Coming Up in Lisbon in 2017: New Attractions for Portugal’s Award-Winning Capital
With 2017 just around the corner, Inspired Travel explores the many possibilities Portugal’s Capital, Lisbon, is offering its potential visitors in the New Year
2017 is shaping to be an exciting year for Lisbon with exciting openings which will include the city’s third cruise terminal, the much-anticipated Jewish Museum and a new viewing platform at the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. The new awards come hot on the heels of an award-winning year for Lisbon in 2016, when it was awarded Best City or Short Break Destination in the Travel Media Awards 2016 (Ireland), Europe’s Leading Cruise Destination in the World Travel Awards and chosen by Lonely Planet as one of the world’s Top Ten Cities for travel in 2017.
Here is a breakdown of what is coming up next year:
Viewing Platform at 25 de Abril Bridge
One of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks, the 25 de Abril Bridge, will open a new viewing platform in autumn next year – offering visitors a different perspective of the Tagus River and the trendy southwestern part of Lisbon. Adding to the city’s popular ‘miradouros’ (viewpoints), the new viewing platform will be accessible via a tourist lift currently being built at the bridge’s northern pillar, located next to Village Underground Lisboa and Santo Amaro Docks – one of the most fashionable places to have dinner and cocktails. The 25 de Abril Bridge, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in summer this year, is a 2,278-metre long suspension bridge which connects the Portuguese capital to the municipality of Almada.
Jewish Museum
Devoted to the history and role of Judaism in Portugal, the long-awaited Jewish Museum is scheduled to open in the first half of 2017. The building will be located in Largo de São Miguel, in Alfama, one of the city’s most popular neighbourhoods which was home to the largest Jewish population in Lisbon in the Middle Ages. Architect Grace Bachmann is in charge of the museum’s design.
Cruise Ship Terminal for the Port of Lisbon
A brand new cruise ship terminal is scheduled to open in the first half of 2017. Currently under construction, the new building will be located next to Santa Apolónia Terminal, the city’s main cruise ship terminal, and will be able to handle 7 ships at the same time. The new terminal will comprise a modern 13,800 square metre building, described as “a contemporary interpretation of Lisbon’s vibrant lifestyle”, featuring three floors with restaurants, shops, VIP lounge and a 360-degree viewing terrace, amongst others. Once opened, it will become Lisbon’s third cruise ship terminal, alongside Alcântara and Santa Apolónia. Earlier this year, Lisbon was named “Europe’s leading cruise destination” and “Europe’s leading cruise port” in the World Travel Awards 2016, strengthening the city’s credentials as one of the continent’s most popular ports of call.
New Lease of Life for Hospital do Desterro
The Hospital do Desterro will come back to life in 2017 when it is transformed into a “new experimental space” for Lisbon. The former monastery, used by monks and pilgrims as the place to stay when visiting the monarchy, will be home to a ‘capsule’ hotel, a centre for contemporary art, an alternative therapies centre and several bars and restaurants.
NOT TO BE MISSED EVENTS FOR 2017
As well as new openings, Lisbon will continue to offer a year-round programme of colourful events and festivals for visitors to the city next year, including…
Lisbon Fish & Flavours (“Peixe em Lisboa”): 30th March – 9th April 2017
Portugal’s biggest culinary event devoted to fish and seafood is gearing up for its tasty tenth edition, which will take place in a new venue: Carlos Lopes Pavilion, within the Eduardo VII Park. Renowned Portuguese chefs and restaurants will be showcasing their best ‘fishy’ products and techniques via live cooking classes, tasting sessions, wine pairing and many more activities. A gourmet market with food stalls offering traditional products and delicatessen will add to the ten-day event.
www.visitlisboa.com/whats-on/lisbon-fish-flavours-2017
Volvo Ocean Race: May/June 2017 (exact date TBC)
The world’s leading offshore sailing competition – and one of the most impressive sporting events – is ‘docking’ in Lisbon in spring next year. The exciting race, which started in 1973, will see the different teams sailing for weeks while their crew endure conditions ranging from freezing cold to searing heat. The 2017-18 route will be the longest sailing distance in race history at around 45,000 nautical miles, crossing four oceans and visiting eleven cities on five continents.
“Festas de Lisboa”: 1st – 30th June 2017
Lisbon’s patron saint, Santo António, is celebrated throughout June with an impressive programme of events – from folk dancing and fado performances to grilled sardine tastings – aimed at preserving the city’s traditions. The biggest street party is held on eve of 12th June (Santo António Day), when a colourful parade goes through Avenida de Liberdade.
PLUS, Music for all Tastes…
From rock fans to jazz enthusiasts, music lovers are spoiled for choice in Lisbon. Here are some of the highlights:
- NOS Alive (6th, 7th and 8th July): One of Portugal’s leading rock and pop music festivals. Foo Fighters and Depeche Mode have already confirmed their attendance. www.nosalive.com
- Super Bock Super Rock (13th – 15th July): A music festival devoted to the biggest international names in rock, including Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will be performing next year. www.superbocksuperrock.pt
- O Sol da Caparica (10th – 13th August): A chilled event which celebrates the art and culture of the Portuguese-speaking countries around the world. www.osoldacaparica-festival.pt
- Jazz em Agosto (August): A one-month festival which has been paying tribute to this popular music genre since 1984. www.musica.gulbenkian.pt/jazz
- Vodafone Mexefest (December): The best up-and-coming music talent light up popular Avenida da Liberdade. www.vodafonemexefest.com
For more information, ideas and inspiration on visiting Lisbon, please go to www.visitlisboa.com
Coming Up in Lisbon in 2017: New Attractions for Portugal’s Award-Winning Capital
