New Year's day in Lisbon. Pleasant trip in Portugal

Organization
As always on the internet. We used a promotion on lastminute.it: zero commission agency purchases flight + hotel. So we paid a package that we built 460 all inclusive. Or: TAP flight Rome - Lisbon direct (starting December 31 return January 5) and 5 nights at the Holiday Inn in Lisbon. Not bad to say, considering the period.
Only out of place were the commissions of 5 euros that Lastminute has applied for the dispatch of an electronic ticket? Unbelievable but true, there is always a rich alone somewhere. I protested of course, but nothing, they pretend not to!

Hotel
Well done. The room was located at the floor (10). It was a real apartment with a mini fridge (fee) and a kettle for tea or coffee (free). Then TV and adjustable heating. All very beautiful. The breakfast was not included but was not really a problem. The hotel was located about 500 meters away from the Alameda stop, Green Line subway. Unfortunately, all downhill! Then return to rich traipsing down in the mountains! There was no other alternative means (tram or bus) passing near the hotel and then that was the true and only alternative. With 5 stops was in the center, you put 10-15 minutes at most.

Transportation
Very efficient, as in all European capitals, Rome, except of course! There are 4 metro lines, trams and buses from 5.30 to 2.00 frequently pass for all the most important areas of Lisbon. We have purchased a subscription to all media for 5 days and we paid (I think) 16 euros. Same for the subway, tram (of any type except "tourist"), buses and funicular railways. It is charged in addition to other euro 0.50 tessa is because the date with the famous "/ Colinas" card or a reloadable. If the stored and returned to Lisbon, just present the card and charge or tickets or a new subscription.
A note on: Failed to make the Portuguese media! Indeed, there is a barrier to entry which is at the Metro, which opens only with the passage of your card or ticket. The driver is the driver who also acts as a controller and then is truly impossible not to pay. Some local kid is smart with the trams that climb the hills, putting on the running board outside. I if I were you I would not ... the changes are such that you will find yourself at the ground after 2 curves!
For the record the single ticket for a ride on the media costs 0.75 euro (of course we have taken the increase seen that up to December 31 was 0.70!)

The city and its neighborhoods
Lisbon is not just a city, most would say a small town. It 'very small and easily visited within 2 maximum 3 days. The most interesting are: Baixa (the central area which extends down to the Praca do Commercio, the largest square in the city), the area of Castello de S. Jorge areas with dell'Alfama and Graca, and then the famous Bairro Alto (high neighborhood). Once shot the rest of these posts is to increase your knowledge but the sightseeing is virtually complete. Turn is pretty hard without the use of means of transport: Lisbon is a whole ups and especially the area of the castle and Bairro Alto are really hard to reach on foot.
You can not go away (like advertising for most of Tourist Guides) without having to make a tour by tram 28. Cut in two the city and makes a beautiful ride all the districts mentioned. A tip: take the line otherwise you are standing around, sballottolati as in a washing machine! You can take the bus near the metro station Martim Moniz.

Taxi
They are a good alternative to get around. If you find everywhere (all Mercedes-old ten years at least) and are very cheap (at least compared to Rome). A run from the airport cost us less than 7 euros with the extra baggage included! If used for travel in the city, not spend more than 5 euros. You read a lot of bad faith on the taxi and prices "inflated" for tourists. We have not had this problem but it is always better to check, once gone, that the gentleman driving the light meter. If it does not, ask and everything will be resolved. Outside Lisbon, the situation changes: many taxis do not have the meter in your car and then it always treat the fare before you travel.

Airport
It is located fairly close to the city, about ten kilometers. If you arrive in the evening (as we who are landed around 21.45) will not have other alternative to go to that city by taxi. There is a bus service called the "Shuttle" but the last race is at 21.00. Moreover, the price of the Shuttle is 3 euros per person and made the accounts is the best taxi! Then there are the bus routes that lead from the various areas of the city. It certainly saves but you are forced to travel with suitcases with him and dozens of people who may inferocite are returning from work ...
There is also a voucher to take the taxi to the airport you can buy a taxi at a "political", regardless of destination. I think costs 15 euros for taxi and made it accounts not in the most absolute. In any case, for the avoidance of doubt, when we arrived at the airport, this service was closed ....
Last words: do not buy anything at the airport! The prices are really high (some things cost more than triple that in the city) even higher than the store inside the Holiday Inn to stay. Then you remember or gifts before or left to lose ...!

