Lisbon’s cobblestone hills are a pathway through a rich history of occupation, which includes the Celts, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and the Romans. Following in the footsteps of these famous civilisations, we recommend that you call Portugal’s capital home, too, if even for a few nights. 

Spoiled for choice for exceptional places to stay, some of the best luxury hotels in Lisbon are also some of the most historic. Many are housed in centuries-old palaces, set next to ruins and shrouded with modern splendor. We’ve selected seven sensational historic Lisbon hotels to what your appetite for a visit to this enchanting city. 

Hotel Avenida Palace

Photo credit: @hotelavenidapalace on Instagram

Built in 1892, Hotel Avenida Palace was one of Lisbon’s first grand hotels.  Michelin-starred restaurants, city sights and high end boutiques are within walking distance, but prime location isn’t the only reason you desire a stay at what discerning travelers consider the best luxury hotel in Lisbon. 

Royals, aristocrats and wealthy bourgeoisie from around the world have checked-in to this Rossio hotel. Live music fills the hallways throughout each month, the sounds of Fado, jazz and classical piano pieces often the soundtrack to guest stays. Evening tea at the Palace Lounge offers a moment to stop, sip and speculate on which distinguished celebrities, dignitaries or nobles have claimed the presidential suite. 

Read more about royal retreats: 7 Luxury Gold Hotels That Have Hosted Royals, Celebrities and More

Corpo Santo

Photo credit: @corposantohotel on Instagram

Discrete luxury is a specialty at Corpo Santo, one of the best luxury hotels in Lisbon for those who appreciate lavishness with a historical flair. A section of the Fernandina Wall, commissioned in 1373 by King Fernando, sits in the refined Fernandina Room where a good book, a strong drink and sweet silence are always welcome. Free walking tours provided by Corpo Santo lend more context to this ruinous hotel, though complimentary access to the Sense Spa is a much more relaxed way to let the historical environment seep into your every pore.

If you love luxury stays: Why Ireland’s Best Hotel is Made for a Holiday Season Escape

Hotel do Chiado 

Photo credit: @hoteldochiado on Instagram

The ever-popular Chiado neighborhood is one of Lisbon’s most historical. Hotel do Chiado’s plot of land has been occupied since the 1200s. Centuries of fires, earthquakes and other damages have lead to reconstructions and renovations, until this historic building finally became a laid-back, upscale hotel. As one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon’s commercial artery, Hotel do Chiado is an ideal stay for first-time visitors getting acquainted with the city. Head to the rooftop bar for a Chiado Champagne or find a more iconic view from the Elevator de Santa Justa just one block away.

You may also enjoy reading: 10 of the World’s Most Famous Luxury Train Rides

The One Palácio da Anunciada

Photo credit: @theonepalaciodaanunciada on Instagram

The relatively new The One Palácio da Anunciada has yet to become one of the famed historic hotels in Lisbon, but has all the trappings and is sure to be a feature of the city for many years to come. Just behind the Praça dos Restauradores neighboring the Coliseu dos Recreios and Teatro Politeama, The One is minimalist luxury set within a 16th century building. 

Refined traditional Portuguese plates line the tables of the Condes de Ericeira restaurant. Original refurbished hand-painted frescoes and a dazzling coffered ceiling adorn your surroundings. Original wrought iron columns are featured in the Boémio Lounge lobby bar, tempting you to stay in and savor The One’s historical flavor despite being at the epicenter of Lisbon’s gastronomy scene.

Take a look at these artsy accommodations: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels 

Solar do Castelo 

Photo credit: @lisbonheritagehotels on Instagram

The stunning Solar do Castelo hotel is situated in the Alfama neighborhood tucked within the medieval São Jorge Castle. Built on the grounds of the former kitchen of the Royal Palace, a complimentary bottle of Port wine greets guests in each of the Solar do Castelo’s 20 romantic rooms. The garden courtyard showcases relics found during the hotel’s renovation, including the palace’s water tank dating back more than 800 years. Solar do Castelo is the sole hotel in the Castle Village, making it an exclusive escape for visitors who seek a retreat in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and to enjoy a decadent stay at one of the best luxury hotel in Lisbon.

