Guyan Mitra, The Daily Telegraph, September 16, 2013
Why go?
The shops shut down in August, but Lisbon is full of action in the autumn months, and temperatures remain in the twenties into October.
Named Europe’s top city break destination at this year’s World Travel Awards, Lisbon offers good value, great culture, and even better beaches only 20 minutes from the city centre.
Events
Doclisboa (October 24-November 3)
International documentary festival showing the year’s most explorative film from around the world. www.doclisboa.org
Expert hotel pick |
The Hotel Bairro Alto in Lisbon is a bastion of luxury houses, with the hippest rooms in town. |
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Out Jazz Festival (until September 29)
A series of free open-air jazz concerts have taken place all summer across Lisbon’s gardens, with the Jardin da Tapada das Necessidades as the location for September’s shows. Enjoy a concert from 5pm on the next two Sundays (September 22 and 29). www.visitlisboa.com
Expert hotel pick |
Lapa Palace hotel, the jewel in the crown of Lisbon’s palace-laden neighbourhood, Lapa, is an A-list hotel with charm, history and oodles of opulence. |
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Architecture – Islamic Heritage in Portugal, Castelo de São Jorge (September 6-January 6)
An exhibition uncovering the little-known history of Islamic architecture in Portugal, including objects dating from the 9th century, housed in an impressive setting. museu.gulbenkian.pt
Expert hotel pick |
Palacio Belmonte, Lisbon, is an elegant luxury hotel in Lisbon's ancient quarters, offering extravagant suites and the best views in the city |
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Red rooves and narrow winding streets define Lisbon
Casa-Museu Medeiros e Almeida, Chins and Ta Xi Yang Guo exhibition (September 27-December 31)
This exhibition at the Medeiros e Almeida museum celebrates the 500th anniversary of the first Portuguese arrivals in China. www.casa-museumedeirosealmeida.pt
Expert hotel pick |
The Hotel Florida in Lisbon might seem more Planet Hollywood than hotel; its silver screen theme makes for plenty of fun, and falls just on the right side of tacky. |
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Mude (Museu do Design e da Moda)
Objet Préféré (September 5-January 26)
Organised by the research centre Fabrica and art space Le Grand Hornu Images, this exhibition aims to answer the question: “What is your favourite object?”
Schiap Shock (until late October)
A celebration of works by the surrealist fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. www.mude.pt
Expert hotel pick |
Living Lounge hostel in Lisbon genuinely re-brands the sterile and soulless hostel image with its artist-designed rooms, bright modern furnishings and stylish communal areas. |
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Additional research by Lizzie Porter
Read Guyan Mitra's complete guide to Lisbon
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