Lisbon, the perfect short-stay getaway
Ever popular, ever accessible, with its rich history, abundant culture and beautiful pastel buildings, Lisbon makes for a perfect short-stay getaway. With so much to see and do from visiting museums to listening to traditional Fado music, you can easily busy yourself from morning to night. Alternatively, simply amble about, meander its streets and absorb the smells and sounds of this energetic and beautiful city. Whether you’re a solo adventurer, a group of friends or looking for a romantic break, Lisbon delivers, in abundance.
King Jose I Statue at Praca do Comercio in front of Triumphal Arch near waterfront.
Where to stay: Bairro Alto Hotel, Praça Luís de Camões, 2 1200-243 Lisboa Portugal
One of our favourite places to stay is the 5-star Bairro Alto Hotel. Located in the heart of Lisbon in the historic neighbourhood of Bairro Alto, it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. It reopened in 2019 after a full renovation and now has 87 rooms and suites offering its guests tranquillity and comfort in a perfect location.
Each room and shared space, from the lobby to the lounge, has been lovingly created with the soul of Lisbon as its inspiration evident through the colour palette, interior design, soft furnishings and materials. It has the lovely balance of modern and bohemian and retains the charm of the heritage building.
Dining at BAHR – Bairro Alto Hotel Restaurant:
Located on the 5th floor with a fabulous view over the river Tagus, open to guests and non-guests, visitors can expect a modern and informal atmosphere where the kitchen plays the starring role. The exclusive menu created by Chef Nuno Mendes and Executive Chef Bruno Rocha is full of surprising culinary combinations where you will be treated to the best of Portuguese cuisine. You will want to return here because of its rich interiors, sumptuous dining and wonderful service.
In addition to the exclusive BAHR restaurant, the hotel is home to a panoramic terrace with some of the best views of Lisbon and the Tagus river, a cocktail bar, Wellness & Fitness Centre and 4 meeting rooms. And a treat awaits with the Patisserie on the ground floor, with an array of traditional and other less conventional delicacies, just another delight of this charming hotel. The Terrace’s complements BAHR, open all day to guests and non-guests, it offers an all-day dining menu. With a stunning view over the river and the city’s rooftops, it’s the perfect spot to relax during the day, enjoy the sunset or just sit back and have a drink. The Rooftop is open from 12:00 pm and exclusive to hotel guests. An all-day dinning menu with light meals and snacks is available.
Exclusive Amenities with FROSCH Ireland
- Welcome amenity, breakfast for up to two guests daily
- $100 USD equivalent Food and Beverage credit, per room, per stay
- The following amenities are subject to availability at the time of check-in/departure: Upgrade, early check-in, late check-out
For Food Lovers:
A Nossa Casa, R. da Atalaia 31, 1200-190 Lisboa.
A Nossa Casa, is another Bairro Alto gem run by a couple who are creating dishes with enormous flair. The plates look sumptuous and deliver on taste. This is an experience that is exceptional for its creative use of ingredients that works brilliantly and beautifully whether you choose meat or the vegetarian options from the menu. They carry a selection of low intervention wines perfectly suited to their unique menu. This understated eatery gives a truly memorable dining experience. Not surprising they are booked every night so be sure to reserve well in advance of your stay.
Sala de Corte, Praça Dom Luís I, nº 7, 1200-376 Lisboa
At Sala de Corte, meat takes centre stage. This is a well-known and loved eatery, located minutes from the River Tagus. Dine in elegant surroundings and a wonderful atmosphere, with knowledgeable and friendly staff adding to the enjoyment at this busy and buzzing restaurant. You’ll be treated to one of the best stakes on offer anywhere. Once again, booking is advised to avoid being disappointed.
Experience Lx Factory – dining, retail and street art.
Housed in a factory complex dating back to 1846, Lx Factory is where retail, dining and street art collide. Here you’ll find over 50 shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bars. A weekend hotspot for brunch, you can buy everything from crafts to fashion and accessories, both new and second-hand. The buildings have not been renovated since the 1800s and retain the dilapidated exteriors and the industrial architecture ambiance, with some incorporating contemporary design. Overall, these are some of Lisbon’s most interesting spaces to shop or dine at. It also put the neighbourhood of Alcântara on the map, and it’s now a trendy destination for locals and tourists, who get together on the terraces. Don’t miss the highly instagramable Ler Devagar bookstore!
Lisbon offers visitors so much to see and do. Our favourite things to do at a glance:
- Massage at Ecomassage. As you wander the delightful maze of streets from Chiado to Alfama, you’ll spot a variety of wellness offerings housed among the shops and restaurants. Highly recommended is the urban haven Ecomassage, located on Rus Dos Fanqueiros. Taking you from tourism to tranquillity, a blissful hour or so awaits at the hands of these gifted masseurs.
- Feira da Ladra – the Flea Market held on every Saturday and Tuesday is one of the city’s most iconic markets, where you’ll find original, kitsch and vintage treasures.
- The incredible ceiling at The Igreja & Museo de São Roque.
- The medieval monastery of Convento do Carmo.
- Elevador da Bica – jump on one of these trams up the hills of Lisbon.
- Sunset at Cais de Sodre – you’ll often find a free concert taking place there in the evening.
Our Lisbon review is written by Dee Bowman. Dee is a co-founder of Lux-BE Consulting, specialising in luxury brand engagement, marketing and communications for premium brands. She is Irish Tatler’s luxury contributor.
Whether you’re travelling for work or leisure, our Travel Advisors are here to give you insider tips, local knowledge, and the latest openings in some of the most exciting destinations around the world. Contact our team for all your travel needs and let us plan your next trip, email res@frosch.ie
