Date of publication 15/10/2017
Tourism, culture, and leisure Lisbon: What's New in a City That Never Stands Still
La metrópoli portuguesa se reinventa.
An abundance of Atlantic light, steep streets that reveal breathtaking viewpoints, the beauty of imperfection, a haven for romantics and poets... Lisbon has become an essential destination for travelers in search of inspiration and a touch of magic.
The Portuguese capital offers an irresistible blend of old and new. It is a city in constant transformation, where bold architectural projects, inventive dining concepts, and daring cultural experiences come together to surprise even the most skeptical visitor. This creative and culinary momentum also explains why more and more travelers choose to stay in a hotel in Lisbon such as Iberostar Selection Lisboa, enjoying the city's energy without giving up comfort or a good night's rest.
Museums for Every Interest
MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Opened in October 2016, this striking futuristic building, designed by British architect Amanda Levete, has completely reshaped Belém's waterfront. Its sweeping form is covered with 15,000 ceramic tiles produced by Barcelona's renowned Cumella Ceramics, once a supplier to Gaudí, creating a design that pays tribute to Lisbon's long maritime tradition.
The exhibition program alternates between Portuguese and international artists, intending to become what the museum describes as "a cultural space for discovery, debate, and global dialogue." Beyond its exhibitions, however, MAAT has become one of the city's favorite gathering places for both locals and visitors. Walk across its gently curved rooftop for remarkable views of Lisbon, watch the façade shift in color as the light changes throughout the day, and soak up the atmosphere that surrounds it.
Aljube Museum
Opened in 2017, this former political prison tells the powerful story of one of the darkest chapters in Portugal's recent history: the Salazar dictatorship, which lasted from 1926 to 1974. Located near Lisbon Cathedral, the museum presents little-known aspects of the regime through thoughtfully designed exhibitions, including the arrest procedures for political prisoners and the cells where many endured imprisonment and torture. The café on the top floor also offers an unexpected view over the city.
National Coach Museum
Ready to discover the world's finest collection of royal carriages?
From the magnificent coach that once belonged to Pope Clement XI to the elaborate carriage used during the historic "exchange of princesses," when royal brides were escorted to the border to seal diplomatic marriages, this remarkable museum houses around 70 horse-drawn vehicles. Most come from the Portuguese Royal Household, alongside important private collections.
The collection is divided between the original Royal Riding School and the Novo Museu dos Coches, next to the Belém gardens. Recent technological upgrades now allow visitors to experience court life in greater depth through multimedia projections and interactive displays.
Amália Rodrigues House Museum
Few places in Lisbon feel as timeless as the yellow house on Rua de São Bento where the great fado singer Amália Rodrigues lived for nearly 50 years. Much of the home remains exactly as she left it, from its rooms to her personal belongings, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of the woman who gave voice to saudade like no other. (Admission €5; guided visits last around 20 minutes.) More recently, the house has become a lively cultural venue once again, with concerts, many dedicated to fado, special dinners, and a weekend vegan brunch that has quickly become a favorite among admirers of Portugal's legendary singer.
Shopping with History
In Lisbon, tradition has never been more fashionable. The city council has even created a preservation program to protect historic businesses that form part of Lisbon's cultural heritage. Around 80 shops are included.
A great place to begin is Manteigaria Silva. Founded in 1890, it is the only shop in Lisbon that still officially bears the title of "butter merchant," a reminder of the days when butter was sold by weight. Today, it is one of the city's best places to shop for Portuguese cured meats, cheeses, and, naturally, salted cod, despite the fact that most of it actually comes from the waters of Norway and Iceland. Step inside for a glimpse of old Lisbon, complete with traditional service and beautifully preserved interiors.
Although it is not officially listed as a historic shop, the recently opened Claus Porto flagship store deserves a place on any itinerary. Located at 130 Rua da Misericórdia, the century-old Portuguese brand proudly claims to produce "the best soaps in the world." Whether or not that title is deserved, its meticulous production process, in which ingredients are blended up to seven times, has earned admirers including Oprah Winfrey. Housed inside a former pharmacy, the elegant store also features a small museum displaying original perfume formulas.
