Sarah & Pedro are standout hosts with an awesome apartment in the Alfama district of Lisbon. We spent 5 days in Lisbon after the Christmas holidays and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. For anyone who is staying in Lisbon, I would definitely recommend this place. The apartment has been recently refurbished to a very high standard – it was spotless throughout and furnished very well. The Wi-Fi is strong and can be used throughout the apartment, they also have satellite TV (with local and international stations). The property is quiet too and throughout our stay we were not disturbed by any noise. Finally, next door to the apartment there is a small convenience store selling everything you might need for your stay.

Sarah & Pedro are great hosts – they went out of their way to look after us and make our stay relaxing. This included airport pickup and drop offs (even at 4.30am), and the organisation of a trip to Sintra. Not only did we visit the beach, but we walked around Sintra town itself, visited the old Moorish castle and went up to Sintra Palace. There is a lot of walking involved but if you fairly fit and healthy, you will be fine!

I would recommend the following restaurants while in Lisbon: Taberna da Esperanca (on Sarah’s list), Mercado Da Riberia Nova (Time Out Market), Barrio do Avillez (great restaurant but make sure you book ahead), Clube de Jornalistas, Restaurante Apendre (a great traditional seafood restaurant in Alfama with hilarious waiters – I would recommend the King Prawns and the fresh fish).

Other tips include: Take the Traditional trams around the city, go to Belem for the day to visit the Belem Tower, Pasteis de Belem (the place to get the best custard tarts) and Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (World Heritage Gothic Monastery). Head to: Lisbon Cathedral, Panteao Nacional, the many observation points throughout the city and Elevador de Santa Justa. If the weather is good, head up to Bairro Alto Hotel rooftop bar for drinks. There is so much to do in Lisbon – but hopefully some of the recommendations will help.