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One of the oldest cities in the world, the sun-kissed coastal capital of Portugal, Lisbon, lies between the azure blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean and the magic of its legend-shrouded Seven Hills. Once a stop-off on the road for Greek hero Odysseus, its Mediterranean climate and myriad mix of Roman, Moorish and late-Gothic heritage make it irresistible to the modern traveller. Add to the mix a late-night cocktail scene in Bairro Alto, rooftop parties in Príncipe Real, food markets that showcase the best of local cuisine interspersed with international gastro highlights, and plenty of little and large restaurants, you can see why Lisbon lures foodies the world over. But it’s actually wandering the lovely lanes or hopping on a rickety tram where you get a true feel for the place.
Explore its wide-ranging architecture in a city that was razed by an earthquake in 1755. From the spectacular vantage point of the lofty Castelo de São Jorge, spot the ruins of the 13th century Convento do Carmelo, a stripped back reminder of life before the quake. Visit the Se Cathedral which drips with ecclesiastical heritage, wander the narrow, cobbled streets of the Alfama, one of Lisbon’s most authentic barrios where old ladies eat sardines kerbside, chased by Lisbon’s cherry liqueur ginjinha, colourful azulejo tiles catch your eye and hidden restaurants serve garlicky clams and vinho verde.
In recent years Lisbon’s culture scene has seen an explosion with visiting artists such as Ai Wei Wei holding exhibitions and the new Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), a spectacular structure on the banks of the River Tagus. And if the beach calls, there’s plenty to choose from including the upmarket resort of Cascais, just around the coastline. Lisbon is also the gateway to the vast and poetic Alentejo, a region of rolling hills, ancient cork oaks and hilltop towns that seem to pause time. From any angle, Lisbon is undeniably a city of spectacular panoramas.
A noble Palácio of cor de rosa in the leafy Príncipe Real district dates back to 1877, a luxurious family residence that courted Lisboan high society. Aptly, this former heritage palace is a rather fabulous boutique hotel of style – it is grandeur: suitably chilled.
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Built on the blueprint of a former woodwork and abandoned timber yard, Pátio do Tijolo has more than a cue of industrial chic infused with design, art and contemporary accents.
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Amoreiras is Lisbon in quiet rebellion: aqueduct arches, postmodern towers and silk-factory modernism collide with street art, gardens and azulejos. A district of layered design and shadows that speak in contrasts.
Príncipe Real is Lisbon’s green crown: palacetes, cedar gardens and design ateliers shape a district of lyrical calm. A cultured quarter where heritage, creativity and elegance drift together beneath jacaranda-lined boulevards.
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Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s poetic soul – a district of light, lyricism and quiet drama where Fado drifts from tavernas and artful stays like Pátio do Tijolo reimagine the city’s creative rhythm.
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is where design, history, and soul collide making it a rare private-hire house in Alentejo. Inside, postmodernist pieces beautifully marry with Portuguese heritage, vintage glamour and artistic rebellion.
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Alcácer do Sal – where Portugal’s past meets a slow, design-savvy present. Moorish echoes, Roman roads and riverside charm collide with boutique hotels, cultural cool and a straight shot to Comporta’s wild shores.
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Barefoot brutalism meets citrus calm. Hospedaria is the crash pad for design lovers, where vintage finds, art, and concrete cool rewrite the rules of rural Algarve stays.
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Raw edges, Baroque bones and Port-fuelled cool – Porto is Portugal’s cultural powerhouse, remixing heritage and design into one irresistible creative crush.
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A cohesive blend of wine culture, raw nature, commitment to the environment and design are the quintessential hallmarks of L'AND, which give the retreat a sense of belonging and an original bond to oenology.
Tavira doesn’t flex – it smoulders. A slow-motion townscape where terracotta peels, chimneys whisper Moorish secrets and the Atlantic waits – just offshore, just perfect. No filter required.
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A whitewashed farmhouse reborn with rustic cool – Pensão Agrícola is Tavira’s slower, softer side: all heirloom nostalgia, citrus groves and vintage edge, with a donkey named Ernesto in tow.
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From the wild beaches of the Atlantic coastline stretching inland to the Spanish border, Portugal’s Alentejo region is characterised by an addictive peacefulness and slow lane pace, where ancient cork forests meet megalithic rocks, pine scents the air and pockets of wholesome cuisine and under-the-radar vineyards mean the good life is never far away, minus the crowds.
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Atlantic wilds meet Moorish cool – this is the Algarve unplugged. From Tavira’s slow-soul charm to Ria Formosa’s tidal magic – this is Portugal, remixed for the style set.
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Considered the “Hawaii of Europe”, the Azores are a hidden Atlantic oasis. Uninhabited until the 15th century, this far-flung archipelago was created by volcanic eruptions and is mountainous and geologically diverse — its quiet beaches only disturbed by the sounds of whales and dolphins.
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Lisbon's sleek MAAT is the city's latest cultural hub, where the worlds of architecture, art and tech collide - a museum of force in glazed ceramic form.
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Lisbon, Portugal's legendary capital simply bursts with heritage, azulejo tiles, Pastéis de Nata & art - this is a design guide you can shop, see & drink.
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Get the insider news and lowdown on what we've been up to, where we've been, and who we've met along the way. Be the first to discover new places and get the scoop on our favourites.