What to do in Lisbon for the summer
Lisbon is one of those European cities that is definitely a cool place to visit and possibly because it is one of the only capital cities boasting both the coastline and a river. The summer season is well-known for being long and hot and its common for people to travel to Lisbon on holiday between June and September when its the peak time and there’s so much happening. In Lisbon, there’s no one thing that it is known for, this old city will surprise you with its bubbling nightlife and then the cathedrals, terracotta roofs and cobblestone alleyways and tram cars. The trendy and hip restaurants afford some world-class cuisine and ambience will be the perfect meal in between your lazy check-ins at luxurious accommodation in close proximity to a historic museum, nature park or place of worship decorated in Portuguese architectural elements. A Lisbon weekend is an energy-packed and colorful experience. Not a bad place for a solo traveler either although its best to brush up on a little bit of Portuguese to connect with the locals.
The best hotels in Lisbon
This 87 room boutique hotel is one of Lisbon’s grande dames so you can bet on the lavish service and experience during your stay. Each room is adorned with a ochre theme and the velvet satin touches on the bedspread, foot stools, and event he curtains is honestly gorgeous. There’s a reason why it’s the hotel Chef Nuno Mendes got his first big break in his home town no less. When you book here don’t forget to check out the roof terrace - guests do not stop talking about it!
Have you ever wanted to stay the night inside a piece of history? Lisbon is not short of timeless and elevated palaces and historic buildings to find luxurious lodgings at. Palacio Belmonte is a 15th century old stay overlooking the stunning city of Lisbon. Inside your room, the open windows bring a pleasant breeze from the city streets and a bird song from the private terraces of marble below. The lush gardens here are perfect for getting away after a long lunch to find some solitude somewhere beautiful and if you want to cool off the marble pool is right there underneath the brightly colored bougainvillea.
The best restaurants in Lisbon
The love for Japanese food does not simply go away when you’re in another country. The pride of Lisbon’s Japanese fuision cuisine seems to be none other than Yakuza. And when you step through the doors of this stylish restaurant you will begin to see why. Tuck into fresh delicious curated and carefully plated sushi at the sushi bar and if you’re thirsty or craving a refreshing cocktail to wash down your meal this can be that ideal watering hole, plus they’ve got sake. The restaurant is beautiful and is no stranger to celebrity appearances - often photographed enjoying a meal in the background of the trendy paintings on the wall. The place definitely has private club vibes.
Open in the evenings but mid-week through Saturday for lunch as well, Prado is the ideal place to sit down and enjoy a full course meal that uses the farm to table concept. If you’re all about the fresh ingredients and seasonal produce, you will love the delicious and juicy squid, mushrooms and sirloin that go paired with natural Portuguese wines and local kombucha like the perfect marriage. It’s a modern and casual space and a good choice of restaurant for authentic Portuguese flavors.
Viewpoints and things to do in Lisbon
The cool thing about Lisbon is of course the viewpoints and observation decks that offer some of the most superb views of the city and the most amazing sunsets and summer breeze to be honest. Santa Luzia is easily one of the more popular viewpoints but its an observation deck that also comes with a pergola and the setting overlooking the Tagus river is unmatched when you compare it with other miradouros. It’s definitely a spot where people love taking photographs or just spending time looking at the view.
Fado concerts
Fado is a genre of music Lisbon is popular for. The music usually sound haunting and melancholic and it is the sounds of the street bars in the small districts of Bairro Alto and Alfama in Lisbon. In a Fado performance there will be a mournful vocalist singing moving tunes about the sea or life or the poor, the lyrics are often sentimental and emotional. The singer is accompanied by the effortless strings of a Portuguese guitar. If you want to get a listen to this special music visit Club de Fado, a stone’s throw away from the Lisbon cathedral. Fado voices will soothe your soul while you enjoy a traditional Portuguese meal.
Hope we’ve stirred up your interest in this old and magnificent city. There is so much to do and see here, for example the nightclub scene including the famous name LuxFrágil that’s almost always packed with international DJ acts and so many more speakeasies, antique stores selling the most exquisite tiles and of course the plethora of fashion boutiques and designer brands for homeware and vintage collectibles. Download the WKNDTRP app for our complete Lisbon city guide.