Lisbon
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Lisboa, or Lisbon, is the biggest city and capital of Portugal.
Lisbon CouchSurfing Community
Here you can see the CS Lisbon Group
In Lisbon there are around 1500 Registered CouchSurfers
You can do a couchsearch HERE
Remember, Couchsurfing is not intended to be a free Hostel Service! Find someone you think you will connect with and enjoy spending time with so that everyone benefits!
Check the How to write a CouchRequest page for ideas.
For Hosts :
Check the How to be a good Host
If you are unlucky and cant find a host, please try this group
Do you need a couch in Lisbon - ONLY ASK FOR A COUCH IN THIS GROUP IF YOU ALREADY TRIED SEVERAL HOSTS
Where to sleep
But, if you are unlucky and cant find a host - check the link below for a Hostels search:
Hostels and Cheap Hotels in Lisbon
CS Lisbon Meetings
Check the Lisbon CS Meetings Calendar for further details.
Now some tips about Lisbon, we hope you like it...
Emergency Numbers
National Emergency Number:
112
It connects you to fire, police and ambulance services.
History of Lisbon
Lisbon, also known as the city of the seven hills, is open to the Tagus river and its mild climate, rich fauna and flora helped fast colonisation of the area.
But there was something terrible that changed Lisbon forever - the 1755 earthquake. One often reads that monuments and churches were rebuilt or restored after 1755 earthquake. This was Lisbon's darkest moment in history.
On the morning of the 1st of November 1755 the first tremor was felt and a few minutes later there was a second, far more violent shock, reducing over half the city to rubble. The quake triggered a tsunami, which arrived soon afterwards. As usual the first indication was that the water drew back from the land. Soon, however, the water came back with a wave estimated at 50 feet high crashing through the city. Ships, docks and buildings in the city were battered by the high seas. Thousands of people were swept away. As if that wasn't enough, lamps and cooking fires upset in the tumult ignited a fire storm that proved impossible to control. It burned unchecked for three days, completing the destruction. In all more than 60,000 people died in the disaster in Lisbon alone. Thousands more died in other areas. The quake was felt throughout Western Europe and Northwestern Africa.
But the reconstruction of Lisbon took place rapidly and no sooner had the tremors abated than Pombal Marquis was outlining ideas for rebuilding the city. He started by saying "Bury the dead and feed the living" and then he rolled up his sleeves and began work. Due to his determination and practicality, Lisbon was soon back on its feet and better than ever. The area located between downtown Lisbon and Pombal Marquis Square, specially from Rossio Square to Commerce Square, shows the innovative grid system devised by Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo - the Marquis himself!
When to visit Lisbon
Winter temperatures are considerably better than the UK , Germany and other countries in northern Europe. However, on occasion it does snow in the Lisbon region and the rain is certainly a more prominent feature than during the summer months.
Spring is an time ideal to visit the monuments and the blooming gardens, as the temperatures are always nice for a stroll.
Summer is the beach season 'par excellence' and it's the best time of the year to experience the wonderful beaches along the Lisbon Coast.
Autumn, when the leaves begin to fall, is a wonderful time for you to discover the quiet, romantic, and narrow streets of the old bairros (quarters) like Alfama and Bairro Alto.
What to visit in Lisbon
MUSEUMS
CASTLES & FORTRESSES
PALACES
HISTORICAL ARCHITECTURE
MODERN ARCHITECTURE
MAIN STREETS & SQUARES
CHURCHES
PARKS & GARDENS
BEACH PLACES
Major Lisbon Events
What to bring with you
Our best advice to you is 'bring only the bare necessities'. Here you can buy almost anything, and there’s no need to bring your house on your back.
A back pack is surely one of the most useful items and comes in very handy for the day trips, shopping sprees and walks. A 'zippable' backpack is a safe way to carry your belongings but a concealed money belt or shoulder wallet will certainly keep your money and documents safe from pickpockets.
Regardless of the time of the year you choose to visit Lisbon remember to bring a light sweater, as nights are always a bit cooler. Spring and autumn might bring along some rain so make sure you also bring some wet weather gear, and especially during autumn and winter don’t neglect woollen garments, they might be useful!
Money
The euro is the currency of the Economic and Monetary Union and was adopted by 11 State-members from the European Union on the 1st of January 1999: Portugal, Belgium, Germany, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, Austria and Finland. In 2001, Greece also adopted the euro.
