Lisbon Guide

Oasis Backpackers Mansion have put together this little guide to help you make your way through one of Europe´s most exciting capitals.   As vibrant as Rio, romantic as Paris and laid back as Buenos Aires Lisbon will leave you intoxicated.   We here at Oasis love Lisbon and can only hope that with our help you will too. 

      If you need anything to make your stay more comfortable or have any questions please feel free to ask in reception.   Besides being highly trained in customer service they also well versed on all current cultural and musical revolutions.

   Every night we invite you to dine with us for what can only be called culinary feats of genius at incredibly economic prices(5 euros).   Don’t forget to thank the chef afterwards. 

    The tap water is fine to drink and our bar, Hoola Hoops is armed to the teeth.  We hope you will enjoy your stay with us and remember that The Mansion is good for you! 

Thanks,

The Oasis Staff

Lisbon is made up of seven hills-  Estrela, Santa Catarina, São Pedro de Alcântara, São Jorge, Graça,  Senhora de Monte, Penha de França.   We are located in Santa Catarina , otherwise known as  “the seventh hill”, one of the most famous and definitely the most happening neighbourhoods.   Starting with Chiado and it’s 18th century elegance and leading up to Barrio Alto, which is now the Lisbon Soho with one-off designers, vintage boutiques, record shops, restaurants and an uncountable array of bars and cafes, Santa Catarina is where it’s at.

 

10 Things to Do in Lisbon

7 hills 7 amazing views

Lisboa is made up of 7 hills and scattered at the top of each await many amazing views. While the hills can be quite punishing on foot there are many funiculars (elevators) and trams that connect them.

The Miradouro de Santa Catarina (right next door) , or known locally as Adamastor, is a must for its views of the river and diversity of patrons.(can look quite sketchy but actually is very safe and favortie among locals of all backgrounds) The statue “Adamastor” in the centre of the square refers to the sea giant that Luis de Camões imagined when writing “The Lusiads”. Also in the neighbourhood is the newly restored “Sao Pedro de Alcantara,” with spectacular views and small garden. Another favourite is the Miradouro da Graça (with café) nestled above the Castelo and Alfama districts. Probably the most thigh-punishing but considered one of the best places to see the entire city is the Miradouro da senhora do Monte. The 28 Tram will get you close to all three, also it is quite a fun ride and an interesting way to check out the city.

Casa do Fado

Before hitting one of the many Fado clubs in Bairro Alto or Alfama a trip to the Casa do Fado e da Guitarra Portuguesa is a good place for a quick study of Fado´s history. It´s well put together audiovisual displays allow the visitor to get lost in the sights and sounds of these bluesy melancholic chants of Portugal. The tour ends in a virtual performance that with the right kind of eyes and ears can be quite moving. Be sure to check out the ever-changing exhibitions.  While the Alfama district is the home and birthplace of Fado, many of the venues are quite touristy and can be expensive. For an alternative try Bairro Alto for some good Fado venues.  Every Monday and Wednessday there is a free fado show at “Tasca do Chico”, which is about a five minute walk from the hostel.  Ask in reception for more information 

Open 10 am to 6 pm, closed Tuesdays

Thieves Market Feira da Ladra 

Beside the Igreja de São Vincente de Fora materializes one of the best flea markets in Lisboa. Browse through old wristwatches, religious paraphernalia, cheap clothes, second hand vinyl, and unimaginable arrays of intriguing junk at this entertaining and funky extravaganza. There are also some pretty solid antique shops and stalls.

Every Tuesday morning and all day Saturday

Visit the Clown School (Chapitô)

This funky all purpose rendezvous point occupies the sleepy sloping premises of what was built in the 17th century as a women’s prison and that functions today a state funded school for circus entertainers. It lies in the Castelo district and its patio has spectacular views of Lisboa and the river. It´s good for drinks, food or just exploring. There are many indoor and outdoor spots in which to make yourself comfortable as well as live shows. To check the agenda visit www.chapito.org. This is a nice place to have a drink after an afternoon in the Castelo neighbourhood.