Brutti Meeting
People are pretty quiet, though very private. Almost nobody knows English and then speaking becomes difficult. But the language, despite being light years from the Spanish, it is understandable if the plan is spoken, many words are similar. So it is easier to understand and speak in Italian rather than English. If volevete make figuran bring a small vocabulary of Portuguese and that's it.
We shot at various times of day or night and in all neighborhoods. There are little areas recommended even during the day as the area between the station of Rossio and Praca de Figueira. There are so many people drunk or misfit who demand money in a more or less insistent. The area of Bairro Alto, we found quite peaceful and full of dark alleys not exactly reassuring in the small hours. The area of Baixa is the one that left me more confused: it is a maze of streets and shops last cry and very busy and well lit. Despite this several times I have approached guys who tried to sell me all sorts of drugs, even in quite insistent.

Stores and Portuguese movida "
We arrived 31 pm and 2 until almost all the shops and most restaurants were closed for holiday. Compared to Spain do not have the slightest sense of business, whereas there were in the streets of Lisbon thousands of tourists willing to squander its capital purchase senseless. Instead, nothing. The nightlife also settled in this guide is practically concentrated in the area of Bairro Alto.

 

December 31
We arrived at the hotel next to the almost midnight. Have been 22.30, and we asked the lady at the reception where you can celebrate the transition to the new year. If there was a party to the streets or something. We reported 3 possibilities: fireworks at Cais do Sodré, party to the Praca do Comercio, or the new district of Expo.
We asked for a suggestion in view of his young age and she had no doubts: Praca do Comercio. We ran to the subway and we are down to Baixo - Chiado along with a crowd of tourists and locals. All towards the square that although it was great overflowing of people. We were impressed especially the Christmas tree that was constructed on the square: the highest in Europe (80m) obviously fake but illuminated the large (could be seen clearly even when we were landing the plane). Even a big stage with music business. We cut a living space in order to stay knock the crowd. Mancava quarter of an hour to the fateful midnight and then we have not had to wait a lot. X start at the fireworks and lots of champagne corks (but no one ventures to light a firework, none of the stars or a Roman candle!). The fireworks last for about half an hour at the end and great applause from the thousands of people in the square. And then? The general fled to escape the subway who had the last race scheduled at 01.00! Thus we are directed to the station and the square within minutes it was emptied. Even on the streets of Baixa, the situation was an almost unreal silence and only the crowd in the metro wagons has reminded us that it was New Year!
For the record we were not able to eat anything, but no ill will but because there was nothing open! Not even a kiosk, even a small bar, NOTHING! Truly incredible!

January 1
If 31 we could not eat anything the first day of 2007 was equally difficult. The restaurants of every type and price were all closed and there were open at the tip of the fingers of one hand. We capitati in the area of Baixa de Rua in Correeiros 132 in a place indicated by Lonely placet. It's called Adega Regional da Beira. A true trappolone for tourists where we ate badly and spent 30 euros in 2nd They have many dishes are cooked but really bad. Prices are competitive but also enriched by a series of hidden costs (see the chapter "starters") that can drive the price out of any reasonable level. For the record, we took the infamous pork with clams and a vinho verde (young) tremendous. There was so much food that the stomach in the evening we ate really a sandwich before going to bed.

Food
Almost all places sell the cod, the Portuguese national dish. There are many types of restaurants, all very dirty and with few seats. So regolat the time where we go. Own local ones, do not have the menu in another language other than Portuguese premunitevi then with a little guidance. Almost no one, particularly outside Circuit Turisitiche, accepts credit card, then bring the cash.
As for the prices I have to say that they are very low compared to Rome. A plate of fish with vegetables cost between 6 and 9 euro as a meat. Salt if you want something very special or expensive as lobster (between 70 and 100 euros per kilo), Atlantic crab (20-25 euro per kilo) and other delicacies. For example in many places are sold plates of raw seafood for two people is enormous and there is everything but the price is obviously propozionato since it takes about 70 euros to buy it. Always considered the house wine that costs a price between 3 and 7-8 and in many cases is served in a bottle! The wine is the real surprise, costs little and is in many cases very good. The beer is not drunk at the table but especially in the bars outside meals. A small cost 1.5 euros and a maximum 2.5 pint classic euro. I have drunk several times in their warmest of the day.
Appetizers
Here is the only organized by the Portuguese national restaurateurs. Anywhere you go to eat, you will find a table filled with small appetizers that diligent waiter will bring you to your table in about 4 seconds net. Obviously have a cost and relatively salty compared to the cost of individual courses. You can easily get a 10 euro a head, I warn you first! But the funny thing (or frustrating depending on the point of view) that is sent back over these cute bocconcini more will arrive there or if you say to the waiter that you do not want pesticide you will find, as if by magic, the bill with a series of strange words covered by the bread and so on. In other words, you pay something, however, there is also not to eat anything that will take you. Also because this is the second technique used: 200 saucers bring voio say they do not want and the waiter with an innocent air like "Heidi" tells you they do not eat them paid, and adds a "course"! E 'COME GIUDA FALSE! However, bread, butter and some other nice thing is useless slipped into your account! E 'torture, real indecency. But the struggle is endless and the end, exhausted, you pay!

