4 Concierge Recommendations for a Perfect Day Out in Lisbon

We asked Lisbon’s top concierges to share their personal recommendations for the perfect day in Portugal’s capital

GUILHERME AUGUSTO COSTA

BEST TO DO

“Begin your day in Lisbon with a fabulous breakfast in your room or suite, followed by a stroll through Alfama district, the historic part of the capital. Then take your pick from a private bullfight, a motorcyclesidecar tour, sailing, port wine dégustation, or an introduction to our national gastronomy. Why not enjoy a unique golf experience or ride the Portuguese waves on our amazing beaches!”

BEST RESTAURANTS

Varanda

Cuisine: Portuguese

A Travessa

Cuisine: Traditional

100 Maneiras

Cuisine: Mediterranean

BEST SHOPS

Casa das Velas

For: Luxury Candles

Azuleijos de Santa Ana

For: Traditional ceramics

Chapelaria Azevedo

For: Handmade hats

Luvaria Ulisses

For: Luxury leather gloves

A Vida Portuguesa

For: Traditional Portuguese products

VICTOR NAPOLEÃO

“Visit the historic quarter of Lisbon by tram. These narrow streets, tiled façades, and wrought-iron balconies – of medieval and Moorish origin – are best seen by tram (elétrico).

Stroll by the River Tagus and lunch at the Santa Amaro docks. Go shopping in the Baixa Pombalina – one of Lisbon’s busiest quarters. Explore historic Belém, linked to Portugal’s Golden Age of Discovery as the departure site of famous navigators sailing to the New World. Among Belém’s attractions are the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Torre de Belém Cultural Center and Rua Vieira Portuense. Try the delicious custard tarts – Pasteis de Belém – at the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. Listen to Fado, a form of music composed of four-line stanzas, based on a story of great passion and sung as a poem, accompanied by the 12-string Portuguese guitar and classical guitar. Fado first appeared in Portugal at the end of the eighteenth century, as a nostalgic style favored by sailors. Its name derives from the Latin word fatum, meaning ‘fate’ or ‘destiny‘.

BEST RESTAURANT

Choose from a wide variety of restaurants located near the hotel, from traditional Portuguese cuisine to international fare.

BEST TO DO

Take a helicopter flight over the stunning Lisbon coast and Sintra mountains.

RUI PALMA

“Begin your day with a 9am breakfast on our breakfast terrace, followed by a tour of Sintra with one of our multilingual professional drivers in a deluxe Mercedes Sedan, visiting both the historic town of Sintra and the surrounding countryside.

“Sintra has been classfied as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the early 1900s, Estoril and Cascais were among the most fashionable resorts in Europe and rivalled Cannes and Biarritz as a refuge for deposed monarchs and aristocrats in exile who came here to enjoy the natural beauty of the region and its relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The following sites are not to be missed: Palácio Nacional de Queluz, considered the Portuguese version of Versailles, on the outskirts of Lisbon; the Palácio Nacional da Pena, Sintra’s signature 19th century palace; the Palácio Nacional da Villa, a former royal palace; the Adega Regional de Colares, one of Portugal’s very special wine cellars and the Museu do Brinquedo (toy museum). While you are in Cascais, we recommend you visit the Museu dos Condes de Castro Guimarães, famous for its paintings and for Indo- Portuguese ceramics and archaeological pieces. We suggest stopping for lunch at the ocean view restaurant Porto Santa Maria, renowned for its selection of fine seafood.”

BEST RESTAURANT

Olivier Avenida

Cuisine: Central European

A Travessa

Cuisine: Traditional

Lisboa à Noite

Cuisine: Contemporary Portuguese

SHOP

“The best shopping area in Lisbon is Avenida da Liberdade and Chiado, where you can find all kinds of trendy shops and haute-couture brands.”

BEST TO DO

“Go on a day trip by boat along the Lisbon coast from the Nations Park to Cascais and Estoril. Experienced skippers will be delighted to show visitors the natural beauty of the ocean, sailing past dramatic cliffs and ancient fortresses.”

NELSON CARVALHEIRO

“Palácio Belmonte suggests tailor-made excursions and activities during your stay in Lisbon. Enjoy an organic breakfast with a view of the historic Alfama Quarter and the Tagus Bay, followed by a private tour to savor the unique architecture of old Lisbon.

“For lunch, dine on the very best grilled fish and seafood at Doca Peixe followed by a lazy afternoon, then enjoy a fabulous sunset view from a yacht on the Tejo River and dinner at the unique local tapas bars known as ‘Tascas’. Here you will experience authentic Portuguese hospitality with your own private Fado singer. Alternatively, simply wander through old Lisbon and soak up the beauty of the city and its astonishing views.” If you stay longer we can arrange for you to:

• ride a Lusitano horse in the wild
• visit Lisbon’s local artisan shopsvisit some of Portugal’s best vineyards plus winetasting
• enjoy a picnic among one thousand-yearold olive trees in Alentejo
• take a surf lesson on Portugal’s best waves

BEST RESTAURANTS:

100 Maneiras

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Doca Peixe

Cuisine: International

Monte Mar

Cuisine: Seafood

BEST SHOP

A Vida Portuguesa

For: Traditional Portuguese products