Costa do Castelo, 1/7 

Cruise the streets of Alfama

For a snapshot of Lisboa’s Moorish past spend some time navigating the labyrinth like district of Alfama. This neighbourhood spanning from the Castelo to the river was once an upper class Moorish residential neighbourhood and one of the few areas in Lisbon to more or less survive the earthquake. Now it is home to a working class population where Fado was invented and the grilling sardines perfected. The best time to visit is during the Festa de Santo Antonio around the 12th and 13th of June. During this festival the streets explode in pastel coloured streamers and amazingly grilled food. For a suggested route check the Alfama walking map in this guide.

Belem

No trip to Lisboa can be called a success without a pilgrimage to Belem. Belem is where the Age of Discovery began. Ships commanded by the likes of Vasco De Gama and Henry the Navigator set their sails here returning with tales of adventure, bloodshed and riches. Discovering a sea route to India De Gama helped aide in Portugal´s rise to one of the world´s greatest empires.

With the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, Torre De Belem and many other Museums and open spaces a full day here will not be wasted.

If you tire of imperial history check out the CCB( Cultural Center of Belem. It  has a great modern art collection and revolving exhibits on everything from photography to travelling art collections.

Try and avoid Belem on Monday when almost everything is closed.

Night Out in Bairro Alto

After stuffing yourself in one of this districts many restaurants ranging from traditional to experimental or browsing in original and independent boutique shops you should stick around and let loose a little.

Whether you want to drown your sorrows at the bottom of bottle while listening to Fado, catch some of the hottest Dj´s bump electronically inspired beats, rock in an indie dive bar, cram into what looks like someone´s living room for live African Brazilian music, read Saramago to the backdrop of Jazz, pose as a mojito and cairpirinha inspector or just sample a little of everything while drinking on the streets with thousands of other revellers then a night out in Bairro Alto is highly recommended. Thursday to Saturday are the most crowded but you will always find people out at night in this area. Cheap beer and no covers guarantee that Lisbon is one of  the hottest nightspots of all Europe.

Aquarium (Parque das Nações)

Usually big commercial spaces promising to delivers the worlds oceans in a single afternoon rarely live up to even the lowest of expectations, but the Ocenario de Lisboa surpasses all expectations. It can be a little pricey at 10 euros, especially for those on budget, but if you have the ten to splurge go ahead. The aquarium boasts a collection of 15,000 animals and plants making it the largest collection in all of Europe. Its two storey circular glass aquarium containing 7 million litres of seawater is quite breathtaking and can make you feel as if you were actually in the water face to face with these sea creatures. While you are there you can also wander the grounds of the 2000 world expo.

Open daily 10am- 7pm

Museu Gulbenkian (and Park)

This Museum is a great collection of art spanning almost very major period in Western History. They also have some impressive Eastern Art. Of note to all you Art Nouveau heads is the fantastical collection from designer Rene Lalique. Across the way is the Centro de Arte Moderna which has Portugal´s best collection of 20th Century Portuguese art. Connecting the two museums is a very nice park that can serve as a refuge from the hustle and bustle that accompanies all major cities.

Wednesday to Sunday 10am- 6pm, Tuesday 2pm- 6pm. Closed Monday. Free on Sunday.

Castelo de Sao Jorge

A castle that was built by Visigoths, fortified by the Moors, sacked by the Christians, used as Royal Palace and then became a prison.  Great Views of the City .

Out of the ordinary Lisbon 

If your still in town and can`t find anything to do or just want something that`s not a cathedral, check out these Lisbon oddballs.

Puppet Museum:  

Do not be mistaken this is not a children’s museum.  This place houses a bewitching  collection of puppets in an completely restored old convent.   Shadow puppets, Vietnamese water and elephant puppets and full sized Portuguese creations will leave you baffled.  

