How to Spend an Extra Day in Lisbon

The second-oldest capital city in Europe, Lisbon is Portugal’s economic and cultural center.

Almost three million people live in the metropolitan area, a third of the country’s total population. The city’s distinctive neighborhoods include the Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon; Bairro Alto, the residential and entertainment district; the Chiado, a retail and cultural area with museums and the opera; and the Baixa, the elegant downtown district primarily constructed after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and one of the first examples of collapse-resistant construction.

Hyatt Regency Lisbon

Hyatt Regency Lisbon / Photo: Courtesy of Hyatt

Hyatt Regency Lisbon is ideal for business travelers who want to enjoy luxury in the heart of the city. The property is located on the Tagus River, close to prominent museums and historical landmarks such as Belém Tower, Lisbon Congress Centre, Jerónimos Monastery, Bela Vista Park and the Fado Museum. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views at the hotel’s Icon Rooftop & Bar, which offers the perfect backdrop to soak in the 25th of April Bridge and Cristo Rei statue.

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum / Photo: Courtesy of Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

This institution is known for having one of the most important private collections of international art. The building, a landmark in Portuguese architecture, was named a national monument in 2010. Recent acquisitions include Pallas Athena by Rembrandt and a Cockerel diadem by René Lalique.

Red Frog

Red Frog / Photo: Courtesy of Red Frog

Created in 2015 by Paulo Gomes and Emanuel Minez, Red Frog is the first Portuguese speakeasy. Discreet and elegant bartenders prepare cocktails from the Monocromático drink menu. The Peanut Old Fashion, a preparation with Bulleit bourbon, cocoa and coffee bitters, is topped with a peanut-butter toast.

Marlene,

Marlene, / Photo: Courtesy of Manuel Manso

Named after acclaimed chef Marlene Vieira, the restaurant sets off its creator’s name with a comma, symbolizing discoveries and evolution. Marlene, is a celebration of Portuguese cuisine, featuring menus that change with the seasons. Imagine a butterfly made with a sweet violet shrimp, ginger, meringue and fig leaf, or a choux pastry with duck broth and cockles.

Vitor Sobral Restaurants

Vitor Sobral Restaurants / Photo: Courtesy of Nelson Sizifredo

This chef, teacher and consultant is one of the great authorities of Portuguese gastronomy and was awarded the country’s Order of Prince Henry by President Jorge Sampaio. You can sample his culinary contribution by visiting Tasca da Esquina or Taberna da Esquina. My favorite dish? The tuna tartare with mango, pistachio and sesame seeds at Tasca da Esquina.