Portugal is the new hot travel destination – and we’re ready for you

Portugal continues to be one of the best-value destinations in Europe. It has it all – a rich history, innovative art, stunning views and friendly, laid-back locals.

Post pandemic, Portugal is open for business and leisure and all visitors are authorised to enter the country, regardless of origin or purpose of travel.

Bem-vindo a Lisboa!

Somewhat of a hidden gem for years, the hilly, coastal capital city of Lisbon is now firmly on the tourist map. This trendy, thriving city is packed with great food, overflowing with history, and teeming with local culture, making it a top choice for digital nomads and travellers. It truly is a melting pot of all things – whether you’re a graffiti lover, a historian, or a foodie.

From the impressive São Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel-coloured buildings, the Tagus estuary and Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Nearby, the National Azulejo Museum displays centuries of decorative ceramic tiles. Just outside Lisbon is a string of Atlantic beaches, from Cascais’ Praia da Conceição to Oeiras’ Praia da Cruz Quebrada, with 12 more beaches in between.

In trendy Chiado, discover Bertrand, the oldest bookshop in the world, and spend time at the converted LxFactory, a creative hub for the fashion, advertising, communication, multimedia, art, architecture and music industries that is attracting lots of visitors.

For boho chic visit Bairro Alto where you can enjoy a cocktail or a cold cerveja served with traditional Portuguese snack, lupini beans called tremoços. Watch as the neighbourhood becomes livelier with each passing hour.

Portuguese paving, calçada portuguesa, is a trademark of the city. It creates much of the city’s special atmosphere, reflecting the light that falls on it, and is also one of Lisbon’s oldest features.

On the menu

Many travellers are new to Portuguese food since it’s not available in most parts of the world.

Number one on our list is pastéis de nata, custard tarts known for their bright yellow colour and creamy texture. Monks invented these in Belém centuries ago, but they are found everywhere in Lisbon and are truly heavenly. If you get to taste the original pastéis de Belém, your tastebuds will be delighted and why not visit The Belém Tower while you're there?

Empadas, small savoury chicken pies that adorn the window displays of cafés and snack bars throughout Portugal, are delicious whether hot or cold.

Bacalhau, or salted codfish, is part of Portugal’s culinary heritage. It goes back centuries to when seafaring explorers ate preserved fish while conquering the world. Try the bacalhau à bras, shredded cod mixed with potatoes, eggs, onions, chopped parsley, garlic and olives for garnish. An icon of Portuguese cuisine is the pastéis de bacalhau, a delicacy made with codfish, potato, egg, parsley, and olive oil.

The bifana is Lisbon’s signature sandwich. It’s comprised of sautéed, marinated pork packed inside a crispy roll. Served with French fries and a Super Bock or Sagres beer, it’s the ultimate cheap and delicious meal. If you can’t find a table, eating at the bar is just as much fun.

The grilled sardines in Lisbon are worth trying even if you’re not a fan. Sardinhas are freshest in mid-June when Lisbon celebrates the fish during the annual Feast of St. Anthony, but locals eat grilled and canned sardines all year long.

Lisbon is also the heart and soul of the Portuguese winemaking industry, producing large quantities of simple yet deliciously flavoured wines. Traditionally, these wines are sold in 1.5 or 3-litre flagons known by the locals as garrafões. Experiencing the local wines is a must for wine lovers from anywhere in the world, and all the regions produce the finest of wines.

Beautiful and tranquil, Lisbon will have you walking up steep and winding alleyways to phenomenal lookout points. By night, mouth-watering aromas and melodic vocals from fado singers will draw you into intimate restaurants lining the cobbled streets.

Where to stay

Whether you are visiting Lisbon for business or pleasure, Mirabilis Apartments welcomes you.

AAA23, located on Avenidas Novas, is our recently launched apartment offering. Stylish and contemporary, this attractive building also pays homage to the golden years of Portuguese architecture.

At the centre of the most cosmopolitan and upscale area of Lisbon, a stay at AAA23 allows you to enjoy walks to the picturesque Parque Eduardo VII, and is close to Avenida da Liberdade, the Lisbon metro, and vibey restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy the local fare, atmosphere and delicious Portuguese pastries.

We are also excited to offer you more stylish accommodation soon, in our beautiful new mixed-use building in Amoreiras, a sought-after residential neighbourhood in central Lisbon. Watch this space.

What are you waiting for?