Eduardo, who was born in and lives in Lisbon, is an absolute sage when it comes to all things Portugal. He’s stylish, fun, and always has the inside track. Head of Soho House’s Cities Without Houses in Lisbon and Porto, Eduardo gives us a few of his favourite places in Portugal, and highlights a few events and key dates in Lisbon for the upcoming year.
Favourite hotel in Lisbon?
I always recommend Hotel Memmo Príncipe Real, especially if you are visiting during the summer heat: nice location, nice view and a pool.
Can you tell us when and what some of Lisbon’s best fashion, art, and design events are?
Next year I will be looking closely at:
- Contracoutura’s OFF Lisbon Fashion Week programming in March.
- ARCO & Lisbon Design Week. They happen in the same week: ARCO is the biggest international art fair in Lisbon and LDW celebrates contemporary design and crafts.
From September to November, Lisbon enters its most interesting period with different events that offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in its diverse and vibrant cultural scene. Keep an eye on the calendar for the following events:
- BOCA – Biennial of Contemporary Arts: This biennial event merges various art forms, including visual arts, performance, and music.
- OUT.FEST – Barreiro International Exploratory Music Festival: Dedicated to experimental music.
- LEFFEST – Lisbon & Sintra Film Festival: Brings together filmmakers, actors, writers, and intellectuals for a celebration of cinema.
- Doclisboa – International Documentary Film Festival: Entirely dedicated to documentaries.
- Queer Lisboa – International Queer Film Festival.
- ALKANTARA Festival: Focuses on dance, theatre, and performance, bringing innovative works to Lisbon.
- Lisbon Art Weekend: A city-wide event where galleries and art spaces open their doors for exhibitions, performances and talks.
ALGARVE
Where do locals go in the Algarve?
I would recommend Aljezur, but Algarve has a town for every type – even locals.
And where to stay?
Amaria. Best location near the sea. You will get the full experience of the vicentina coast.
Where to dine:
Marisqueira Rui, a typical Portuguese seafood restaurant. My recommendation? Percebes, gamba Algarvia (eat them with the homemade mayonnaise), clams, santola (a type of crab), then finish it off with a prego (a typical Portuguese steak sandwich).
COMPORTA
Which do you prefer: Comporta in winter or summer?
IMO, any beach town in Portugal is better during mid September to October. There’s less people, the heat is more manageable, there’s less wind (especially at night) and the skies are amazing at sunset.
And where to eat?
Garanhão. Especially if you want to take a break from all the serviced luxury.
OTHER SHORT BREAKS
Any other weekend break destinations you love in Portugal?
All the interior, non-coastal regions are amazing. I really like Alentejo. I would recommend São Lourenço do Barrocal.
LASTLY…
What to bring home from Portugal?
Pantagruel.
