Page 163 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Lisbon
P. 163

TR A VEL  INFORM A TION      161


       marked Paragem, where details
       of the specific route are shown.
       The final destina tion is shown
       on the front of the bus, along
       with its number. Paper tickets
       can be bought on boarding.
       If using a pre-paid smart card,
       remember to validate it by
       passing it over the electronic
       scanner machine by the driver.
       Buses, trams and funiculars use
       the same paper tickets.
         A convenient way of getting
       between museums and other
       popular sights is to hop on
       and off a tour bus. Carristur    Lisbon’s Elevador da Glória ascending to Bairro Alto
       (see Directory, p165) runs two
       excellent routes – the Tagus   voyages of discovery departed,   bus or tram. Most taxis are now
       Tour, which takes in Belém, and   and monuments in tribute to   reverting to the older black and
       the Olisip Tour, which passes by   intrepid navigators abound.  green, but some beige cabs are
       Lisbon’s principal musems and     Walking tours, such as the    still in existence. All are
       visits Parque das Nações. Your   day trips organized by Inside   metered, although costs
       ticket is valid for the whole day.  Tours (www.insidelisbon.com)   depend on the time of day.
                           and Lisbon Walker (www.    Taxis have their “TAXI” signs
                           lisbonwalker.com), are a great   switched on when they are not
                           way to get to know the city   available. Green lights indicate
                           more intimately. Many tours    that the taxi is available: two
                           are themed to suit individual   green lights mean that the
                           interests, and they are always   higher rate is being charged
                           conducted in English. Private   (10pm–6am, weekends and
                           walks in Portuguese, Spanish,   public holidays), one green light
                           French, German and Italian    that the normal rate applies.
                           can usually be arranged under     The starting rate for a taxi
                           special circumstances.  hailed in the street or taken
                             Lisbon is built on a number   at a taxi rank is €3.25 by day
       A typical yellow Lisbon bus, a common   of hills, and unless you are   and €3.90 at night. A flat rate
       sight on the city’s streets  fairly fit, it is wise to take   of €1.60 is charged for any
                           advantage of public transport   luggage placed in the trunk.
       Walking Around Lisbon  for the uphill climbs. Tram 28   The meter should always be
       Lisbon is a delightful city to   (eléctrico) goes almost all the   used, although the driver
       wander around, taking in the   way up to the Castelo de São   might suggest agreeing
       sights, especially in the old   Jorge; you can then walk    on a price for long trips.
       neighbourhoods such as the   down through the Alfama. The     Taxis can also be ordered by
       Alfama and Bairro Alto. Narrow   Elevador da Glória will take you  phone from companies such
       cobbled streets, picturesque   from Praça dos Restauradores   as Autocoope, Retalis Rádio
       buildings and alleyways provide   up to Bairro Alto.  Táxis and Teletáxis.
       a charming setting in which to     Lisbon’s most central     A pre-paid taxi voucher,
       take in traditional Lisbon life.  shopping area is made up of   available from tourist offices
         For a more contemporary   the Baixa and Chiado, where   or at www.askmelisboa.com,
       backdrop, take a stroll through   pedestrianized streets are    guarantees fixed taxi prices.
       Parque das Nações, a river side   filled with shoppers, street
       district east of the city centre.   performers and vendors, as   DIRECTORY
       The area, which is totally flat    well as a wide variety of shops,
       and easily reached by Metro,   shopping centres, outdoor   24-Hour Taxi Services
       features some of the country’s   cafés and restaurants.  Autocoope
       most striking examples of                Tel 217 932 756.
       modern archi tecture, and it
       offers a wide array of attractions,   Taxis  Retalis Rádio Táxis
       including many restaurants and   Compared to the rest of   Tel 218 119 000.
       cafés with views over the Tagus.  Europe, taxis in Portugal are   Teletáxis
         Belém is another flat riverfront  relatively inexpensive, and if   Tel 218 111 100.
       area and one of Lisbon’s most   costs are shared between two
       historic neighbourhoods. It was   or more people, they can work
       from here that the great   out cheaper than travelling by




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