Lisbon User Guide

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...

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...

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...

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 ]

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...