Portugal Guidebook
Guidebook corrections:
Please note: The following corrections were submitted by readers and have not yet been confirmed by Rick. Check updates from Rick for the latest.
This is not exactly a correction, just a comment on the rating of the Bairro Alto and Chiado Stroll. The 6th edition guide gives it 3 "stars" as a must do item. Really, we found it should have rated one star--or may be one half. We could not get into the Port Wine Institute, the Sao Roque Church and the Convento do Carmo was closed for renovations. The Armazens do Chiado is just a shopping mall with many stores that you see in other places. The Alfama Stroll was about 100 times more interesting and it is also ranked with 3 "stars".
Christine in Igler, WI USA 11/21/2011
Lisbon: Via Viagem daily renewal cost is now 4.60 Euros. Lisbon: Film at Monument to the Discoveries was discontinued in September 2011; only thing open is the viewing point - Tower of Belem is the better option now, especially with Lisboa Card. Lisbon: Elevador de Santa Justa stairs to very top costs an extra 1.50 Euros over elevator ride, not covered by Lisboa Card. No cafe at very top. Lisbon: Most shops at Colombo Shopping Mall open until at least 23h00 (well past 22h00 anyway), if not midnight. Continente open until midnight daily. I notice that many Benfica soccer fans use the mall as a parking lot; so the shops stay open to capture that traffic when games end at 22h30.
Vince Bacani in Toronto, ON Canada 10/31/2011
Overall I love your guidebooks - we use them every time we travel to one of the European countries. Just one suggestion - on page 316 of this book and in some of your other recent books you've started suggesting that people stop using the mail and only use phoning and emailing because they are so easy. That is true for connecting with immediate family. But for staying in touch with friends and relatives a post card from a foreign country is still a great thing to receive in the mail - no one saves an email from a foreign land but a post card with a great photo and a stamp is still wonderful to receive. And a trip to the local post office is always an opportunity to interact with "real" people.
Kyle in San Francisco, CA USA 10/18/2011
In Coimbra the excellent fado at A Capella is all that is covered by the 10€ cover, not a drink and Residencia Coimbra, which we liked, no longer gives a 5% discount. Driving from Coimbra to Conimbriga, one can't go straight uphill after crossing the Santa Clara Bridge and a crucial sign is missing south of Condexia. Taking the A1 probably is the way to go.
Peter D. Springberg, MD in Fort Collins, CO USA 09/16/2011
In Coimbra the excellent fado at A Capella is all that is covered by the 10€ cover, not a drink and Residencia Coimbra, which we liked, no longer gives a 5% discount. Driving from Coimbra to Conimbriga, one can't go straight uphill after crossing the Santa Clara Bridge and a crucial sign is missing south of Condexia. Taking the A1 probably is the way to go.
Peter D. Springberg, MD in Fort Collins, CO USA 09/16/2011
Most stores in Lisbon are closed on Sunday so if you want to do a side trip this is a good time.
Most of the times listed in the book are incorrect so call ahead.
Catherine in Montreal, QC Canada 09/08/2011
I just returned from Portugal (June, 2011) and would NEVER say that the service in Lisbon's restaurant called "A Tasquinha" (pg 90) was "marginal". And it was NOT "touristy". There was one other American eating (I only knew that because he was reading the Steves' guidebook) and the others were decidely not tourists. The food at the restaurant was excellent when I was there! The niece of the owner invited us to sit outside on the terrace and she personally waited on us; her English was excellent and she was eager to show her uncle the Steves book review that I had with me, but, of course, she was disappointed about what you stated. I ordered Tuna a la Madeira (special of the day) for lunch and the tuna was exellent, just as she told me --- boneless with garlic and olive oil and potatoes. Please change your rating for this wonderful find!
Susan Mueller in Lake Forest Park, WA USA 06/25/2011
5th Edition April 2010: Monastery of Jeronimos in Belem is now 7 Euros. In Lisbon, Cervejaria Nacala at #53 on "Eating Lane" no longer exists. Had the best red wine of entire 2 week trip at Arturo's on right side of Eating Lane. In Porto, Hotel Internacional's prices are up 5-10 euros. Most prices at sites were higher.
Nancy Lloyd in Allentown, PA USA 06/12/2011
in Lisbon, waiters approach you on the street, follow you, talking to you in Portuguese apparently trying to entice you to eat at their restaurant. It bordered on harassment and was very annoying. They follow you until you wave them away repeatedly.
