Tips for planning your perfect Lisbon escape.
Hotels
You are spoilt for choice with a plethora of beautiful hotels in this city, from 5-star familiar hard hitters like The Four Seasons to hidden gems like our favorite, Palacete Chafariz del Rei. This renovated mini palace, or palacete, is an aesthetic marvel with its exotic Neo-Moorish architecture. You’ll also find yourself being treated like royalty with this hotel’s impeccable service.
With suites overlooking the Tagus River in Alfama, the most historic and stunning part of Lisbon, this location is a stone’s throw away from major sites. Whether you are tired from walking the steps of Alfama to see the famous Castelo Sao Jorge or a night of listening to Fado - the national music deemed a UNESCO Cultural Heritage - you will find a welcome respite back in the comfort of your own private palace.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the weekend brunch, replete with butler service in the drawing room, unlimited pasteis de nada and other mouthwatering local delicacies.
Another favorite is The Tower Room, situated on the 3rd floor, which comes with its own observatory. It’s the perfect spot to take in the sights and live out all your old-world living fantasies!
Food
One cannot mention Lisbon without it immediately bringing bountiful fresh seafood and the infamous Ramiros to mind! But there is more to Lisbon’s dining scene then just salted cod and sardines. With several Michelin star restaurants under its sleeve, such as Alma, Belcanto and Loco, this wonderful city boasts a truly vibrant local food scene. We are hard pressed to find our favorite!
But one that deserves a special mention is the understated yet tremendously scrumptious Mini Bar by Chef Avillez. Hidden in the back of one of the Michelin star awarded chef’s eateries, you’ll feel like you’ve just stumbled into a well-kept secret. Heavily inspired by the chef’s days at El Buli, diners can enjoy dish after dish of incredible small bites. Our favorites are the El Bulli olive and the Mini Bar Rose. And if that wasn't enough, live music is played on most days of the week. Make sure you reserve a table, to avoid disappointment.
Shopping
The Lisbon fashion shopping scene is still underdeveloped compared to some of its European counterparts. Although you will find major boutiques such as Gucci, Prada and Dior strung on the Avienda de Liberdade, the big name brand offering is not as varied. So instead of wasting your time shopping for things you can buy everywhere, spend your money at the incredible and unique Cortiço & Netos where you can snatch vintage and discontinued beautiful tiles all the way from the 1800s! At 8-16 Euro a pop they are an absolute steal!
Getaway
Although Lisbon is surrounded by the Tagus River, you should travel either north or south to hit up the beaches! Whether you take a quick ferry south bound to the hip Comporta, or travel north to surfer haunt Carcavelous, you will find marvellous options. Our favorite is Yamba in Almada, an incredible bohemian beach club with food that will keep you satisfied from sunup to sundown. Book their Bedouin Tent sun-bed for an incredible and private experience. Getting there is easy, via a quick ferry ride from central Lisbon.
