Its streets and buildings crumbled, lending the capital an air of faded glory. But the alarm clock has sounded. Over the past four years, Lisboetas have been laboring to ensure the success of Expo '98, the last world's fair of the millennium, opening today and running through Sept. 30. If you're going . . . If you intend to visit Lisbon during Expo '98, better pick up the phone now.
Rooms already are tough to find.
If a travel agent fails, call hotels directly, as they often have rooms held back. If you go in the summer, expect temperatures in the upper 80s with high humidity. And consider Portuguese language tapes before embarking. Though many locals speak English, they appreciate the effort and don't love being addressed in Spanish. Invest in good walking shoes, as your feet will provide some of the best transportation around town.