A Hedonist's guide to… is an exciting new series of guides that explore the finest restaurants, the most stylish hotels and the chicest bars in each of our six cities. Designed to be the quintessential 'little black book' A Hedonist's guide to… has all the best addresses in town. This is the ultimate weekend break guide helping you optimise your weekend away; all the restaurants, hotels, bars, cafés and clubs are photographed so you know what to expect before you go.
A Hedonist's Guide to Lisbon
Europe's Rio is an unjustly overlooked city-break destination - where else offers warm weather, great food, urban sophistication and sandy beaches? We sent music journalist, Sarah Marshall (also author of Hg2 Berlin) to explore Lisbon for three months. She came back sun-tanned, partied-out and sat down to write our cracking guide the very best addresses in town.
'So, what does Lisbon have to offer?', I hear you ask
Known for its wonderful atmosphere, run down backstreet nightlife and the achingly hip, Lisbon benefits from startlingly blue sky and almost constantly warm weather. Gastronomically known for unbelievably fresh seafood and a diverse range of wines, Portuguese cuisine remains one of Europe's hidden secrets. Lisbon is a city of laid back charm where one can saunter the ancient streets or party through until dawn.
How long do I stay?
The city itself is small enough to explore in a weekend. Areas are concentrated and boast their own defined character - from the crumbling charm of the oldest barrio, Alfama, to the cultural district of Belém and warehouse super-clubs and raucous bars of the docas. When it's warm, Lisbon's charms are diverse enough to occupy you for a week or so - spend a few days pottering around the city then head out to Cascais or Guincho for sun, sand and surf.
When should I go?
Lisbon is lovely in summer (Jun-Oct), temperatures can reach 40° but a cooling Atlantic breeze provides refreshing relief and you can always escape to the beach for the day. However, as most Lisboetas take holidays in July and August, many shops and restaurants are closed during this period. Winters (Dec-Feb) are mild, however rainfall can be high.
Where should I stay?
What do I need to take?
* Flat shoes for daytime - Lisbon has a lot of hills
* Bikini - you might just want to escape to the beach for the day
* Good camera to take in the sunset from the Castelo de São Jorge
* Hg2 Lisbon, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
'So, what does Lisbon have to offer?', I hear you ask
Known for its wonderful atmosphere, run down backstreet nightlife and the achingly hip, Lisbon benefits from startlingly blue sky and almost constantly warm weather. Gastronomically known for unbelievably fresh seafood and a diverse range of wines, Portuguese cuisine remains one of Europe's hidden secrets. Lisbon is a city of laid back charm where one can saunter the ancient streets or party through until dawn.
How long do I stay?
The city itself is small enough to explore in a weekend. Areas are concentrated and boast their own defined character - from the crumbling charm of the oldest barrio, Alfama, to the cultural district of Belém and warehouse super-clubs and raucous bars of the docas. When it's warm, Lisbon's charms are diverse enough to occupy you for a week or so - spend a few days pottering around the city then head out to Cascais or Guincho for sun, sand and surf.
When should I go?
Lisbon is lovely in summer (Jun-Oct), temperatures can reach 40° but a cooling Atlantic breeze provides refreshing relief and you can always escape to the beach for the day. However, as most Lisboetas take holidays in July and August, many shops and restaurants are closed during this period. Winters (Dec-Feb) are mild, however rainfall can be high.
Where should I stay?
There are plenty of hotels in Lisbon, but only a handful of a really discernible quality. At the grander end of the spectrum, there are some wonderful hotels housed in former palaces, top of the pile is the impressive Carlton Pestana Palace, with the Lapa Palace a close second. Boutique hotels fans should look at the Palacio Belmonte or the more reasonably priced Solar dos Mouros while local charm is found in spades at the tranquil York House. Booking couldn't be easier, just click here.
What do I need to take?
* Flat shoes for daytime - Lisbon has a lot of hills
* Bikini - you might just want to escape to the beach for the day
* Good camera to take in the sunset from the Castelo de São Jorge
* Hg2 Lisbon, of course!
Now all you need to do is book that flight and enjoy!