2.50Euros   Rua de Esperanza 146.     10h-12:30h   and 2-17:30     Wed-Sun.

 

Conserveira de Lisboa

 

The little retro-tastic Conserveira de Lisboa shop stocks tinned fish-and we mean virtually nothing but tinned fish.  Design buffs will love the packaging, foodies will love the taste(get the ones with peppers) 

Rua dos Bacalhoeiros 34,  Baixa    9:30h-19h  Mon-Sat

Oasis Walking Tour-

 

A great alternative to monotone city tours.  This tour is run by our well trained staff  who will show you our Lisbon.     The tour takes you through the  historical, gastronomical and curious Lisboa, ending with a Portuguese wine tasting.    Groups are small  5-8 people.   Ask in reception if you would like to book.  

Museo Nacional dos Coches:

This former riding school, has a fairytale collection of 17th  to 19th century coaches.  Be sure to look up once inside and catch a glimpse of the gold ceiling.

Belem .  Praca Afonso de Albuquerque;       3Euros   10h-17:30   Tue-Sun

Pharmacy Museum 

Right up the road from us is the Museo de Farmacia.  The collection represents 5000 years of  health care history in civilizations as distinct as Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Rome, Greece, Islam, South America, China, Tibet, Japan, Africa and modern Europe.  

One of the coolest features is  the reconstitution of four pharmacies  from the 18th to the 20th century, including one from Macao.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 am to 6 pm

Cafes

Lisbon can be best observed from the terrace of one of it`s many café`s.   Order up a coffee and go ahead and try one of Portugal’s many sweets. Trust me the Portuguese know a thing or two about cakes.  These are some of our favorites.

Pasteis do Belem

Sumblime, divine traditional custard tarts .   Super hot and sprinkled with cinnamon you will be sure to find it hard to order just one.    The recipe is top secret  and was first created in 1837 

In Belem.   Rua de Belem 84

Pois Café

This is definitely my favorite café in Lisbon.  They have brunch, tasty sandwiches and amazing homemade desserts.  It`s décor is eclectic and modern yet still feels very Portuguese.  Run by young Portuguese women, there is a book exchange, magazines, sofas and even a place where you can lay down.  If you are by the Sé Cathedral, nip in here for a  break.  

Café Niccola

One of the oldest still existing cafés in Lisbon, it is currently probably more frequented by tourists than by locals, the service is bad and its coffee is not the best bargain, but still I have to recommend it.  The art deco interior and façade are worth the visit.   This was also the first place that a woman broke the male strangle hold on cafes in Lisbon.   

Rossio 24     8h-22h mon-fri     9h-22h Sat  10am-7pm Sun

Noobai

This café is only 50meters form the hostel and has an amazing view of the Tejo River.  The clientele is mainly young designers, writers, musicians and local hipsters.   Located on the mirador ,it has great music, and an international snack menu. (Greek Salad, Salmon Bagels, fried hard boiled eggs, fruit shakes)  I highly recommend the Lemon Grass tea for detoxing.    

Brasilera

Very touristy but still worth a visit.    While it`s outdoor café is appealing, the real action is inside where it`s art deco interior and its wood and tiled floors are not to be missed.   This was a favourite spot for Fernando Pessoa, one of Lisbon`s most famous poets.   That bronze statue you see is of him.  (more about Pessoa in Literature section of this guide.)

A Outra Face da Lua

There is a café here with Teas with names like “cosmic” and “concentrate” that are guaranteed to give you that extra kick you need to continue your thigh punishing tour through Lisbon.  

They also sells quality vintage clothing, carefully customised by designer Carla Belchior, as well as accessories, wallpaper, tin toys, Melissa shoes, Portuguese kitsch and crafts such as Bordalo Pinheiro ceramics and Clarim soaps.   Good Gift Ideas.

