Portugal’s capital is a wonderland of sights, sounds and scents - a total experience for the senses. Almost completely destroyed by an 18th-century earthquake, the Portuguese capital has been rebuilt in a distinct baroque and rococo style that gives it a wonderful, grand atmosphere. We think this city is a complete indulgence for the traveller - give in to its charms!
Where to go
People-watch in Rossio Square over a morning coffee. Catch the Santa Justa lift between the city’s levels. Walk the streets of the historic centre with an ice cream, dipping in to fashionable boutiques selling works by Portuguese designers and artisans. Explore the beautiful 500-year-old San Jeronimos monastery, a survivor of the 1755 earthquake. Take photos of the gorgeous baroque and rococo architecture. Stroll the gardens of the city’s former palaces. Eat delicious seafood in one of the city’s many restaurants. Enjoy the long, drawn out evenings when the city is at its best.
Food & Drink
You will eat a lot of seafood in Lisbon, in addition to beef and pork. Beans, rice and vegetables constitute the staples, and tomato and olive are a fairly consistent ingredient. The custard tarts you will find everywhere - flaky sweet and delicious - are a treat you must try. The Portuguese are famous for their red wines and port, in addition to the liquor known as 'ginginjha'. For the best seafood in town (indeed, it’s been called ‘the seafood temple’), go to Cervejaria Ramiro, (Avenida Almirante Reis 1). For great Portuguese-style Tapas, a big favourite here, go to Tágide Wine and Tapas Bar (Largo da Academia Nacional de Belas Artes 18 and 20, Chiado) a warm, intimate place with views over the town hall.
Nightlife
Like the entire Iberian Peninsula, nightlife in Portugal, Lisbon especially, doesn’t start until fairly late. You’ll have more luck and more choice if you choose to head out later rather than earlier. For a fantastic, chic rooftop bar with great views, try Limão at H10 Duque de Loulé (Limão at H10 Duque de Loulé, Av. Duque de Loulé 81). For something very different, but still entirely chic, head to Pensao Amor (R. do Alecrim 19), a refurbished former brothel, now decorated as a decadent tea house that sells wonderful cocktails.
Where to stay
1908 Lisboa Hotel is a hip, stylish design hotel full of art from Portugal's bright young things.
Palacio Belmonte lives us to its heritage,
being located inside a 15th-century palace filled with artwork from the 15th to 18th-centuries. Gorgeous bespoke furnishings, impeccable
service and a wonderful infinity pool. Lots of amazing dining nearby.
Solar do Castelo is a small, intimate luxury hotel inside the walls of
st George’s Castle. Fantastic room service, bar service on the patio and location close to shopping and cultural sights make this a strong contender for one of the city’s best hotels. Outside of the city,
Quinta de Santa Maria is a wonderful country retreat with a terrific pool, massages, wine tastings and a stellar restaurant serving seasonal, local produce to tempt the visitor.
How to get there
AirEuropa, TAP Portugal, Easyjet and Vueling fly to Lisbon daily.
