The shimmering interior of the York House Hotel; Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is the westernmost city in continental Europe and lies on the band of the Tagus Estuary. A wonderful climate makes this beautiful city a visit-anytime destination throughout the Spring, and Fall offers excellent weather conditions and a city that isn't overcrowded with tourists. It's also the best time to find less expensive fares. Flight time from New York City to Lisbon is approximately seven hours, but many airlines offer stopovers, so be sure to ask when making a reservation. Avoid travel in August, as many Lisboêtas take their vacations this month.

Acommodations

York House
Rua Das Janelas Verdes 32, Lisbon
Ph: 21-396-24 35
From $120 USD and up
Charming hotel in Lisbon that was once a 16^th century convent. All rooms have antique beds and 18^th and 19^th century furnishings.

Pensao Ninho Das Aguias
74, Rua Costa C, Castelo, 1100
Ph: (351 21) 886-70-08
Cost: $40 USD and up
Budget-priced accommodation in the heart of the city. This 16-room hotel is located just under St. George's castle. All the rooms have wooden, polished floors and antique beds.

Travel

Though Lisbon is one of Europe's great walking cities, consider renting a car to take on the outskirts of town. Fortunately, just like home, driving is on the right-hand side of the road.

City Transport
www.metrolisboa.pt
Cost: $1 USD
Lisbon's metro system is affordable and efficient. Unlike other city subways, the city of Lisbon pays great attention to the upkeep and the look of each station. Art shows, tile and mosaic exhibitions are frequent happenings at local stations.

York House Private Chauffeur (point-to-point trip)
Rua Das Janelas Verdes 32, Lisbon
Ph: 21-396-24-35
Cost: $50 USD
The York House offers a car service with a private chauffeur. Day and hour rates are available.

Food

Martinho da Arcada — restaurant
Praca do Comercio 3, Lisbon
Ph: 21-887-9259
Cost: Inexpensive
A stand-up cafe under the arches with a menu that offers excellent regional Portuguese cuisine. Closed on Sundays.

Activities

The Bairro Alto is known as the Fado district. Walk through any of the streets and you'll hear the distinctive sounds.

Se Cathedral
Largo de Se, Lisbon
Ph: 351-86-6752
Cost: Donation's are optional
Cathedral Se is a large fortress created in 1150 AD by Afonso Henriques, and is where Lisbon's patron saint, St. Anthony is buried.

Museu Nacional Do Azulejo
Rua da Madre de Deus 4-1900-312, Lisbon
Ph: 351-21-814-77-47
Cost: $3 USD
World-famous Tile Museum of Lisbon featuring high-profile works from artists past and present. Museum hours are 2 p.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday.

Panteao Nacional
Largo de Santa Clara, Lisbon
Ph: 21-885-48-20
Cost: $2 USD
This gorgeous former Portuguese Baroque church, now open to the public as a museum, is a national shrine containing memorial tombs to former heads of state.

Cell Phone Rental
Cost: Approx. $68 USD per day
Rates vary for outgoing local calls to approx. $1-$3 USD per minute. Calls back to the U.S. are more expensive. Some car rental companies offer free rental of hand-sets and you just pay for the minutes. Be sure to shop around or check with your hotel for the best rates.

Castelo de Sao Jorge (St. George's Castle)
Rua da Costa do Castelo, Lisbon
Cost: Free
The castle is located in the Alfama district, on Sao Jorge hill. Take bus number 37 or the tramway and check out the nice views on the ascent.