Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly coastal capital
Given the current climate and possibly the foreseeable future the trend is likely to be towards short breaks, not only in popular cities like Barcelona, Rome and London but also Lisbon, Porto and lesser known foodie destinations. If you’ve never been to Lisbon you’re in for a real treat. With the flurry of new guesthouses, private houses and charming boutique hotels Portugal as a country should be top of your list for a mid-week break or a few days away as it has some of the best places to stay in Europe and is emerging as a dynamic centre for design, culture and food.
Chefs are creating culinary buzz from Lisbon to the pristine beaches of the Algarve (seven new restaurants received Michelin stars in 2017). Don’t forget of course that it’s also easy on the wallet, an easy destination to get to from the UK and has a great year-round temperate climate.
Portugal’s coastal capital and hilly city of Lisbon, owes its historical prominence to its natural harbour, one of the most beautiful in the world. European city of culture in 1994 and then home to Expo ’98 Lisbon underwent a massive renovation project with huge improvements to its transport and infrastructure. Lisbon, like Rome, is built on seven hills, each one with its own story to tell. Lisbon is Portugal’s hilly, coastal capital city.
From imposing São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s faded pastel-coloured buildings, Tagus Estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles, an industry Portugal is famous for. Head just outside Lisbon and you’ll find a handful of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais to Estoril.
Arguably one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, Lisbon is a city of colourful balconies and vistas. Famous for its custard tarts, trams and cobbled streets the city has been put firmly back on the map with a flurry of new restaurant and hotel openings in the last few years. Portugal is home to 27 Michelin awarded restaurants in total, seven of which can be found in Lisbon. Two Lisbon restaurants have earned their first Michelin star in the 2020 awards – Epur led by chef Vincent Farges and Fifty Seconds by Martin Berasategui.
Awarded its first Michelin star in 2016 Alma, in Chiado, is perhaps one of the more recent luxury hotels to gain its star. Serving informal dishes in a fine dining atmosphere, Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa gives you the choice of five menus reflecting his own extensive travels around the world. Chiado is Belcanto, the only restaurant in Lisbon to have been awarded 2 Michelin stars. Focusing on Portuguese cuisine José Avillez’s creates dishes that are served to a maximum of 10 tables. For memorable, contemporary dishes head to the flamboyant Chef Alexandre Silva’s restaurant which he opened at the end of 2015; his talent won him Portugal’s first televised chef competition.
A visit to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without sampling some of the best pasteis de nata (custard tarts) in the world. Don’t be put off by the crowds, there is a reason Antiga Confeitaria de Belem is so popular! Go early in the morning and steer towards one of the rooms at the back (each room has its own set of waiters and waitresses) – and order at least three or four along with a bica (similar to an espresso). This is a typical and traditional way to start the day when in Lisbon.
If you’re a self-confessed food lover then you should include a trip to the Mercado da Ribeira, the food court of Lisbon’s market hall. Taken over by Time Out in 2014 this bustling food market is home to more than 35 permanent food stalls including some of Lisbon’s most famous delicatessens, restaurants and wine merchants.
Don’t worry, if food isn’t your thing. There’s a zoo within the city and some magical botanical gardens to visit. Campo Pequeno is Lisbon’s bullring, which attracts visitors of all ages to watch the Portuguese style of bullfighting. There are plenty of museums to visit one of the more unusual is Azulejo Museum which can be found in the Convent of Madre de Deus and which features a fabulous collection of regional painted tiles which Portugal is famous for. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Torre de Belém is Lisbon’s most famous monument and should be on your must-see list.
Click here for a list of luxury and boutique hotels in Lisbon.