We really enjoyed our stay at Filipe’s apartment (20 September 2013 for 4 nights) and communications before we went were great. Filipe warned us that its in the middle of the Barrio Alto area and might be noisy into the small hours, we didn’t mind but with the windows closed it wasn’t that bad (it was 30C during the day so not cold). Saying that if you wanted a quiet evening/night this may not be the place! Of course the up side is that its right in the heart of all nightlife – and there is plenty of it and good info from Maria, who met us and emailed me with a few suggestions whist we were there – like a nearby bar which has live Fado (Monday and Tuesday evening when we were there) and you could just have a beer if you wanted to. The apartment is reasonably comfortable and ideal if you want to base yourself there whilst looking around the city rather than staying in. We didn’t spend too much time there but the wireless was useful, large fridge wasn’t used much and we slept well – so no complaints there. Very good bakers 5 mins walk and small shop 3 mins walk away - not many supermarkets close (well we didn't find any) but not a problem. Other real positives are the 28 tram stop less than 5 mins walk away (head out of town first and you're more likely to get a seat on the way back, a extra fare but worth it for a window seat, make sure the tram is going to the end of the route though), a metro station about 6 minutes (entrance not shown on most maps) Baixa/Chiado (also a easy way to get to the sea level tourist areas), tram Gloria about 10 mins walk and onwards into the heart of Lisbon. We took a taxi from the airport and was charged €24 (approx double what it should) but the metro back – 1 change so pretty easy and almost as quick. Buy a VivaViagem card and load with money (Zapping option) – machines are pretty easy and most staff speak excellent English. Minimum of €5 per card and these can be used on (almost) all public transport – including the train out to beaches (and Sintra), ferries and the lifts/trams – much cheaper than cash and you can use the same machine to check balance – available at all metro stations. 2 places we didn’t get to that are pretty close (and were recommended), Case da India (Rua do Loreto) for piri piri chicken and the Lisbon Port lodge opposite Gloria. Oh it’s not a bad walk down the hill to Cais do Sodre for trains to Cascais/Sintra etc and trams to Belem. We would happily use the apartment again but take the metro – if you do your homework, wander around aimlessly there are plenty of things to do even if your not into museums etc.