Tag: tram

As Easy As…Um, Dois, Três

© 2018 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Portugal’s capital has always taken a backseat to many other cities in Europe. Travel, however, has become more commonplace and a trip to Europe is becoming the norm for many.   Years ago, most people took a trip (or sometimes two) of a lifetime and visited as many of the main European cities as they could fit into their itineraries.

Now, savvy travelers want bragging rights…

“I’ve been there…have you?”

Portugal is quickly becoming the country that travelers want to brag about.  Plus, with its affordability, it is easily attainable.

If you’ve scheduled your trip to Portugal’s capital, then make sure to fit in all that you can while visiting.

Besides its many landmarks, all worth visiting, there are many other things throughout the city that tourists can not miss.

Here are three that I recommend.

Take a tram or a tuk tuk.  Some cities have modes of transportation that everyone relates to the city…think, London’s double-decker buses.  Lisbon has its trams.  The most popular is Tram 28 which takes tourists on a route from Martim Moniz to Campo Ourique, passing through the neighborhoods of Graça, Baixa and Bairro Alto, and near popular attractions, such as St. George’s Castle and Alfama.   Many of the trams used within the city were also used in World War II, so in addition to seeing what the city has to offer, you are riding on a piece of history.  Expect long waits and crowded cars due to the tram’s popularity, but enjoy the ride up the steep Alfama hill…your feet will thank you!

You will also notice many tuk tuks throughout the city.  A common and cheap mode of transportation in Asia, the tuk tuk was introduced to Portugal a few years ago.  Popular with tourists, for their availability and for their ease of travel through the narrow streets, you can find them outside of most attractions.  Beware, however…the price you pay in Asia is not what you pay in Lisbon.

Enjoy the view.  There are many overlooks throughout the city.  For the most breathtaking views, head over to the Elevador de Santa Justa, an historic attraction that  connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo. Built in the 19th century and the only remaining vertical lift, it provides an invaluable service by eliminating the steep climb up Carmo Hill.

Largo das Portas do Sol is an original Moorish gateway offering stunning angles over Alfama’s red rooftops and pastel colored houses bordering the Rio Tejo.

Located conveniently near the Cathedral de Se and Castelo Saõ Jorge is Miradouro de Santa Luzia.  A popular observation deck with a pergola that presents dramatic views of the city and the river.

Miradouro da Graça is situated on the hill of Santo André and overlooks many old neighborhoods like Mouraria, Alfama, the downtown area, Castelo Saõ Jorge, the river and 25th April Bridge.  Here, you can enjoy a drink in the esplanade facing Lisbon’s roofs and try to identify the many monuments and landmarks below.  If Tram 28 is too crowded, catch bus 712 (Marquês de Pombal) or 726 and disembark at Sapadores for a short walk.

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara provides views over to the castle and a little market offering nice souvenirs and food and beer stalls. It is easy to access on foot from Bairro Alto or from Rossio below via the Ascensor da Gloria.

Have a treasure hunt.  So, not really in the sense you may be thinking.  Portuguese tiles, or azulegos, were introduced during Moorish times and adorn dozens of buildings throughout the city.  Be on the lookout for these vibrant decorations, especially in the neighborhoods of Alfama, Chiado and Cais do Sodré.  If you don’t feel like seeking these tiles out on your own and would like to inspect them at a closer distance, head out to the Museu Nacional Do Azulejo which is filled with tiles of all colors and sizes, some dating back to the 15th century.  If discovering how these tiles are made is what you are after, you can also learn about the process here.  If money is no object, you can book at stay at the Palácio Belmonte or Palácio Ramalhete, where you will find interior walls covered in these amazing pieces of art.

With so much to do in this Portuguese capitol, there’s probably not enough time to tackle them all.  So, you may have to return…so then you can say,

“I’ve been there twice…have you?”

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

 

Tram 28

Elevador Santa Justa 

  • http://www.carris.pt/en/elevators/
  • Address:  R. do Ouro, 1150-060 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Hours:  Lift, March-October, 0700-2300, daily.  November-February, 0700-2100, daily.  Viewpoint, March-October, 0900-2300, daily. November-February, 0900-2100, daily.
  • Admission:  Return ticket, €5.15,  With the 7 Colinas or Viva Viagem card, €1.45
  • Getting There:  Metro, Baixa/Chiado, blue and green lines

Museu Nacional Do Azulejo (Tile Museum)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The High Point

© 2018 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.

Name the highest point on Hong Kong Island.

The Peak?

Mount Austin?

Victoria’s Peak?

With an elevation of 1,811 feet, the highest point on Hong Kong Island is known as all of the above, but more commonly, Victoria’s Peak.  When visitors to the city desire to see it from a different perspective, this is where they head.

In the early 19th century, Victoria’s Peak attracted prominent European residents for its panoramic view of the city as well as its temperate climate.  Many, including the Governor of Hong Kong, built summer residences on the Peak to escape the sub-tropical climate of the city of Hong Kong.  With no easy mode of transportation, the residents were carried up the mountain in sedan chairs.

