_International Property Digest: Lisbon’s Western Neighbourhoods
Lisbon has stolen the hearts of visitors young and old for its history and cultured lifestyle. The city fizzes with atmosphere and beauty, its distinctive light coming from the River Tagus, glossy azulejo tiles that cover many buildings, and seemingly endless blue skies. Lisbon is distinctly Instagram-worthy from its wondrous miradouros (viewpoints – Miradouro de São de Alcântara is one of the best) to the yellow trams winding up steep, narrow streets.
For all its history as Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is also thoroughly modern. There’s a booming tech scene based in rapidly expanding Beato, exceptional contemporary architecture by Portuguese and international architects and a raft of exciting restauranteurs led by master chef José Avillez.
Neighbourhoods
Lisbon’s distinct neighbourhoods are another part of the charm with those west of the centre a focus for new developments.
“Avenida Liberdade, Lisbon’s elegant main boulevard lined with designer boutiques and beautiful 19th Century architecture, runs from the Marques de Pombal statue to Baixa, the heart of Downtown,” says Claire Locke from Knight Frank’s International New Developments team. “West of it lie the best international schools and some of Lisbon’s most established, upmarket neighbourhoods, Chiado and Lapa. Along with on-trend areas further west these are vibrant neighbourhoods, close to Lisbon centre but with excellent bars and nightlife and significantly more culture than newer areas to the east.”
Above: An apartment in the A Tower development.
A Tower is a contemporary building with 35 one to five-bedroom apartments, all with wide balconies and parking west of the Marques de Pompal statue at the top of Avenida Liberdade. The fifteen-floor tower with communal swimming pool, spa and gym is at one of the highest points in Lisbon, giving residents wide city views to the river. Apartments start from €495,000.
Alcântara. 2.6 miles from Avenida Liberdade
Alcântara is a waterfront neighbourhood between Downtown and Belem, home to The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology designed by British contemporary architect Amanda Levete and LX Factory, both perfect examples of ‘new’ Lisbon.
LX Factory is a former nineteenth century industrial zone turned into a new-wave mix of small boutiques, bars, book shops and restaurants. Youthful, gritty and bursting with artistic energy, it is a creative and musical hub and an essential part of any visit to Lisbon.
Time Out Market. One mile from Avenida Liberdade
Close to the waterfront in Cais do Sobré, Time Out Market is another loved Lisbon attraction. One of Lisbon’s long-standing food markets, Mercado do Ribeira, it reopened as Time Out Market in 2014 aiming to bring the best of the city together and immediately caught the imagination. Today it has 26 restaurants, 8 bars and 12 shops with a golden reputation for quality and value. It hosts regular cookery classes and food demonstrations while still operating as a market where Lisboans buy their daily produce, meat and fish.
Above: An apartment in the Promenade development.
Promenade is an exciting modern development in historic Lisbon minutes from Time Out Market on the banks of the River Tagus. Designed by feted contemporary architect Frederico Valsassina, the new-build project has 40 one to six-bedroom apartments with a communal swimming pool and gym. Four penthouse apartments have private pools and extraordinary views over the river. Homes are priced from €660,000.
Above: An apartment in the Pombaline building.
For fans of historic property, a five-bedroom light and airy apartment in a beautiful Pombaline building a five minute walk from Time Out Market, with high ceilings, wooden floors and private parking is €990,000.
Lapa. One mile from Avenida Liberdade
Elegant and sophisticated Lapa is the established and grand face of Lisbon, filled with flat fronted, well-kept palacios and official embassies. This green, leafy and peaceful neighbourhood is a favourite with well-heeled families who appreciate the quick escape routes to the weekend haunts of Cascais and Estoril. Lapa sits on one of Lisbon’s seven hills with wonderful views over the city.
Above: A family house in Lapa, Estrela.
To the south of Lapa within Estrela, a five-bedroom resale family house is priced €3,350,000. Recently refurbished to high standards, the house has a swimming pool, gym and four-car garage.
Chiado. Less than one mile from Avenida Liberdade
Chiado is immediately west of Downtown Lisbon and south of the legendary nightlife centre of Bairro Alto, a convenient location to explore the heart of the city and an eternally in-demand neighbourhood. Luxury shops, top-rated restaurants and beautiful Pombaline architecture make Chiado a delightfully classical neighbourhood while a cluster of galleries, museums and theatres add a bohemian edge.
For further information on Knight Frank properties in Lisbon speak to Claire Locke on Knight Frank’s International Residential Development Desk.