Take the ferry from Cais do Sodre for the ten-minute crossing to Cacilhas (€1.25), avoid the street traders at the exit and turn sharp right to walk along the quay. There are wonderful old industrial buildings and eventually, the maritime museum and an elevador or a steep series of steps up to the small town of Almada and the Cristo Rei statue, from where there is a great view back across the Tejo as far as Sintra.

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This can be confusing but the best value is a Viva Viagem card and the easiest place to buy one is from the ticket machines at any metro station. It's €4 for a one-day pass (valid 24 hours from time of purchase) and that covers metro, trams, buses and funiculars. When you want to renew it will cost €3.50 a day. You can also use it for ferries as all the ticket barriers are electronic.

If you arrive at the airport a ticket on the airport shuttle bus costs a flat fare of €3 and is valid for a day's travel on public transport. The Viva Viagem card is not accepted on the airport bus though.

As the shuttle is fairly infrequent and can get very crowded (though fun for the running commentary) if you haven't much luggage I would seriously consider, especially for your return trip, catching an ordinary bus to just outside the airport (check the route map) or take the metro to Olivais on the red route and it's a pleasant 20 minute walk to the terminal.

In fact I would also recommend taking a metro to a random station, getting out and exploring. The metro stations are invariably clean, modern, efficient and uniquely decorated with tiles and murals.

Any metro station is easiest.

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Magnificent 19th century botanical gardens on a dense and sloping site, a haven of peace away from the busy streets, full of character and an absolute bargain at the €1.50 fee. Interesting buildings, a pond, and information boards on the way round.

The entrance can be tricky to find as it isn't obvious - through wide entrance gates opposite Rua de Sao Marcal and 100m straight on.

Rua Escola Politecnica, www.jb.vi.pt

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The area covered by the local bus services run by Ligne D'Azur has been extended. Collect a free route map from the airport or elsewhere.

The seven-day passes are great value and allow journeys to such places as Vence, Eze and some distance inland.

www.lignedazur.com

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An exceptionally beautiful small museum hovering above a lake in the Parc Floral Phoenix (bus 23 westbound stops almost directly outside).

There are sections covering Japan, China, India and Cambodia.

Exceptionally restful, light and airy.

Every day except Tuesday; €4.5.

405 Promenade des Anglais
Arenas, Nice
www.arts-asiatiques.com

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Le Train des Pignes is a classic rail journey through increasingly spectacular scenery from the heart of Nice on the narrow gauge line to Digne les Bains (just over three hours) - or stop at one of the remote and beautiful villages en route.

Either side of the train offers great views.

There are also links to the ski resort of Plan-du-Var.

Gare de Nice CP, rue Alfred Binet
(near the SNCF rail station)
www.trainprovence.com

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