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7.2.27 When Will The Funiculars Return?

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When indeed. You want the good news first, or the bad news? OK, we’ll start with the good news. The intention is for all the funiculars of Lisbon - Lavra, Bica and Glória, as well as the Elevador de Santa Justa - to be returned to service as soon as it is practical, and safe, to do so. The political will is there. And the newer Elevador da Graça, of course, is already back in service. HOWEVER Here’s the bad news. The final report into the fatal accident on the Elevador da Glória may take some time to appear. So one assumption should be that: THERE WILL BE NO RE-OPENING THIS YEAR. ALSO That final report is highly likely to make recommendations, with the strongest of hints that they are implemented. These will almost certainly include the ability to stop one of the cars in the event of a cable break. This, in turn, will mean lots of testing in order to show that the system works. AND There may also be a recommendation to strengthen the cars’ bodywork. This would mean that the Bica and La...
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7.2.25 Belém Step Free Walk

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The attractions are “ over there ”; between the roads where buses and trams run, and along which are most of the cafés, along with several museums and the Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque, and the waterfront, are the Avenida da India, the Cascais rail line, and the Avenida da Brasilia. The overbridge Crossings in Belém consist of a subway that emerges near the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, with its dark interior and uneven surface, and a footbridge that brings you close to Torre de Belém. Both these include steps. A lot of steps. Enough steps to put off anyone not totally mobile. But all is not lost: there is a walking route that is step free. Accessing this involves alighting from the bus, or tram, going west towards Belém, at Altinho (MAAT). Just next to Restaurante O Coche (which only does lunches - see HERE ). Sharp right at the end of the bridge Backtrack along the Rua Junqueira, cross over at the traffic lights, and head south along the Largo Marquês Angeja, moving left on to the path l...
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7.2.26 July 2026

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Still no sign of the final report into the accident on the Elevador da Glória, and so we start, once more, 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. MUSEUM NEWS The Tile Museum remains closed. And from a quick look from a passing 759, it may be closed for some time. The scaffolding is still in place, and no estimates have yet been given for its reopening. TRAM NEWS The 25 tram is now firmly re-established on its former weekday only route, which means it turns off at Corpo Santo, runs via Rua de São Paulo, Rua Boavista, and Largo Santos. So it DOES NOT run via Cais do Sodré. Those wanting to board at Cais do Sodré should walk over to Corpo Santo and board at the stop opposite the church. ALSO, ...
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5.1.22 Pateo 13

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Calçadinha de Santo Estevão 13 Location HERE . Open 1200 to 1430 and 1900 to 2230 hours; closed Mondays. THIS OUTLET IS CASH ONLY CAUTION The nearest ATM is a Euronet, which those not wanting to be hit with extra charges should avoid. As always, withdraw cash using a Multibanco, and be prepared for those situations where you need it. At the lower end of the Alfama, and in a pedestrian only area, which means those of you who get chauffeured to restaurants can’t be dropped off at the front door. Not to worry, it’s only a few steps up. Eating outside? A unique Alfama location? Sardines on the grill in Summer? This place ticks all those boxes. HOWEVER it’s very Portuguese traditional, which means Peixe (Fish), Carne (Meat), and not much else. Many of those choosing Peixe are here for the sardines, which, like the Bacalhau, Sea Bass and Bream, are grilled on the outside range right in front of the punters. The kitchen adds potatoes and salad vegetables like cucumber and tomato, and there’s ...
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5.2.12 O Everest

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Rua Pihheiro Chagas 26 Location HERE . Open daily 1200 to 1500 hours, and 1900 to 2300 hours. Spot the Smart Close to Saldanha for transport links, although more accurate to call the location Avenidas Novas. And, once more, an upmarket curry house in the style readily recognisable to anyone from the UK. Like other Indian restaurants in Lisbon, the dishes don’t do spicy as anything with the same name would do anywhere across the British Isles. But you are offered “more spicy”, and would be best off replying in the affirmative. The Samosas are especially enjoyable - both chicken and veg versions - and main courses arrive with rice on the side by default. Those wishing to use the facilities - that’s the bathroom for those from North America - will be reassured to know that the rooms and furniture are spotlessly clean. A Caneca of commodity beer is not so expensive, although the emphasis appears to be on getting punters to invest in a bottle of wine. I stayed firmly in the beer camp. It’s ...
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4.2.7 Torre de Belém

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Avenida da Brasileira Location HERE . Open daily 0900-1730; closed Mondays (Website HERE ) It’s reopened after a lengthy refurbishment. It looks better than ever. HOWEVER You need to read the part on ticketing. Carefully. Monument, fort, protector of Lisbon from enemy ships, and now symbol of the city, the Torre de Belém, an outstanding example of Manueline architecture, was originally completed in 1521, but has been extensively rebuilt since then. It was given UNESCO World Heritage status, along with the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, in the 1980s. What’s inside? Not a great deal. The recently refurbished walkway leads, via an open drawbridge, to the lower level, where cannon are laid out behind the windows. From there you can go up to the main platform of the Tower (CAUTION steep, very shiny, and uneven steps). The Tower within the Tower has two further levels that can be accessed by visitors, but, basically, that is that. Whether that is worth the €15 per person entrance fee (half price fo...
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5.1.21 O Lutador

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Rua da Junqueira 10C Location HERE . Open 0900 hours until midnight. Closed Sundays. Conveniently located close to the Museu da Carris, LX Factory and Congress Centre, and in the shadow of Ponte 25 de Abril, is this old school Portuguese restaurant. You can have the menu in English, and the staff can manage to speak it fairly fluently, but most of those visiting are locals. At lunchtime, and into the evening, it gets busy, and with good reason. Dishes like fish and seafood rice are deservedly popular. Many punters choose fresh fish, priced by weight, which they can share if it’s a larger one. The fish is brought out to you so you can see what is going on the grill. Meat eaters can choose from choices like the flaming sausage, Alheira, Prego, Pica-Pau, and Bitoque. And the inevitable Bifana. Vegetarian options are available, although Brás de Legumes is most of them. Even details like the garlic olives are excellent. Some choose to accompany their meal with a glass of wine; many others k...
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