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About Lisbon
What can one say about Lisbon that is not an understatement? Perhaps one can start by speaking of its light… a golden light that each day, whether Summer or Winter sprays its tones over the white city buildings, or plunges into the dark blue of the Tagus river. Another possibility is to refer to its seven hills, amongst which we stroll along the narrow streets discovering the secrets of this ancient town lying along the waters that once allowed the Portuguese people to dream further and sail away in a quest for new worlds… Better yet is to talk about its continuing renewal, ever since it was first destroyed by the earthquake in 1755, and it's rebuilding afterwards, Lisbon never stopped to evolve and permanently adapt until becoming into a modern town of the 21st century and yet keeping its small and cosy atmosphere of the past.
In order for you to taste a little bit of the above we suggest taking one of the most ancient means of transportation in Lisbon, the tram, and discover the town for yourself... Let the sun bathe you through the big windows of this vehicle which will take you to the castle hill and enjoy one of the most beautiful views over Lisbon. If this does not catch your attention just walk along the river side for a while, preferably by sun set and then try to get to Belém, the ancient quarter from where the ancient sailors sailed away, where you can experience the harmonically inhabitancy between the future and the past, just looking at two masterpieces of modern and ancient architecture; Belém Cultural Centre and Jerónimos Monastery. If you still are not convinced… just take a walk to the city centre and let yourself go… discover the lifts, the tiles, the balconies, the colours, the light, the people...
What can one say about Lisbon that is not an understatement? Come and tell us...
Lisbon - How to Get There?
Lisbon is the main city of Portugal, situated right in the centre of the country in the northern margin of the river Tagus. Its International airport is at 15 minutes from the city centre and from all the main hotels.
The most important European Airlines, as well as some North America Airlines, operate direct daily flights to Lisbon, from the most important European Capitals and North America.
For delegates making intercontinental flights, the best connecting hubs in Europe are Amsterdam, Munich, Zurich, Frankfurt, Paris, Brussels, Madrid or London.
Once landed at Lisbon's Airport, a scheduled bus is operating regular transfers between the Airport and the city centre. Catching a taxi is easy and from Lisbon's airport to the city centre it will cost approximately € 10.
HOTELS
Download the hotels list
| Category |
Hotel |
Single/Double rates |
| 5***** |
Pestana Palace |
from € 240 to € 260 |
| 5***** |
Corinthia Lisboa |
from € 170 to € 190 |
| 5***** |
Sheraton Lisboa |
from € 160 to € 180 |
| 5***** |
Dom Pedro Lisboa |
from € 150 to € 160 |
| 5***** |
Tivoli Lisboa |
from € 145 to € 155 |
| 5***** |
Vip Grand Lisboa |
from € 115 to € 130 |
| 4**** |
Marriott |
from € 120 to € 130 |
| 4**** |
Sofitel |
from € 170 to € 185 |
| 4**** |
Vila Gale Opera |
from € 170 to € 170 |
| 4***** |
Aviz |
from € 130 to € 155 |
| 4**** |
Marquês de Pombal |
from € 130 to € 140 |
| 4**** |
Sana Lisboa Park |
from € 125 to € 135 |
| 4**** |
Tivoli Jardim |
from € 125 to € 130 |
| 4**** |
Sana Malhoa |
from € 120 to € 125 |
| 4**** |
Açores Lisboa |
from € 100 to € 110 |
| 3*** |
Dom Carlos Liberty |
from € 105 to € 120 |
| 3*** |
Dom Carlos Park |
from € 105 to € 120 |
| 3*** |
Sana Capitol |
from € 105 to € 110 |
| 3*** |
Fenix Garden |
from € 95 to € 105 |
Passport and VISAS
A valid passport (or identity card for European Community nationals) is required.
Visas are not necessary for citizens of EU countries. Please contact your local Portuguese Embassy, Consulate or your Travel Agency for further information.
Language
The official language is Portuguese. English is widely spoken.
