See, Stay & Experience: Lisbon

This charming city in the hills offers clients excellent value for money and curiosity around every corner. With new flights being added from Bournemouth and Birmingham to the Portuguese capital this year, Lisbon comes highly recommended as a low-stress getaway.

SEE

THE CITY FROM ABOVE

Red terracotta roofs stacked in the hills has been the classic look of the Lisbon cityscape for centuries. From Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest point in Lisbon, the picturesque city lies under the watch of Sao Jorge Castle, with the Ponte 25 de Abril bridging the Tagus River in the distance. It’s miraculously never too overrun with tourists and a beautiful spot for a romantic sunset.

GO WEST TO BELEM

Somehow Belem remains a local secret, despite being home to the city’s most important museums. A guide book might tell clients to visit the Unesco-protected Torre de Belem and the stunning Mosteiro dos Jeronimos, which they should, but you can also tip them off about the cute cafes serving sardines and chips, tomato salads and cool sangria along the riverside. Most people take the tram, but for something more active, suggest clients rent bikes and cycle along the river, before an afternoon of bar hopping in the sun.

AJUDA NATIONAL PALACE

In an all-new exhibition, the Portuguese crown jewels are now on display at the Ajuda National Palace. The precious gems and other royal treasures will be displayed for the first time to the public at the new Royal Treasury Museum. Entry is €5 for adults, while children under 12 go free.

• bit.ly/3MuIyAc

STAY

CORPO SANTO HOTEL

This beautiful, boutique hotel recently underwent some splendid refurbishments, adding a modern spa offering salt therapy, a Turkish bath and a free 20-minute massage for all overnight guests. As well as its chilled-out rooms, there is a trendy social space and bar and guests can also take advantage of a free two-hour walking tour. Prices start from £92 per night.

• corposantohotel.com

THE EMERALD HOUSE LISBON, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON

This historic 67-room property, which opened in December, is the first Curio Collection by Hilton to open in the Portuguese capital. It’s located in a beautifully restored former bakery and is walking distance from the Time Out Market food hall. Clients can relax in the modern and elegant decor while being steps away from Lisbon’s most lively area. Prices start from £109 per night.

• bit.ly/3sMY8za

EXPERIENCE

THE TASTE OF PORTUGAL

In the Portuguese capital, clients have theoption to dine at elegant Michelin-starred restaurants or sample traditional petiscos (small plates) and octopus salads while perched on benches in the sun. As well as the popular Time Out Market Lisboa, there are local mercados dotted around Lisbon’s suburbs that have superb food, craft beers and a laid-back, local vibe. Recommend Mercado de Campo de Ourique, which has been a local haunt since 1934. Alternatively, Viator offers a market tour and cooking class with a local chef.

BOOK IT: Viator’s new Lisbon Market Tour with Cooking Class is priced at £76.51pp. • bit.ly/3hKTHPb

A RIDE THROUGH HISTORY

Lisbon is the perfect city to explore on foot, but the city of seven hills certainly presents some steep challenges. Luckily, since 1873, the capital’s vintage tram network has been doing the heavy lifting. At €3 a ride, the iconic yellow streetcars rattle through some of the city’s hottest spots, including Barrio Alto, Alfama and the stunning Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

LISBON’S HIDDEN BEACHES

While most head to Lisbon for the charm of the city, make sure clients don’t miss the stunning and unspoilt nature of Arrabida Natural Park, just 22 miles south of the capital. Here, mountains meet the shore of the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by golden beaches, hiking trails and Roman ruins. Clients can take Viator’s private Jeep tour to Galapinhos Beach for a thrilling day trip that’s off the beaten track.
BOOK IT: Viator’s Arrabida Private Jeep Tour is priced from £97.67pp. • bit.ly/3pKVDeP