Travel to Lisbon means passing through Lisbon International Airport, LIS, also known as Lisbon Portela Airport and Humberto Delgado Airport, which is distinctive among European airports for lying as close as four miles from the city center of a major European capital (in this case, Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city). The airport is the world’s primary gateway to Portugal and handles more than 26 million passengers annually.
Of the two main terminals, Terminal 1 is considered better for shopping, lounges and services. If one arrives via Royal Air Maroc or TAP airlines, the flight’s receiving gate and processing will be at Terminal 1. For all other airlines, the receiving gate and processing will more likely be at Terminal 2.
The airport offers the lively Mercado, a great food court inspired by local food plazas and markets (open air and otherwise). At the center of the main passenger area, There are also designer stores where one can purchase duty-free items and souvenir stores selling traditional handicrafts of Portugal such as soaps, tins, artworks and ceramics. Suggestion: don’t miss the pure virgin olive oil at the Dreams Gourmet shop (not to forget its charcuterie, wine and port items).
Travel to Lisbon: Top Things to Do
Travelers to Lisbon may want to walk its hills sheltering a number of noteworthy places to visit, each of which very much throws light on Portugal’s remarkable history. This seaside city, where wharves seemingly extend to the horizon brings museums, monuments, gardens, parks, historical buildings, even aquariums.
The history and legacy of an explorer nation is naturally compelling. Basically, the country went full-bore in its maritime development and exhibited great leadership during the world’s “Age of Discovery” in the 15thand 16thcenturies. Lisbon’s role in Portugal’s exciting national history becomes obvious — and not just its role in enacting that history, but in documenting it, celebrating it, imparting it, promoting it.
Castelo de Sao Jorge: Travel to Lisbon
One of the best known places for travel to Lisbon is “The Castle of St. George,” near the Alfama District, an old, romantic neighborhood of Lisbon with tall houses and long streets cherished by visitors. The Alfama District is well-known for its impressive museums, battlements, archaeological sites, towers and walls.
In particular, the district features the Alacova Palace, built by King Afonso Henriques in 1147, where so many of the country’s monarchs stayed. From the terrace of the palace, one has great views, in the distance, of the River Tagus and the Atlantic Ocean.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
The Jeronimos Monastery lies near the Tagus River in Lisbon’s Belem parish. It is a prominent example — perhaps the most prominent one — of the Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture found in Lisbon. Since 1983, it has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of Belem. Built in the early 16thcentury, it now enjoys the status of a great Portuguese landmark. Nearby, one finds the Church of Santa Maria de Belem, which, among other things, houses the tomb of the famous explorer Vasco da Gama.
Oceanario de Lisboa Aquarium
This aquarium, designed by Peter Chermayeff, is one of the largest worldwide. Besides showcasing strictly undersea marine life, it presents various species of birds, too. You will find a wide range in the sizes and types of all marine life housed or displayed here — including the clownfish and sea dragons.
Calouste Gulbenkian Museum of Art
Both the Eastern and Western worlds have produced and contributed the art one finds at this museum. Founded by an Armenian petroleum magnate who settled in Portugal, Calouste Gulbenkian, the museum at first housed only a small, private collection. Later, its holdings grew to include artworks and artifacts — some as old as 4,000 years — from various parts of the world. In merely one gallery, for example, one will find 11 Roman medallions; Turkish & Persian carpets from the 17thcentury; and tokens of Islamic art.
Travel to Lisbon: Torre de Belem
Also known as the Tower of St. Vincent, the Torre de Belem is one of the oldest of fortified towers in the country. It’s near the River Tagus, in the civil parish of Lisbon’s Santa Maria de Belem. Along with the nearby Jeronimos Monastery, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and definitely representative of the 16thcentury’s Age of Discovery. The fortress is big and more specifically represents so-called Manueline architecture from the era of King Manuel I. Basically, it was designed and built, and serves, as the ceremonial gateway to the Portuguese capital. Motifs abound about the building, which has a door to the king’s chamber.
Lisbon Walking Tour
If you want to explore the city, there is often no better option than a walking tour of Lisbon. Extremely knowledgeable local guides will be happy to connect you to the city riches in this manner. Tour guides can be found at the Luis de Camoes Square each day from 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Dine at Palacio Chiado
Having a nice dinner at a great restaurant is eminently doable in Lisbon. For one thing, standards of excellence are high. In addition, ambiance-wise, the establishments reflect the city’s wonderful tapestry of styles. It’s not hard to feel like royalty at some of these places, which feature double stairways, paintings and other visual blandishments. Meanwhile, there is a wide variety of cuisines of which to partake — including Portuguese, Italian, Mediterranean and Moroccan. Don’t forget to include in your meal a Pastel de Nata, the egg tart of Portugal that is one of the country’s signature dishes. It’s a crispy, buttery, memorable dessert that should not be missed.
Travel to Lisbon: Visitors Tips
Time Out Markets
Should you find dining out too expensive, Time Out Markets are a decent alternative. They offer a variety of food and drink throughout the day and affordable meals are not hard to obtain. A huge seating area welcomes you, giving you a wide berth to restore yourself.
Fado Musci
Fado is the traditional music of Portugal. Most likely you’ll catch wafting snippets of it as you walk by cafes or duck into restaurants.
Metro: Travel to Lisbon
The Lisbon Airport has a Metro (subway) station with a direct line to City Center. The Aeroporto Saldanha line takes you to downtown Lisbon in about 20 minutes. The Metro network is easy to use and is a quick and inexpensive way to get around. Each of Lisbon’s subway stations his its own theme and flavor. Trams are also a part of Lisbon’s public transport system and can be a great way to get from point A to point B with plenty of scenic opportunities. Tram #28 is popular with tourists as it goes pasts several of Lisbon’s top sights. But expect to wait. These trams are crowded during peak tourist times.
Money
As part of the EU Lisbon uses the euro, but the euros go a lot farther here than they do in other European capitals. Most businesses accept credit cards.
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