Traveling to Lisbon and Capetown, recommendations?

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   Ladybird33posted 13 years ago

   I am traveling to Lisbon, Cape Town, and Jo'Burg any places that I need to see or travel tips I should know? I would greatly appreciate it.

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      ScarletRyan1970posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      When you arrive in Lisbon be careful.
      It is the Havana(CUBA)of Europe.
      Have a great trip.
      Lucky you.

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         Ladybird33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         That is what I was wondering...I appreciate the advice

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      frogdroppingposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I live in Lisbon. It's a beautiful city - and there's much to see and do here.

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         Ladybird33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

         I will be emailing you closer to my trip...if you don't mind.  I appreciate you responding.

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         anime_nanetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Não acredito, és Tuga???

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   Catherine Rposted 13 years ago

   Cape Town I can tell you about as I lived there for ten years until quite recently.  Where you stay is important - try get somewhere as central as you can.  Also are you going to get a hire car?  Public transport is crap although they are working on it in readiness for the Football next year.  But you can get around in the local taxis which are minibuses that the locals use - you just need to steel yourself for bad driving.  Must do things are - go up Table Mountain, visit Kirstenbosch gardens which are amazing and they have great Sunday evening outdoor concerts there in Summer that you can take a picnic to.  Go to Cape Point which is beautiful.  Visit a winefarm or two.  My favourite wine farm is Vergelegen which is just stunning and has a nice restaurant. Drive along Chapman's peak which is one of the most amazing coastal roads cut out of sheer rock face.  Walk around Cape Town city centre - Long St and Kloof St are nice for coffee and shopping.  Go to the beaches, Clifton, Camps Bay very nice.  Go to Simon's town and Kalk Bay.  Hard to know where to stop really as I don't know what you like or how long you are going for.  Jo'burg someone else must advise you on - you need to be very aware of crime all the time.  Feel free to ask me any specific questions you have!

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      Ladybird33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you Catherine R, I may email you more with questions.  This is wonderful information, I can't thank you enough!

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   expatscholarposted 13 years ago

   Lisbon is one of my favorite cities... It is just beautiful. One tip: take a long walk in the Bairro Alto. You will surely come across bars and restaurants where locals spontaneously get up and sing Fados (beautiful local music). Even if you do not understand a thing, the melancholic melodies will touch your soul. Have fun!

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      Ladybird33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you, now you are making me very excited.  I am capturing all these wonderful ideas.  Thanks!

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   A2shleyposted 13 years ago

   I can speak to Lisbon as well.  Absolutely breathtaking!  I think it's one of the most under-rated cities in Europe.  Definitely try to see a Fado and just stroll around the city. I wast here for a few weeks in 2003 and had the best time.  Best of luck on your travels!

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      Ladybird33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      A2shley, thank you, I was nervous but now I am feeling so much better.  I appreciate the suggestions!  Can't wait to do them.

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   tantrumposted 13 years ago

   If you go to Lisbon you should go to cafe 'Paulista' it's a must.And you can't miss eating sardines, a typical dish. You can take the train to Estoril,the center of Cascais, near Lisbon.Lots of nice restaurantes and a very trendy shopping mall near the station. Estoril has a seashore. Another must is Sintra ,where you find the'Quinta da Regaleira' and the Palacio ds Pena and the Palacio Real as well.

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      Ladybird33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Tantrum, you are a wealth of information.  Thank you and I will definitely do as you suggest.

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   anime_nanetposted 13 years ago

   In Lisbon I recommend you visiting the old downtown - Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama... you'll see a good fado while having a nice dinner during the night there.
   
   Also check the usual spots: Rossio, Terreiro do Paço, Rua Augusta and Belém. Don't forget to check the Expo area - known as Orente and if you have a little time and are a nature lover you must visit Sintra. Serra de Sintra is UNESCO patrimony and it is deserved. It's a beautiful place and check out it's castle, palaceand of course, buy traditional queijadas de Sintra (cakes).
   
   Also when you go to Belém buy Pastéis de Belém, they are delicious - there's a especial factory there with an unique recipe.
   
   One of the best things of Portugal is it's food. So don't forget to try a lot of traditional dishes.
   
   Enjoy your trip!

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      Ladybird33posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Anime, great tip about food, very important and I am grateful that you are giving me such great tips!  I am really excited and I don't leave for a month!

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         anime_nanetposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Don't mention it Also , I noticed now I've done a typo. Orente is Oriente - easy to go there by the red line of the subway.
         
         If you're staying there a month go check out Cascais as well

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   Ladybird33posted 13 years ago

   anime, I am there about 7 days, working during that time but will have a few afternoons to run around.  If you think of anything else, send my way...I am working on my itinerary for each day (to fit in all that I want to see).  Thank you so much.

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   anime_nanetposted 13 years ago

   All the places I mentioned are either in Lisbon or at most at 30 kms away, with easy transportation by bus.
   
   Sintra is a must - but it's quite big so I recommend giving it a full afternoon (a day would be better - starting in the morning). Cascais check if you have time
   
   Thanks for fanning me btw Just noticed!

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   Ladybird33posted 13 years ago

   Excellent, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your help!

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