Craving sunshine, and the chance to be charmed by culture, cuisine and chic hotels? Read on …
Lisbon in July is delightfully warm, with temperatures around 28°C, making it an ideal base for a city and beach break combination. If it gets too sticky, hop on a train to Cascais and you’re at the coast in 30 minutes. I lived in the city many years ago, and especially loved its pretty parks and walkability. In fact, you’re able to join free walking tours whenever you want – even while they’re happening.
Some locations that you shouldn’t miss out on exploring are Alfama, Belem, Praça do Comércio, Bairro Alto and Praça do Martim Moniz, as well as the street art in Mouraria and the LX Factory. During the weekends in July, the Baixa area of Lisbon is hosting BaixAnima – a street festival with free theatre performances and live music.
Some visitors also make a point of seeing the 30 miradouros – or viewpoints – in the city. These include the Rua Augusta Arch Viewpoint, Miradouro Terraços do Carmo, Miradouro das Portas Sol, Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Castelo de São Jorge Miradouro.
Some lesser known must-visits include the CCB Market, which takes place on the first Sunday of the month throughout the year. It’s the place to find vintage clothing, antiques, ceramics and art. For music lovers, the Out Jazz Festival takes place in the beautiful Parque Urbano de Miraflores every Sunday (the festival is on until September) – the perfect setting for a picnic.
Our 5 Favourite Hotels In Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana
You may know of the aparthotel brand Locke, which has two properties in Dublin Zanzibar Locke and Samuel Beckett Locke. The brand has since expanded into Portugal with Locke de Santa Joana, formerly a 17th-century convent building. A stay here allows flexibility and an enviable location – it’s a stone’s throw from the Avenida da Liberdade. As for facilities, it includes 370 apartments, hotel rooms, suites and penthouses across nine floors alongside social spaces, a museum and courtyard pool with sun terrace. The design concept in the communal areas takes inspiration from its history, while the rooms combine historic architectural details and contemporary comfort. @lockehotels
Martinhal Lisbon Oriente
This hotel is in Lisbon’s Park of Nations district, ideal for a child-centric holiday – it’s close to the indoor water park Oceanarium and the interactive Pavilion of Knowledge Museum. Martinhal resorts are renowned for their family-friendly facilities and Lisbon Oriente is no exception; it provides a kids’ club, baby concierge, indoor and outdoor pools, in addition to 82 spacious apartments equipped with kitchens suitable for longer stays. The Deluxe Superior Suites come with bunk beds for children. Throughout the hotel, contemporary art is another talking point, with pieces by street artists Bordallo II, Pedro Batista and Graca Paz. Its Terrace Café Bar Restaurant has a focus on Asian cuisine and there are special theme nights, such as sushi. @martinhal
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa
This boutique hotel houses apartment-style rooms, stocked with pretty Claus Porto soaps, in the trendy bohemian Bairro Alto area. Previously an 18th-century palace, the hotel’s design pays homage to Lisbon’s colours – check out the pictures throughout the hotel by Dublin-based street artist Maser. There’s also a gym and small spa offering treatments using La Sultane de Saba products. One of its attractions is its refurbished Lumi Rooftop Restaurant and Bar on the fifth floor, serving contemporary Portuguese dishes. @thelumiares
AlmaLusa Alfama
With views over the Tagus River, AlmaLusa Alfama is located in one of the city’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, known for its winding streets and 12th-century buildings. History lovers will appreciate the Pombaline-style facade, named after the Marques de Pombal who was instrumental in the city’s reconstruction following a devastating earthquake in 1755, and the fact that underneath the building lies the remains of a Roman house. Breakfast is served in the Delfina Café that also serves cocktails and Portuguese tapas. On check-in, each guests receive a complimentary smartphone with an app that includes information on hidden gems and curated activities. @almalusahotels
Epic Sana Marquês
Centrally located next to Marquês de Pombal Square, the chic Epic Sana Marquês hotel has stunning views over the city’s historic architecture. It’s a buzzy spot with a cool vibe. Facilities include three restaurants, two bars and bakery, plus a beautifully appointed Sayanna Wellness Spa that offers treatments using Aromatherapy Associate products. Perhaps its most spectacular asset is the panoramic Sky Pool Lounge, exclusive to guests. @sanahotels
