Lisbon
Photography Catherine Tillmann
We asked Concierge Luis Miguel of Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon to gather the savviest sight-seeing suggestions he could find—not just his own, but also those of other local connoisseurs, including some he works with every day at the Hotel. Enjoy the charming neighbourhoods and lively atmosphere of Lisbon.
Dine Like a Local
Today Lisbon has a more modish, experimental dining scene than ever before. Try the distinguished menu at 100 Maneiras for a fun approach to Portuguese cuisine. At Belcanto in Chiado, Portuguese chef José Avillez—who obtained a Michelin star in his previous venue—delivers delightful dishes in a beautiful ambience. And as a sensational alternative for casual diners, Avillez opened Cantinho do Avillez, also in Chiado. For traditional Portuguese specialties, visit Tasquinha d’Adelaide on Rua do Patrocinio, a warm, unpretentious family-run restaurant.
Porto Authority
The classic Portuguese aperitif is chilled white port, but the mixologists at Four Seasons have come up with a more modern take on the fortified wine. The Porto Flip combines 10-year-aged port in a cocktail that also includes an egg yolk, brown sugar, a little peppermint and a shake of cinnamon.
Café Culture
Café a Brasileira, founded in 1905 and frequented by the writers and poets Fernando Pessoa, Mário de Sá-Carneiro and José de Almada Negreiros, has wonderful Art Nouveau interiors. It stands at 120 Rua Garrett, near the Elevador de Santa Justa, the eccentric Eiffel-style lift to the Convento do Carmo.
A Trip to Belém
A trip to the coastal suburb of Belém, the port from which Portugal’s great maritime explorers set out, should be on any itinerary. Most impressive are the stunningly ornate Manueline monastery of Jerónimos and the Tower of Belém, the image used to represent the city of Lisbon. But don’t neglect Café Pastéis do Belém, famous for its super-sweet custard tarts; have a bica (Portuguese espresso) to go with them.
Sightseeing by Sidecar
Jump into one of six motorcycle sidecars available to Four Seasons guests and get ready for the ride of your life. Zoom along 14th-century cobblestone streets as you take in castles, monuments, monasteries and alleyways too tight for cars.
