Posts

7.2.4 March 2025

Image
Getting Around : changes to the timetable for trains on the Linha da Cascais mean fewer trains at peak hours (every 15 minutes, rather than every 12). This means two things: fewer of the very old trainsets are available for use, and you should avoid the route if possible at these times. Because the overcrowding is getting bad. Tram reversing at Corpo Santo More tram route changes - the 18 and 25 now terminate at Corpo Santo, between Cais do Sodré and Praça do Comércio. This could become a longer term thing, as Carris have installed a new tram stop sign where punters should expect to board. The 25 has had its timetable “adjusted”, for which read “fewer trams”. The 28 is still turning back at Largo de Camões, while the resurfacing works in Calçada da Estrela move up the hill. Slowly. Weather - March has, so far, been a washout. Stuff happens: lots of strong winds, heavy rain, and low temperatures. Hoping for better in April! Meanwhile, there are always Museums when it’s wet. Padrão dos D...
Post a Comment
Read more

4.4.16 Alameda Keil do Amaral

Image
Estrada Montes Claros, Parque Florestal de Monsanto Location HERE . Within Monsanto Park, named for the man who laid out so many green spaces during the Estado Novo’s rule, and with a connection to the first years of Formula 1 Grand Prix racing, nowadays this particular Alameda is a favourite with families, many of them taking a picnic along with them, the inevitable dog walkers, joggers, cyclists, and city dwellers looking to get a little time somewhere away from the noise and traffic. The amphitheatre and the view The Formula 1 connection is that Estrada Montes Claros, from the roundabout on Estrada Alvito to the roundabout on Estrada do Penedo, was part of the Circuito de Monsanto, which hosted a variety of motor races during the 1950s and 60s, but which ceased operation in 1971. This was Turn 6 on the Monsanto Circuit What you see there now is what racers saw back then: no gravel traps, no run-off areas, no tyre barriers, no Armco, no straw bales, nothing. But plenty of trees, ste...
Post a Comment
Read more

4.6.2 LX Factory

Image
Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103 Location HERE . Open 7 days a week. Some will love this place; others will wonder what all the hype was about. But first, a little history of how the site developed over the years. It had seen industrial use since 1846, when the Companhia de Fiação e Tecidos Lisbonense (that’s “ spinning and weaving ”, folks) was established in the area. But the site fell out of use by the noughties, until it became a hub for start-ups and niche businesses. Now it houses stores specialising in anything and everything arty and crafty, so expect to see interior decor, clothing, accessorising, books, event spaces, and lots of cafes and restaurants vying for your custom. Almost underneath the northern approach to The Bridge, with the Carris tram depot next door, and the barrier of two major roads, along with the Cascais rail line, on its southern flank, this isn’t a quiet place to visit. But some of the eateries (El Chanta is in the inventory of craft beer outlets) are surprisin...
Post a Comment
Read more

4.6 Everything Else

Some attractions are worth visiting even if they’re not museums, landmarks, green spaces, part of the Old Downtown, or viewpoints. As always, follow the links ... 4.6.1 Oceanarium 4.6.2 LX Factory [ HOME ]
Post a Comment
Read more

4.6.1 Oceanarium

Image
Esplanada Dom Carlos I Location HERE . Open 7 days a week. Not a museum, and the building is most certainly not a landmark. But it is an attraction for those interested in marine life and ecosystems, and especially for family groups. Because the kids will love it. The downside is that it’s not cheap, especially if you have to pay out for one of those family groups. But if the weather isn’t good, this is a good way of spending a half day. You may have to queue if you’re buying tickets on spec., but it won’t be for long - and, if it’s a bad weather day, there is shelter, as there is over the bridge that leads to the main event, on an island off the shore of Parque das Nações. CAUTION Not for those who suffer from claustrophobia, or anyone who becomes disoriented by dark spaces. PLUS POINT Watchwords you will see again and again are “ conservation ” and “ sustainability ”, which will have the “ anti-Woke ” brigade screaming blue murder and running in the direction of away. If you think th...
Post a Comment
Read more

4.3.11 Miradouro do Largo das Necessidades

Image
Largo Necessidades Location HERE . Best combined with a visit to Quinta Real das Necessidades. Necessidades Palace forms the backdrop ... Not so high above the north bank of the river, but plenty of seating and shade, with good views of The Bridge. South facing, so warmed by the sun, even in the winter months. ... with plenty of seating ... Just across the street is the grand façade of Necessidades Palace. And the best way to arrive here is from the south exit from Quinta Real das Necessidades - otherwise, it’s a bit of a climb up from Alcântara. Hence the recommendation to do both green space and viewpoint in one visit. ... and a view over The Bridge Alternatively, you can access the viewpoint from a 773 minibus, which stops at Largo Necessidades en route from Rato and Estrela to Alcântara. [ HOME ]
Post a Comment
Read more

4.4.15 Quinta Real das Necessidades

Image
[also known as Jardim das Necessidades, or Tapada das Necessidades] Calçada Necessidades Location HERE . Open every day during daylight hours: opening hours posted at access points. Reception committee Another park spread out over a south facing hillside, with the result that it is warmed by the sun even during the winter months. CAUTION uneven and potentially slippery paths, steep hillside. Some visitors have passed adverse comment on the uneven paths and untidy greenery, but that is sort of the point here, and the endearing quality of this corner of the city, which has Very Few Tourists, but lots of locals. Cacti. Real and very sharp ones Given the steep slope of the site, it’s best to enter at the north side - the top - and work downwards. That entrance is on the Rua do Borja, close to where the 67B Bairrobus stops. You can couple that short journey, from Praça da Estrela, with a ride on the 25 tram. So what’s the USP of this park? Cactus. An area covered by real and very sharp cac...
Post a Comment
Read more