The perfect weekend in Lisbon, Europe's most photogenic capital
Lisbon is having a moment. It is the place on everyone's lips and its breezy sea views, glossy-tiled façades and red roofs feature on many Instagram feeds. The food surprises, with a depth far beyond the famous pastéis de nata (custard tarts) that are so known and loved. There is history; from the 12th-century Moorish castle that dominates the skyline to the magnificent 16th-century Manueline monastery of Jerónimos, and the bombastic 18th-century heart of Lisbon, built after so much of the city was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake.
There is authentic, genuine and welcoming hospitality; and a wave of new and affordable hotels along cobbled streets and flanking bougainvillea-clad squares. Lisbon, unlike so much of the world, has not gone global: it remains resolutely Portuguese, looking out to sea, with its back to the rest of Europe and its identity intact. Here's how to spend 48 hours in this exciting city.
For more Lisbon inspiration, see our guides to the city's best hotels, restaurants, bars, shopping and attractions.
In this guide:
What's new in Lisbon this summer
See: The Armando Martins Museum of Contemporary Art
The Armando Martins Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAM) recently opened in the former Condes da Ribeira Grande Palace. Its wonderful private collection offers a journey through Portuguese art from the late 19th century to the present day. There's a hotel on site for those who can't tear themselves away, along with a restaurant, plus a bar housed in a former chapel.
Eat: Cervejaria Liberdade
This classic restaurant on the main thoroughfare of Avenida Liberdade has reopened after a complete refresh by Galician design company Martinez Otero, with clay tiles by Maora Ceramic and tableware by Portugal's renowned Vista Alegre. As part of the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa hotel, you can expect classic trolley service: steak tartare and crêpes suzette are prepared before you, which feature on the menu alongside the freshest of John Dory fish fillets with cockle rice.
Stay: The Verse
This centrally located house has been turned into 15 stylish apartments by renowned interior designer Joana Astolfi and are perfect to use as a base for exploring Lisbon. The Verse 's cocktail bar, on the ground floor, makes an ideal meeting point and offers a chance to sample Portuguese gins and local wines.
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