Bookmark for later: Our Favorite Classic Cocktails, and the Timeless Hotels To Try Them At

Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa

Photo credit: @tivoliavenidaliberdade on Instagram

Less than a century old yet still capturing the opulence of Portugal’s famed historic hotels, Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa delivers the best luxury hotel experience in Lisbon, bar none. Private sailings on the Tagus, private chauffeurs for trips to Sintra and Cascais, and private helicopter rides over the city are just the tip of the lavish iceberg. 

Both the Presidential Suite and the Diplomatic Suite have Avenida views stretched out before their private balconies. Dozens of specialized treatments at the Anantara Spa cater to every skin type, stress level and soulful desire. The Sky Bar by SEEN is renowned as the trendiest rooftop bar for long Lisbon nights while the pool bar offers exclusive DJ sets for guests only.

Pousada de Lisboa

Photo credit: @pousadasdeportugal on Instagram

We invite you to experience one of Portugal’s historic hotels on Spain & Portugal In Style where you’ll spend two nights at one of the best boutique hotels in Lisbon, Pousada de Lisboa. Located in the historic Terreiro do Paço, the building itself is over two-centuries old and is adorned with artifacts loaned out from nearby museums. With an indoor swimming pool, exceptional spa, savory steakhouse, and unrivaled views from your suite, your stay will be a highlight of your trip.

With Magnificent Stays a hallmark of every Luxury Gold tour, every night is an experience in itself. For more exceptional hotels and destinations, take a look at our worldwide collection of small group journeys.

Food is the edible history of a culture and a community, each morsel telling stories and creating memories. Bringing each destination deliciously to life, every Luxury Gold journey offers a menu of dining options like no other. This includes a wide range of culinary experiences, from exclusive dinners in Michelin-starred restaurants to street food walks with locals who know where to source the best delicacies in the city.

And on select Luxury Gold excursions, travelers are greeted with private chef cooking classes. Curated to not only introduce travelers to the flavors of a destination, these private cooking classes provide an experience you can take home to relive mouthwatering memories whenever you choose. To temp you further, take look at just some of the experiences you can look forward to as a guest of Luxury Gold.

To when your appetite, read more about Exceptional Dining

Roll Italian pasta in a Tuscan private cooking class

The wealthy Medici family helped fuel the Italian Renaissance, and though their bloodline no longer flows through Italy, travelers can still visit their rich properties. In Tuscany, you’ll visit one of the Medici family’s hunting lodges for a quintessential Italian experience: private chef cooking classes. Source fresh ingredients from the lodge’s garden and roll your own fresh pasta for lunch alongside a professional Italian chef for a decadent and delicious meal. 

Take a bit out of Tuscany and savour other classic Italian flavours in Rome, Florence and more on Ultimate Italy.

For lovers of Italian cuisine: 7 ways you’ll celebrate Tuscan food when you travel with Luxury Gold

Go beyond the tapas bars and learn Spanish culinary secrets

Spain’s cuisine is far from a monolith: between Barcelona and Madrid alone are a host of different styles and specialties. Andalusia, Spain’s southernmost agricultural region, is known for its gazpacho, oxtail, sherry and Iberian ham. In Seville, you’ll spend a day diving into the region’s flavors. A chef awaits your arrival at an Andalusian market, ready to walk you through the fresh meat and produce. When the market tour concludes, you’ll enjoy a private cooking class and learn how to make some of Spain’s hallmark plates, before savoring them for lunch.

Learn cooking techniques in Seville, plus dine at the Michelin-starred L’Antic Moli on Spain & Portugal in Style.

Pick up the cheque: Where to Find the Most Rare & Expensive Food in the World

Prepare lunch on a Vietnamese riverboat with a professional chef 

Every foodie has heard of the legendary banh mi. This world-famous Vietnamese street food is best experienced in the alleyways of Hoi An. It’s a palate pleasing event, but only an appetizer for what’s to come. You’ll board a traditional bamboo-basket boat and cruise to the Thanh Dong village. Once onboard, locals will host private chef cooking classes for you and your group, helping you prepare lunch as you learn about their local customs for cultivating and harvesting vegetables.   

