Home to beautiful streets, great restaurants, independent shops and a thriving community, Lisbon is, without a doubt, one of Europe’s coolest city breaks. Portugal’s capital has seen a boom in tourism over the past decade, as travelers seek to immerse themselves in the country’s culture. Head to the neighborhood of Bairro Alto for a bohemian vibe and dance through rope-lined streets and brightly colored buildings, or head to one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, Alfama, where you’ll easily spot tiled palaces and vibrant orange trees. roads.
Enjoy Portuguese cuisine (there’s more to it than pastel de natas) at O Velho Eurico near São Jorge Castle for delicacies such as cod salt and octopus or opt for Michelin-star fare at Belcanto in Bairro Alto. Top bars include the chic V Rooftop Bar (more on that later), Foxtrot for a speakeasy vibe and Pavilhão Chinês – one of the oldest bars in Lisbon. But, what about the best hotels in Lisbon, I hear you say. Look no further than our roundup of Lisbon’s top luxury homes, from palaces to boutique boltholes.
Bairro Alto Hotel, Bairro Alto
Photo: Bairro Alto Hotel
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Bairro Alto set the standard for luxury hotels in Lisbon when it opened its doors in 2005. Away from the bohemian corner of the city, the interior of the hotel is inspired by life outside its doors. and all 87 rooms feature Portuguese art from artisan carpets to Costa Nova ceramics. The stand-out suites cannot go without mention; located at the top of a five-star hotel, the 473-square-meter property offers breathtaking views of three of the city’s most famous landmarks: Chiado, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré.
Lisbon is known for its rooftop apartments and the Bairro Alto Hotel has one of the most famous: the Bahr. Sit back and relax while looking out over the terracotta roof towards the Tagus River and feast on smoked barnacles on toast, prawn rissoles and croquettes with Portuguese mustard accompanied by a selection of traditional wines and signature cocktails. We also love the hotel’s restaurant with its unobstructed view of Luís de Camões square, where you’re guaranteed to fix pastel de nata, as well as some of the sweetest and most delicious Portuguese pastries that are made fresh throughout the day. Lovers of cocktails will also enjoy the hotel’s 18.68 bar which is located in the first dedicated fire station in Portugal and offers a mixture of Campari and coffee with Abuelo Añejo rum, mint, lime and champagne.
Go to bairroaltohotel.com
1908 Hotel Lisboa, Intendente
In 2017 this 1908 Art Nouveau building was transformed from a house into a 36-room hotel with outstanding architecture and exquisite interiors by Atelier Maldonado. Inside, the guest experience is modern, with street art decorating the walls and concierge service at your fingertips via Whatsapp.
The Infame Restaurant and Bar is one of the hotel’s main draws (it’s a feature, really, a fly on the wall) serving sangria, signature cocktails (we love the famously named Infame In Da Club) and Portuguese wines alongside salmon ceviche dishes. , pork neck and sausage rice and Ovos Rotos with shrimp, French fries, fried egg and parma ham. Step out into the Intendente area and you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars to satisfy your appetite.
Visit 1908lisboahotel.com
Vintage Hotel & Spa, Príncipe Real
Ideal for luxury living, The Vintage exudes luxury and elegance through its interior and stylish guest experience. Celebrating the local area, the hotel features plush furniture (some from the 1950s), artwork by local artists such as João Rei, and even pencils by Portuguese family designer Viarco. Inside the 56 guest rooms, you’ll find a unique vintage cart filled with gin and tonic equipment designed by Portuguese master Nino Lopes. Mix up a drink and take it to the rooftop to enjoy the amazing view of Lisbon together.
Speaking of rooftops, the Vintage terrace is one of the best in the city. V Rooftop is an urban high-rise with lots of tropical plants and spectacular views of the Portuguese capital. Chef João Silva ascends to the hotel’s Blue Bar and Restaurant downstairs, where he pays homage to the city’s atmosphere and clear water with local seasonal ingredients to create the true taste of Portugal, with the likes of black sausage bruschetta, spicy shrimp. and hot tuna. Finally, no stay at The Vintage is complete without a visit to the spa: a pool area decorated with luxurious velvets, red brick walls and bespoke ceramic pieces, designed by Lisbon artist Cecile Mestelan. Opt for a deep tissue massage, facial or full body shave to complete your trip – or, if your itinerary allows, why not all three?
Visit vintagelisbon.com
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Avenida de Liberdade
Offering an ideal base from which to explore Lisbon’s best attractions thanks to its location near Avenida de Liberdade (one of Lisbon’s main avenues), the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon is also in a great location for explorers looking for public transport to pick up. away from the capital to the nearby beaches, vineyards and peaceful villages. From the moment you arrive at the airport, the Four Seasons team aims to make your vacation as stress-free as possible by providing all guests with access to the hotel via its town car or limousine. Once inside, admire the modern Louis XVI decor and contemporary local art in its halls before being escorted to one of the hotel’s elegant suites. Our top choice is the Almada Negreiros Suite which has three private rooms with views of Eduardo VII Park and the Marquês de Pombal Monument, as well as a living area, separate dining room and bedroom.
Foodies love Cura Restaurant, where Michelin-starred chef and culinary patron Pedro Pena Bastos draws from Lisbon’s affluent surroundings to create decadent dishes including bluefin tuna with mustard, turbot with teardrop peas and squid with fried sea butter. If you are interested in learning more about Portuguese cuisine, Pena Bastos also offers seafood courses where you can learn the secrets of making the perfect cataplana dish, one of Portugal’s most famous dishes. For a more relaxed meal, head to Varanda Restaurant: an all-day dining restaurant known for its excellent brunch.
Go to fourseasons.com
Olissippo Lapa Palace, Belém
Finally, Olissippo Lapa Palace is not just a hotel but a resort located on one of the seven hills of Lisbon in one area. This five-star hotel, also one of the World’s Leading Hotels, was built as a private residence for the people of Valenças and is only a few minutes from the city’s most famous sites and shopping streets. These high-quality materials come from the north of Portugal, which reproduces the style of King João V and colonial, Algarvian and neoclassical. Olissippo Lapa Palace is divided into three parts, with the Palace Wings offering traditional Portuguese interiors compared to the more modern Garden Wings and Villas. The Tower Room, located at the top of the hotel, is the highest room, with two balconies (one of them is the turret of the original palace) and has the best view of Lisbon.
Besides wandering around the hotel’s stunning gardens and marveling at the views of Lisbon and the Tagus River, there’s plenty to explore. Restaurant Lapa offers classic Mediterranean cuisine in a formal setting with sliding glass doors and a sun-drenched terrace – the perfect place to while away the hours. Head downstairs to the Lapa Palace Spa, offering a range of treatments and body treatments using Elemis products, such as hot stone treatments, aromatic baths, massages and facials.
Go to olisippohotels.com
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