Today, the sedan chairs are gone and most visitors utilize the Peak Tram, the 120 year old funicular railway, the city’s oldest mode of transport.  Departing from the terminus on Garden Road, tourists line up for the most direct and scenic route to the summit.

Upon our departure from the ferry pier, we walked to the funicular station passing iconic landmarks such as Hong Kong Observation Wheel, the Jardine House, the iconic skyscraper with round windows and St. John’s Cathedral in the Central District.

Tourists crowded the entrance and ticket window and lined up under the overpass across the street moving when directed to do so.  We took our place at the end of the line, enjoying the shade and respite from the Hong Kong heat.  An hour later, we queued up to board the funicular, fighting to find a seat on the crowded vehicle.  Despite the amazing views we expected to see, it was hard to get much of a glimpse through the windows, while traveling at such a steep angle and with dozens of arms raised, grasping cameras attempting to get pictures of the climb.

As we exited into the Peak Tower, we followed the masses making their way up the high rise filled with shops, restaurants, photo studios and even a Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum.  We had not purchased entrance into Sky Terrace 428, which boasts the best panoramic views, opting to utilize the free terrace and walkways.  With a sloping hillside and retaining walls, we found the views to be a bit obstructed, however, and decided to exit the building.  Making our way to the Lion’s Pavilion, we were able to enjoy the same vista as those from the Sky Terrace 428 at no charge.

Once we had captured an adequate number of selfies and panoramas of the amazing skyline, we walked a bit on one of the walking trails, admiring the views of the Central District, Victoria Harbor, Lamma Island and the surrounding islands.  The trail was shady and many birds were visible, including the black kite as well as numerous species of butterflies.  Though we were informed that wild boar and porcupines frequent the area, we were thankfully left in peace.

Though many visitors arrive later in the afternoon so that they might enjoy both the views during the daytime hours and watch the city lights illuminate in multicolored brilliance at dusk, we decided to head back down the mountain so that we might be able to cross the harbor to check out the Temple Street Night Market.

Temple Street Night Market

Riding the crowded funicular backwards down the mountainside was a bit daunting and we were happy to make it back to the Central District at a much quicker pace than we had arrived.

Though we enjoyed the funicular experience, I think if I went back to Hong Kong, I would do things a bit differently.  First, having the funicular experience under my belt, I would utilize the bus system or a taxi to reach the Peak in a timely manner and to offer myself a view of some of the homes of the super rich located on the way to and near the Peak.  Next, I would try to experience both the daytime and nighttime views, by timing my arrival more appropriately.  Having that said, however, although we enjoyed seeing the beautiful views of the city, I do think the entire Peak Tower experience is a bit overrated.  With so many amazing shopping malls in the city, why come here to be bombarded with more shopping?  Also, there are many other superior dining opportunities with the city.

I think that if you are in search of nature in addition to seeing the city from a different perspective, however, this is what it is really about.  The Peak, Mount Austin, Victoria’s Peak…enjoy the view while utilizing the trails and try to envision a time when the residents were once carried up and down this steep elevation by more primitive means.

Your sore muscles will definitely remind you of the conveniences of modern day travel!

For more pictures, check out Facebook, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, @snappingtheglobe.

 

Peak Tram

  • https://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/home.asp
  • Address:  128 Peak Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong
  • Hours:  0700 to 12 midnight (Monday to Sunday & Public Holidays).  Sky Terrace 428 Opening Hours, 1000 to 1100, Monday to Friday, 0800 to 1100, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
  • Admission:  Peak Tram, Single and return peak tram tickets available.  Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428, Adults, single journey, HK $84 (about US$10.70), return, HK $99 (about US$12.60), children ages 3-11, single journey, HK $38 (about US$4.85), return, HK $47 (about US$6.00).  Peak Tram tickets only, Adults, single journey, HK $37 (about US$4.70), return, HK $52 (about US$6.60), children ages 3-11, single journey, HK $14 (about US$1.80), return, HK $23 (about US$2.90).  All tickets are sold at Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus or from designated travel agents.  Peak Tram Upper Terminus (The Peak Tower) sells Peak Tram tickets only.  Sky Terrace 428 only, Adults, HK $52 (about US$6.60), children ages 3-11 and seniors 65 and above, HK $26 (about US$3.30).
  • Getting There:  From MTR Station on foot, make your way to the J2 exit and walk up to the ground level.  Turn right, through Chater Garden, cross Queen’s Road Central, and make your way up Garden Road. You will pass the Bank of China Tower and Citibank Plaza on your left and St John’s Cathedral on your right to Lower Terminus.  By Bus to Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus, board the Peak Tram shuttle bus No. 15C at the Central(Near Star Ferry Pier 8) Bus Terminus. By bus to Peak, Route No. 15 (First Bus) Normal Central Pier 5 to the Peak or Route No. 15B (First Bus) Wanchai Convention Center to the Peak.  Also by Mini Bus, No. 1, Central (Two IFC) to the Peak.  By taxi to Garden Road Peak Tram Lower Terminus or to the Peak.  By walking up the steep Old Peak Road from near the Zoological Botanical Gardens or the Central Green Trail from Hong Kong Park.  Another popular walk is the level loop along Lugard and Harlech Roads.