Lisbon

The city name of Lisbon has its origins in the word ‘Olissipo’ which has Phoenician roots, and means ‘enchanting port’. Although the city’s history can be traced back this far, it has many Arabic influences, as it was occupied by the Moors for over 450 years.

In 1147 the city was re-conquered by the Christians under leadership from Alfonso Henriques, and was given the special position as the country’s capital in 1256. During the 15th century (known as the Portuguese Age of Discoveries) the city became an important centre for spice trade, a position reinforced by Portugal’s discovery of the route to India by the important explorer, Vasco da Gama.

The city, which developed in typical medieval style with narrow lanes, and wooden houses built very close together, experienced several earthquakes, the most destructive occurring in 1755. It destroyed virtually the entire city centre, giving an excellent opportunity to the Marquês de Pombal to rebuild the city in the grand, spacious manner we still see today. He also built the influential commercial area of Baixa Pombalina, giving the city an important trading area. This area still maintains much of its original character today, although many businesses have had to move away due to space restrictions. But traditional businesses can still be found here, such as the fish market on Cais de Sodre. There are several buildings of historical and architectural importance here, such as the Se (cathedral), and the church Conceição Velha. Linked to Baixa, by the excellent shopping area called Chiado, is Bairro Alto – the place to be for nightlife! Chiado has many fashionable shops, both high street and select boutiques, and is also where writers and artists like to meet up and hang out in the quaint local cafés.

Another interesting area of Lisbon is Belém. Located on the river Tejo, it’s from here that the great navigators of Portugal’s Golden Age set sail. Today Belém is a green and leafy suburb, dotted with parks and gardens. There are some interesting monuments here, such as the Monument to the Discoveries, the Mosteiro de Jeróminos (a monastery built in 1501 to celebrate the naval discovery of India), and the Belém Cultural Centre.

Lisbon offers an amazing variety of sea food, caught fresh the very same morning. The traditional Portuguese national dish of bacalhau, salted cod, is eaten everywhere all year round. And the strange thing is that this fish isn’t even found in the Portuguese coastal waters! But the Lisboetas also enjoy a lot of fresh seafood, such as grilled sardines, large prawns, and shellfish. Another favourite is a variety of little snacks, such as boiled snails, deepfried green beans, and pipis (small chunks of offal, flavoured with lemon juice, garlic, laurel, salt and pepper) – liberally washed down with excellent Portuguese wines - in particular vino verdhe, which is a popular north Portuguese wine. Many of these meals are eaten in so-called ‘tascas’ – these are typical Portuguese cafés. They serve traditional, honest food, favoured by many over posh restaurants. They can be found everywhere, so don’t miss an opportunity to sample some excellent food and wine!

Hotels

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Airport information

easyJet flies into Portela Airport, which is situated seven kms from Lisbon city centre. Portela Airport has one passenger terminal.

By car

The airport turn-off is on the 2a Circular, coming both from the North on the A1 motorway, or from the South on the A2.

The airport is accesible to disabled passengers with lifts, ramps, specially adapted telephones and toilets.

By coach

Nº 91(Aerobus)

Line 91, operates daily services between the airport and the city centre between the hours of 07.45 to 20.15. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, and are valid for an entire day on the whole bus and tram network. The cost of a one-day ticket is 3.35 €.

Carris buses
Listed below are the bus numbers with their destinations.

N.º 5 - Areeiro
N.º 22 - Marquês de Pombal
N.º 44 - Cais do Sodré
N.º 45 - Cais do Sodré
N.º 83 - Amoreiras

Tickets cost 1.35€ and can be bought from the driver

By taxi

Pre book your door-to-door airport transfers with easyJet’s partner Holiday Taxis. We cater for the Business and Leisure Traveller.

Taxi ranks are located outside the departures and arrivals areas of the airport. The fare depends on the distance travelled: within the city limits the fare is metered, and outside the city limits the fare is calculated per kilometre. It is advisable to enquire about the total fare before starting the ride.

By train
There is no direct connection to the airport, however the nearest metro stations are 15 minutes away by bus (Gare do Oriente or Areeiro Stations).