Visit Lisbon with Children
24.02.2010
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If you are planning to visit Lisbon with children the city has plenty of opportunities in and around to keeps kids entertained.
The Lisbon Zoo, located in Sete-Rios, invites you to spend an unforgettable day in the centre of Lisbon. For the price of a single ticket you can watch the Dolphin Bay, Rainbow Park, Reptile House, Children's Farm, Feeding of the Marine Lions and Birds and watch the Reptiles Presentation. The Lisbon Zoo has around 2000 animals waiting your visit, more than 300 different species and lots of fun.
In the centre of Lisbon you can find lots of other leisure equipments. In Belém is the Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium, where you can find regular astronomy sessions with especial sessions for children and in Eduardo VII Park, in Marques de Pombal square, is the Estufa Fria .
In Parque das Nações you can also find lots of family entertainment and attractions suitable for people of all ages. The Oceanarium, one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, where you can found more than 8 thousand animals and plants and the Pavilion of Knowledge, an interactive science and technology museum that encourages visitors to explore and experiment the physical world. The museum has over 300 interactive exhibits. If the weather do permit fun outdoors, the children can play in the gardens and fountains of Parque das Nações or have a ride in the Lisbon cable car.
Wondering where to stay with the children in the beautiful and sunny city of Lisbon? Take a look at our suggestions of accommodations in Lisbon centre and apartments in Lisbon, Parque das Nações!
Lisbon's funiculars - Gloria, Bica and Lavra
08.01.2010
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Three funicular railways - Gloria, Bica and Lavra - are fitted in convenient spots in Lisbon, taking you up to spectacular miradouros, or belvederes. All are operated by Carris, the city transport undertaking.
Gloria Funicular
The Gloria funicular was opened in 1885 and in February 2002 it was classified as a national monument. Located on the west side of the Avenida da Liberdade, in Restauradores square, just round the corner from the tourist office in Palácio Foz, the Gloria funicular connects Lisbon's downtown with the Bairro Alto.
It takes you right up to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, a wonderful look-out point with a shady statue-lined terrace and plenty of photo opportunities. Excellent views of the city and castle are to be had from the gardens.
Just across the road at Rua de S. Pedro de Alcântara, lies the Solar de Lisboa, a Port Wine Institute, where a vast range of port-wines may be tasted and purchased.
The ride in the Gloria funicular is short, but atmospheric.
Search for your apartment in Baixa (Lisbon's Downtown) or your self-catering accommodations in Bairro Alto.
Bica Funicular
The Bica funicular climbs the Rua da Bica for 245 metres from the Rua S. Paulo, near Santos, to the Calhariz district (Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto).
The lower station of this funicular is almost hidden behind a façade on the Rua de S. Paulo with the inscription "Ascensor da Bica". It was constructed by Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard and opened to the public in 1892.In 2002 it was designated a National Monument.
It's the most traditional one, especially in June, during the Santo António festivities were people dance in the streets, listen to Fado, eat grilled sardines and drink.
If you want to look for an accommodation in Santos or apartments in the Bica area please check Traveling to Lisbon's website.
Lavra Funicular
Inaugurated in 1884, the Lavra funicular was the first transportation of this typed to defy the gravity laws and to provide one of Lisbon's most steep areas, linking the Largo da Anunciada and the Travessa do Forno do Torel. It runs from the eastern side of the Avenida da Liberdade, near Restauradores Square, at a 25% gradient for 180 metres.
The Lavra funicular has the capacity for 22 people seating and 20 standing, and the journey takes about 2 minutes.
Search for your apartment in Lisbon historic centre.
Elevador de Santa Justa, Lisbon
11.12.2009
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The Elevador de Santa Justa is a lift in the city of Lisbon at Santa Justa Street. The only vertical lift in Lisbon is the work of Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, an apprentice of Gustave Eiffel. It was inaugurated in 1902 and serves to link downtown Lisbon with the Largo do Carmo.
The iron lift is 45 metres tall and is decorated in neogothic style, with a different pattern on each storey. The top storey is reached by helicoidal staircases and has a terrace that offers views of Lisbon Castle, the Tagus River, the Rossio Square and the Baixa neighbourhood. Inside the tower the elevator has two cabins and capacity for 45 persons in each cabin.
