Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

The Other Iberia: Lisbon, Portugal

By

Portugal’s vibrant capital city beautifully blurs the line between holiday and city break. Follow our top tips to see why this is the European city to visit right now.

SEE

Recommended Videos

Once frequented by local intellectuals including the late poet Fernando Pessoa, A Brasileira is well worth a coffee stop. Prepare for a day of city wandering with a “bica” or espresso, and take in the intricate, super traditional surroundings.

History buffs will love wandering through the impressive walls of the Castelo São Jorge – in case you were wondering, it is definitely worth the up-hill trek. The gigantic Moorish fortress sits on one of Lisbon’s highest hilltops, ominously overlooking the city streets. Make sure you catch a glimpse of it at sunset, when the walls glow bright orange.

PLAY

A stone’s throw from A Brasileira, you’ll find A Vida Portuguesa, a beautifully curated concept store. Both traditional and modern Portuguese designs and fine objects are displayed from floor to ceiling – everything from traditional shaving accessories to handcrafted stationery.

The hip, former bohemian quarter Bairro Alto, transforms from early evening. The doorways that line the narrow, picturesque streets are flung open to reveal colourful clandestine bars and boutiques and a young, trendy crowd appear from out of nowhere. Our favourite haunts include The Old Pharmacy Wine Inn and Maria Caxuxa.

EAT & DRINK

For typically Portuguese fare in staggeringly beautiful Moorish surroundings, head to Casa do Alentejo. The unassuming entrance belies the decadence and size of the interior, which also houses a private dining room, a courtyard bar and various other opulent chambers which guests are allowed to wander in and out of. The simple menu offers no frills Portuguese fare. We recommend opting for any seafood dish for a truly local experience.

Lisbon offers a bounty of rooftop bars but our favorite has to be Park. Situated on the top floor of an unassuming multi-storey carpark near Bairro Alto, trendy locals flock here for the chilled garden vibe and the panoramic views. Head here for sunset, and watch the city grow dark with a Sagres in hand.

STAY

More boutique hotel than hostel, make The Independente the bolt hole of your choice during your stay. The trendy, industrial-lux interior boasts a total of 90 beds and 11 dorms, each with their own lounge area. If you can afford to take it up a notch, opt for one of the four special suites and enjoy complimentary breakfast on your own balcony, overlooking the Tagus River. Dining at the in-house restaurant, The Decadente, is a must. Their contemporary take on tapas-style dishes are to die for.

Editors’ Recommendations

Jodie Kharas
Jodie Kharas
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jodie Kharas is a style, art and culture writer who lives in London. She has contributed to the online platforms of POP…
The Pacmodo modular backpack takes sustainability to the next level
Pacmodo backpacks

Pacmodo has captured the attention of many with its promise of sustainability, adaptability, and style. In an exclusive interview with Pacmodo's founder, David Ngene, we explored the inspiration behind the product, how this will change the way we think about backpacks and the overwhelming response to Pacmodo's Kickstarter campaign.
Pacmodo is the solution to the million bags in your closet

Pacmodo’s design features a unique modular system that allows users to swap out individual components as needed. “The game-changer was separating the shoulder harness from the storage compartment,” Ngene writes in private communication. This feature enables users to extend the life of their backpack while adapting to different needs and styles.

Read more
United Airlines offers Mileage Plus members free copies of its last print magazine
United Airlines offering free Hemispheres magazines
United plane in flight

United Airlines’ in-flight Hemispheres magazine offered entertaining articles while en-route. Features like its “Three Perfect Days” articles — which offered itinerary-style city profiles — gave readers inside info on destinations. Additional topics included sports, entertaining, business, and culture. 

In August, United announced the discontinuation of Hemispheres' print version, bringing a 30-plus-year tradition to an end. While that disappointed many, the airline will offer free copies of the final edition. Here’s how to get one.
United will offer 50,000 free copies of the last Hemispheres magazine
Last print edition of Hemispheres United Airlines Mileage Plus

Read more
JetBlue’s flash sale has fares starting at $39
Jet Blue's flash sale lets you fly for less
Jet Blue plane with Mint livery

JetBlue’s 3-day Book Smart sale offers amazing deals to sought-after destinations. Fares begin at $39 one-way for travel between 9/23 and 11/20 (excluding Fri. and Sun.). The sale also includes $200 off vacation packages. But you’ll have to book while you can — the sale ends Sept. 12 at 11:59 p.m. EST.  
The Book Smart sale lets you explore on a budget
San Diego, California Frank McKenna via Unsplash

Traveling the world lets you take in new landscapes, people, and cuisine. You might picture San Diego sunsets or envision New England fall foliage. But that costs money, and your travel dreams might not make financial sense. JetBlue’s Book Smart sale puts picturesque places within reach with fares that are hard to believe. If you want a vacation bundle, you can do that too, with steep discounts on package deals.

Read more