ (Delightful Shore). Later the Greeks, Carthaginians and then finally the Romans, in 205 BC, settled here, staying until the 5th century. In 714 AD the North African Moors took over, naming their new home ‘Lissabona’ and fortified the city against the Christians, holding them off for the next 400 years. This occupation was to end |
 | Casa de Sao Mamede A lot more of an intimate setting is on offer here at this 18th century, family run villa. There are |  | Hotel Avenida Palace You’d think you’d stepped into a palace when you walk into this hotel. Chandeliers, polished mar |
 | Hotel Principe Real A small boutique hotel hidden in a quiet area of Bairro Alto and only a 5 minute walk to Chiado, thi |  | Jeronimos 8 The first boutique hotel in that area of Lisbon, Jeronimos 8 goes for the top in style with designer |
 | Olissippo Castelo Coming up a cobblestone driveway you’ll find this bubblegum pink hotel which offers beautiful view |  | Lounge Hostel While the 9 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms of this hotel are immaculate this is a party hostel which makes |
 | Articula A gallery/workshop, this place is anti-conformist to the bones, literally. Created by designer Teres |  | Centro Vasco da Gama A more high-end shopping mall than the others in Lisbon, this glass-roofed complex houses designer f |
 | El Corte Ingles A Spanish chain mall giant, housing over nine floors of pricey but good quality fashion, design and |  | Fabrico Infinito An avant-garde designer palace that showcases recycled items into luxury designs. On any given day y |
 | Story Tailors A former 18th century bare-brick warehouse, this boutique is an enchanted forest of fashion, with ch |  | Armazens do Chiado A large complex that stocks fashion and cosmetics but mostly specialises in books, music and DVDs. |
 | Indie Lisboa A ten day filmathon, that presents independent movies, documentaries and short films to the city’s |  | Lisbon Marathon A pre-Christmas run from Praca do Comercio to Belem heralds the start of the city’s festive season |
 | Dias da Musica If you love classical music you cannot miss this three day event where world renowned orchestras per |  | New Year’s Eve Fireworks, free concerts and DJs all converge down by the river to ring in ano novo (New Year). |
 | Super Bock Super Rock Rocking the city in mid July, this head banging and beer drinking music festival stages acts such as |  | Festival dos Oceanos Lisbon celebrates its seafaring heritage in this two week festival with swashbuckling parades, world |
 | Casanova A traditional Italian pizzeria with a lovely riverside terrace that is heated in winter. Ad |  | Olivier Address: Rua do teixeira 35 Tel: +213 431 405  Pois Cafe | A laid-back establishment that is Austrian-run, this place serves salads and sandwiches with pungent  Martinho da Arcada | Address: Praca do Comercio 3 Tel: +218 879 259 Break  Pao Pao Queijo Queijo | Address: Rua de Belem 124 Tel: +213 626 369  Everest Montanha | Location: Calcada do Garcia Type: Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat< |
|
Fast Facts • Location: Lisbon is located on the western coast of Portugal, itself the most south-west country of mainland Europe. It’s only neighbour is Spain. • Dialling code: country: 351 city: 21 Emergency numbers: • Police: Lisbon Metropolitan Police Command: 217 654 242 Lisbon Tourism Police Station: 21 342 16 23 • Fire: 112 / 213 422 222 or 213 924 700 • Ambulance: 112 / 808 20 10 68 • Tourist Information Helpdesk 808 781 212 • Car Breakdown Service: 112 • Highway Patrol: Portuguese Republic National Guard 213 217 000 • Telephone Directory Services: 118 (International Directory Services: 177) • Airport Enquiry: Lisbon Airport 21 841 35 00 / 21 841 37 00 • Railway Enquiry 213 500 115 Mon-Thurs 9am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 6pm • Population: 564,477 • Languages: Portuguese is the official language. In some of the big tourist destinations and offices English is spoken. If you venture further out into the countryside you’ll find that English speaking is rare, especially amongst the older residents. • Time zone: GMT +1 • Average January temperatures: 14.5°C • Average July temperatures: 27.5°C • Annual rainfall: 725.8mm ...Read More |
