getting around
Flying into Lisbon Airport — Portugal ’ s main international airport — is simple and accessible through many major airlines as well as several low-cost alternatives . The easiest and most inexpensive way to get into the center of Lisbon is via the metro ( red line ). It takes about 25 minutes and passes can be purchased at the airport . Purchase one way for € 1.90 (~$ 2.21 USD ), or buy a day pass which allows you to access the metro , bus , trams , and trains for € 6 (~$ 6.98 ). Another way to reach the city center is via Uber or taxi from the airport to downtown Lisbon for about € 15-20 (~$ 17.46-23.27 ) or the Aerobus that operates three routes to main areas of the city which run about every 20-30 minutes . The areas surrounding Lisbon have an excellent and affordable transport network that can get you to popular day trip destinations like Sintra , Cascais , or Mafra . However , a rental car can be useful when exploring further destinations like Setubal , Sesimbra , or Evora .
unique activities
Hop aboard the number 28 tram which passes through the popular districts of Graça , Alfama , Baixa , and Estrela for one of the best tours of the city . The small Remodelado tram — dating back to the 1930s — screeches through the narrow streets , giving riders a unique perspective of charming neighborhoods . Stop at Feira da Ladra ( often thought to mean “ Thieves ’ Market ”), a major cash-only flea market , open Tuesday through Saturday , from 9a . m . to 6p . m ., that boasts an eclectic mix of housewares , clothing , antiques , and media . Browse the endless treasures , have lunch at one of the many food vendors , and experience the culture of this lively bazaar .
Other must-see sights along the route include The Basílica da Estrela ‚ an impressive domed basilica , the ancient Carmelite convent , and
Lisbon
Credit : Pedro Ribeiro Simões the nearby Jardim da Estrela , a peaceful park frequented by local families .
For architecture and history buffs , stop at São Bento Palace , a neoclassical Portuguese parliament building started in 1598 and completed nearly 350 years later . The beautiful grounds and impressive façade can be admired year-round ; however , the interior is closed to the public and can only be visited via themed guided tours on the last Saturday of the month . Tickets are free , but only 50 spots are available each tour , so be sure to book your tickets in advance .
Immerse yourself in daily life in the Graça district , a lively Portuguese district that is home to many family-run shops . Take the steep walk up to Miradouro da Graça , a breathtaking terrace that offers dramatic , panoramic views of city rooftops , and the Tagus River beyond .
Intendente is the most diverse and multicultural area in Portugal . Once a drugridden , red-light district , this neighborhood has been flooded with hipsters , immigrants , and artists for decades — all who have contributed to its stunning evolution . Intendente Square proper is surrounded by historic buildings and small bars serving petiscos ( similar to tapas ) and was named the hottest neighborhood in Lisbon by a number of international press outlets last year .
For night owls , check out LXFactory , a historically industrial complex open until 2 a . m ., providing an array of retailers and restaurants . For another late-night adventure , head to the narrow streets of Bairro Alto , as they come alive with funky bars and hip hangouts . The district has enforced a closing time of 2 a . m . to maintain some order , and this is when most carousers head to Cais do Sodre .
family activities
If you ’ re travelling with a young family , be sure to check out Lisbon Oceanarium , the perfect place for a rainy day . It ’ s home to colorful anemones and corals , starfish , fluorescent jellyfish , dragonfish , exotic frogs , penguins , and playful sea otters . In the massive circular central glass tank , you will see sunfish , manta rays , and sharks circling right before your eyes . It is in the hypermodern Parque das Nações , the suburb built from scratch on the waterfront for Expo 1998 next to the futuristic Gare do Oriente station .
Be sure to explore Praça do Comércio , a large square shadowed by exquisite buildings , with
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 32 AUTUMN 2018