Local Time
Mainland Portugal is 1 hour behind European Standard Time [GMT]
Currency
As a member of the European Monetary System the € [Euro] is the Portuguese monetary unit.
At present, the bills in circulation are:
€ 5,00; € 10,00; € 20,00; € 50,00; € 100,00; € 200,00 and € 500,00.
The coins are as follows:
€ 0,01 cent; € 0,02 cents; € 0,05 cents; € 0,10 cents; € 0,20 cents; € 0,50 cents; € 1,00 and € 2,00.
Tipping
Tipping is optional, but normally 10% is customary in taxis, restaurants and bars.
Exchange
Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, shops and restaurants. Traveller's cheques and currency can be changed at hotels or at a bank - these are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 15:00. Automatic changing and cash dispensing machines linked to international networks are also widely available.
Post and Telecommunications
Automatic direct dial telephone service is available to and from most countries in the world.
Public phones accept either a pre-paid card, or coins (see signs on the booth).
Credit systems such as AT&T are also available. Post offices are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00.
Medical Care
Clinics and hospitals provide round the clock emergency service. The national emergency phone number is 112.
Electrical Current
European type 2 pin sockets with 220 volts AC at 50 cycles are used. The phase 380 volt current is normally available in meeting and exhibition rooms.
Shops
Shops are open from 09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday, and 09:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays.
In major town centres and in most shopping malls, shops stay open during lunch hours, and close later at night, including weekends.
Main Shopping Areas (Lisbon Center)
The Pombaline section at downtown, bordered by the magnificent Praça do Comercio, facing the river Tagus, the Rua do Ouro, Rua Augusta and Rua da Prata finishing at Rossio Square, Avenida da Liberdade, and the Chiado leading to Bairro Alto.
Some of the main Shopping Centres are Colombo (one of the biggest in Europe), Vasco da Gama, Amoreiras, El Corte Ingles.
Sales TAX
Sales TAX (VAT) is included in prices quoted. For non E.C. residents, tax free shopping schemes are available in many shops, which give substantial savings to visitors.
Driving
Vehicles drive on the right side of the road. The use of safety belts is compulsory, and children under 12 must ride in the back seats.
Portugal has actually a large freeway network crossing the whole country from the North to the South in Algarve, and from the Oceanfront to the border with Spain.
Valid driving licenses from EC countries, the EUA, Canada and other major countries are acceptable for use in Portugal up to 6 months stay.
Public Transportation
There is a wide inexpensive network in all towns and cities. In Lisboa, city of the seven hills, you can choose between bus, underground metro, elevators, and electric trams, within the city or to the suburbs. Trains and express bus service also links the main towns of the country.
Meals
Breakfast is normally served between 07:30 and 10:00, lunch from 12:30 to 15:00 and dinner from 19:30 to 22:00.
Dining
There are a wide variety of restaurants and cafes in Lisboa ranging through the elegant and sophisticated to the casual and inexpensive. Take-away and fast food is also available from many outlets.
Restaurants, bars, some with living shows and discos along the river Tagus, at Rocha Pier and at the Expo 98 site, become very popular, especially at weekend nights.
Entertainment
Lisboa has a variety of theatres and venues catering for most tastes.
Opera, ballet, plays, concerts, etc, take place on a regular basis all year round. Portuguese Fado and Folklore shows are popular, and an international show at Casino Estoril, with glittering cabaret complements the many discos and other nightspots.
Recreation
Excellent golf courses, tennis and squash courts, water sports and horse riding tempt the energetic delegates. The more relaxed might choose from many noteworthy museums and monuments, sunny beaches and interesting cities to explore.
Religious Services
Portugal is predominantly Catholic, but a wide number of other faiths (Protestant, Christian, Moslem, Jewish and Hindu, among others) are also followed.
Please inquire at hotel reception for times and places of services.
Climate
The climate in Lisboa is temperate, offering the best of both Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea breezes all year round.
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