Rua de Assuncao  22

Mon-Sat 10am-8pm

Restaurants:

“Our Hood(Neighborhood)”

  

Casa da India

Despite the name this is a traditional Portuguese restaurant.   One of our favorites because it is cheap and oh so good!   Their specialty is the bbq chicken with “picante”, but everything from the sardines to the garlic prawns(gambas á guilho) is equally fantastic.  Oh yeah, did we say cheap!    .

Cabaças-

This is by far the owners favorite place to eat a steak. This place is very Portuguese and it is best to go early(21h)  Fri and Sat because it fills up fast.   The specialty here is  strips of succulent raw meat served on a hot stone with mustard sauces and salt.  You cook it yourself .   Other things here are also very good(sardines, bacalhou,ºetc) , but if you eat meat you should make this pilgrimidge of fat and drizzle a must.      

 Camponesa

   This is a little neighborhood restaurant that is quite good .  Inexpensive and  fun this place is great for a filling lunch.

Principe do Calhariz

  A typical Portuguese Churascaria that serves grilled chicken, seafood and steaks.  Reasonably priced and they have a very nice shrimp shishkabob!

Vegetarian  

Terra

This is perhaps the best vegan and vegetarian restaurant in the city (as a favorite of famous vegan musician Moby who also owns a restaurant in New York, it is a safe bet for sure). Using mostly organic ingredients, it offers a buffet consisting of salads and some creative vegetarian versions of traditional Portuguese dishes. It also has a good selection of natural juices and some delicious desserts.

7Euros lunch   12Euros Dinner

Rua da Palmeira, 15, Principe Real 

Something Special

Galeto  

This place has been preserved in a time capsule since 1968, this is one of those places that you love to find.   A long bar wraps around the whole restaurant , giving the restaurant some kind of futuristic vision from the 50`s feel.   From your bar stool you will be able to do the best of people watching as the clientele here changes with every hour.   I think the only way you can work here is if you have been an extra  in a David Lynch or Woody Allen movie.  Walls are paneled off with geometric patterned original wood.   The food is simple, the experience anything but.   

How to get there:   Take Blue line  from Baixa–Chiado to Marques Pompal.   There switch to the yellow line(direction Odivelas) and get off at Saldahna.   When you come up look for the huge, lit up Retro sign that says “Galeto.”

Bars

  We are conviently located right in the center of Lisbon`s racous nightlife.  Barrio Alto is a must and there are too many bars to even give you an overview, but here are some of our favorites to get you started. For more info about bars ask your lovely bartender or receptionist.

Mezcal

    This place is the size of a shoebox, but always has a crowd standing around outside.  Various tequilas available and cheap skillfully crafted caiparinhas, mojitos and shots.  A Staff favorite.

Bicaense  

  

This place is on the Bica elevator.   At first glance this place looks like a regular watering hole, but upon futher inspection you will find a mid-sized dancefloor in the back.   Thurs-Sat there are always DJ´s and the music ranges from funk, soul, and hip hop.   Jazz and experiemtal music on Tuesdays.  

Incognito

  

 Any place where the doorman has a mustache has to be an immediate favorite.   Great Indie-Rock dance club that doesn`t take itself to seriously.  Split into two levels, you can talk upstairs or dance, dance, dance downstairs.  

 

Pavilhao Chines:

This was once a Chinese grocery store and still retains the original entrance.  While a drink can be a bit expensive it is worth it to check this place out.  One of  the best decorated bars I have ever seen, EVER!   Designed by Luis Pinto Coehlo.  The walls are lined with polished cabinets and filled with anything and everything collectible.  Action figures, model air planes, hats, African masks, and things I can`t even name.   Also famous for it`s cocktails boasting the best “Singapore Sling”(the menu is worth just looking at) on the Iberian continent.   

Rua Dom Pedro V  89-91 (sometimes the door is not open and you have to ring the bell)

18h-2h.    

