Exploring Portugal: Lisbon
My first day in Portugal, I explored Lisbon's Praca do Comercio, or Commerce Square.
Today is only the second day of my 10-day jaunt through Portugal and despite a lack of sleep, but thanks to lots of terrific coffee, I've already visited Lisbon's coolest spot: Castelo de Sao Jorge, an incredible ancient fortress on the highest hill in the city. Here are a few pointers to make the best of your time visiting the Castle:
A daredevil at the Castelo de Sao Jorge.
1. Wear comfortable shoes -- Don't cheat by taking a cab. Instead, lace up and hike the steep hills of Alfama, Lisbon's medieval neighborhood. You'll see local life far better than through the windows of a taxi. A welcome side effect is buns of steel.
2. Leave the vertigo at home -- If you fear heights (or are still hungover from the previous night's partying), do not attempt to climb any of the 11 soaring observation towers. The steps are steep, the pathways narrow, and the guardrails flimsy at best. Thrill-seekers, however, are encouraged.
Psyched to visit Lisbon, but don't know where to stay? Click here for the best hotel deal in the city.
The view from Castelo de Sao Jorge.
If you haven't settled on a Lisbon hotel yet, you're in luck. I found a deal that you wouldn't believe: 55 euros per night for a double room with a balcony in the height of travel season -- and that includes a tasty breakfast. The Hotel Principe Lisboa is clean, modern, well-located near Edouardo Park, and has a friendly, helpful staff. How can this be? I booked it through Venere, Europe's answer to Expedia and Orbitz. It has thousands of hotel deals that will take the sting out of that hefty exchange rate.
Check back next Friday for more tips on Portugal.
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Sounds fantastic! I've heard that Lisbon is the new Barcelona, there was a lot of buzz about Portugal as a destination when I was in Ireland. Looking forward to hearing more.
Posted by: Meggiesl | August 31, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Lisbon is fantastic. I love the views from the top of its hills, the cobblestone designs of the pavements, the tiled facades, the turn-of-the-century trams, the architecture of this two World Heritage monuments (Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery), its famous custard tarts, and the Gulbenkian and the Berardo Museums! Best of all, it's so close to the sea (I love walking by the seafront from Cascais to Estoril), and to what officially is one of Europe's most romantic towns, Sintra.
Take a look at http://www.golisbon.com
Lisbon is perhaps Europe's most underrated capital, but also one of its most pleasant and beautiful.
Posted by: sonoflusus | September 01, 2007 at 08:34 AM
I could not agree more. I'm currently exploring Cascais, a town just half an hour's drive west of Lisbon, and I couldn't be happier. The marina is so beautiful, the citadel is gloriously ancient, and the fish practically jump onto your plate. I hate to leave, but also excited because tomorrow I'm off to the Douro River Valley in the north, home to Portugal's top port wineries. Check back in this coming Friday for all the details.
-- Beata Loyfman
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