Lisboa

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city Hector deliberately put off visiting due to the fear of an entire ‘planeload wearing – taps. In February 2020, a flight from Edinburgh was chanced, all went well, not a single – tap, even on the return flight. Maybe people have forgotten 1967, or better still, have no idea what Hector is on about. In fact I didn’t see one during the entire week, unbelievable.

Getting around Lisboa:

Those who know how to use Google Maps will find it gives accurate timings and choices of routes for bus, metro and trams and links between.

Continuing one’s journey from the airport or train stations, a local transport ticket is required. This can be purchased (€0.50) at the ticket machines as part of the process of deciding upon a single, multiple journey or 24 hour ticket. The 24 hour ticket was found to be the best value, valid on metro, trams, buses and even the funiculars. Look for the – Carris – logo to avoid other companies or (red) tourist trams.The – red metro line – from the airport connects with the – blue – and – green – lines which run downtown.

Baixa-Chiado – Largo do Chiado

Metro station Baixa-Chiado was found to be of particular use in gaining height in what is a hilly city. Without the need for a ticket, the concourse above the platforms takes one by a series of escalators to – Largo do Chiado, quite a hike otherwise.

Largo do Chiado is adjacent to Praca de Luis de Camoes, more on this below.

Tram 28

Tram 28 is the popularised tram journey across Lisboa running from Downtown at Martim Moniz to Prazeres in the west of the city. The route loops round the heights on the east side of Downtown, passing the viewpoints close to the Castello, before heading up the western heights, passing Praca de Luis de Camoes and Baixa do Chiado.

This roller-coaster tram ride is an experience in its own right. Brewpub 8a Graça (Oitava Colina) lies on this route, it’s a steep climb otherwise, as are many destinations in this city. The view from outside the brewery also makes the visit worthy.

People queue in their dozens at Martin Moniz to board Tram 28, stay on to the end of the line, before returning on the following Tram 28. This means the tram is full throughout its journey. Trying to board en route can be a pointless exercise, or result in having to stand in a crush. There is an alternative.

Tram 12

Clearly, Tram 28 is useless for the locals going about their everyday business, and so Tram 12 duplicates the key part of the route from Martim Moniz to Praca de Luis de Camoes. The same roller-coaster experience, in relative comfort.

The Funiculars

Elevador da Glória on Avenue da Liberdade, the main boulevard, will be encountered by many.

Ascensor da Bica proved to be of special use given the location of our apartment adjacent to restaurant Adega Gantas and Craft Beer Pub – Adamastor. At the bottom end lies Musa da Bica, a Brewpub, the Time Out Market and Cais de Sodré, the ferry port to Cacilhas (Almada) also a train and metro (green line) station.

Breweries and Taprooms visited:

Outro Lado – Beco do Arco Escuro 1, 1100-585 Lisboa