Leave room for more mouthwatering experiences when you visit Vietnam with Luxury Gold, including a brunch cruise to Hanoi and a private concert dining experience at the home of singer Camille Huyen. 

Savor this on Spirit of Vietnam.

You may also enjoy reading: Hue is Where the Heart is: In conversation with artist Camille Huyen

Discover the nuances of Indian spices 

Private chef cooking classes are quite engaging, though there’s a case to be made that a food tasting tour is just as critical in learning how to cook international cuisine. In Delhi, you’ll have the opportunity to join a well-known chef, not in his kitchen, but in the streets of Old Delhi. You’ll hop between food stalls, watching how each Indian delicacy is prepared. The stallholders will give you tips and tricks for how to properly balance spices to create transformative tastes. 

Travel to India on a Luxury Gold small group journey and you’ll have far more than one afternoon to experience the country’s many flavors, including a sunset desert dinner with local musicians in Jaisalmer and lakeside banquet dinner in Udaipur.

Discover this on: Imperial Rajhastan

Bookmark for later: How Travel Concierge Viren Paints a Vivid Picture of India

Drink in a mixology class in Southern USA

In the deep south, a signature drink is just as important as a hearty meal. With so many delicious plates set before you, an afternoon at the Dunleith Historic Inn gives your stomach a break with a hands-on mixology class. Ideal for those who’ve already taken a few private cooking classes on other Luxury Gold tours, the bar manager at this pre-Civil War mansion will teach you how to stir up two seasonal cocktails. 

Sip that Mint Julep before settling into a three-course dinner, the head to New Orleans where Cajun and Creole flavors await on Southern Grace. 

You may be interested to read: High Notes: How Travel Concierge Ann Amplifies the Sounds of the South

Style sushi with a master in Tokyo

Sushi rolling is a revered 2,000-year-old Japanese art. A decade of practice is required to become a master sushi chef, but thankfully, this Luxury Gold tour expedites the process by providing private chef cooking classes in Japan. Join a master sushi chef for an in depth sushi rolling lesson. You’ll learn why the philosophy and precision required to perfect the technique is unlike any other culinary exercise on the planet.  

Sushi is just one of the many iconic Japanese meals you’ll enjoy on Majestic Japan with Luxury Gold. You’ll also have a Geisha lunch performance in Kyoto and sip sake at a private tasting with a local brewmaster in Oirase. 

Discover this on: Majestic Japan

You may enjoy: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

Feel lucky with a hosted dinner in an Irish family’s home

No matter where we’re from, we all share memories of sitting around the family dinner table as dish after dish is prepared. In Ireland, you’ll have the opportunity to pause your restaurant reservations and instead welcome the invitation to dine at a homestead in Blarney. Unlike a private chef cooking class, you’ll sit back and let your hosts do the cooking for you, though you’re welcome to ask away any questions you have regarding Irish food and cooking techniques.

Enjoy many more experiences with locals, including dinner at a local gastropub in Dublin and a street art tour in Belfast on Ultimate Ireland.

Hungry for more: Indulge Your Inner Gourmet With These Luxury Food Experiences

To discover how you can see and taste the world in a whole new light, take a look at our worldwide collection of small group journeys.

To dream of Iberia is to dream of passion, culture and exceptional cuisine. To elicit the true essence of Spain and Portugal, there’s no one quite like your Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.

More than a local expert, they live and breathe your destination. Offering a personal, tailored service, combined with a black book of contacts known only to locals, they make our limited-edition journeys exceptional.

Here, Travel Concierge Dom shares his passion for Iberia, what makes Spain and Portugal so unique and tells us how to savor the best of this exceptional region.

For travel inspiration read our destination guides: Spain and Portugal

Why Iberia has my heart

“My love of travel, and of Iberia, started young when I would travel to Spain on family holidays,” Dom tells us. “As a kid I loved the differences, the foreignness, the desire to explore another culture. And at that age it involved making friends with the local kids, joining in crab fishing on the beach, for example. Despite not understanding the language at the time, I found I had a natural ability to assimilate, and I developed a yearning to know and experience more.

