4 reasons why Lisbon is a perfect incentive destination
Several times a year we travel to travel destinations to visit our regular suppliers and to discover the city's new hidden gems. Last year, I, Rosa Romero (Project Manager at goMICE), travelled to beautiful Lisbon: the capital and largest city of Portugal. Lisbon is situated in the central-western part of the country on the banks of the Tagus River. This wonderfully authentic city is built on 7 hills and is also known as the white city.
Why Lisbon is a perfect incentive destination
- The history of the city can still be seen everywhere. Especially in the picturesque, narrow and hilly streets in the historic centre: Santa Maria Maior. This centre consists of the districts of Baixa, Alfama, Chiado, Belém and Bairro Alto. Today, many wonderful shopping streets with a mix of lively restaurants and pavement cafés can also be found here.
- Portuguese cuisine. Lisbon is known for its mouth-watering dishes. The Portuguese mostly use fresh and honest produce and love a very extensive menu. A small selection of Portuguese cuisine includes: Caldeirada de Peixe (fish and shellfish stew), Almondega (meatballs in tomato sauce), Pasteis de Nata (puff pastry tartlet filled with vanilla cream and dusted with cinnamon and icing sugar) and the wonderfully matched Portuguese wines.
- Mediterranean climate. The best time to visit Lisbon is from May to October with a pleasant, warm temperature between 22 and 28 degrees and hardly any rainfall. The summers are hot and dry and mild temperatures prevail in winter.
- Great variety of activities. Due to its location on the River Tagus, Lisbon offers both great city and water activities. For example, explore the beautiful city by GoCar, learn the ins and outs of Portuguese cuisine during a cooking class, feel like you're in a fairytale when visiting the castles of Sintra, or opt for a real adrenaline rush during a trip by rigid inflatable boat on the River Tagus!
Inspecting colourful Lisbon
Upon arrival at Lisbon airport, I first collected the hire car, as I not only had meetings scheduled with our suppliers in the city centre, but also wanted to visit the beautiful surroundings around Sintra and our regular wineries in this area.
I stayed these past few days on the Avenida da Liberdade, the premier boulevard in the centre of Lisbon with fashionable hotels, theatres and shops for people with a luxury fashion taste. A good base for a short stay in the city. A busy day was planned. I had made the schedule in advance and all appointments were confirmed. But the schedule was tight, so after arrival I got straight to work! The series of appointments started in our hotel, where together with the hotel manager I visited the various room categories and hotel facilities. Afterwards, I set off for appointments with a number of our regular partners and to various new hotspots that I wanted to inspect properly myself. Among other things, I visited various hotels, eateries where the locals can also be found and some more high-end restaurants. I also visited our activity partners and a number of memorable event venues.
Three of our favourites in and around Lisbon!
Discover the Portuguese vineyards
When visiting the magnificent palaces of beautiful Sintra, a visit to one of the local wineries is an absolute must! Stroll through the vineyard and learn about the production process of local Portuguese wines, guided by a passionate winemaker. After seeing the production process, the tour naturally concludes with a wine tasting! To discover this stunning area in an even more unique way, it is also possible to explore the vineyards during a colourful Beetle tour.
2. Royal atmospheres in Barrio Alto
Royal atmospheres can be found in a beautiful restaurant, right in the middle of the ‘Barrio Alto’ district, which also lends itself perfectly as an event venue. Upon entering this 18e -century palace, you will feel as though you are in a fairytale as you walk up the magnificent church staircase. Once at the top, you can enjoy a delicious dinner prepared by a famous chef. There are also several exquisitely decorated rooms which provide a unique setting for an intimate dinner or the celebratory conclusion to your incentive trip.
3. Panoramic view over the city
On the roof of one of the hotels on Avenida da Liberdade is the Rooftop Skybar, offering breath-taking views across the city. Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere, the live DJ, well-dressed locals, great music and most famous cocktails. A brilliant venue for your first evening or for a final drink during your next incentive trip!
After two long days filled with valuable appointments, the inspection trip came to an end and I have gained fresh inspiration for organising unique and unforgettable group trips to this beautiful, sunny destination.
Start now, meet later!
At goMICE, our aim is to elevate your meeting, event, or incentive trip to the next level. The impact of a trip or event can be enhanced in many ways. If you wish, we will collaborate with you on the complete communication journey surrounding your LIVE moment:
- How can we involve and inform participants for longer and more effectively?
- How can we ensure that the objectives are met?
- How can we make the experience EVEN more complete?
For this, we create a bespoke concept with a detailed communication plan, which we implement meticulously in every aspect, before, during, and after your meeting, event, or group trip. We use our unique goMICE Stretching Method This way, your organisation or message will remain top of mind with your target audience for longer, and we will ensure even greater impact!
Curious about more fantastic destinations after reading this blog? You can find many blogs on our blog page about our favourite incentive destinations, such as Madrid, Lapland and Rotterdam!