Lisbon User Guide

Across the river from Cais do Sodré, via the shortest ferry crossing in town, Cacilhas is a ferry terminal, part of the city of Almada, with a tram and bus station next to the ferry berth. There are cafés and restaurants just back from the waterfront, plus a small maritime museum which houses the sailing ship Dom Fernando II e Glória, and submarine S164 (these are pay attractions). But the main attraction for those making the ferry trip over from Cais do Sodré is to visit Santuário de Cristo Rei (Sanctuary of Christ the King), located on a nearby hilltop. View from the terrace This is outside Zone L, so best bet for those using public transport is to get a separate cardboard Navegante ticket, load it with credit, and use it in Zapping mode. CAUTION if you’re on a Lisboa Card, I’m not sure if it includes the ferry, but it certainly doesn’t include the bus from Cacilhas to Cristo Rei. Ferry schedule HERE . Bus 3001 schedule HERE . The bus terminus at Cacilhas is on the east side of the ...

Still no sign of the final report into the accident on the Elevador da Glória, and so we start with the alternatives to using funiculars. Don’t slog up those hills just because the funiculars have been suspended. Minibus 51E gives an alternative to the Santa Justa lift, and an alternative to the Glória funicular; Bairrobus 19B gives an alternative to the Lavra funicular; Bairrobus 22B gives an alternative to the Bica funicular. Gare Oriente MUSEUM REMINDER 1 The Tile Museum is still closed for repairs. Expect re-opening around June. No word of confirmation yet. BELÉM REMINDER Torre de Belém still closed for repairs. Re-opening date uncertain. Yes, much of the scaffolding has been taken away, but it’s still closed. WEATHER: good news at last. There has been a warm spell, and though that is due to end, temperatures should remain mild. More sunny days to come, but be prepared when the rain makes a visit. Cos it can be heavy. Jardim Sá da Bandeira - the green space on the west side of t...

The beach resort at the end of the line (location HERE ). This is a dry weather day out. Ideal for summer, and the parts of spring and autumn when the sun shines. Get there by suburban train from Estação Cais do Sodré (timetable HERE ). Train travel has no additional cost if you have a valid Lisboa Card. Otherwise, get a cardboard Navegante card loaded with credit, and use it in Zapping mode. Validate the ticket at the boarding station, and arrival station, by using the validation machines provided, or passing through the automatic barriers. As a last resort, visit the ticket office at Cais do Sodré, and buy a ticket from there on the day. Best to board the train at Cais do Sodré outbound, and at Cascais inbound. Get on the platform in good time and secure your seats. The trains load heavily throughout the day, and there will often be standing loads. Leaving the station at Cascais, bear left after the ticket barriers, and exit onto the roundabout. From there, it’s more or less straight...

There are two more outlets for this increasingly popular brand in the Lisbon area: both offer what looks like the same menu as offered at the Bairro Alto and Campo Grande restaurants. So this post just gives the locations, and transport links. CAMPO OURIQUE Rua Ferreira Borges 47, location HERE . Tram 25 and 28; Buses 709 and 774. AVENIDAS NOVAS Avenida Visconte de Valmor 64A, location HERE . CAUTION steps up into the restaurant from street level, and steps down from the restaurant to the toilets. Buses 716, 726 nearby, also 52B and westbound 713, 742 on Avenida Miguel Bombarda (eastbound 713 and 742 two blocks further south, on Avenida Duque de Ávila). Nearest Metro probably Sandanha, but a bit of a trek. [ HOME ]

THE USUAL REMINDER Don’t slog up those hills just because the funiculars have been suspended. Minibus 51E gives an alternative to the Santa Justa lift, and an alternative to the Glória funicular; Bairrobus 19B gives an alternative to the Lavra funicular; Bairrobus 22B gives an alternative to the Bica funicular. The sun is shining once more MUSEUM REMINDER 1 The Tile Museum is still closed for repairs. Expect re-opening around June. MUSEUM REMINDER 2 The Gulbenkian Museum has been closed for repair work, but should re-open this week BELÉM REMINDER Torre de Belém still closed for repairs. Re-opening date uncertain. WEATHER NEWS The storms have, for the moment, passed. HOWEVER if you are travelling by train, some lines are still closed, if only partially. Latest news on the CP website HERE . SAD NEWS Padaria Patriacal , the pastelaria with the Art Nouveau interior near Principe Real and Miradouro São Pedro Alcântara, has closed. It did re-open after New Year, but now the lights have go...

Location HERE . Website HERE . Open from 1030 to 1730 hours. Closed Mondays. Looking out from the roundhouse The museum is over 100km, or more than 60 miles, away from central Lisbon, in the town of Entroncamento (the name literally means “ Junction ”). You should allow a full day for a visit. The best way to get there is by train from either Santa Apolónia, or Oriente. All Intercidades trains passing through Entroncamento stop there. This is the most comfortable, and quickest, option, but you must choose your trains beforehand, and stick to them. Your tickets will be train specific. Timetable for North Line Alfa and Intercidades trains HERE . There is also a regular service of Regional trains, which take longer, but you can come back on any Regional train. There are no seat reservations, and the trains can load very heavily, even at what might seem quiet times. If you choose this option, get on board at Santa Apolónia if you can. The service is more frequent on weekdays. Timetable for...