Locals call Lisbon the City of Light, and it offers high-end experiences that make it the Paris of Portugal. From shopping on a tree-lined avenue full of the world’s best designer boutiques to dining in an oceanfront Michelin-starred seafood restaurant, you can live it up in luxe Lisbon.
On the Avenue
From the Fontecruz, head down tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade, architecturally similar to the Champs-Elysées. Locals simply call it “Avenida,” and it’s here you’ll saunter past designer collections, including the big eight: Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, Armani, Versace, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Prada. You can also browse modern boutiques, including Stella McCartney.
Keep an eye out for special events, from designer meet and greets to cocktail parties. The avenue is pedestrian friendly and dotted with sculptures and parks perfect for taking a break between stores.
While strolling Avenida da Liberdade, check into Fashion Clinic to get your style prescription filled in Lisbon’s flagship luxury boutique. Fashion Clinic President Paula Amorim stocks everything a well-turned out power couple could desire from designers Manolo Blahnik, Fendi, Missoni, Balenciaga and many more. Fashion Clinic Women (Senhora) features a Carrie Bradshaw-worthy shoe and purse wall display illuminated by a palatial chandelier. Its brother boutique, Fashion Clinic Men (Homem), displays an equally impressive wraparound wall of shoes and satchels from Tom Ford to Paul Smith. Check out Fashion Clinic’s designer jewelry and sunglasses in both boutiques — perfect for upgrading your travel style.
Portugal People Watching
Settle in at luxury hotel Fontecruz Lisboa right on the elegant Avenida Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon’s City Center.
Sip a morning coffee on The Small & Delicious Bar patio for people watching, and end your day in the same spot sampling fine Portuguese wines. The aptly named café serves Iberian delicacies, including local cheeses, meats and pastries.
Book a bright, modern room with a private terrace overlooking the city’s classic architecture for the best of both worlds.
Seafood Feast with a Seaside View
Once you’ve shopped until you drop, take in the sunset from Michelin-starred Porto Santa Maria‘s wall of windows overlooking the ocean. Its award-winning wine cellar offers a deep bench of Portuguese wines to pair with locally sourced seafood that practically jumps onto your plate.
Order a whole fish to share with your party for a true seafood feast, and save room for dessert and a glass of port. The upscale Lisbon restaurant is a favorite with tourists and regulars, so reservations are strongly recommended.
An Old-Fashioned with an Antique View
After dining at Porto, sip a nightcap or cuppa tea surrounded by fine china in the quaint Pavilhão Chinês (which translates to “Chinese Pavilion”). The space once served as a Chinese grocery store, where raconteur Luís Pinto-Coelho wanted to house his extensive antique collection.
You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time as waiters in red waistcoats serve classic cocktails like Old-Fashioneds and Manhattans.
The multi-room tea house and bar is known for its quirky display of antiques — think toy soldiers from both world wars overlooking the vintage bar — which rise along walls up to ceilings strung with teacups and model airplanes.
If you need to work off your dessert, step up to the billiards table where games are played to the tune of local fado folk music performers.
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