Thursday 10th May 2018

The location of our campsite was perfect for taking a bus ride into the city. The staff in reception were very helpful and gave us information regarding which bus to take to get to different areas of the city.

We chose the Number 750 which would terminate at Oriente on the north- eastern side of Lisbon. The buses run frequently, on time and each journey costs only €1.85 each. Which we considered a bargain! There are options to purchase travel cards if you will be using public transport a lot, so worth checking out on line.

The route took us through Benfica, with views of the Benfica’s ground, Estádio da Luz, passed Lisbon Airport, where the incoming aircraft flew directly overhead as we travelled along one of the streets, by the University campus, where the students were always dressed in their black gowns and finally after approximately a 45 minute journey brought us to the Lisbon Oriente Station one of the main transport hubs in the city, connecting the mainline, metro and bus.

Directly opposite the terminus was the Centro Vasco da Gama, a huge multilevel mall combining shopping with a range of leisure activities. It has a six screen cinema and a health club too. If you love shopping then this is definitely a place for you!

Unbeknown to us, Lisbon was hosting Eurovision 2018 on this weekend and we had arrived at the hub of this spectacle.

We had chosen the day of the second semi-final to visit the capital and were greeted with Eurovision mania.

 

The main event was taking place in the Altice Arena, formerly the MEO Arena.

As well as the flags, banners, railings and paraphernalia that accompanies such an enormous event, there were numerous Eurovision supporters milling around, all enjoying the atmosphere or waiting to enter the arena for the afternoon rehearsals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Altice Arena is in the heart of the Parque das Naçôes (Park of Nations) along the banks of the Tagus (Tejo) River. This area has been redeveloped and includes many modern contemporary buildings, the Oceanarium and has a trendy waterfront with restaurants. Here too is located the cable car, Telecabine, the Vasco da Gama Bridge, Tower and modern Myriad Hotel.

After enjoying a delightful chá da tarde on the outdoor decking of the Myriad Hotel overlooking the Tagus River, we made our way back to Oriente station and our bus home.

The good thing about being at the terminus was we were more likely to be first to get a seat 😉