Oh beautiful Lisbon, with its rickety yellow trams, cobbled streets and epic views over terracotta rooftops and the glittering River Tagus. We love this city for year-round getaways, and it really does have something for everyone – whether you’re into street art or ornate tiles, designer shopping or flea markets, fine dining or café culture (it’s even great for a family city break). And there are some super-cool hotels to boot…
For a slice of the action
The Lisboans Apartments, Baixa
This collection of designer apartments are practically next door to the cathedral and Praça do Comércio and within walking distance of the city’s most interesting districts. An imaginative conversion of an old canning factory in the heart of old Lisbon, the light filled rooms and beautiful living spaces are furnished to feel like home. The 1 or 2 bedroom apartments suit couples or families, with sofabeds and baby cots available.
Prices start at £140 per night
For adults-only peace (and a rooftop pool)
Memmo Alfama, Alfama
Memmo Alfama sits on a cobbled street in Lisbon’s oldest district. Once a factory, the building has been carefully renovated to create a minimalist adults-only haven. The 42 rooms have beech-wood floors and a calming colour palette, and framed fado LPs remind guests that Alfama is the home of Portuguese folk music. The pièce de résistance is the rooftop terrace, with its red-tiled pool, bar and mesmerising views over the jumble of buildings below.
Prices start at £139 per night
For stylish self-catering
Baixa House, Baixa
These light and bright apartments (each sleeping 1-7) are surrounded by the boutiques and buzzy restaurants of the trendy Baixa district. They’re a beautiful mismatch of old and new: original features sit alongside quirky furnishings, and shuttered windows let in bags of light. Breakfast, a homemade cake and daily cleaning are included in the rates, and the friendly staff are on hand to give insider recommendations on getting the most out of your stay.
Prices start at £127 per night
For extra pampering
Santiago de Alfama, Alfama
Elegance and luxury rule at this stunningly converted palace, hidden high in the historic streets of Alfama, yet just a short walk from Castelo de São Jorge and viewpoints across the Tagus river. Inside the hotel you’ll find beautiful, understated style and 19 charming rooms, generously sized for a city hotel. We loved the Beauty Bar on the ground floor, where you can sip a Martini alongside your manicure – bliss!
Prices start at £167 per night
For a taste of authentic Portugal
Casa Amora, Amoreiras
This 10-room guesthouse sits in a peaceful neighbourhood, 20 minutes’ walk from the city centre. It’s an ideal spot if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle, or if you’re a return visitor who wants to explore new corners of Lisbon. Owner Luis has created a charming haven where contemporary décor meets Portuguese heritage, and the lavish breakfasts are full of local delicacies – yum! You can even join fascinating walking tours with manager Juan.
Prices start at £110 per night
Our top tips for Lisbon:
- Drop by a cosy little tasca (bar) to discover the delights of ginginha, a cherry liqueur. The aptly named ‘A Ginginha’ in Rossio is a favourite.
- When in Belém, make a beeline for famous bakery Pastéis de Belém – its cinnamon-sprinkled custard tarts are a national delicacy.
- For the best shops in town, head to Avenida Liberdada, the capital’s main street. The Fashion Clinic is the place to go for all the designer names.
- Don’t miss the famous Mercado da Ribiera in Chiado. Once a simple produce market, it’s more of a sophisticated food court these days, with canteen-style tables and dishes by some of Portugal’s top chefs. Great for lunch, or for buying ingredients to self-cater.
- If the city’s beautiful architecture inspires you to learn more about Portuguese tiles, head to the Museu Nacional do Azulejo, where you’ll find examples from the 15th century onwards, together with modern interpretations.
Take a look at all of our boutique hotels in Lisbon.
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