Lisbon is hype right now. With a rich cultural offer, amazing climate, fantastic museums, gastronomy and nightlife, the capital of Portugal continues to draw international tourists and locals alike.

In fact, there are now so many things to see and do in Lisbon that visiting for a weekend is simply not enough. Along with its charming yellow wooden trams, glittering river, vibrant colours and antique cobblestone streets, Lisbon has so much to offer.

In recent years, many international chefs moved to Lisbon to open experimental places mixing local cuisine with innovative flavours. Artists settled in largerhttps://www.darelisbon.com/en/ studios they wouldn’t normally have access to, in cities such as London, Paris or NY. Creativity is booming with new designers, music festivals, tech companies, and craftmanship brands at their best!

While new hotels have flourished over the recent years, it may be hard for first-time travellers to find the right spot and feel at home.

Dare Lisbon House, located in the heart of the city in the Baixa Pombalina (the lower part of the center) will solve these doubts. It is currently the best ‘home away from home’ in the Portuguese city. One of the most amazing assets is its location, it can’t be more central, yet very quiet. An oasis in the middle of the busy centre.

Dare Lisbon House has a remarkable and distinctive ambiance that greets guests with noble materials, from wood of the stairs to luxurious marble in the bathroom and kitchen. It gives a feel for living in this spectacular city with individual apartments. These spaces are incredibly comfortable, well-designed and very chic.

The property combines historical features with modern lines in an artistic and modern style. Dare Lisbon House is divided into small flats providing full independence to its guests. Breakfast for example is served in a basket in the morning, to enjoy in the room. And these pasteis de coco are delicious!

Luisa Perestrello, CEO talks to Art is Alive: “What’s the story of the brand? It is what I call the sublimation of dreaming. Dare Lisbon House comes from the soul; the soul of a family who loves to be together and laugh. It was indeed born from happiness and the pleasure of recreating a space.”

The 11th building to be erected on “Rua dos Sapateiros” between 1794 and 1798 following the earthquake that destroyed the city in 1755, this gorgeous structure continues to feature its original charm with beautiful tiles, original fresco walls in some of the apartments; frontal walls and St. André crosses; arches and stone masonry visible on the ground floor, antique walls in the apartments on the 5th floor. Dare Lisbon House has so much character! Throughout its long history, the building has served various purposes, including private residences, offices and more recently, a jewelry store explaining the presence of the safes in the lobby.

The Pombaline Baixa is a charming area of Lisbon with majestic parallel streets: Rua Aurea, Rua dos Sapateiros (litterally shoemakers) where Dare Lisbon is located, and Rua da Prata among others. It takes its name from Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, 1st Marquis of Pombal, the prime minister to Joseph I of Portugal from 1750 to 1777 and key figure of the Enlightenment in Portugal, who took the lead in ordering the rebuild of Lisbon. The Marquis of Pombal imposed strict conditions on rebuilding the city, and the current grid pattern strongly differs from the organic streetplan that characterised the area before the earthquake.

“We didn’t start out of nothing. We already had the history, in which a more than 200-year-old building celebrates a city full of light. Lisbon is open to the river, to travelling, to the world… and today, daring to be cosmopolitan and refreshing.”

Dare Lisbon House was exquisitely revamped for its guests through elegant design. The property features vintage pieces, contemporary paintings and sculptures by Portuguese artists.

One of the highlights is a signed large-scale photograph of fado superstar Amalia Rodrigues ‘greets’ customers on arrival in the intimate lobby area. It is cosy, with travel guides and fashion books in the communal area, light touches of red and green and a large elegant bar with amazing options for a nighttime cocktail.

“Enhancing timelessness, we have created a space with refinement, perfecting he elegance of a way of life, the one that makes Lisbon a unique city! Dare Lisbon House is the evidence of a throbbing city. We have summoned the city!”

It is indeed a unique property based on a fantastic concept. It revolves around the idea of “slow living”. Guests are invited to take a break from the buzz and stress of daily life. It is the perfect space to recharge in sublime and quiet settings. “It’s about offering an authentic experience, where travellers can connect with new places and the people they meet. The aim is to make guests feel like the world is their oyster, to feel welcome wherever they go.”

The hotel aims to provide a true Lisbon experience based on sharing of ideas, memories, and experiences while building connections with others. That friendly and relaxed environment makes guests feel truly at home.

Attention to details is essential, and staff working at Dare Lisbon House play a significant role in representing the soul of the hotel. Very professional and discreet, it’s everything you hope as a guest. The most valued asset of Dare Lisbon House is indeed its team, who contribute to make it special. “All guests are considered celebrities to the Dare Lisbon House team, underlining the importance of providing a special and personalised experience to all.” Luisa Perestrello said.

The family behind Dare Lisbon House has been involved in real estate since 1991. “We choose old buildings located in neighbourhoods with a rich legacy. We have a deep appreciation for the local history, and we seek to understand the place and the story of the building before restoring it.”

“The brand emphasizes high-quality service and a commitment to delivering an exceptional experience to guests. In short, Dare Lisbon House is a brand that combines the charm of a historic building in Lisbon with a contemporary, cosmopolitan, and welcoming atmosphere, offering travellers an immersive moment in the heart of the city.” she continues. The logo itself is remarkable with bright red on white background in elegant letters. It’s found on the gorgeous notepad displayed on the bed tables.