The Elevador de Santa Justa, also known as the "Elevator of Carmo," has become a tourist attraction in Lisbon as among the urban lifts in Lisbon, Santa Justa is the only vertical one. Others, including Elevador da Glória and Elevador da Lavra, are more like funiculars that help climb the slopes of Lisbon.
Lisbon Tram 28
26.11.2009
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The most unique way to explore Lisbon is by its yellow traditional trams. This method of public transport in Portugal has become one of the most appealing attractions in the city. The tram 28, considered a national treasure, takes you on a tour by a selection of old Lisbon's sights, past historic buildings and traditional housing. Inaugurated in 1914, between Largo Camões and Estrela, the tram 28 route has been successively extended over the years.
In fact, Tram 28 covers the most picturesque route in Lisbon. It runs from Largo Martim Moniz to Prazeres, via the Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, São Bento and Estrela.
Leaving Martim Moniz, the tram 28 continues through a labyrinth of narrow streets. Discover Mouraria and Alfama and while you are there, go and see the Miradouro da Graça which boasts fantastic views of the city. Continuing the route along Tram 28 will take you to the Royal Pantheon, São Vincente de Fora Church, one of the most imposing and notable religious monuments in the city, and the famous Feira da Ladra. It is held from Tuesday to Saturday and is one of the most popular in Lisbon. The Tram continues its route to Largo Portas do Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia with its traditional mosaic and the Sé Cathedral.
28 continues is route to Chiado quarter and Largo Luis de Camões until S. Bento. Running up Lisbon's hills, the tram 28 arrives to Estrela. Facing the gardens is the Basílica da Estrela, in late baroque and neo-classical style. Taking the streets Domingos Sequeira and Saraiva de Carvalho the tram finally arrives at Campo de Ourique right next to the final resting place of the famous, the Cemitério dos Prazeres (Prazeres Cemetery).
There are many choices amongst the 35 stops of tram 28 for places to get off and discover the Lisbon's heritage.
Lisbon Sightseeing circuits
13.11.2009
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If you want a sightseeing experience in Lisbon, check out the suggestions we have for you.
Tram and Bus Tours
Carristur offers a variety of circuits around the city.
Colinas Circuit
The Colinas tram, a typical form of transport in Lisbon, gives the tourist the opportunity to visit the city's finest old neighbourhoods and to see medieval Lisbon, with its narrow, winding streets and alleys that are constantly buzzing with life.
Departure Point - Praça do Comércio; Duration - 1 hour and 20 minutes
Olisipo Circuit
This is the alternative circuit par excellence, which highlights one of the city's most striking characteristics: its contrasts. The aim is to show what there is beyond the main tourist attractions. The Olisipo (Lisbon) Tour provides a global idea of how the city has developed over time and how it is enjoyed by its inhabitants.
Departure Point - Praça da Figueira; Duration - 1 hour and 45 minutes
Tejo Circuit
This is a historical circuit which offers the tourist the opportunity to view the areas of Lisbon in which most of its monuments may be found, such as the crown jewels of Portuguese architecture, the main squares and the city's most important museums. The tourist may get on or off at any of the stops in order to visit places of interest.
Departure Point - Praça da Figueira; Duration - 1 hour and 45 minutes
Yellow City Cruise
Get to know Lisbon from two original perspectives. Let yourself to be swayed by the waves of tranquility of the Tagus river aboard the cruise ship operated by Lisboa Vista do Tejo. Then take the Tagus Tour and admire Lisbon at 4 - meter height.
Departures - Cais do Sodré and Torre de Belém; Duration - 1 hour and 30 minutes
For more informations about the following circuits visit the Carristur website.
Boat Tours
Transtejo offers a variety of boat tours, including two-hour tours of the River Tagus, from the docks east of Praça do Comércio and travelling as far west as the Belém Tower. Tours depart from the Terreiro do Paço river station, from April to October.
For more information about Boat tours in Tagus River visit the Transtejo Website.
See in Traveling to Lisbon's website informations about guided tours in Lisbon and other services.
