Signposting in Lisbon, like in the rest of Portugal, is a bit
slapdash. The best way to find where you’re going is to already know
the way. Luckily, Lisbon is small enough for it not to matter if you
get lost. A good map and a keen eye for street names and you will be
fine.
The city centre of Lisbon sits on two hills and a valley that runs
down to the Tagus (Tejo) estuary. The north eastern side is the ancient
part of the city that survived the 1755 earthquake, made up of alleys
and stairways winding up and around the cathedral and the castle. The
south western side is Chiado and Bairro Alto, where most of the city
centre shopping and nightlife happens. Between the two is the Baixa
(downtown) which is a good place to fix your bearings and to begin to
discover Lisbon. From the top of each hill there are spectacular views
of the whole city centre.
In central Lisbon, many people understand or speak English or French. You can usually be understood.
Getting Around
Public transport in central Lisbon is fairly modern, cheap and
fast. There is an underground metro, many buses, a tram system still
using early 20th century trams as well as modern ones and, of course,
taxis. Overland trains will take you out of the city.
The best way to pay for your public transport is with a green Viva
Viagem card. These can be bought in the metro at the bilheteira
(ticket office) and charged up with up to 10 journeys or €15, and are
rechargeable. They can be used on the metro, trams and most buses.
The main city centre is certainly small enough to walk, though,
covering an area of only about 10 square kilometres. Be aware that it
is VERY hilly and the pavements, although beautifully restored in
places, can have stones missing and be very slippery because they are
quite shiny. Sensible shoes are a must.
The two furthest extremities of Lisbon that you are likely to see,
Belém and Parque das Nações, to the west and north respectively, are
both easy to reach via public transport.
Do be careful when you’re
on foot with cars and buses. Portuguese driving leaves a lot to be
desired; it’s fast and haphazard. Never cross a pedestrian crossing
without being certain that the traffic has stopped and also be aware
that there are some pedestrian crossings showing green lights just
after traffic lights allowing traffic through.
Useful links:
The Metro: www.metrolisboa.pt/Default.aspx?alias=www.metrolisboa.pt/eng
Buses and Trams: www.carris.pt/en/highlights/
Lisbon Tourist Board: www.atl-turismolisboa.pt/