Climate
Perfect for a winter trip. The evening never below 10 degrees and the day often over 16! The only nuisance is that the fog especially in the area of Baixa and the bridge on 25 April raging for several hours in the day. E 'a dense fog that prevents you can fully enjoy the splendid scenery of the surrounding areas of Lisbon. Within 5 days it has never rained at night the humidity is such that the morning always seems that the night we had a deluge .... It's all wet and soaked with water.

Trips out of town - Cascais
Cie the opportunity to make several trips out of Lisbon, or just a few minutes by tram or bus to discover the true beauty of Portugal and leave the chaos of central Lisbon. The first advice is that there Cascais, is approximately half an hour by train from the station of Cais do Sodré. The ticket costs 1,60 euro and trains passing frequently (every 20 minutes and up to 2 am). The train also passes in Estoril for those wishing to make a puntatine Casino. Cascais is a small seaside village, which seems to be very crowded during the summer months. The center is very nice, with many shops and a beautiful pedestrian area and a very nice marina. There is a large fish market is under cover but open only in the morning (from 6) and a nice walk to the Citadel, the ancient residence of the King now a military barracks, unfortunately not open. There are also beautiful gardens, where peacocks and driven mad by many birds and animals of every kind (including some great rabbits). The park is of course full of children and mothers.
There are many places to eat in winter might very well as an offer oversized compared to people present. There is also a very modern shopping center full of young people busy shopping today. The beaches are not very large and do not seem to be a big thing but if you want to make a trip to admire the country and have a beer on the banks of the port in my opinion is worth.

Trips out of town - Belem
This is a historical area of Lisbon. Vasco de Gama departed from this place for its journey to the discovery of the Indies. There is a fantastic cathedral (Mystery dos Jeronimos) built on the spot where De Gama and his officers went to pray last night before he set sail for the long journey. For this the King Dom Manuel I ordered the construction of the cathedral and on their return to the area called Belem, Portugal Jerusalem.
Bellissima anche la Torre sighting which is located directly opposite the cathedral (Tower of Belem) enjoyable even outside without having to enter. To go to Belem I recommend the tram nr. 15 beginning at Praca de Figueira and stops at the cathedral. Close to tram stop (Rua de Belem 84) offers a coffee bar which is called Pastéis de Belém. E 'was founded in 1837 and famous namesakes of the cakes (which you'll find in all the bars and all the pastry and I think Lisbon Portugal) Pastéis de Belém. Are pastries filled with cream with cinnamon and sugar. The hall of this room is decorated (as many historical buildings Portuguese) with blue majolica.

Trips out of town - Expo 98
This is not about a real trip out of Lisbon Expo but in my opinion should be visited. To get there with the red Liena metro, alight at East. E 'by a very beautiful architectural style, with lots of green and beside the mouth of the River Tagus. There is a huge shopping mall which is called Vasco de Gama (strange!). If you cross the mall at the back, about 30 meters, you will find a small wooden building to buy tickets and get info sull'Expo. For 16 euros you can buy a voucher which enables you to do the full tour or to visit the Oceanario (it is an aquarium with a tank of 5 million liters of water), take a trip on the Cable (a sort of crossing ovovia throughout the Expo. E 'long over 1 km and a high vetina meters. You can admire from all over the Expo and the Vasco de Gama bridge, along the beautiful 17-km! crossing the mouth of the Tagus ), visit the Pavillhao do conhecimento (Pavilion of Knowledge, where you can personally experience many scientific experiments, make a test with people with whom you travel to determine if they are more intelligent women or men!) and then a ride on the train that goes through the park once every hour. If you have children you can not escape if you are adults only then do you. We have so much fun and we spent half a day and relax in the open air.

Trips outside the city - Cristo Rei
From anywhere you are in Lisbon you can not see the Cristo Rei, the statue of Christ built by the wives of the Portuguese in 1959 as a thanksgiving for the fact that the country and, therefore, their husbands, had been spared from the Second World War. This is a mini version of the Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. However, the statue including the base is over 130 meters high and is located just above the bridge April 25. To reach the monument should go to Cais do Sodré and take the boat across the Tagus. The ticket costs 0.74 euro and the races are very frequent (every 15 minutes even during peak hours and up to 2 at night) and last up to 10 minutes. Take the line that goes to Cacilhas. Once dropped in this little port you have to go on the bus yard on your left and find the line 101. Scrambles for Peasino and then towards the Cristo Rei, terminus of the race (you can not go wrong). Tickets cost 1:02 euros one way and you buy directly from the driver. We as usual we did a half way on foot through the indications of a "friendly" Portuguese woman who has shown the way on foot to reach the monument ... exhausted after an hour's walk up the trail we had more or less 1 / 3 street ... when luck has gone for the bus that took the fly!
The view that you can enjoy dall'altura is beautiful: the beautiful bridge of April 25 passes just below and in front of you the whole view of Lisbon. E 'a trip not to miss their own. If you want you can go with a lift to the top of Cristo Rei. Costs 3.5 euros, but we do not it's worth considering that the base already is in high compared to the view that one is facing. Behind the monument is a square with a small souvenir shop and a bar. For those who want Cacilhas at the port has numerous fish restaurants at prices lower than in Lisbon.

