A meld of Modern Life and Old-World Charm
Known as the City of Seven Hills, Lisbon, Portugal is Europe’s westernmost capital city and one of its most cosmopolitan.
Discover our guide to living in Lisbon and explore our exclusive listings in the city’s high-end luxury real estate market.
Set on the banks of the Tagus River—known as the “Sea of Straw” because of the golden reflections of the ever-present sun—Lisbon is a lively yet nostalgic city, a meld of modern life and Old-World charm.
With an average of more than 300 days of sunshine each year and a pleasantly temperate climate, Lisbon beckons visitors year-round.
Lisbon’s many quaint historic districts—such as Alfama with its labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and whitewashed houses—are strikingly contrasted by such ultra-modern areas as the Parque das Nações. Here, Lisbon’s derelict docklands were transformed to host Expo ’98, becoming one of Europe’s largest redevelopment projects. Today, Parque das Nações overflows with contemporary architecture, cafés, boutiques, and maritime attractions including Portugal’s most popular tourist destination, the Oceanarium.
Shoppers and diners are delighted by the alluring montage of cafés and boutiques. Cascais Marina and numerous five-star hotels make this cosmopolitan region a true jewel.
One of Lisbon’s most iconic shopping districts is Avenida da Liberdade, a grand avenue lined with designer stores and high-end fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, and Gucci.
With a vibrant nightlife scene, Lisbon is fast gaining a reputation as one of Europe’s trendiest cities.
After the sun sets, areas such as the bohemian Bairro Alto and the waterfront 24 de Julho come alive, drawing residents and visitors to a wide array of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs where they can embrace the Portuguese spirit of celebration and stay out until dawn.
Just north of Lisbon, the spellbinding beauty of Sintra awaits. Defined by the intricate and romantic castles that rise amid its misty mountainous setting and praised as a “glorious Eden” by the poet Lord Byron, this appealing town is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of particular interest are the Quinta da Regaleiria estate and the protected Sintra-Cascais Natural Park.
Just outside the city, the seaside towns of Estoril and Cascais have been dubbed the “Portuguese Riviera” in honor of their palm trees, golden silky-sand beaches, and palatial manors once occupied by nobility.
Enjoy fine dining at Michelin Star restaurant, Belcanto, and hotspots JNcQuoi Avenida, Yakuza by Olivier, and SEEN. Explore renowned art galleries such as Sokyo Lisbon, Underdogs Gallery, and Galeria Ratton. And discover history at the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, and the Museu Nacional Arte Antiga (National Museum of Ancient Art).
With its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant entertainment, Lisbon is a beautiful coastal city that offers something for everyone. Find more luxury listings here.
