Lisbon

Lisbon has become a really popular destination for my clients and for good reason. There is so much to do and love about the city - just ask Madonna who called Lisbon, “paradise!” I had visited a couple of times for short periods but loved spending a week exploring more and seeing some new things recommended to me. Plus, I got to experience a wonderful hotel that I think is the perfect home base for your Lisbon stay.

Stay

Lumiares Hotel & Spa (a member of SLH)

I really enjoyed my stay here - a perfect location in the very fun Bairro Alto neighborhood. They have a variety of room types - some spacious suites with great views. The breakfast (included as a perk when you book with me) was on their top floor restaurant with incredible views over the city. The concierge team could not have been more helpful - recommending a Fado spot (see below) and some great vegetarian dining options. I found this location better than the area by the park where the Four Seasons and such were - just more lively and more walkable.

Eat & Drink

I took a few recommendations from some friends and loved them all! If you like wine (and I can’t think of one of my clients who doesn’t), check out By the Wine - a short walk from the hotel. I also loved this speakeasy Mini Bar - great for a pre-dinner drink. 26 Vegan Food Project may now be my favorite vegan restaurant ever - I went twice and could have eaten every meal there. Delicious and beautiful presentation.

For traditional Fado, which I recommend to anyone their first time in Lisbon, I tried a new place recommended by the hotel. Named O Faia, it is a great way to experience this traditional music and enjoy a lovely meal. You can go solo or it would be the perfect date night - candlelit and a great selection of wines. Expect to be there about 2.5 hours - they did 3 thirty minute sets with food service in between which was a nice pacing and experience.

And, you know i love an Irish pub wherever I go! I found three (all the same owner) that all had a fun and friendly vibe. They are called Corner Bar, Cheers, and Meeting Point. Any of them would be perfect for a pint!

LGBTQ+

There is a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene in the city - one that starts very late. Most people do not go to the bars until at least midnight and drag shows, etc. start around 3 AM. So, take a nap if you are going out! I only popped into two bars to check them out around 9:30 and there were less than ten people in both.

Friends was literally around the corner from the hotel and a cute spot to catch up over a drink. It was the busiest I saw on the early side.

Bar TR3S is another spot that many people suggested - one of the oldest bars in the city.

Things To Do

There are so many things to do in Lisbon, it depends on what you are looking for in how to spend your days. To learn more about the history of the city and the area, I highly recommend heading to Belém - a short 15-minute drive away. There, I would see the Tower of Belém (you will want to get tickets ahead of time or you will wait an hour+) and Jerónimos Monastery - you can get tickets at their official station in the park across the street. And, while you are there, treat yourself to the original custard tart at Pastéis de Belém!

On your way back, you may want to make a stop at LX Factory - a great spot to grab a drink and shop locally. They have an incredible bookstore there and lots of shops to find unique gifts. This would be perfect on a warm summer day.

I also thought the Banksy museum was quite interesting if you are curious about his motivations for what he does and to learn more about his work.