      

At the Botom of the Hill…Santos(cais de sodre)

Lounge

    This is the owners favorite place to grab a drink and listen to whatever might be playing.  Usually a DJ.  The music ranges from breakdance 80`s beats, house, and indie rock to ,well just about anything electronic  It`s always a gamble and always good.  Plus, you have to like a place that reserves couch space for a huge sequenced fish.  

 I took out left from here

 MORE:

A Ginjinha:  

You can`t leave Lisbon without sampling Ginjinha, a potent cherry liquor.  This place is mainly frequented by men wearing suits two decades out of style, but if you are up for it, you`ll be amazed at the lift in your mood.  The cherries have a particularly zippy kick-something to do with having been soaked in alcohol for years.   The creator of this drink keeps a watchful eye on all above the door here.   

Largo de San Domingos 8     9h-22:30h

 

Hot Clube de Portugal 

   This is the oldest jazz club in Portugal.  It size makes every show intimate.   You can check the schedule on the website.

Praça da Alegria, 39 

Thurdays to Saturdays from 10.00 p.m. to 2.00 a.m. 

Paradise Garage 

  This is one of lisbon´s main small venues for indie and upcoming bands.   

   Rua João de Oliveira Miguéns, 38 a 48 

   Thursdays to Sundays, from 12.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. 

   

   

LUX

This is Lisbon’s premier  nightclub, originally part owned by John Malkovich.  Lux  all depends on the DJ´s.   Afrika Bambatta , DJ Shawdow, 2 Many DJ´s, Gui Borrat, Booka Shade and other greats have played there.  While you might not catch a big name this is definitely the place past 4 in the morning for loud late night house and electronic music.   If you go before 2:30 and are not completely drunk getting in should be no problem.  After 3 be prepared to wait in long lines and the possibility of being  politely turned away.  It costs 12euros to get in, but     

you get 12 euros in vouchers for drinks.  

Next to Santa Apolonia Train Station.

Shopping

     There are many streets in Lisbon where you can get your shopping fix.  

Avenida da Liberdade-big names in designer clothes and shoes

Rua Garrett, Chiado- swanky shops, designer boutiques, books and music.

Rua Augusta and Baixa-brand names, specialty stores

Barrio Alto-retro vintage fashion, one-off designer clothes, jewellery, accessories and sneakers.  (owners choice)

Sneakers Delight***

This is more a gallery for sneakers than a store.  Even if you don`t feel the need for new shoes this shop and street are worth a stroll.  

Rua do Norte 30-32, Barrio Alto.

Book Stores:    

FNAC     

    This is a large music and book store that has a solid collection of English language books.   They also have  a nice travel section.   

Armazens do Chiado.    Rua de Garrett.

Second Hand

You can also find a lot of Second Hand Book Shops on Calcada do Carmo, behind Rossio station. 

  

Literature:   

Lisbon’s literature has been dominated by lyric poetry and realist fiction Jose Saramago.  The epic poem from national Hero  Luis Vaz de Camoes, Os Lusiadas( the Lusiads;1572) was about Vasco da Gama´s 1497 voyage to India as much as it was baout the Portuguese spirit.  

Lisbon’s most brilliant poet 

Fernando António Nogueira Pessoa .was a poet and writer, seen by many as one of the most notable Portuguese authors of all time. Critic Harold Bloom referred to him in the book The Western Canon as the most representative poet of the twentieth century, along with Pablo Neruda.  Pessoa is unique as an author due to the prevalence of heteronyms in his writing, with few of his poems being signed by himself.   

The most famous modern day writer is, Jose Saramago who won the nobel prize for literature.   He combines Portuguese history with myth and surrealism.  “The Blindness” is highly recommended reading.

Music:    Portugal has a wealth of great music.  From the Melancholic incantations of Fado, Jazz,  African inspired grooving and Brasilian influenced Hip hop  Portugal’s musical melting pot is always boiling over.