Electricity Information
The local current is 220 AC and the connection is made by a two-pin plug.
Traveller's from the USA will require a voltage converter.
Travellers from the UK will require a plug adapter and this is best bought in the UK as they are hard to find in Lisbon.
Dangers & Nuisances
Lisbon is not really a dangerous city and the worst that is likely to happen to you is sunburn or a hangover. The most common crime in Lisbon is theft from hire cars. Should you leave your car overnight in the street, there is every chance that your car will be broken into. Do not leave anything of value in your car (even locked in the boot) or in your hotel room. Use the safe that is on offer to you by your hotel.
Pickpockets and bag snatchers are also a problem and they have got their act together. Beware of people that brush up close to you or jostle you and don't leave bags and camera equipment unattended for even a moment.
Avoid dingy, empty city alleys and back streets or anywhere else for that matter that doesn't feel right at night.
If you are the victim of theft, you must report it to the police and get a report copy, if you want to make an insurance claim. If your Passport is taken or gets lost, you must contact the consulate to get a replacement issued. Violence against tourists is very unusual. Common sense at all times should spare you any grief.
Gastronomy
For such a small country, Portugal has a surprisingly large variety of gastronomic delights. Regions like Alentejo, the North of the country, the South and the Centre boast quite marked differences in their typical dishes. Having been a predominately seafaring nation, it is not usual to find a large amount of fresh tasty fish dishes and all sorts of shellfish. In Lisbon, a city of mixed cultures, tastes and spices, you will find everything from international, to regional and prize-winning cuisines. But the charm of Lisbon's cuisine lives in its traditions. Grilled sardine is the queen during the summer and on the Popular Saints celebrations... You just can't avoid smelling it in the small quarters of Alfama, Bairro Alto and many other locals around Lisbon in June, when the Popular Saints celebrations crowd into the streets of the city, bringing along tiny coloured flags, balloons, and popular marches. Restaurants and "tascas" (small taverns) offer an exquisite variety of snacks and appetizers, like boiled snails or deep fried green beans. Also famous for its wines, Portuguese choose national wine as the ubiquitous table beverage.
Getting to Lisbon
Lisbon is very easy to get to. It's just a short flight away from most European locations and also easily accessed by road, sea and rail.
The airport has daily flights to and from the major cities in the world and the national airlines are TAP - Tap Air Portugal, PGA - Portugália Airlines and Air Luxor. The airport is located seven kilometres (four miles) north of the city. Approximate flight times to Lisbon: From London is 2 hours 20 minutes; from New York is 6 hours 45 minutes; from Los Angeles is 12 hours (plus transfer); from Toronto is 9 hours 30 minutes (plus transfer); and from Sydney is 22 hours 30 minutes (plus transfers).
If you're driving to Lisbon, enjoy the countryside along the way. The A1 Auto-estrada do Norte extends from Porto to Lisbon and the A8 arrives from destinations to the north and west of the city. The A9 bypasses Lisbon, connecting the A1, A8 and the A5, which links Lisbon with Cascais and the beaches. The A2 Auto-estrada do Sul arrives from the Algarve via Almada and the Ponte 25 de Abril. The A12 crosses the Ponte Vasco da Gama, offering a less congested route into the city. International trains arrive in Lisbon every day, mainly to Santa Apolónia Station and more recently to the Gare do Oriente, the newest railway station located in the former Expo Park, today known as Nations Park. Intercity trains connect all of Portugal's major cities to either Lisbon or Porto. Both the comfortable Alfa Service from Porto and the InterCity train from Faro take 3 hours 30 minutes to reach Lisbon. There are overnight trains from Madrid (10 hours) and Paris (18 hours 30 minutes).
International cruise ships stop at Alcântara, Rocha do Conde de Óbidos and Santa Apolónia. There are five marinas that receive private boats and provide mooring, Bom Sucesso, Belém, Santo Amaro, Alcântara and Olivais
Transportation
Getting To and From the Airport
From Airport to citycenter you can use the Aerobus Ticket price 3.50€ / person
Other way is the taxi service (8/9 € more or less to city center)
Getting Around Once you are Here
While in Lisbon we suggest you to use the Cartão 7 Colinas that costs €0,50. You can charge it with a 24 hours ticket (€3,50) and with this ticket you can use the Carris buses (yellow ones), the trams and the subway system without restrictions for 24 hours from the first time you use it. If you want to check the fares visit this link.
