BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TRIP TO LISBON: 20–22 NOVEMBER 2025
Arrival – Thursday, 20 November 2025
We flew into Lisbon with TAP Air Portugal which set the perfect tone for the visit —comfortable seats, friendly staff, and wonderfully efficient! A short transfer later, we arrived at our esteemed hotel: the elegant Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa.
Located on Lisbon’s most iconic boulevard, the Tivoli blends 1930s glamour with modern luxury. After checking in, we had a very informative site visit of the venue with Francisco, finishing at SEEN, the rooftop bar and restaurant, for a delicious dinner.
Our first adventure took us to the serene Fronteira Palace, one of Lisbon’s finest 17th-century estates. With rooms lined in original azulejos and peaceful gardens overlooking the city, the palace felt like a doorway into Lisbon’s past. The fact that the original family still lives here adds a rare, personal touch.
A short ride brought us to Estufa Fria, Lisbon’s lush botanical sanctuary tucked into Parque Eduardo VII. November light streamed beautifully through the greenhouse’s wooden canopy as we explored its waterfalls, ferns, tropical plants, and quiet walking paths. A tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
We continued through the park to the Pavilion Carlos Lopes, a grand building originally constructed for an exhibition in Rio de Janeiro and later rebuilt in Lisbon. Now a standout event venue, its colourful façade and restored interiors blend heritage with modern sophistication.
Next was the 15th-century Convento do Beato, a building that has served as a hermitage, convent, military hospital, and industrial site. Today, it stands restored and reimagined as one of Portugal’s top event venues. Its dramatic arches and atmospheric stone corridors tell centuries of stories.
We then made our way to Lisbon’s riverside icon—Praça do Comércio. With its golden arcades, vast open square, and views over the Tagus, it’s a must-see. Street musicians, cafés, and the impressive Rua Augusta Arch created the perfect setting for an unhurried afternoon.
Just behind the square, Pátio da Galé offered a more intimate historic space, beautifully restored and now used for cultural and corporate events. Its quiet elegance complements the vibrant riverside atmosphere.
We ended the day of site visits for lunch at SUD Lisboa, an upscale waterfront venue with incredible views of the Tagus River and the 25th of April Bridge. The golden sunset reflecting over the water made for an unforgettable final evening in the city.
Departure – Saturday, 24th November 2025
After a slow breakfast at the Tivoli, we all had some free time for shopping along Avenida da Liberdade or lazing around the hotel before heading back to the airport. I managed to also squeeze in a quick visit to Tivoli Oriente and NH Collection Lisboa Liberdade to brush up the Hosmark product knowledge! TAP Air Portugal carried us home just as smoothly as it brought us in.
Lisbon, with its layers of history, dramatic viewpoints, and warm character, left us dreaming of the next visit.
For more information on any of the venues visited please contact Nikki or Anabela, for any hotel enquiries please contact Lesley, and for flights please contact Sam. We will be delighted to help 😊..
Curiosities About Lisbon
Did You Know?
- Lisbon is the oldest city in Western Europe, predating Rome by centuries and boasting over 3,000 years of history.
- Built on seven hills, the city offers spectacular viewpoints (miradouros) across its skyline.
- The world’s oldest operating bookstore, Bertrand Bookstore (since 1732), is tucked into the Chiado district.
- Lisbon’s Ponte 25 de Abril was designed by the same American company involved with San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge—hence the striking resemblance.
- Tram 28 is one of Europe’s most iconic tram rides, climbing through narrow, historic streets.
- The city is a global event hub and home to Web Summit, one of the world’s biggest tech conferences.
Useful Facts
- Capital: Lisbon
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Time Zone: GMT +0
- Airports: Lisbon (main), Porto, Faro
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Portugal’s Population: 10,639,726
- Average Weather in Lisbon (November):
- Daytime high: ~18°C
- Nighttime low: ~11°C