LOVELY LISBON

It’s no surprise that Lisbon was voted “Europe’s Leading City Destination” at the World Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2024. Portugal’s capital offers all the great components of a city vacation and then some: cultural attractions, interesting neighborhoods, and fabulous food. Add on day trips to Sintra, the city of palaces, and Cascais, a picturesque town by the sea, and you’ve easily filled a multi-day trip to Lisbon that will leave you ready to plan your return.

THE NEIGHBORHOODS
Head off on foot for your exploration of Lisbon but be prepared to encounter hilly streets. It’s also part of the Lisbon experience to hop on a tram, including the famous Tram 28—though expect crowds as it is more tourist attraction than mode of transport. The route runs from Martim Moniz to Campo de Ourique through such popular Lisbon neighborhoods as Alfama, Chiado, and Bairro Alto. UBER and BOLT (a similar car service app) are both relatively cheap and fast for those that prefer door-to-door service.

Alfama is Lisbon’s most historic district and is filled with narrow streets and the city’s infamous hills. Castelo de São Jorge here is on the highest hill in the city for lovely views. The Santa Justa elevator in Baixa Chiado is another must for vistas that cannot be missed. It takes you up to Bairro Alto, known for its nightlife including live fado shows that pair Portuguese food with vocals and the Portuguese guitarra, a pear-shaped guitar.  

Shoppers will find local shops as well as international chain stores in Chiado. While in this area, stop into Taberna da Rua das Flores for an authentic casual restaurant. Servers can explain the small plates menu and suggest their top picks. When we ate there for a late lunch, it was also fun to look around at what other diners were eating and add the most interesting options to our list to order. Keep in mind that the restaurant does not take reservations, and it is cash only.

Loco, located in the Estrela neighborhood, boasts a Michelin One Star and is the spot for something truly special. Make reservations ahead of time for Chef Alexandre Silva’s 16-course seasonal tasting menu with or without wine pairing. Go see the Baroque Basílica da Estrela located nearby before you dine.

WHERE TO STAY 
We opted to stay a bit further from Lisbon’s main tourist center and a few blocks off the lovely Avenida da Liberdade at the new Locke de Santa Joana, which opened in the summer 2024. The fact that a former 17th century convent makes up part of the property was the real allure for us. Be sure to ask for guest rooms that are actually part of the convent so you get to enjoy the original architecture. These rooms also tend to be larger and a bit more private as they are not part of the modern building where the hotel reception is located, and guest rooms tend to be smaller. One option is the 473-square-foot Convent Apartment with an open plan, fully equipped kitchen, dining table, and living space (some may include stairs to access.) Since all guest rooms here are classified as “apartments,” housekeeping is limited to once a week but fresh towels and amenities are available anytime through the front desk.

We enjoyed the facilities at the property, with a lovely swimming pool set into a relaxing courtyard and lounge area. Set aside time to dine at Santa Joana, an upscale Portuguese brasserie and bar in the beautiful, renovated convent space. It is also the spot for the daily extensive breakfast buffet where you can start your day off with Portugal’s famed pastel de nata pastry and a whole lot more. Another dining choice at the hotel is the more casual Santa Marta restaurant offering Mediterranean dishes. In the evening, stop in at the Kissaten whisky bar or the cool late-night Spiritland located below-ground and offering music with a live DJ.

Visit lockeliving.com to book. 

DAY TRIPS
Dedicate a full-day to historic Sintra, an easy 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sintra is home to magnificent castles, palaces, and a cute town filled with shops and eateries. The Moorish Castle with its stunning panoramic views and the fairy-tale and colorful Pena Palace are located up on the hill, accessible by local taxi or bus. Quinta da Regaleira is closer to town and boasts lovely gardens. Expect to walk a lot and up hills

Set aside a morning or afternoon for a trip to the coastal town of Cascais, also about a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon. It has a charming town center right by the train station with shopping and dining choices. Walk along the seaside promenade for views of the Atlantic Ocean and dramatic cliffs.

Visit visitportugal.com for more on Lisbon and its wonderful environs.