Arriving Early Evening in Lisbon

The Castelo de Sao Jorge is beautiful in the evening, as it overlooks the city of Lisbon. It is easly accessible by bus. There's an admission charge, but I think it was inexpensive.

Agree, and, if you're there in season, the outside restaurant at the top will be open.
We were there in October, and it was closed but we did go up for the sunset over Lisbon.
Incidentally, the RS book was invaluable for the time we were in Portugal--make time to go to Evora and Sintra.

I would say take Rick's suggestion about taking the #28 tram car and just enjoying the sights along the route. It will give you great views of the water and you can get your bearings of the old city and get on and off wherever you like. You will love Lisbon and be sure to visit Belem.

My husband and I flew from the US to Lisbon several years ago, and upon arrival directly took a 30 min train ride to Sintra. It is a delightful,quaint and quiet little town with some very interesting sights. Sintra was where the vacation homes of kings from earlier periods are located. We stayed at an immaculately clean B&B called Caso do Valle.

Wow, I so excited with all the advice I am getting. I plan to take the train and go to Sintra for the day. Can you see Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle and National Cathedral in one day? Is there time to visit Estoril and come back by train?

Bob, Check to see that all palaces/museums are open on the day you visit. On a Wed. we were able to visit the Pena, but the National Palace, right in town was closed. Also, the Rossio train station in Lisbon is now open (listed as closed for construction in Rick's 2007 book)and the best way to get to Sintra. Remember that the Lisbon Card covers your train ride. You will need to get a bus ticket up to the Pena.

Yes, as long as you get a reasonably early start. you should be able to see all the main sights in Sintra in one full day. With the easy access from Lisbon by train, it seems like the place is perfectly designed to fit in a nice collection of interesting things in one day.

Plan to do lots of walking, though - the Moorish castle, especially, will give you some exercise (lots of climbing around, and incredible views/photo ops). makes for a wonderful day.

Good luck with the No.28 tram. My daughter and I were in Lisbon in April. Try to catch the tram at its first departure point, in the main square. We tried in vain to catch it at several stops on it's journey as it was closer to our accommodation. No luck, as it was packed to the rafters. We finished up walking to the square. Even then it was the survival of the fittest to board. Lovely trip, but be warned, the tram is a haven for pick pockets. Someone got done on our trip.