Fado ("fate") is uniquely urban and uniquely Lisbon , like the Argentine tango, with vocals that shiver and curl in a way that echoes Arabic music, as flamenco does. The lyrics are usually melancholy and fatalistic; "We Portuguese love to cry," says Amalia Rodrigues , arguably the most famous Fadista.   She died in 1999 at age 70, after more than 60 years of performances.    The counterpoint to the hoarsely impassioned singing comes from the Portuguese guitarra, a round lute with a high, steely tone.

Madredeus is also another Portuguese folk group that is worth a listen.     

Suggested Albums:

Amalia Rodriguez(1997)  Self titled Cd that is a collection of classics.

O Melhor(1998) by Carlos Paredes , master of the Portuguese guitar.

 Iniciacao a Uma Vida Banal-O Manual(1999) by  Da Weasel.  Innovative portuguese Hip hop group.

Dead Combo Volume 1 (Dead Combo)  Twangy surf noir straight from the Barrio Alto

   

Architecture

    Besides the Tiles that cover almost all of Lisbon, The city is home to countless forms of Architecture.   Moorish, Gothic, Mauline, Renaissance Mannnerist, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and everything inbetween.  

   Alvaro Siza is Portugals most famous architect.  Siza`s range of work varies from swimming pools to mass housing developments, residences for individuals, banks, office buildings, restaurants, art galleries, shops, and virtually every other kind of structure in between. 

Siza´s works in Lisbon-  Pavilhao de Portugal, which he built for expo 98.( an icredible piece of bending concrete. )       He also restored the historic Chiado shopping district after a major fire in 1988.  His first job was his grandmother’s Kitchen.  

"Precisely for the reason that Siza insists on continuous experimentation, his architecture can communicate to us an extraordinary sense of freedom and freshness; in it one clearly reads the unfolding of an authentic design adventure. In accepting the risks of such adventure, Alvaro Siza has even been able to bring to the surface, in his architecture, what one feared was in danger of extinction: the heroic spirit of modern architecture." 

— Casabella magazine, July 1986 

Manueline is uniquely Portuguese, a specific, crazed flavor of late Gothic architecture.  Aggressively decorative, it skipped hand in hand with the era’s booming confidence.  (1495-1521)    This is the Age of Discoveries, when Vasco de Gamma and fellow explorers where off  charting  history in far off lands.

Monesterio dos Jeronimos is probably one of the best examples of this type of architecture.

Cinema:   

Manoel de Oliveira- The ex race car driver has made over 20 films(all except three after he turned 60), including The Convent, starring John Malkovich and Catherine Deneuve.    The Film is actually set in a Portuguese convent.  Malkovich and Deneuve travel to Portugal to research the theory that Shakespeare is Spanish-Jewish.   The IMDb says since the year 2001 he is the oldest movie director in activity.   You can find more information about him and Portuguese film at www.icam.pt

***A great movie to watch is Wim Wenders  “A Lisbon Story”   The main character is the city of Lisbon itself.   A cameo is even made by Manoel de Oliveira himself.  

 Cinamateca:   

 

 This cinema shows art house, world and popular film classics, with screenings from 15.30h until 22h.  check the website for listings.

Barata Salgueiro 39,  metro Marques Pompal.

www.cinemateca.pt 

Day Trips:

Sintra

In the cool, hilly woodlands of the Serra de Sintra, fairytale Sintra, with its spellbinding palaces and tranquil walks, was once a popular vacation spot for Portugal`s nobility.  Historically fascinating-The Iberians worshiped cults here,  The Moors built a castle, and after the 1755 earthquake Portugal´s royals sought refuge here.

The Palacio Nacional De Pena and Castelo dos Mouros are the most heavily trafficked tourist destination and are both worth the visit, but one site that always get passed over and is hands down the best in Sintra is the Quinta de Regaleira.

  The Palacio National De Pena  and Castelo dos Mouros  are both open everyday except Monday.   They both close at 18h.

