Lisbon –Monuments, colorful streets and squares

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal since 12th century. This legendary city has a rich and impressively integrated diversity and a history of over 20 centuries. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building facades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night. But Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping, exciting nightlife, and interesting museums, a place of neighborhoods. 
Photo Credits: www.trekexchange.com
 Facts:
Currency: Euro
Language: Portuguese
Time Difference: 5 ½ hr behind IST
Best Time to Visit: Feb-June is ideal

Get in:
Visa: Indian Nationals will require a visa to enter Portugal. Like other EU members Schengen Visa can be obtained prior to arrival in Portugal.
Flights: There are no direct flights from India to Lisbon. The major transit points are Paris, London, Istanbul, Dubai, and Frankfurt.

Getting Around:
Metro: The underground metro is the best to tour Lisbon. The Metro stations are highly decorated and it’s a real treat to see.http://www.metrolisboa.pt/
Trams: Trams/streetcar is good for short hops between crisscross streets. The tickets can be bought from outlets, driver or the machine in the tram. http://www.carris.pt/
Suburban Trains: Suburban trains is the best connection to Belem, Estoril and Cascais
Funiculars and Elevadores: Take advantage of these rope ways to navigate the hilly areas.
Bicycle and Foot: Lisbon is city of seven hills. Hence cycling and thumbing the hilly terrains is quite a challenge.
Car: Taxi is a economical if you are considering sharing among three or four people. However, renting a car might be a disadvantage since parking is a pain and the streets are jammed during peak hours.

Attractions:
The major attraction in Lisbon is the city itself. Here is a list of major attractions:
Jeronimos Monastery – A world Heritage Site. It was once the place of resting for Vasco da Gama.
Belem Towers – Lisbon’s iconic tower and also a symbol of age of Discovery
Gulbenkian Museum – A treasure from East to West
Berardo Museum of Modern and Contemporary art – A great collection of Modern and contemporary Arts
Ocenarium – A sea odyssey in a state of art building
St. George Castle – Millennium old Walls overlooking the city
Ancient Art Museum – Fascinating Oriental and European art
Coach Museum - Houses the world’s largest collection of Coaches and Royal vehicles
Downtown Baixa – Located in the center of Lisbon, the area was reconstructed entirely after an earthquake in 18th centaury.
Ajuda Palace – A neoclassical monument in the city

Photo Credits: http://www.theworldeffect.com
 Do:
1. Spend a evening in a Fado themed restaurant
2. Ride a tram in the old Quarter (Tram 28)

Events:
March – Lisbon Fashion Week (ModaLisboa)
April – Dias Da Musica (Classical Music concert)
May – Rock in Rio (Biggest Music Entertainment Event), Ola Love 2 Dance (Annual Dance Festival)
June – Gay Pride, Alkantara Festival (Street Festival)
July – Sparkling Party
August - Jazz em Agosto – (Jazz Festival)
October – Lesboa Party (Dance Party)
November - Luzboa - International Lighting and Urban Art Bienal
December – New Year’s Eve Party

Tips:
1. Lisboa Card grants access to all public transport (buses, metro, tram and even CP trains to nearby places). Free entrance or discounted entry fee to many attractions) http://www.golisbon.com/Lisboa-Card/
2. Many attractions are closed on Monday
3. Most Monuments has free entry on Sunday until 2PM

Side-trips:
1. Sintra – A beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, 30 mins by car/train from Lisbon
2. Evora – A Museum town less than 2 hours away by express bus/car from Lisbon

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