Where I Stayed: Four Seasons Ritz Lisbon
From the moment I set foot in the hotel, I knew I was in for a treat. I stayed at the Four Seaons Ritz Lisbon. This midcentury-style hotel, located across from Parque Eduardo VII, has magnificent interiors and superb service. The lobby features insanely large and exotic orchids. Truly never saw anything like it before. My room was sleek and modern, with elegant furnishings. My room had a balcony that overlooked Lisbon.
This hotel is in the heart of Lisbon, which means I could easily explore the city on foot. The hotel is on a hill so you also get insane views of the city. If you’re traveling to Lisbon, I highly recommend staying here.
Now, even if you’re not planning to stay at the Four Seasons, you absolutely have to visit for their afternoon tea. Make sure to book a reservation in advance. Spend the afternoon enjoying finger sandwiches and mouthwatering desserts. The staff is so friendly and welcoming. If I get another chance to go back, then I would definitely stay there again.
What Are The Neighborhoods in Lisbon?
Lisbon is a large city that is divided into different neighborhoods. When traveling to Lisbon you should try to visit as many as possible. I wasn’t able to visit all of them due to my short trip.
Alfama
Alfama is a traditional fishing village nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Lisbon’s So Jorge Castle.
Bairro Alto
The neighborhood I spent the most time in was Bairro Alto. It’s the most alternative neighborhood in Lisbon featuring a fun nighttime atmosphere and great shopping. It’s the home of prestigious art galleries and a historic monastery, known as Convento do Carmo. The square, Praça Lus de Cames, separates the neighborhood from Chaido.
Chaido
Neighbors Bairro Alto, Chaido is arguably the most elegant neighborhood of Lisbon. The majority of the structures date from the late 1700s, but following a devastating fire in 1988, Pritzker Prize architect Álvaro Siza Vieira repaired and refurbished several of them in the 1990s
Baixa
Baixa is Lisbon’s most vibrant and central area. Following the Great Earthquake of 1755, it was restored by the Marquis of Pombal. There are five main plazas in Baixa: Praça do Comércio, Praça Dom Pedro IV (Rossio), Praça dos Restauradores, Praça Figueira, and Praça do Martim Moniz.
Belém
Belém is Lisbon’s southwesternmost district. It has beautiful gardens and an expansive riverside square. This area is located near the Tagus River, far from the city center but easily accessible. The neighborhood is home to two world-famous landmarks, Jerónimos Monastery, and the Belém Tower.
What To Do In Bairro Alto
The hotel is located on the street of Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, which is located in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Bairro Alto is the central district of Lisbon. After we checked into our hotel. We walked through Bairro Alto, which has an orthogonal layout with parallel and perpendicular streets. Strolling around the region during the day or at night will provide you with two very different experiences. People were dancing and listening to live music. The energy was fabulous!
See The Views At Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Visit the Miradouro So Pedro de Alcântara to enjoy scenic views of the city. It’s located in Bairro Alto. You can walk or take an elevator to the top. It’s a perfect picturesque moment in Lisbon.
Embrace Portugese Architecture
While in Lisbon, just walk through the city’s twisting alleyways and glance around at the facades of colorfully tiled buildings. This building above features painted and glazed ceramic tiles known as “azulejos.” This is a common design that has been used in Portugal for over five centuries.
Go Shopping
I went on a shopping spree. One of my favorite stores was the Fashion Clinic. They sold to high-end designers like Zimmermann and Louboutin. It was such a cute store. There are so many great shops to find gifts for family or even just to treat yourself.
I still have so much more to share! This is just a preview. Have you ever been to Portugal?
Xo,
Coco