Lisbon, Portugal
Right near the Monastery is Pasteis de Belem. They are the original bakery who invented the custard pastry cups you will see all over Portugal. It is well known to have the best Pasteis de Belem in Portugal - it does.
- More about your Oliver Guide: Megan Shoflick
- Trip type: Adult, Family, Beach, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: A week
to & from
Fly into Lisbon from any major Europe or US City.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the Hotel Valverda which is on the main street of Avenida de Liberdade. Liberdade is a beautiful tree lined street and this location is great for shopping and the hotel was very nice. It is about a 20 minute walk to the water (think Castle, Time Out Market, etc). We probably would have preferred something that was closer to the night life in Alfama. Friends stayed at Memmo Principal Real and thought it was great.
Lisbon, Portugal
Try to explore outside of Lisbon if you have time
- More about your Oliver Guide: Barbara Rees
- Trip type: Adult, Family, Beach, City
- Activity level: easy
- Ideal length of trip: One week
to & from
TAP, the Portuguese National Carrier, has direct flights into the Lisbon from the East and West Coast. The flight attendants have been named “the most handsome” crew by a popular London based magazine.
Where to Stay
There are so many options and it depends on how long you stay. For families, I recommend the group, Martinhal, with properties in Lisbon, the Algarve and Guincho. The Four Seasons has incredible service and is very old-world Portuguese with many staff members working there for decades. For a newer option, there The One which is well-located on Avenida Liberdade. Or for a perfect smaller hotel try the Valverde Lisboa. It’s also nice to start your trip outside of busy Lisbon in the seaside towns of Estoril or Cascais. From there you can take a 20-minute train ride along the coast into the city centre but your mornings or late evening are ideal for long strolls, bike rides, or runs on the 2-mile promenade from Estoril to Cascais. In Estoril, The Palacio Estoril has the feel of the Copacabana in Rio and is a little tired but still wonderful- make sure you take a room overlooking the pool. It’s one of the favorite hotels for European aristocracy, and has a connection to the James Bond films. Sadly, the Estoril Casino has been built right near it yet the hotel remains a quiet, elegant choice.
The gym at The Four Seasons has a view over the city and an outside rooftop jogging track. The indoor pool is a beautifully designed space for pure relaxation.
Lisbon, Portugal
Go now! The secret is out, but it’s still a steal by European standards and there are so many amazing spots to explore.
- More about your Oliver Guide: Sarah Hart
- Trip type: Family, City
- Activity level: easy
- Ideal length of trip: About two weeks
to & from
Lufthansa from SFO/Frankfurt/Porto and back home from Lisbon/Frankfurt/SFO. We wanted to explore as much of the country as we could in 12 days, so rented a car for freedom and flexibility. We ditched our car while in Lisbon, then rented another for the drive south to The Algarve.
Where to Stay
Residentas Apostolas: Beautiful, unique, apartments with fantastic location and gracious, helpful hosts.
Martinhal Lisbon Chiado: Lisbon outpost for the Martinhal Family Resorts. Huge apartments in central Chiado location. Kids club and in-hotel café geared towards children. Recommend for families with preschool aged children or families that may want hotel childcare during their stay.
Lisbon, Portugal
Os Gazeteiros - small trendy understated delicious gastro pub, from farm to table. My favorite - not yet in the guides!
- More about your Oliver Guide: Julie De Halleux
- Trip type: Family, City
- Activity level: moderate
- Ideal length of trip: 5 DAYS
Where to Stay
By plane, Lisbon airport is only 20 minutes from the centre. Better not to rent a car if you say in the city, rely on Uber or taxis.
Memo Principe Real – in the heart of the trendy part of the city, quite, trendy, nice terrasse and views, delicious restaurant.
Memo Alfama – wonderful terrasse to drink a cocktail during sunset, in the centre of charming Alfama neighborhood, close to the Sao George Castle.