Lisbon is a very safe European capital and you can walk anywhere and anytime in the city centre.. Santa Catarina (or Bica) neighbourhood where Casa do Bairro B&B as well as Apartamento Bairro Alto and Apartamento Bica are very centrally located and you will never need a car to base yourself here.. If you decide to drive anyway, try to avoid 8 to 9.30 am and 5.30 to 8 pm, which is rush-hour.

Parking can be complicated if you choose not to use public parking lots. If you don't use your car everyday, you can park away from the centre but close to a metro station and you will save money in car-parks. Reasonably priced weekly tickets for public transport are available from Tourist offices.

Lisbon is a city full of secrets. Beyond most famous places, you will be able to discover a lot of hidden mysteries. 2 minutes from our B&B is "Patio das Parreiras", one of those wonderful spots that will give you an idea of what you can find in Lisbon if you look around carefully. Most of Lisbon's inhabitants have never heard of it. The best way to visit Lisbon is walking, by tramway or by bus.

As regards restaurants, we won't give you any advices. Just keep in mind that the most expensive are not the best restaurants, and the further you go from tourist areas such as "Rua Augusta" for instance, the better you will eat. Explore the Santa Catarina or Santos districts for example. And we can let you in on a secret: Take the boat in Belém to Porto Brandão and enjoy what you'll find there.... But hush! Don't tell everybody...

Antiques: São Bento street or Feira da Ladra

Jogging: Go to Cais do Sodre and run toward the sea.

Market (fruits, vegetables and fresh fish): Mercado da Ribeira, from 6am.

All museums are in your guide, so pick those you like the most, but Museu dos Azulejos is quite typical and Gulbenkian is very eclectic.

Lisbon has plenty of churches. If you want to pick only one, choose São Domingos Church close to Dom Pedro V place. It's unlike anything you've seen before.

From Casa do Bairro B&B or our apartments in Lisbon, you can get to the beach without a car. To Caparica, go to Cais do Sodre, take the boat to Cacilhas and then the bus to Caparica. Once you're there, there’s a train to take you to the desertes beaches. We suggest getting off after Stop 15. To Carcavelos, Estoril or Cascais beaches, go to Cais do Sodre and take the train to Cascais.

If you have a car available, you can get to Meco, the most beautiful beach of the peninsula, Follow Sesimbra directions, south of 25th of April bridge.

Also or those with a car, don't forget to visit Evora (80kms) and some villages of the Alentejo such as Arraiolos, Monsaraz, Vila Viçosa, Borba, Estremoz.... or even Castelo de Vide and Marvão if you have more time and want to drive a little further. If you have another day available, go North to the towns of Óbidos, Batalha and Tomar.