Lisbon, Portugal

Key Highlights

Hotels 111
Total Sleeping Rooms 14,833
Average Hotel Room Rate EUR 134
Average Daily Meal Cost EUR 88
Average Weekly Car Rental EUR 417

Lisbon, Portugal Meeting Planning Overview

Known for its lush landscapes, sundrenched shores and winding cobblestone streets, Lisbon is not surprisingly one of Europe's most popular destinations for business and leisure travelers alike. Centrally located between one to three hours away from most European cities, and just five to eight hours from the Americas, Lisbon offers easy access from points around the globe. Even more convenient, Portugal's largest airport, Lisbon Airport, is uniquely situated within the city limits just four miles north of the city center. Seeing more than 13 million passengers each year, the airport offers regular flights to major European destinations including Barcelona, Lisbon and London as well as North American hubs Boston and Toronto.

In addition to being a convenient destination, Lisbon is also an affordable one. The city is one of the region's most budget-friendly locales, and its endless hotel accommodations have some of the most competitive prices in all of Europe. But in Lisbon, inexpensive does not mean inferior. In fact, the city offers a host of award-winning properties, many of which offer top-notch meeting space. The Art Deco Hotel Britania features seven private event rooms in its historic space, ranging in size from 50 to 150 square meters, while the 140-room Hotel Eduardo VII offers elegant meeting rooms, a full-service business center and state-of-the-art technology.

When it comes to hosting large-scale events in Lisbon, planners can set their sights on the phenomenal International Fair of Lisboa (FIL) Meeting Centre. Founded in 1957, this 40,800-square-meter venue is comprised of three auditoriums, four meeting rooms, an exhibition area, a registration area and a restaurant. One of Europe's most well-equipped facilities, the International Fair of Lisboa has been revitalized several times and features the latest in information technology as well as wireless Internet access.

Not to be overlooked, the Lisbon Congress Centre is also one of Lisbon's most dazzling convention destinations. Situated on the banks of the Tagus River, it features 9,000 square meters of space including eight auditoriums, five halls and 25 conference rooms. Meanwhile, the conference rooms, auditoriums, halls and foyers of the striking Centro Cultural de Belém make for versatile event spaces for parties as large as 2,000 guests.

Planners looking for a unique taste of Portugal's capital will have no trouble finding a host of alternative venues for events large and small. Known for its vast array of museums, Lisbon's cultural and educational attractions are the perfect backdrop for cocktail receptions, seminars, formal dinners and more. Host a meeting in the light-filled Trio of Windows at the delightful Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga. Enjoy a reception surrounded by Portugal's nautical history at the Museu de Marinha. Or, bask in the majestic atmosphere at the lavish Ogival Hall at the Castelo de São Jorge.

Considered the second most important financial and economic center in the Iberian Peninsula, Lisbon enjoys a thriving economy. In fact, the city produces 45 percent of the nation's GDP per capita. Lisbon's economy is based primarily on the service industry, with most of the headquarters of multinational companies concentrated in the greater Lisbon area. In addition, several colleges and universities are located in the city including the Technical University of Lisbon, the New University of Lisbon, the Portuguese Catholic University, and, Lisbon's oldest university, the University of Lisbon.

About Lisbon, Portugal / Additional Info

A picturesque, romantic city known for its lush landscapes, medieval architecture and superior quality of life, Lisbon boasts a city population of over 550,000 people and a staggering 2.8 million residents in its greater area. As such, it is the largest city in Portugal, as well as the capital. From its location spanning 84.8 square kilometers across the country's coast where the Tagus River flows into the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon beckons visitors with its endless array of historic and cultural offerings.

With a history that includes Roman rule, Moorish conquest, and Christian Crusaders, Lisbon's winding streets and quiet pockets are speckled with remnants of a long and storied past. Visitors should not miss a trip to Castelo de São Jorge. Perched atop the highest hill in Lisbon, this 5th century castle located in Alfama was built by the Moors and once served as a residence of the Royal Family. Although partially destroyed during the earthquake of 1755, the castle today offers some of the best views of the city.

History buffs also have a number of opportunities to delve into Lisbon's notable role in discovery and exploration. Walk through the beloved neighborhood of Belém, where Portuguese explorers once set sail and where Christopher Columbus stopped on his return from the New World. Here, guests encounter reminders of the massive riches of Lisbon's heyday with monuments such as the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Also in Belém is the notable Monument to the Discoveries, a 52-meter-high concrete slab sculpted to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator.

Gracefully blending its past with its present, Lisbon is also a modern and sophisticated metropolis populated by fast-paced urban districts. Visitors can take in the multicultural atmosphere of Bairro Alto, one the city's most popular neighborhoods, where trendy boutiques nestle next to funky design shops and quaint coffeehouses. Or, enjoy the dazzling Avenida da Liberdade. Once a favorite spot for Lisbon's 19th century elite, this glittering district is a shopper's paradise featuring only the finest international labels. Meanwhile, over at the Chiado, visitors find a vibrant youthful atmosphere of art schools, theaters and a smattering of iconic cafes, including the famed A Brasileira.

Heading outdoors is a joy in Lisbon. Known as the “White City”, Lisbon is renowned for its beautiful climate and clear skies. It's also the only European city with Atlantic beaches. Only a half-hour from the city, visitors can enjoy the sun-drenched shoreline of Europe's largest beach – Costa de Caparica. Populated by breezy bars and quaint cafes, Costa de Caparica stretches for 30 kilometers and offers a place for visitors to sunbathe or swim in the sea.

In addition to Lisbon's superior surf, a slew of other recreational activities provide outdoor enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to enjoy Lisbon's phenomenal climate. From sailing in the blue waters of the Lagoa de Albufeira to leisurely afternoons observing the wildlife at the Parque Natural Sintra-Cascais, Lisbon leaves travelers no choice but to relax and unwind – and they wouldn't have it any other way.

 
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