Pat in Marlborough, MA USA 05/17/2011
Sintra: the parking spot is on Rua do Porto, not Rio do Porto.
Alvaro HIdalgo in Berkeley, CA USA 05/15/2011
The Metro red line now connects San Sebastiao with Alameda (passing through Saldanha) so the map on p. 43 could be updated to show this.
Ruth Baer in Lexington, KY USA 05/07/2011
Price of trip on trolley is now 2.50 euros not 1.30. (p 38).
Joel Marcus in Media, PA USA 05/01/2011
Could you add Madeira to the Portugal guidebooks and programmes. It is a wonderful island where we have spent 3 consecutive winters. Truly a floating garden in the Atlantic.
Elizabeth Fleming in Toronto, On Canada 04/11/2011
Could you add Madeira to the Portugal guidebooks and programmes. It is a wonderful island where we have spent 3 consecutive winters. Truly a floating garden in the Atlantic.
Elizabeth Fleming in Toronto, On Canada 04/11/2011
Could you add Madeira to the Portugal guidebooks and programmes. It is a wonderful island where we have spent 3 consecutive winters. Truly a floating garden in the Atlantic.
Elizabeth Fleming in Toronto, On Canada 04/11/2011
your metro may is outdated.. seems not to have been updated in many years. on line I was able to obtain a map in color (as the metro lines are color coded). no where does your guidebook even refer to an addition to the Red line being under construction. a map on line (dated 2006) reflects this addition as "under construction". line extension is complete, when, dont know. but the Red line now extends from Alameda to Sao Sebastiao, conneting the Red Line with both Yellow and Blue lines. seems to me, instead of just revising the Cover Page with a new date, some more updated information, especially regarding local transportation, should be paramount.
les abrams in garden city, ny USA 11/13/2010
You should add Casa do Valle - Sintra as an option for a B&B in your guidebook.
Caroline Hill in New York, NY USA 10/16/2010
The Florescente Hotel in Lisbon did not verify my booking, would not answer any of my e-mails as to whether they had received my reservation 3 months in advance and then charged my Visa when they said we didn't show up. They had no trouble sending me an e-mail to notify me of the billing but still haven't responded to 2 e-mails since their notice of billing. Looks like a scam.
Jeff Clarke in Wenatchee, WA USA 09/26/2010
I was Portugal in August 2010. The TI kiosk in Belem was not open on a Friday even though the it should have been according to the posted hours. The tourist train no longer runs. A new coach museum is under construction. The entry fees are all 30% higher than those in your 2009 edition (all through Portugal). In Porto, no one (including a guard with a tourism armband and a tourist train operator) knew where the tour center near the Se was even though it turned out that we were only about 100 ft from it.
Dolores Scott in Monson, MA USA 09/13/2010
The Lisboa Sunday market with coins and books is no longer at Parque das Nacoes. It moved to Belem long ago and it is supposed to be only twice a month.
Bert in Lutz, FL USA 06/22/2010
Portugal 2010-Page 228 Residencia Coimbra---Jose very nice but he would not honor 5% discount and had to pay in cash.
Carmelita Stone in Plattsburg, MO USA 06/10/2010
No
Thomas Lenz in Moraga, CA USA 05/29/2010
Note to Editor:Always give the site name in Portuguese as well as English.80% of time Rick does but had to look it up in my LP guide 3-4 times.Sorry did not note the pages.Also give street name for us GPS guys.
Vincent F Biondo Jr in Del Mar, CA USA 05/14/2010
Wish I had read these reader feedbacks before looking for the Baixa lavanderia :) yes, it is now a souvenir shop and the tip on max withdrawl of EU 200 on ATMs....Im off to brush up on Spain, Italy and Ireland tips before moving on....