Metro
The Lisbon underground metro works from 06h30 a.m. up to 01h00 a.m. and the tickets costing 0,75 Euros are valid for just one trip. Alternatively, you can use the 7 Colinas card we advice. Metro, in the rush hour, is almost impossible to catch, unless you enjoy travelling like a sardine. But is always interesting to get off in almost every metro station and enjoy the Art-deco, amazing panels of tiles, sculptures, and paintings turned into real masterpieces. This is our favourite way to get around Lisbon. It's cheap, cool and fast!
Trams and Buses
The Carris (trams and buses company operating in Lisbon) has, besides the normal services, several special services for tourists and handicapped visitors (21 758 56 76 or 21 361 31 61). It's always cheaper if you buy your tickets in advance. The tourist circuits take visitors through Lisbon in open-top panoramic buses or in the 19th century trams. There are three tours: the Carris Tour, made through down town and the historical site of Belém; the Hills Tour, that takes the visitors to the historical city; and the AeroBus, a direct connection to the Airport, to the city centre and to Cascais line trains. Also not be missed are the funiculars of Bica and Glória. Try these unusual funiculars to get in touch with some of the most typical quarters of Lisbon.
Trains
The CP (railway company) has a national network of lines that cover practically the whole of Portugal. The five major lines take you to Sintra, Azambuja, Cascais, Sado, and Porto/Aveiro. The tickets can be purchased at the ticket office of the respective boarding stations and at the automatic ticketing machines. It is important that you do not attempt to travel without a ticket, otherwise you may have to pay a hefty fine. Santa Apolónia Station is Lisbon’s main departure point for international destinations and central/northern Portugal. Trains from Rossio station run to Sintra, while Cascais and Estoril can be reached from Cais do Sodré.
Ferries
Transtejo is the company responsible for the fluvial crossing of the Tagus River. Everyday, people from the other side of the river have to cross it to work in Lisbon or around the capital. This company also has Tagus Cruises, a tourist service that allows you to see Lisbon from the river . This is one of our favourites, specially at the end of the day, when the sunset can make this romantic crossing unforgettable.
Taxis
Taxis in Lisbon are beige and usually have the word TAXI on top. Journeys start with a standard charge of around 2 Euros and the distance is metred from then on. Make sure you don't forget anything as it is so hard to find that taxi again and, if you do, it's very rare to get your things back.
Maps
Bars
Restaurants
some ideas from Frederico:
Shops & Shopping
There are some areas in Lisbon specially devoted to shopping. Clothing, jewellery, shoes, purses, perfumes, ceremony customs, trinkets and almost everything you might need are just some of the things that you can find on those areas.
Downtown – the area frequently called “Baixa” (downtown) comprises the Rossio, the Augusta street and its transversal streets, the recently renewed Chiado and the Liberdade (Freedom) Avenue. This is one of the oldest commercial areas in Lisbon. You will easily find streets named after the business or job that was done there once. Prata (Silver) Street, Ouro (Gold) Street and Ferreiros (Blacksmiths) Street are some of the examples we can quote.
Nowadays, you will be able to find here some of the best shops, restaurants, theatres and many more. This is Lisbon’s heart and the place to find names like Emporio, Augustus, Benetton, Levi’s, etc. Shopping Centres: Shopping centres are almost everywhere in the city. Bigger or smaller, they’ll do their best to suit your needs. We decided to list the bigger surfaces: Colombo, Vasco da Gama, Amoreiras and El Corte Inglés.
These areas include several shops of different branches of business, including restaurants and leisure facilities like movie theatres.
Amoreiras Shopping Centre, located in the centre of Lisbon, was opened in 1985 and counts on 2 floors with 350 shops. It is opened everyday between 10h00 and 23h00.
Vasco da Gama lies on the newest heart of the city – the Parque das Nações (Nations Park), where the Expo 98 was held. Inaugurated in 1999 and counting on 156 shops and 35 restaurants, it opens between 10h00 and 00h00 everyday.
Colombo Shopping Centre is excellently located near the football field of Benfica. Providing services to the public since 1997, it has 3 commercial floors with 437 shops and 69 restaurants operating everyday, from 10h00 to 00h00.
Edited last time by:W123
