Hi, We already booked our flights for July to Portugal. There will be 4 of us and plan to make Lisbon our home base for 2 1/2 weeks as we make side trips to Fatima and other places ( maybe Algarve) .We are looking at an apartment rental in Biaxa. Just starting to plan and getting overwhelmed already. Thanks.
Posted by
Denver, CO USA
501 posts
We just went thru the process of making AirBnB reservations for September/October in Lisboa.
My advice is BOOK ASAP.
We found units disappearing as we were evaluating/deciding.
And, I think you meant Baixa and not Biaxa.
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
567 posts
I would consider other neighbourhoods other than Baixa. It is the busiest and in July will be crowded. We stayed up near the Castle in an area that is either Alfama or Castelo. Consider the Alfama, Castelo, Gracia, and Chiado areas. Although they are up higher it is easy to get up and down with funiculars, elevators, trolleys etc and it will be more pleasant for that long of a home base. Also the restaurants in the Baixa cater to the tourists so are frequently pricier and not as good quality.
I just checked the place we stayed and it is already fully booked for July. Have you considered moving around a bit? It is way too far to go to the Algarve for example as a day trip.
Posted by
OP
san Francisco
735 posts
Thanks a lot. We just worry about walking up a hill after a long day of sight seeing. Yes we will look at other areas . Is chiado quite hilly?
Thanks for the heads up about Algarve .
Posted by
Calgary, AB, Canada
567 posts
My recollection is that Chiado and Barrio Alto were kind of on a hill on side of the Baixa and Castelo, Alfama to the other side. The town is built around quite a few hills. But we found it was easy to find other ways up. And taxis were inexpensive, so with 4 of you that is another option if you legs have had enough!
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1824 posts
Most areas of Lisbon are quite hilly! Including Alfama, Chiado and Barro Alto. Baixa is the main area in the center that is flat. But, I agree that I don't know that I would want to stay in that area for such a length of time. The Rossio or Liberdade might be another option but my pick would be Chiado. One thing you can do is use google street view to 'walk' around the area you are considering to see how steep the hills are close to the apartment. Chiado has a metro stop from which you can go any place and the trams run through the area. And there are elevators and escalators around town to help with the hills. I would suggest is a walking tour soon after you arrive to give you some history and show you the elevators!
The Algarve is way too far for a day trip and there are beaches close to Lisbon easily reached by train.
I also agree that you need to make your reservations asap because Lisbon has become very popular in the last couple of years! One last thing - you will likely need air conditioning in the city in July.
Posted by
OP
san Francisco
735 posts
Thanks Kathyrnj. Thanks for the reminder of air conditioning. We are looking at Airbnb for 2 1/2 weeks. I will have to read through the reviews to get a sense of how hilly the location is as I think they would not give the physical address till I booked. I briefly read that some are staying at B&B but I assume that it is only for a few days stay not for 2 weeks. I think we will not do Algarve as it is quite far and I think we need a car to do that.