Plan Your Meetings

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Catarinella Massimo / CC by 3.0

Lisbon: Luxury and value

By Monica Compton, CMP

Want unusual venues?

Lisbon’s old monasteries provide a unique backdrop for any corporate function. Used for programs hosted by Bill Gates and Colin Powell, monasteries reflect the rich history of the city, enveloping attendees in a mysterious environment that had been closed to the public for centuries. Convento do Beato, located only five minutes from Lisbon Airport and close to the main railway stations in the city, is one such monastery open for a wide range of events, including seminars, exhibitions, weddings and concerts. If a palace is more your style, consider the Palacio Nacional de Queluz, a Versailles look-alike national palace in the outskirts of Lisbon. Surrounded by beautiful baroque gardens, fountains and statues, a part of the palace serves as the official residence for foreign dignitaries visiting the Portuguese state. The gardens and designated rooms of the palace are available for private events, exhibitions, cocktail receptions and banquets.

Want to meet in 14th Century ruins?

The Carmo Archaeological Museum stands in the ruins of a magnificent church built in 1389. The first Portuguese museum of art and archeology is one of the few Gothic monuments that survived the 1755 earthquake, providing a one-of-a-kind setting for special events. A transparent canopy over outdoor event space allows for year-round bookings. The venue has a banquet capacity of 300 and can accommodate up to 500 people reception-style. Contact the Lisbon Convention Bureau for booking information.

Want to meet next to the president’s residence?

The National Coach Museum is housed in the former royal riding school and is located next to the official residence of the president of Portugal. The collection of antique coaches from different centuries is considered one of the best in the world. A banquet or cocktail reception held amidst the antique, gilded royal coaches is a truly memorable event. The first floor gallery can accommodate 250 reception-style and the main hall can accommodate 180 in a banquet setup.

Want unique transportation?

Attendees can be transported in style from their hotel to the gala dinner venue, touring Lisbon in vintage cars known as “Old Timers.” Or for a more adventurous ride, motorbike sidecars can carry guests to a myriad of Lisbon locations, from the famed Tagus River to the seven hills surrounding the city. To experience the major form of public transportation in Lisbon since 1905, guests can board a tram and be carried to the oldest parts of the city. Trams can be booked for private groups and come complete with music and wine tastings. Contact the Lisbon Convention Bureau for booking information.

Want a unique group activity?

Built in 1910, the Leão Holandês (Dutch Lion) is a private sailing vessel that hosts a number of thematic-dinners and team-building events. Experience Vasco da Gama’s legendary discovery of India during a Discovery Dinner Cruise or play detective during a Mystery Dinner Cruise and uncover which passenger was murdered. Cruise for three hours or a full day, for breakfast, lunch, cocktails or dinner. Capacity: 80 passengers.

Destinations (MAP)

International

United States

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What you should know

The closest European city to the U.S., Lisbon offers an eclectic mix of historic charm and contemporary venues, marrying modern conveniences with a classic European feel. Groups will be awarded an upscale sensory experience, from globally-inspired cuisine and world-renowned wines, to the soulful Portuguese music known as Fado. The only European capital situated on the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon has a pleasant climate throughout the year and an abundance of sunshine, making it a great walking city.

What will surprise you

With a cost of living half that of London, Lisbon is the best value in Western Europe for groups traveling from the U.S. A full week at a five-star hotel in Lisbon can be about the same price as just one or two nights at a luxury hotel in other European capitals. Reside in a palace next to rock stars, politicians and heads of states for less than $300 per night in high season or book a group in a downtown convention-style property for $150 per night or less. Lisbon also offers lower car rental rates and affordable restaurant prices compared to other European destinations. An espresso costs 50 European cents in most areas of Portugal, about 40 percent of the cost in London.

Essential info
  • Official language: Portuguese
  • Currency: Euro. Average rate of exchange is 0.798 EUR per $1.00 U.S.
  • Climate: Average temperature is 65 degrees. Average rainfall is 27 inches a year.
  • Gratuities: 10 percent is a base guideline for dispensing gratuities, although some restaurants ask that you do not tip.
  • International Dialing Code: 351. City codes are not required. Prefixes are used for the following services: phones and faxes require a 2 prior to the number, toll-free requires an 8 and Internet a 6. Mobile prefixes are 91, 93 or 96, depending on carrier.
  • Time: Greenwich Mean Time, which is five hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
  • Attire: Casual dress is recommended for daytime touring and afternoon dining. Evening dinners may warrant dressier attire depending on the level of the restaurant.
  • Entry Requirements: U.S. passport. No visa required.
  • Getting There: Direct, non-stop service between the U.S. and Lisbon is available from the Newark International Airport (16 miles from Manhattan) on Continental Airlines or Tap. Flight time is seven to eight hours.
The 411
  • 96,876 square feet in the Lisboa Congress Centre
  • 24,354 total guest rooms
  • 4,752 rooms in five-star hotels
  • 24 golf courses