Trips out of town - Costa Caparica
It 'a beautiful beach over 8 km long which is located in front of the Atlantic. It 'a wonderful place to spend a day, especially for those who love the surf or just for a wonderful walk along the beach. Achieve it is not easy. You should always take the ferry to Cacilhas and then take bus nr. 135 will take you to Costa Caparica (final stop). The ticket, one way is 2.5 euro. It takes about 30-40 minutes depending on traffic. If you can not get off the bus to stop before but since it is located much closer to the sea which is not the last.
The small town is nice (but not characteristic of Cascais) and full of small shops and local food. For lovers of football advice a visit to a small shop which is called "Futbol Shop" and is located in the pedestrian zone. A visit is only necessary for me to see the commemorative scarves of Miccoli and Rui Costa, or those with sfottò between benefits and Porto.
Arrived at the sea the show mozza breath. Despite the good time and the absence of wind waves were long about 3-4 meters high with many children who armed with table and silent against the cold enjoyed a ride. From the beach there is a train that runs all the 8 km beach, stopping every so many close to places of refreshment or small plants. Unfortunately, this train does not operate in winter. We have eaten in large outdoor bar enjoying the show and the sun.
Only one thing: take care for the ending because the return on the 15 bus goes once every hour to return to Cacilhas.
Restaurants to be reported
In particular I would like to point out two places where we ate and we were good. The first is in Macero Velho Rua da Maddalena 117 (in the area between the Baixa and Castelo). Kitchen few dishes, but very good with ample portions. We have taken in two different nights salmon, cod, grilled octopus and the tail of toad. All very good with a good house wine. We spent two 25-26 euro also notorious eating appetizers and taking the fruit. Two observations: the area is small and the service impeccable owner really well with the menu in Italian. The second: When you order the fruit will be served peeled and prepared by a diligent owner but be prepared to serve vedervela unit .... Or if you ordered the pineapple all husked the pineapple!

The second restaurant is Quebra Mar, located in Avenida da Libertad, in the face all'Hard Rock Café. To get there take the metro and get off at Restauradores and do a piece on foot towards the Praca Marques de Plombal. It 'a very busy but with a phenomenal fish. Many local authorities are in the restaurant (good sign!) And you can not help but to try the house specialties that have lobster and crab. We have taken the granchione (1.3 kg!) That is served with two hammers to crack the claws! Then two potato soup and rice to lobster fishermen. All with a nice bottle of white wine and two coffee: 63 euros for two! PS This also includes appetizers of 3.6 euro ever eaten of course!

Chestnut Sellers
In the squares of Lisbon but also in small villages outside all you see so many getting up in the sky of huge columns of white smoke. Do not worry is not going to fire something ... the sellers of roast chestnuts! That with a small brazier cooked chestnuts. Towards the end of cooking inside the pot bring handfuls of sea salt (because of the dense white smoke) so that the chestnut is put on a black and white color is peeling better. A bag of chestnuts (about 12 pieces) costs two euros. Try!

Try the Port
A tip: if you want to try the Port, a famous Portuguese wine, you can not help but go to the Solar do Vinho do Porto in Rua de Sao Pedro de Alcantara 45. You can taste over 200 types of port from red to white stemming from 40 years to just sit comfortably on distillate armchairs and sofas in a truly relaxing and enjoyable. The prices are affordable for everyone: from 1 euro to 35 euro a glass (all clearly marked) and if you want you can also buy bottles of Porto up to 200 euros. The waiters will be happy to give you advice and guidance. You can also taste sweet and small take the drinks for those who do not drink wine.
To purchase the Port if you do not have special needs in supermarkets go otherwise there are dozens of wineries scattered everywhere. But be careful because the Port is expensive and a good bottle to pay 20-30 euros. There are also bottles that come to cost 2000 euros! But they are closed under lock and key!

Conclusions
Lisbon deserves a visit but is not a city that leaves its mark, at least we did not do so. We shot all over Europe and I personally did not own the Portuguese capital. It is not very appealing, is not clean and people say it is "strange". It takes a few days to appreciate it, to dive in slow rhythms of the Portuguese and their mentality of "we calmly" (everything takes time!) But if we decide to make a few trips outside the center here is that Portugal is published outside the great ... the people and attitude change radically the landscape changes quickly showing the wonders of this fascinating land that bewitches visitors with its color and its flavor.