The destination that was on everyone’s lips in 2017 is Lisbon. 2018 doesn’t seem to have slowed down the demand for this beautiful city.
Dotted over seven hillsides boasting spectacular views of the River Tagus, Portugal’s capital city has plenty of things to see and do and almost guaranteed sun. In fact, a long weekend in Lisbon could be the perfect city break. Climb the Cristo Rei, hop on a tram to visit historic Belem, people watch in the Praça de Comèrcio or climb up to Castelo São Jorge for the best views from Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. With hard-working trams to get you around (and the wonderfully quirky Carmo lift), don’t let the hilly aspects to the city put you off. Lisbon is really best to chill out, take in the sights and explore the wonderful food on offer. Home to world-famous custard tarts, Lisbon has once again had a spotlight on it, made famous by Rick Stein’s recent Long Weekends. Portuguese food is a well-kept secret but should really be shouted from the rooftops. Lisbon now has a handful of restaurants with Michelin stars, fantastic rooftop bars and tapas extraordinaire so pack those espadrilles and get yourself there pronto (or porto, if you’ll excuse the pun).
WHERE TO STAY
SANTIAGO DE ALFAMA
This brand-new converted palace is set in the historic streets of Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, with most major sights within walking distance and Tram 28 providing direct access to downtown. This former 15th century palace now houses 19 bedrooms, a bar, restaurant, café and Beauty Bar. Acclaimed architect Luís Rebelo de Andrade worked with owner Heleen Uitenbroek for almost six years on this project, bringing the 15th-century building back to life, whilst juggling Roman remains, preserved walls and the demands of a 21st-century five-star hotel. The result is a brilliant blene don’t know how to help you. This is all one would need in our eyes. With only 12 rooms, some with river views and some overlooking the pool and inner courtyard, you’ll be staying in this urban palace, one of the few surviving buildings following Lisbon’s big 1755 earthquake. The hotel restaurant only serves breakfast, handily forcing you out to the surrounding city to explore and scavenge for lunch and dinner. If sightseeing gets a little exhausting, you can easily return d of authenticity – from flagstones to stucco work – and luxury. Modern art by Sandra Baia hangs on ancient walls, and floors are tiled in a motif that is repeated throughout the hotel, from the pillowcases to the menu. Breakfast is served in the beautifully tiled atmospheric Audrey’s Café which spills out onto the cobbled sunny street. Alternatively, there are a host of great restaurants found locally. There is a gift shop and in the basement a Beauty Bar offers treatments from facials to manicures.
WHERE TO DRINK
Limão at H10 Duque de Loulé, 81-83, 1050-088-Av. Liberdade / Marquês Pombal-Lisboa
Make sure you visit one of Lisbon’s best kept secrets, found on the 10th floor of this charming hotel in one of central Lisbon’s historic buildings
Clube Ferroviário, Rua de Santa Apolónia, 59-63, 1100-468 Lisboa
With a nod to trainspotters everywhere, this rooftop bar is spread over two floors, offering fantastic views and quirky interiors
WHERE TO EAT
Gambrinus Restaurante, Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 23, 1150-264 Lisboa
Gambrinus is the place to go for seafood. Running for nearly 80 years, order local prawns and clams steamed with garlic to while away an afternoon.
Belcanto, Largo de São Carlos, 10, 1200-410 Lisboa
Head to Belcanto for a spectacular supper. With its two Michelin stars in Lisbon’s historical centre, Belcanto transforms traditional Portuguese cuisine for just 10 tables.
Please contact us today to arrange your long weekend in Lisbon. We have been sending our guests for years and know just where to explore when you’re there!