No shopping tour would be complete without the newest location of A Vida Portuguesa, journalist Catarina Portas' celebrated project dedicated to preserving Portugal's iconic brands. Situated in Martim Moniz and often described as the city's most beautiful shop, it is filled with classic Portuguese products, from blankets and perfumes to handcrafted ceramics. If browsing these historic stores leaves you wanting to explore even more, staying at the centrally located Iberostar Selection Lisboa makes it easy to continue discovering Lisbon's most character-filled neighborhoods.
Lisbon's New Culinary Wave
Not so long ago, Michelin inspectors barely ventured into Portugal. Today, Lisbon's culinary scene tells a very different story. The latest Michelin Guide awarded six stars to restaurants across the city, confirming Lisbon's place as one of Europe's most exciting dining destinations.
Among the newest openings, two stand out.
Chef Kiko Martins, one of Portugal's most prolific culinary talents, has recently opened O Watt, located inside EDP's new headquarters. The architecture alone is worth seeing, while the interiors, designed by British designer Jasper Morrison, provide an elegant backdrop for the restaurant's distinctive concept. Fried food has disappeared entirely. Instead, dishes are served grilled, steamed, or raw, with refined sugar nowhere to be found. Healthy eating here never feels restrictive. Martins' menu draws inspiration from cuisines around the world, delivering bold flavors and vibrant colors.
The second restaurant has only just opened, yet it is already shaping up to be one of the season's most anticipated arrivals. Its prime location in the fashionable Príncipe Real neighborhood and, above all, the reputation of one of Lisbon's leading chefs, Diogo Noronha, speak for themselves. Pesca marks a return to the young chef's roots and, as its name suggests, seafood takes center stage. Prepared using a wide range of techniques, from the traditional to the most contemporary, fish is the star of a menu built around what Noronha describes as its three guiding principles: "sustainability, consistency, and innovation." After an evening like that, few things are more inviting than returning to a hotel with a pool in Lisbon, such as Iberostar Selection Lisboa, where you can linger over one last glass of Portuguese wine before calling it a night.
Unique Experiences
Pensão Amor and Alice in the Land of Brothels
Burlesque performances, cocktails with delightfully sinful names... if there's one place where Lisbon's nightlife embraces its more mischievous side and sensuality fills the air, it's the famous Pink Street. At its heart stands the iconic Pensão Amor.
Once a hotel where rooms were rented by the hour, it has evolved into a venue where almost anything can happen. Sip a cocktail beneath a ceiling adorned with a replica of the Sistine Chapel frescoes, get a haircut, or browse for a handcrafted leather corset. Pensão Amor is one of those places that is constantly reinventing itself while remaining true to its unconventional spirit. For the past several months, it has also hosted Alice in the Land of Brothels (performed in English and Portuguese), an immersive production that transports audiences to 1960s Lisbon and into the lives of the women who once lived in the city's most provocative boarding house.
Lisbon Living Room Sessions
Picture a private mansion overlooking the Tagus River. Imagine an unforgettable terrace where a jazz quartet plays as the afternoon light fades, while you enjoy a glass of fine Portuguese wine. Now imagine being one of the guests.
That's the idea behind Lisbon Living Room Sessions, intimate concerts featuring a variety of musical styles, organized once a month by Ricardo and Joana in private homes, palaces, and apartments generously opened by local hosts. It's a truly special experience. To attend, email lisbonlivingroomsessions@gmail.com and, with a bit of luck, you may secure a place at what remains one of Lisbon's best-kept secrets. (Suggested donation: €15.)
Lisbon's New Hotel Opening
One of Lisbon's most exciting hotel openings is Iberostar Selection Lisboa, a five-star property located in the city's central business, shopping, and cultural district. Thoughtfully designed to suit every type of traveler, the hotel features elegant accommodations and a restaurant that celebrates the best of Portuguese cuisine alongside carefully selected international dishes.
An outdoor pool and a spa provide the perfect place to unwind before or after a day exploring the city. All in all, it is the best hotel in Lisbon, capturing the city's authentic character while offering all the comforts of a luxury hotel in the heart of the city.
ANA DÍAZ CANO
Imágenes de Cordon Press y Fernando Mendes
