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Previous issues for Lisbon

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Portugal : Lisbon - January 2009

Country Code: Dial 1 for Portugal

Despite the winter chill – and even the odd spot of rain – Lisbon’s New Year celebrations continue into January with the city’s innovative Luzboa festival (on until 11 January), a series of unusual outdoor installations that combine contemporary art, light and technology. The initiative complements the Portuguese capital’s many historic monuments and cultural landmarks. Paul Bernhardt is suitably impressed

Getting around

Lisbon Airport

Bus: The Aerobus leaves every 20 minutes from 7.40am to 11pm and goes to the city centre, finishing at Cais do Sodré. Tickets cost €3 and can be bought onboard.
Taxi: It’s about a 20 minute taxi ride to the city centre. The fare costs approximately €15, with an extra charge for luggage in the boot. Prices increase by 20% at night and on weekends and bank holidays.
Tourist information: The Lisboa Welcome Centre is located at Praça do Comércio, on the corner of Rua do Arsenal (tel. , www.atl-turismolisboa.pt).

RATO

The delightfully named Rato (mouse) district comprises leafy, pocket-sized squares and hushed back streets that surround a busy, animated hub.

Shop til you drop – Charcutaria Brasil (90 Rua Alexandre Herculano) overflows with traditional Portuguese produce such as cheeses, succulent cold meats and sweet, fruity jams.

Culture vultures – The award-winning Museu da Água (10 Praça das Amoreiras) incorporates an amazing 19th-century cistern room and a roof terrace with wonderful city views.

Sleep soundly – Many rooms at the quiet three-star Amazónia Lisboa Hotel have their own balcony.

Must eat – Starters at gourmet hot spot Casa da Comida (1 Travessa das Amoreiras, tel. ) include sautéed scallops with an aromatic white truffle olive oil. Reservations essential.

PRAÇA DO COMÉRCIO

A concourse fringed by noble arcades and overlooked by the Arco da Victória, this is the city’s historic meeting point.

Culture vultures – Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço, is the venue for the city’s Luzboa Festival, a series of illuminated contemporary art installations centred around a giant laser harp. This highly unusual event continues until the middle of January.

Sleep soundly – A stylish gem, the new Vincci Baixa epitomises contemporary chic and has a superb location.

Must eat – Vitor Sobral, one of Portugal’s most accomplished chefs, directs the kitchen at Terreiro do Paço (Praça do Comércio, Lisbon Welcome Centre, tel. ), where the menu reflects Portugal’s rich gastronomic tradition.

Shop til you drop – The tins of tuna and sardines in colourful retro wrapping on sale at Conserveira de Lisboa (34 Rua dos Bacalhoeiros) make for quirky souvenirs.

Must drink – Sample red and white wines from around the country for free at Sala Ogival da Vini Portugal (Praça do Comércio).

PRÍNCIPE REAL

This handsome and gentrified quarter still has a whiff of antiquity about it.

Must drink – The cocktails go down a treat at late-night music bar Ogâmico (2a Rua Ruben António Leitão).

Must eat – Order tasty bife com queijo da serra (steak with melted cheese) at the convivial Real Fábrica (275 Rua Escola Politécnica, tel. ).

Sleep soundly – The beautiful Casa de São Mamede dates from the 18th century and maintains all the charm of a family home.

Shop til you drop – Over 300 different wines are available at specialist outlet Garrafeira Internacional (15-17 Rua da Escola Politécnica).

PARQUE DAS NAÇÕES

Progressive, cutting-edge and totally 21st century, the absorbing ‘Nation’s Park’ district is a city within a city.

Sleep soundly – The modern Hotel Olissippo Oriente has some eye-catching interior design.

Culture vultures – Kids will love the interactive science displays at the Ciência Viva exhibition (Pavilhão do Conhecimento, Alameda dos Oceanos).

Must eat – Dress up and savour the sophisticated dishes at Pragma (Casino Lisboa, Alameda dos Oceanos, tel. ). Then try your luck in the casino.

Dance the night away – For salsa and African rhythms, head for trendy Barrio Latino (31 Rua da Pimenta).

Shop til you drop – The Vasco da Gama shopping mall (Avenida Dom João II) has a multiplex cinema, food court and hypermarket.

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