Pousada de Lisbon - Historic Government Building
The charming Pousada de Lisbon enjoys a fabulous location on the Terreiro do Paço - Praça do Comércio, an important historic area of Lisbon. The Pousada occupies an old government building which served as the former headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and a local police station.
This historic hotel has 90 comfortable and elegant guestrooms, decorated in a contemporary style with historic flourishes such as decorative moulding and wood panelling in certain rooms. There are inviting communal areas for guests to relax in such its airy interior courtyard and two hotel bars. The Pousada's restaurant, with its charming cloistered ceilings, boasts fantastic views over the square and guests can enjoy typical Portuguese cuisine in this atmospheric setting. On warmer days, you can take lunch or dinner outside, in the shade of the Pousada's iconic arched passageway.
For those looking to relax or keep fit during their stay, the Pousada facilities also include an indoor pool, a sauna, a gym and massage treatments (must be pre-booked).
The Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square) is one of Lisbon's most historically important areas as for centuries it was where ships disembarked and their goods. After it is was destroyed by the Great Lisbon Earthquake in 1755, the area was rebuilt by the Marques de Pombal, whose recognisable 'Pombaline' architecture is visible throughout Lisbon's historic buildings. The square has now become a prime location for visitors, connecting the Tagus and Lisbon's most bustling shopping and cafe areas.
Portugal's popularity amongst the UK market has grown significantly in recent years and Lisbon's tourist sector has boomed respectively. A bright and vibrant city, this is a fantastic spot for a warm city-break whilst still enjoying a coastal atmosphere. Like any other European capital, Lisbon is abundant in attractions with numerous cathedrals, monasteries and museums to visit. Lisbon is very much a photographer's dream with colourful houses, terracotta roof tiles, and the infamous authentic trams trailing its steep streets. Music fills the air in the Barrio Alto area of the city with plenty of jazz, reggae and fado venues, and who can forget the food? Alongside the famous Portuguese 'Bacalhau' (salted cod) Lisbon offers a fantastic variety of both traditional and contemporary cuisine which can be found in every corner of the city, tourists should keep an eye out for famous delicacies such as 'Pasteis de Nata' (Portuguese custard tarts) and Ginjinha, a liqueur made from sour cherries.
Located just west of the centre of Lisbon is the Belém neighbourhood, a must-visit for any history and culture buff. Belém has plenty to offer its visitors such as the Belém Tower, an iconic 16th century military outpost, the Monument to the Discoveries, an impressive monument erected in 1960 as a tribute to Henry the Navigator (one of the principal figures in the Age of Discoveries) and the Jerónimos Monastery, a sprawling 16th century monastery which is one of the finest examples of Manueline architecture in the world. There are also a number of interesting museums such as the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT), the National Coach Museum and the Electricity Museum, as well as large open squares and spaces and the Botanical Gardens. Fans of Portuguese tarts should make a note to pop into the Pasteis de Belém bakery and cafe whichhas been making these delicate tarts since the eary 19th century (using a secret recipe!)
Lisbon also has excellent connections (via a scenic train journey!)to the coastal town of Cascais and Estoril for those looking to combine stays at these locations, or simply to escape to for a seaside day trip.
For Pousada pool information please visit our information on pools page.
Breakfast available at the Pousada's Patio Amalia - served in buffet and a la carte style from 12.30pm to 12am
RIB Restaurant:
Lunch served from 12.30 to 18.00
Dinner served from 19.00 to 22.30.
Casa do Leão Restaurant (Castelo de São Jorge): meals served from 12.30 to 21.00 (reservation only)
From Lisbon Airport:
Due to the Pousada's central location in the heart of the historic centre, it does not have its own car park, however there is payable public parking a short distance away from the Pousada.
Learn more about Lisbon and the Tagus valley, home to Portugal's capital city and some of the country's most important historical and cultural sites.