Editor's Note

Reflections: On Lisbon's Popularity

Palácio Nacional de Queluz

We've just returned from a month sunning ourselves in Portugal, and while maybe the country's viral surge in popularity peaked over a year ago, Lisbon remains a very cool (and very popular) destination today. Ironically, I have somewhat longingly looked back at the times during the Covid era, when the city (and airports and restaurants) were much less crowded, and it felt like there was so much space to enjoy everything. There were secret spots to be embraced, travel discoveries to cherish. I didn't really understand it then, but the Portuguese really retreated during the pandemic - more so than other societies we experienced - leaving us with the impression that many towns and villages were far less populated than they actually are. Only in the last 2 years have they really become a bustling city once again. Reservations are (now) de rigeur. The cheap hotel rates have vanished. And forget breezing through a largely empty airport. Alongside this surge of Lisbon-fandom, the prospect of discovering secret and special spots has diminished.

But there's a rationale as to why Lisbon has really become re-born: it's a marvelous city with so much to explore, so many textures and layers that reveal itself to the repeat visitor. Our bucket list of spots to visit only continues to grow - and we can't manage to keep up with all the new openings that tantalize our readings and network recommendations. It's all the more reason why approaching Lisbon with expert knowledge is essential.

This Edition is presented in the spirit of shorts, a few hyper-curated selections of our favorite spots in the city that we think you must try. From a burgeoning shortlist of our favorite restaurants - both high and low end - cocktails and brunches - and table-side vistas –– to our new favorite boutique stay, hidden on a leafy park square just beyond the throngs. We share the best Palaces to see in verdant Sintra, about 40 minutes west of Lisbon, a popular day trip for most, but one that often entails long lines. It doesn't happen often, but it can rain - and with Lisbon being such an outdoors-oriented city, we have a great plan for a wet day that reduces your chances of being drenched. As a special bonus, we've included a special feature around expertly navigating the Lisbon Airport, tips born from 4 years of repeat visits.

For all it's fan-girl popularity, Lisbon truly is a spectacular city, and one of Europe's finest. From the colorful tiles and layers of patchwork architecture, the pocket-sized cafés and chic eateries, the cobbled streets and dramatic vistas across the waters, this is a place to be visited again. And again.

To our American friends, Happy Memorial Day. E Boa Viagem!