Portugal

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EXPLORING LISBON
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WALKING TOUR 1: THE ALFAMA
Esplanada d. Carlos I. & 21/891-70-02. www.oceanario.pt. Admission 11€ adults, 5.50€ students and
children under 13. Summer daily 10am–8pm; winter daily 10am–7pm. Metro: Estação do Oriente. Pedestrians
should turn right after leaving the metro station and go along Av. Dom João II where you’ll see a
signpost directing you left and to the water for the attraction itself.
4 ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS
From the winding, narrow streets of Alfama to the “dragon ships” of the Maritime
Museum at Belém, much of Lisbon evokes a movie set for kids. Each new day brings
something new for kids to do—an aquarium, a zoo, a planetarium—it’s all here.
Aquário Vasco da Gama The Vasco da Gama Aquarium, on N6, near Algés on the
Cascais railway line, has been in operation since 1898. Live exhibits include the eared
seals pavilion and a vast number of tanks that hold fish and other sea creatures from all
over the world. A large portion of the exhibits consist of zoological material brought back
from oceanographic expeditions by Carlos I. They include preserved marine invertebrates,
water birds, fish, mammals, and some of the king’s laboratory equipment.
Rua Direita do Dafundo. & 21/419-63-37. Admission 3€ adults, 1.50€ children 7–17, free for children
under 7. Daily 10am–6pm. Metro: Algés. Bus: 29 or 51.
Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa The Zoological Garden, with a collection of
some 2,000 animals, occupies a flower-filled setting in the 26-hectare (64-acre) Park of
Laranjeiras. It’s about a 10-minute subway ride from the Rossio. It also has a small tram
and rowboats.
Estrada de Benfica 58. & 21/723-29-00. www.zoolisboa.pt. Admission 15€, 11€ children 3–8, free for
children 2 and under. Daily 10am–8pm. Metro: Jardim Zoológico. Bus: 15, 16, 16C, 26, 31, 46, 58, 63, or 68.
Planetário Calouste Gulbenkian An annex of the Maritime Museum, the Calouste
Gulbenkian Planetarium is open to the public all year, with astronomical shows
throughout the day (check with the planetarium for current schedules).
Praça do Império, Belém. & 21/362-00-02. www.planetario.online.pt. Admission 4€ adults, 2€ children
10–18, free for seniors and children 6–9. Children under 6 not admitted (except for Sun morning). Tues–
Sun 10am–6pm. Bus: 29, 43, or 49.
5 CITY STROLLS
Lisbon is a walker’s delight; the city’s principal neighborhoods abound with major sights
and quiet glimpses into daily life.
WALKING TOUR 1 THE ALFAMA
START: Praça do Comércio.
FINISH: Castelo de São Jorge.
TIME: 2 hours, more if you add sightseeing time.
BEST TIMES: Any sunny day.
WORST TIMES: Twilight or after dark.