Why Lisbon, Portugal 

• The sun shines 290 days a year, and the temperature rarely dips below 60°F. 

• Lisbon is the closest European capital to North America, just a five- to eight-hour flight. 

• More than 50 destinations in Europe, the U.S., South America and Africa are a non-stop flight away. 

What’s New in Lisbon 

• Lisbon garnered a handful of World Travel Awards in 2024: Europe’s Best MICE Destination, Europe’s Leading City Destination, Europe’s Best Culinary City Destination, World’s Leading Heritage City Destination and World’s Leading City Break Destination. 

• The new neighborhoods of Xabregas, Beato and Marvila are transforming a traditionally industrial part of the city into art galleries, restaurants, bars and cultural spaces. 

• The new Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins, a private museum of contemporary arts highlighting modern and contemporary Portuguese and international art collected over the past 50 years, opens in March 2025, complimenting the city’s arts scene. 

Video Credit: Visit Portugal

There are plenty of options when it comes to things to see and do in Lisbon, as well as places to grab a bite to eat, or host a power lunch or dinner. Here are a few spots in The City of Seven Hills to pique your interest. 

SEE 

Belem District   

Step back in history at the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon’s Belem District, which is also chock-full of museums. Constructed in the early 16th century and named a National Monument in 1907, the monastery welcomes visitors and worshipers. The monastery, with the accompanying Belém Tower, comprises the most visited heritage complex in all of Portugal. 

Sintra, a World Heritage Site 

About a half-hour from Lisbon is Sintra, a community designated a Cultural Landscape of World Heritage nearly 30 years ago. While exploring the city, take time to visit the historic palaces, including Palace of Sintra, the construction of which began around the 10th or 11th century, and the colorful National Palace of Pena, considered the “jewel in the crown of the Sintra Hills” that dates back to the 12th century. 

LX Factory 

Look no further for inspiration than LX Factory, a multi-use space in which you can find more than 50 shops, restaurants, coffee shops and bars, all housed in an 1846 factory complex that was once the Company of Wiring and Fabricos Lisbonense.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and XPTO Events and DMC, a Hosts Global Member. 

DO 

Ride the Tram 

The best way to travel around Lisbon is via the tram system, which runs across the city. The most popular route is Tram no. 28, starting in the historical city center, Largo Martim Moniz, through the Graça quarter to the Church of São Vicente de Fora. Sites along the way include the Cathedral, the Church of Santo António and down Rua da Conceição, a traditional shopping street.  

Tile Painting Workshop 

The vibrant tilework across the city is gorgeous, so what better way to remember your time in Lisbon than painting your own tiles to take home with you? Workshops may cover the history of Portuguese tiles, from the 15th century through today, but all include designing and painting your own tiles. Just give yourself time – the tiles can take a few days to cook before being ready to go home. 

Make Pastel de Nata 

Spend a few hours learning how to make pastel de nata, the Portuguese custard tarts you’ll enjoy throughout the country. After enjoying the fruits of your fun-filled labor, take your new skills home to share with friends and family.  

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and XPTO Events and DMC, a Hosts Global Member. 

EAT 

Bairro do Avillez 

Choose from four dining experiences at Bairro do Avillez, all overseen by Chef José Avillez, considered a “luminary in Portuguese gastronomy.” Sip cocktails on the terrace at Taberna; enjoy seafood and fish dishes at Páteo; dine in Mini Bar, a restaurant and gastro bar; or dig into a pie at Pizzaria Lisboa.  

Eleven 

Overlooking the city, Eleven sets the scene for a memorable dining experience, blending culture and art at the table and beyond. Open for lunch and dinner, Chef Joachim Koerper and his culinary team take the freshest ingredients to create Mediterranean dishes in a cosmopolitan and comfortable atmosphere. 

Marlene 

Chef Marlene Vieira takes center stage at Marlene, literally – the open kitchen is on an island in the middle of the restaurant. From here, she and her fellow chefs create two tasting menus for dinner Wednesday through Saturday: one with 12 dishes, the second with seven. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and XPTO Events and DMC, a Hosts Global Member. 

Stay/Meet 

ALHI Member Locke de Santa Joana is ready to welcome you and your guests, serving as a luxurious homebase while you experience the vibrant city. 

Locke de Santa Joana 

A 17th century convent turned luxury hotel, Locke de Santa Joana is comprised of 370 spacious apartments, many of which feature lounge spaces and private kitchens, so your guests can truly make themselves right at home in central Lisbon. A cohesive décor flows through the apartments, seamlessly joining them to the hotel’s coworking spaces, meeting rooms, outdoor pool, restaurants and bars. Locke de Santa Joana is just five miles from Aeroporto Internacional de Lisboa Humberto Delgado (LIS), which is easily accessible via public transportation. 

For more activities and ideas, ask your ALHI GSO about working with Hosts Global Destination Services and XPTO Events and DMC, a Hosts Global Member.