Our plan today was to “do” Lisbon so after breakfast caught the local bus into the city – a very reasonable €1.80 each for a 45 minute ride through the suburbs, which unfortunately are not it’s best feature! However we were dropped off in Placa de Figueiro, one of the large central squares and where all the touristy bits are centred.
Checking out the sight-seeing buses, the Yellow Buses seemed to offer a good deal – three hop on hop off bus routes, a tram route and free use of all the city transport facilities (except the Metro which was of no use to us anyway) valid for 48 hours at €25 each. So we invested €50 and it turned out to be one of the best deals we've bought this trip.
The first was a tour of the older, historical parts of Lisbon with an excellent commentary. There is history around every corner, tainted by the earthquake of 1755 which destroyed most of Lisbon and caused it to rebuilt much as we see it today. However time has not been kind to many of the less well known buildings and even in the main squares there is a need for much renovation – something we have experienced before in Portugal, unlike Spain where much is spent making and keeping their towns and cities attractive.
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| Edward VII Gardens |
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| Beer Museum - full of Spurs supporters! |
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| Placa de Figueiro |
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| St Georges Castle |
On our return we sought out lunch at one of the dozens of street cafes before heading to Praca Commercialidade to catch the tram. We noticed a lot of English football supporters, well you couldn't actually miss them......! Seems Spurs were playing Benfica in the European Cup tonight.
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| Local transport! |
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| Placa Commercialadade |
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| Placa Commercialadade |
Lisbon still maintains an extensive network of trams, both modern and the ancient “elektricos” which ply the narrower streets. This tour is called “The Hills of Lisbon” and took us on a ride in one of the old classic tramcars – still in original condition although some modern safety features have been added – through the old hilly parts where a bus would be impossible and even cars face difficulties. It’s a driver’s nightmare! Once again we saw much history, often catching us by surprise and gone before we even had time to take a photo.
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| Cathedral or "Se" |
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| Se |
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| Town Hall - Liberty Square |
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| Classic Lisbon tram |
Once dropped off, we made our way back to the bus stop but couldn't find it – until a stallholder told us we were in the wrong square. Well there are so many of them! It was dark by the time we were back to the van and we were exhausted, so a light tea, a DVD then bed.
We’re going back tomorrow.
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