Qunita de Regaleira  

 

   This is one of those places that we would rather keep to ourselves, but is just too good not to share.   Built at the turn of the 20th century this “Quinta” is a combination of literature, myth and surrealism.   Antonio Augusto Carvalho Monteiro (1848-1920) used his mining millions to build what he called his “cosmological vision of the world.”    Luigi Manini (1848-1936) the famous landscape artist designed the gardens and bewitching pathways.  Hidden doors, initiation wells, underground tunnels, and an underground aquarium…do I even have to say more.  Go!  I said Go!

700 meters from the historic center

Feb, Mar, Abr and October: 10.00h to 18.30h

Last entrance 18.00h

May a Sept.:

10.00h to 20.00h Last Entrance at 19.00h

November  to  January:

10.00h to 17.30h

Last Entrance at 17.00h

Open Everyday

Rua Barbosa du Bocage

Piriquita

This little café in the middle of the city specializes in sweets.  If you like pastries then you are in for a real treat.   Travaseiras and Quiejadas are only made in Sintra and this is the best place to sampe these.  Hope you`re not trying to loose weight!

Vinoteca

  This little restaurant/wine bar specializes in Portuguese specialties.  You can order “black pig” meat plates,  assorted cheese plates(my favorite cheese being the creamy goats cheese, awesome for dipping), and the wait staff will be happy to recommend a national wine to your liking.  This place is in the historic center just up the stairs and to the right.   If you`re interested in going then ask at reception for more specific directions.

 

     How to Get to Sintra:

 Head down to Rossio Station, on the corner of Rossio Plaza. There you will find little boxes on the walls where you will see the name “Sintra.”  Press this button insert 1.50euros and look to see which platform your trai leaves from.  The last stop is Sintra so you don`t have to worry about missing your stop.   Trains run about every twenty minutes. 

Cascais-Praia do Guincho

   If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city you can head to the beach.  Lisbon has many beaches and the beach town of Cascais, with its pastel-painted houses, laid back city center and beautiful park is definitely a good escape.   Once you arrive in Cascais the city rents free bikes.  All you have to do is leave an ID.  Just look for the green kiosk when you exit the train station(Bicas).  Once you get your bike you can make the trip out to Praia do Guincho( beautiful beach, with huge sand dunes and packed with wind and kite surfers.)  The trip is a bit of a trek but well worth it.   

(there is a map in this guide)

   

    How to get there:

From Cais de Sodre train station in Lisbon you catch the train to Cascais.  It is 1.50Euros and you get the ticket from green boxes on the wall.  You just push the button that says Cascais and insert your money.

If you just can`t wait to get some sun you can take the same train and get off at carcavellos  which is about half the distance.

Surfing- We work with various surfing companies and can help you arrange a surfing tour, rent equipment or take a one day beginners lesson.

Just ask us:

Here at Oasis we go out of our way to show you the wonders of this amazing capital.  We can help you with  almost anything.  Please feel free to ask us if there is something specific you would like to do and we will help you figure it out.

      

While you are here you might want to engage with the locals.  We have provided a short list of important phrases to help you get by.    Most younger Portuguese people speak English and are always willing to help out a traveler.  They are also very open to foreigners trying to speak their native tounge and take no offence to how badly you butcher the language.  So get out there and try!

Hello................................Olá 

Goodbye...........................Adeus

Good morning......................Bom dia

Good afternoon....................Boa tarde

Good evening/night..................Boa noite 

Please..............................Por Favor

Thank You........................Obrigado(a)

You're welcome..............De nada 

I'm sorry...........................Desculpe

Excuse me/pardon me......................Com liçenca

Sir......................Senhor

Madam........................Senhora 

Yes................................Sim

No...................................Nao

Do you speak English / French / Spanish / German / Italian?........Fala ingles/francês/espanhol/alemão/italiano?

Where is?..........................Onde é que é?, Onde fica...? Onde é...?

Must See and Do