“As I got older, I became addicted to seeing other cultures and comparing them to mine. Iberia was a natural gravitation. It’s sunny, the people are great. I’m really interested in the history and the culture, and I really enjoy sharing this love with others. My love of travel grew, ultimately leading me to become a Luxury Gold Travel Concierge.”

 Discover Iberia on: Spain & Portugal in Style

 An exquisitely crafted itinerary

“The Spain & Portugal in Style itinerary is so well curated,” says Dom. “You go from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, from Barcelona through Southern Spain and over to Lisbon. ‘You see the capital cities and all the big hitters, and there’s plenty of free time to appreciate what else each location has to offer as well.

“Harnessing the true passion of Iberia, a highlight for guests in Seville is a flamenco dance lesson and performance at the Christina Heeren Foundation. I’ve seen many flamenco shows but this is just another level of excellence. The dancing and the musicians, they are the top of their game, literally the best artists in the world.”

Read more about this exclusive flamenco experience: Discovering the Soul of Spain with Alexandra Hoffer in Seville

Spain and Portugal – alike yet unique

“The history of Spain and Portugal differs to the rest of Europe,” Dom explains. “These distinctive cultural influences, garnered from an eclectic peopling of Iberia, mean that today they have their own way of doing things. Both countries are very European, but at the same time there’s a unique look to their architecture, their food and so forth.

“Spain and Portugal then differ from each other, through influences from their respective explorations and empires. Portuguese also sounds very different to Spanish, and the people are often a bit more reserved, particularly compared to those in southern Spain.

“A key part of my role is to bring the history to life for guests, along with guiding them through the nuances and differences. I love sharing these stories as we travel between locations.

“As you cross the border and travel into Portugal, changes are subtle, such as seeing road signs in a different language. Then once you start to travel onwards through the countryside, the Atlantic influence reveals itself in the flora and fauna.”

You may also be interested to read: Connect With the Natural World Through These Exclusive Experiences

Iberian food culture – a perfect fit for small group travel

“On Spain & Portugal in Style we’ve got some outstanding restaurants, and many ways to enjoy food, from Michelin-starred dining to a cooking class,” Dom tells us. “Food in Iberia is such a big thing; the culture revolves around the cuisine and dining experience.

“I love how Luxury Gold guests really adopt the culinary culture of the places that we’re going to. Just like the Spanish and the Portuguese, we have long lunches and big sociable dinners.”

My foodie highlights – Spanish fine dining and local Portuguese fare

Credit: @lanticmoli on Instagram

“L’Antic Moli in southern Catalonia is definitely one of my highlights – Michelin-starred dining and a true Spanish cultural experience,” Dom says. “On my last tour we were there for three hours. Course after course of impeccable flavors and textures, and lots of talking; no one wanted to leave!

“In contrast, when we cross over into Portugal, we stop in a very small village called Serpa – the kind of place you wouldn’t know to go to. Here  as part of the itinerary, we experienced something very different in a local restaurant: Cante Alentejano polyphonic singing. The restaurant was rustic, with wooden tables and vegetables and meats brought out in big terracotta bowls, all accompanied by this wonderful authentic music. That is also one of my favorites and the contrasts just blow me away.”

Read more: Meet Michelin-star chef Vicent Guimerà of Spain’s L’Antic Molí restaurant

My favorite ingredients and dishes

“For me it’s all about the simple ingredients – the fresh Mediterranean salad for example is always a winner. I also recommend the tortilla (Spanish omelet) which I eat daily. In Spain you will find even the basic things are done in such a wonderful way. The Mediterranean diet is also of course very famous for its health benefits.

“My favorite Portuguese dish is a fish one, cod of course, the country’s specialty. There is a dish called ‘Bacalhau com natas’, a delicious combination of shredded cod with cream, sliced potatoes, onion and cheese, all baked in the oven, which is best washed down with vinho verde, green wine. And for dessert, the original, impeccable pastel de nata, custard tart. Yum!”

You may also enjoy reading: Cape expectations: how Travel Concierge Jameel makes South Africa sing

Savor seafood in Barcelona

“Both Spain and Portugal have some of the most incredible seafood in the world,” says Dom, “and a great place to indulge is Barcelona.