In addition, the privacy offered to guests is all key to its fantastic identity! Architects and Interior Designers collaborated to bring out the concept of hospitality to life, highlighting the unique features of the building, and capturing the atmosphere of the neighborhood and the city.

The design and art within the apartments are chosen with a deep sense of aesthetics. The selection is driven by the heart and soul of the family, and they balance art and functionality. “The family has connections with various artists, and my background in the cinema business makes it easy to blend art and design.” Luisa adds. Upon arrival, it’s obvious each piece of furniture and painting on the wall are carefully chosen to enhance the space. The lobby does feel like a cinema set, out of an Almodovar movie.

In the room, large table, practical tools and amenities from fridge, plates, coffee making facilities and large cupboards are there. Dare Lisbon House understands the needs of its guests. Bathrooms are spacious and gorgeous with white marble throughout (how luxurious!); lights are subtle and the colour palette enhances the iconic blue tiles on the walls.

The curation has proven to be successful. Dare Lisbon House has been used as a location for fashion shoots, with examples including “Loja das Meias,” one of the oldest luxury shops in Lisbon, and Rituals.

The brand is set to expand with two new projects over the next three years. One of these projects is expected to open in 2024, near the Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré one of the most dynamic areas of the city, especially at night. Other projects are also in the pipeline for 2026. This expansion demonstrates the brand’s commitment to growth and its proactivity to explore new central and trendy neighbourhoods in Lisbon.

Dare Lisbon House is full of potential and opportunities, ensuring that it remains a prominent brand with pristine presence in the hospitality industry. The brand’s future involves new concepts that align with its innovative spirit. Sustainability for example will remain central to its core.

What’s Luisa Perestrello’s biggest challenge: “My moto, my guide is “A good place to visit first needs to be a good place to live!” I believe in sustainable urban tourism with a responsibility to protect the planet, people and companies, promoting a decrease of the ecological footprint, increasing social equality and opportunities, development of  partnerships in the community so that the Tourism industry becomes more engaging, integral and regenerative.” Sustainability is increasingly important to the luxury and hospitality industry seeking new ways to waste less and protect the planet. At Dare Lisbon, it means minimal use of towels to larger size shampoo bottles reducing plastic.

“My challenge as a director is to ensure that all stakeholders i.e the team, the suppliers and guests understand this concept. This is crucial in maintaining a consistent and unique brand identity. It involves effective communication and alignment among these groups, ensuring that everyone is on the same page regarding the brand’s philosophy, values, and vision. And to find the right people for the right places.”

With its impeccable room, its great concept, its impressive décor and history, its central and quiet location, and grand service, Dare Lisbon House remains the best to wander around and explore the fascinating city of Lisbon: « Uma casa portuguesa com certeza! ».

A guide from Luisa Perestrello

What should we ‘dare’ in Lisboa and around Dare Lisbon House?

“Daring” in Lisbon can encompass a wide range of experiences and activities, as Lisbon is a city known for its rich culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some suggestions for things to “dare” in Lisbon:

1.         Cultural Tours: Explore Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods, such as Alfama and Bairro Alto, to discover the city’s unique architecture, fado music, and charming streets.

2.         Food Tours: Indulge in the city’s diverse culinary scene. Try traditional Portuguese dishes like pastéis de nata, bacalhau, and enjoy seafood at local restaurants.

3.         Beach Time: Lisbon has beautiful beaches nearby, such as Cascais and Praia de Carcavelos. You can dare to relax, sunbathe, and even try surfing.

4.         Sailing on the Tagus River: A sailing excursion on the Tagus River offers breathtaking views of Lisbon, especially during sunset. It’s a fantastic way to experience the city from a different perspective.

What are your top suggestions for cultural suggestions in Lisbon?

The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, the National Tile Museum, the Museum do Fado, has seemingly endless museums to visit.

Also, the National Museum of Ancient Art, where paintings, sculptures, furniture, ceramics, textiles, gold, and silverware capture Portugal’s riveting history from the Middle Ages through the 19th century.

Galleries to go to: Cristina Guerra; Underdogs – Marvila; Art Room in Principe Real and Galeria Francisco Fino.

Any secrets venues around the apartments?

Arco da Rua Augusta: Climb up one of Lisbon’s iconic buildings for a unique view of the city. Open to the public since 9 August 2013, the Arch leaves Lisbon at your feet, literally.

Watch the sunset at a rooftop bar or at riverside Bar. The view from the both are is incredibly impressive; from the Rooftop (Terraces do Carmo) you can see the hillside with all the roofs glinting the Lisbon light that ends in the river, from the river you see the bridge and light ending in the sea. With DJ sets and sharing drinks you have all the ingredients for long, laidback Lisbon evenings.

Visit a ceramics shop: Lisbon’s tiled facades are famous and to the city’s ceramic history. Portugal is rich in clay, and has been making ceramics for centuries some of its artists are renowned, like Bordalo Pinheiro. Visit “Vista Alegre Store” or “Cerâmicas na Linha store” both in Chiado.

Walk around and find some of our Traditional Stores: Casa das Velas Loreto, Luvaria Ulisses (Rua do Carmo), and Casa Portuguesa.

–

Thank you to Dare Lisbon, Luisa Perestrello, and Filipa Dias for the incredible hospitality.