Lisbon, PORTUGAL
Airing Date: Jul 14th, 2003
Situated on seven hills rising up from the River Tagus, Lisbon is one of Europe's most enjoyable cities. It's small enough to explore on foot, offers a lively and friendly atmosphere and aims to save you loads of cash.
Head to any Lisbon tourist stand and you'll find three tourist cards that offer discounts all over town - the visitor's card, the shopping card and the restaurant card.
The visitor's card is the easiest way to get to know the city. It allows unlimited free travel on the underground, on Carris buses, trams and lifts, as well as free admission to 26 museums and historic buildings. The card also offers discounts of up to 50% at many other venues in the city. You can buy one, two or three day cards starting from $20.
High on your hit list should be the Jeronimos Monastery, Discoveries Monument and the Tower of Belem - all located near one another. The tower is world heritage listed, and was built in 1520 to keep out pirates. Complete with a watchtower and drawbridge, this tower is a shining example of medieval Portuguese architecture.
The Santa Justa Elevator is a remarkable masterpiece designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same man who created the Eiffel Tower. In 1907 the elevator became electrical and was the only vertical elevator in Lisbon at the time. Made entirely of cast iron, and embellished with filigree, the two tower lifts go up to 45 metres and carry 25 people in each. Once you've reached the top there's an observation deck that overlooks the city.
The savings don't stop with sight-seeing. The Lisbon shopping card is another great way to save money, and it's valid for either 24 or 72 hours. It's accepted at over 200 member shops in Baixa, Chiado and Avenida da Liberdade with savings from 5% to 20%. Head to the Tagus Craft Shop, just 10 minutes from the Santa Justa Elevator, for a selection of handmade items.
There's one more card you can play - the Lisbon restaurant card. Valid for 72 hours, you'll get around 10% off each meal in more than 40 restaurants. There are single, double or family cards available. A three day card costs around $10. To enjoy good savings and a good meal, head down to Taverno do Embucado for a scrumptious salted cod dish. The dish normally costs $30 but if you show your restaurant card you can expect a discount of 10%.
The facts
Travelworld and Cathay Pacific flies to Rome with connecting Air Portugal flights to Lisbon. Return prices start from $2992 from the west coast and $3316 from the east coast.
Travelworld
Tel: 13 14 35
Double rooms at the Tivoli Tejo Hotel start from around $250 a night.
Tivoli Tejo Hotel
Tel: 0011 351 218 915 100 (international)
World Cars
Tel: 1300 656 601
