Lisbon - Portugal

HELLO PORTUGAL Portugal, a country of poets, is blessed by the sun and sea breeze. Portugal is a country that likes to share its great cuisine as well as a good chat. Portugal is a country brimming with history and heritage. Portugal is a country of innovation and creativity. Portugal is a calm and peaceful country that knows how to welcome visitors and does it exceedingly well. Portugal is a country of universal vocation that is given over to discovering the best that life has to offer: simple and beautiful things, like an open smile and genuine friendliness. Portugal is a country that is also yours, now and for always.

LISBON

Boasting springtime temperatures during the winter and cool summers freshened by a breeze blowing in from the Atlantic, Costa de Lisboa, on the south-western coast, offers a rich and impressively integrated diversity. The capital of Portugal since its conquest from the Moors in 1147, Lisbon is a legendary city with over 20 centuries of History. The Alfama is one of the oldest quarters in Lisboa. Since it largely survived the earthquake of 1755, the area still retains much of its original layout. Adjacent to the Alfama are the likewise old quarters of Castelo and Mouraria, on the western and northern slopes of the hill that is crowned by St. George's Castle. Every year in June, the streets of all three quarters come alive with the feasts in honour of the popular saints. The Graça quarter and the churches of São Vicente de Fora and Santa Engrácia are within walking distance of this area. Radiant skies brighten the monumental city, with its typical tile covered building façades and narrow Medieval streets, where one can hear the fado being played and sung at night. But Lisbon is also the stage for popular festivities, the place for exquisite shopping exciting nightlife and interesting museums, a place from where motorways branch off in different directions. Nearby, Sintra's lush wooded heights and verdant charms invite one to take a ride on a horse-pulled carriage, and gaze at the marvellous manor-houses, located within the grounds of century old farms, as one drives up to Pena Palace, built by Fernando Cobourg Gothas on the ruins of a monastery from the 16th century, the style of the palace is a blend of Gothic, Manueline, and Romantic influences which make for a very explosive combination, and keeps the atmosphere of a royal residence. To make it a difficult choice for the curious visitor and only slightly farther a field, lie the impressive Mafra Convent, the cosmopolitan seaside resorts on the way to Cascais, the verdant Serra da Arrábida and picturesque Sesimbra, the Sado estuary and the aristocratic farmhouses of Azeitão. Driving south, the ochre and blue unspoiled beaches on the Alentejo coastline open on to a vast Atlantic horizon.

Watch the pictures and read the informations on this page to get some impressions about the beautiful region around Lisbon.

We hope you will enjoy your trip to our country ;-)

Link to Wikipedia: Lisbon, Portugal

 

Lisbon - Sights and Highlights

GENERAL INFORMATION

AIRPORT

Lisbon has a modern airport that is close to the centre of the city (7 km north). Lisbon International Airport - Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas
1800 Lisboa
Telephone: +351 21 841 35 00

ACCESS TO HOTELS FROM THE AIRPORT

Participants may use either a bus or a taxi.
Buses from the airport to the city are every 20 minutes (07.00 - 21.00).
The usual taxi fare from the Airport to the City Centre is approx. 10/15 €.

BANKING

Bank services are available at the Airport, throughout the city and there are several close to the conference venue. Banks are open from 08.30 to 15.00 with no lunchtime closing. The city is well supplied with cash dispensers, which take most major credit cards.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING

Lisbon has a moderate Atlantic climate. There are no great variations in temperature. The weather in October is usually pleasant (average 18-22º C) with occasional rain. Light clothing is suitable with somewhat warmer clothing for the evening.

CREDIT CARDS

International credit cards are accepted in cash dispensers, hotels, restaurants and most shops, as well as car rental agencies. The most common credit cards are VISA, EuroCard, MasterCard and American Express.

CULTURAL

Lisbon is rich in historical buildings, museums and churches.
A list of the main Lisbon museums and other relevant information will be provided on site.

CURRENCY

Portugal's currency is the Euro.
Conversion rates: 1€ = USD 1,29 (at 15/01/2009)

ELECTRICITY

In Portugal, electricity is supplied at 220V/50Hz AC and power sockets are of the 2 pin round type.

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Ambulance, Emergency, Fire Dept. and Police: 112

MEALS

Pasteis de Belém
The food in Portugal is very good and deserves its worldwide reputation. Prices could vary between 10€ (modest, traditional restaurant) to 100€ (luxury restaurant).

PARKING FACILITIES IN LISBON

Pay and Park parking meters are in operation in most parts of the city. Parking zones are indicated by special P - signs. In these zones payment for parking is obligatory. There are many underground car-parks also.

POST OFFICE

Services are available at the Hotels or at post offices. The working hours are 09.00 - 18.00.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

Buses, trams and underground are available and operate on weekdays from 6 or 7 a.m. until midnight or 1 a.m. Tourist passes for 1, 3 or 7 days and valid for trams, buses, funiculars and the underground are available.
Metropolitano de Lisboa Website: http://www.metrolisboa.pt/index_uk.htm

Bus in the city : www.carris.pt

SHOPPING

Opening times for shops is 09.30 to 19.00, Monday to Friday. Most of the shops are open on Saturday mornings. Several shopping centres are open from 10.00 to midnight, seven days a week.

TIME DIFFERENCES

Portugal has Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

TIPPING

Is customary in restaurants and taxis. Tipping up to 10% of the bill is acceptable.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS TO PORTUGAL

Nationals of the European Community only require a valid identity card or passport. For most countries outside Europe, a valid passport is enough.
Some countries, however, still require a Visa. Please check with your travel agency or with the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in your country. Granting visas may take up to 8 weeks or more. The organization will not be held responsible for visas not granted.