“I used to live in Barcelona, so I know it well, and I recommend guests head out the seaside neighborhood of Barceloneta. This old fishing village is now home to multi-million dollar yachts and some outstanding eateries.

“The 7 Portes restaurant, which is 186 years old, is the ideal place for old school Barcelona food. It is famed for its rice dishes and paellas, tapas and traditional cannelloni.

“One of my favorite seafood restaurants is called Botafumeiro which is also not far from our hotel. The dishes here include warm spider crab pie, a Botafumeiro-style Spiny-lobster and grilled Palamós shrimps.”

For more Barcelona dining recommendations: For Fine Dining in Spain, This City Sets the Gold Standard

Indulge in Gaudi

Of course, Spain & Portugal in Style about more than food. Visiting all the top sights, the tour starts on a cultural high. “Whilst there we visit Gaudi’s iconic Barcelona masterpiece La Sagrada Familia with THE best local specialist,” says Dom. This unique modern temple has been under construction since 1882 and is not actually yet finished.

“All I can hear is guests saying, wow, wow and everyone has really sore necks because you always looking up in wonder! We also visit Park Güell up on the hill where Gaudi’s architecture meets his inspiration – nature.

“There are so many more outstanding buildings from Gaudi in Barcelona. So, with their spare time I often advise guests to visit these – the Casa Mila, the Casa Vicens and many others.

“Continuing on an art theme of recommendations for guests, Picasso grew up in Barcelona and lived very close to the previously mentioned 7 Portes Gates restaurant. The Picasso Museum houses an extensive collection and is well worth a visit.”

Luxury Gold guests can in fact rest their sore necks from admiring Gaudi and all these art works by booking a ‘Bath butler’ at the five-star Ohla Eixample where we stay whilst in Barcelona. Coming back after a long day and finding the perfect bath waiting for you: salts, candles, relaxing herbal tea or a bottle of cava. Just one of the exceptional hotels that are a hallmark of every Luxury Gold journey.

You may also enjoy reading: Hiding in Plain Sight: Incredible Artworks You Can Discover at Luxury Gold Hotels

My hotel highlight – Evora’s Convento do Espinheiro

“Each of the hotels is fabulous, and has their own style, but the one that always amazes me the Convento do Espinheiro in Evora, Portugal,” says Dom. The stunning 15th century building and gardens was once a convent, with rooms featuring antique or 1950s-inspired furnishings.

“The cloisters and the chapel are still there, it’s quite remarkable. We have dinner in the Cellars where they used to make the wine and the olive oil. As well as the exceptional service, the uniqueness of staying in what used to be a convent is really special. You’d never think really to stay in in such a place.

Discover more of our exceptional hotels: 7 Luxury Gold hotels that have hosted royals, celebrities and more

Personalize your day in Madrid

A key feature on all Luxury Gold tours are the opportunities for guests to personalize their day with a choice of two experiences. These offer contrasting ways to explore and experience your destination, each carefully curated with the Luxury Gold guest in mind,

In Madrid guests have the option to visit the Prado Museum with an art historian, or to take a walking tour through Madrid’s Old Town.

“For art lovers, or just those with an interest in Spain and its history this is the one to take,” says Dom. “In European terms Italy and France are famed for their museums but Spain often gets overlooked. The Prado is a world class gallery, and you can learn about the history and story of Spain from these masterpieces. There are the Royal portraits from artists such as Velazquez and Goya. There are also many international artists on display, Titian and Bosch, for example. There’s even a copy of Mona Lisa from DaVinci’s workshop. Not a lot of people know that.”

“Then those who want to be a bit more active and see kind of the backstreets of Old Madrid and some kind of little secret corners there, the way to go would be The Walking tour. This is also the perfect opportunity to get churros, a highlight of any day!”

“In fact, on this day, people can do both experiences in Madrid if they want,” Dom adds. “This is one of the many benefits of our Spain and Portugal itinerary, and of small group journeys – the flexibility to adapt to how our guests may be feeling on any given day.”

You may also be interested to read: Why Spain Sets the Gold Standard for Art Museums

Visit Spain and Portugal or the ultimate luxury vacation with exceptional hotels and exquisite cuisine, on Spain & Portugal in Style, or choose from our worldwide collection of small group journeys.