Is Lisbon Portugal’s Hippest City?
Whether you want to party in the buzzy bars of the Barrio Alto or eat your way around the city, there’s something for everyone in Lisbon. Situated on the northern banks of the River Tagus (Rio Tejo), Lisbon is one of the best European cities to visit, any time of the year.
Best hotels in Lisbon
Part of the Memmo group of hotels, Memmo Principe Real is a five-star boutique hotel that oozes style and charm, located in one of Lisbon’s hippest districts. There are 41 guest rooms, cocktail bar and infinity pool with arguably some of the best views in the city. Chef Vasco Lello heads up the restaurant, serving classic Portuguese food with a modern twist.
The Lumiares dares to do things differently in Portugal’s hippest city. This stylish boutique hotel and spa in the lively Bairro Alto district has apartment-style rooms, ranging from studios to penthouse suites, located in a beautifully restored 18th century palace. It’s all about design flair and unique touches here, with two restaurants, a rooftop bar, spa and gym. One of the best hotels in Lisbon.
Still a popular stop-off for international visitors, dignitaries and royalty, the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade is the cream of the crop when it comes to luxury, history and location. Situated on the iconic Avenida Liberdade and surrounded by luxury boutiques, theatres and designer shops, an extensive renovation project has breathed new life into this Lisbon institution. Rooms are spacious with signature linens and walk in rainforest showers. The Lobby Bar is a luxurious spot for a cocktail, Cervejaria Liberdade serves up excellent Portuguese cuisine and the outdoor pool area comes into its own in the summer.
Eating & drinking in Lisbon
The Sky Bar on the top floor of Tivoli Avenida Liberdade hotel is the place to be seen, with DJs, light dining menu, extensive drinks menu and the best views of Lisbon at sunset. Book ahead to secure your spot.
The Mercado da Ribeira is now home to the Timeout Food Market. Michelin-starred chefs and lesser-known names share this bustling, frenetic space. The standard and variety of food is very good and the surrounding area is worth exploring.
Food lovers should make a date with A Cevicheria. This small, stylish restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Lisbon with locals and visitors coming to sample the excellent Peruvian dishes served up by Portuguese chef Kiko Martins. You can’t reserve, so get there early to secure your place in the queue.
Café de Belem started making Lisbon’s most famous custard tart, Pastéis de Nata, in 1837 and crowds still flock to this institution to taste them today. Don’t leave Lisbon without trying one.
Shopping in Lisbon
The huge industrial space that is LX Factory sits beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge and is home to some of Lisbon’s hippest bars, shops, restaurants, music venues and public spaces. The reinvention of this crumbling warehouse space has completely transformed the city’s Alcantara district.
Canned tuna, octopus and sardines are all works of art at Loja Das Conservas, a colourful shop celebrating all things fishy. Enjoy a feast for the eyes with over 300 varieties of tinned fish dating back 100 years. Stop here as part of a food tour of Lisbon.
Fashion store, art gallery, ever-changing installation. Expect the unexpected at 39a Concept Store, a hip store in one of Lisbon’s best neighbourhoods. There’s everything you need here for a shopping experience like no other. Shopping in Lisbon just got better.
Travel in Lisbon
The best way to see the city is by Lime Electric Scooter – you’ll find them dotted all over the city. Download the Lime app on your phone, add credit, scan the scooter with your phone and off you go. They’re surprisingly fast and can even make it up some of Lisbon’s notoriously steep hills. This is by far the most cost-effective – and eco-friendly – way of discovering this incredible city.
But of course, no trip to Lisbon is complete without riding the trams. The most famous route is tram number 28, which runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique. Hop on at any point and see the city from a different perspective. Yes, it’s full of tourists but there’s a good reason for that.
What not try Travel Youtopia’s travel concierge service
If you want to visit Lisbon but don’t know where to start, speak to me today. For a one-off fee of just £250 I will find you the best places to stay, places to eat, things to see and off the beaten track experiences. When you use my bespoke travel concierge service you’ll have all the information you need to book and plan the perfect holiday. Email: info@travelyoutopia.com.