Eileen in Kocherhans, CA USA 05/05/2010
Porto: now has tourism information, well-staffed, at the airport. Arrivals level, near Cafe Aeroporto and the Vodaphone store. This is not an "I" stand, where they only leave brochures, but is labeled "Tourism Information." Easy to pick up city maps, IVDP port wine caves map of Vila Nova de Gaia, purchase Andante card for Metro, bus map (ask for Mapa rede intermodal), and brochures, but don't ask for info on Douro river cruises to vineyards there, as they don't know. The Mapa rede intermodal also shows locations of taxi stands which are key in this hilly city. IVDP map absolutely essential, as it contains opening days/times by time of year for member caves in Vila Nova dG, found nowhere else (not even on the website of the group that produces the pamphlet, www.ivp.pt--> English --> Tourism --> Historical Center, which gives the same map but not times), nor on boards posted in Gaia, and the brochure isn't found at the IVDP member cavas either!). Bear in mind that many port makers are not members of IVDP, so it will omit several (Sandeman, Croft, Calem) but includes others you won't see mentioned otherwise (Real Companhia Vehla, Offley, Graham's, Cockburns). AndanteTourCard appears to have been replaced by PortoCard (8.50/13.50/17.50 for 1/2/3 days): includes all transport, tram museum, Casa do Infante and 7 other museums free, 50% off at Serralves, Clerigos Church and Tower, plus 2 others; discounts on some restaurants, tours, shops and cruises. I saw cardboard stand for this at airport but no brochures and it wasn't mentioned there; saw a brochure for it on my last day at a second TI, so not sure which restaurants and shops are included, but this might be a good value like LisbonCard, or not. There are no cruises upriver on the Douro when the locks are closed, and as of March 29, those locks are still closed (2010); update the March-October info about when upriver cruises are an option, as it is really April 3 to ? when the locks are open again.
Sally H in Kalamazoo, MI USA 03/29/2010
The Tivoli in Lisbon no longer exists.
maria in Lewiston , N. USA 03/13/2010
System of purchasing 10 subway tickets in Lisbon does not exist any more. You can purchase a card and charge it with whatever amount you choose and recharge, or purchase a day card which can also be recharged. Cards are good on subway, trolleus, buses and some funiculars
Marylene Pastides in Columbia, MO USA 11/20/2009
Lagos Accommodatin : Casa de Sao Goncalo de Lagos is no longer a fine value. It is now a unclean Youth Hostel. I would not recommend it's retention in your book. Having visited many of the small beach towns in the Algarve I cannot understand why Salema is so headlined in the book. It really is featureless. In my opinion Luz rates higher for many reasons not the least of which are the Roman ruins.
Wayne Baldwin in White Rock, BC Canada 10/26/2009
There is no longer a Sunday market in Parque de Nacoes in Lisbon.
Bettina is now managing the Pension A Mare in Salema. She is very warm and helpful.
The red metro line has been extended to go to Sao Sebastiao.
Patricia Snee in Springville, PA USA 10/09/2009
just thought I'd let you know, I was just in Porto and toured some of the port wine cellars. I never got a refund on tasting when deciding to buy a bottle - even asked. Also, Kopke's tasting room may have changed their location - it is the the first tasting room you get to as you walk down the street along the river from the bridge (before you get to Sandeman).
Lisa Cameron in Brookline, MA USA 09/19/2009
In Porto, you can now walk across the high level of the bridge - well worth the views!
Hillary Slawson in Seattle, WA USA 08/15/2009
Portugal Guide Book Lisbon Lavandaria da Baixa is out of business. Use the Laundry service 5aSeca Lavandaria R. do Cruzifixo Metro stop Baixa-Chiado
Carmen in Los Angeles, CA USA 07/15/2009
Cigar smoking is no longer permitted at the Port institute in Lisbon Portugal
Thomasine Skufca in Kingwood, Tx USA 06/23/2009
Hi Sorry but there is a mistake at the Rick Steves' Guidebook. Residencia Coimbra e-mail is not: coimbra@gmail.com The correct e-mail is: residencia.coimbra@gmail.com Unfortunately there was a mistake from the editors and now I receive 2 or 3 mails every month! :S If you want you can try acommodation as well in one of this places: http://www.regiaocentro.net/lugares/coimbra/alojamento/index.html Good luck
Vasco Goncalves in Coimbra, PT Portugal 06/19/2009
Sintra- Pena Palace is now 11 Euros from April to October. Also, the tourist bus loop is not a 24 hour pass but for one round trip.
Carol in Atlanta, GA USA 05/28/2009
The tiny quiet fishing village of Salema isn't really any of the above. We just returned and it's no longer tiny - development abounds. The quiet has been replaced by construction equipment from morning to night so we left and explored daily (not a bad alternative, but we wanted peace and quiet). Fishing still occurs but I'd say it's a tourist village now, plain and simple. Go inland instead for accomodations, travel to the beaches by day.
Paula Fedirchuk in Seattle, WA USA 05/20/2009
It is May, 2009 and we used the 2008 edition. As to be expected, all the prices are a little bit higher than in the book.
Brenda VanAmburgh in Fort Worth, TX USA 05/17/2009