Start the year in slow mode: comfort and culture in the city

January in Lisbon has a charm of its own. After the Christmas rush, the city slows down, becomes quieter and reveals its most welcoming side. Blending culture, comfort and wellbeing, these suggestions invite anyone looking to start the year calmly and with quality time to experience Lisbon in true slow-living mode. 

Wellbeing in the heart of the city 

• Bairro Alto Hotel is the perfect urban retreat to detox, restore energy and start the year at the right pace, right in the heart of Chiado. The hotel’s Wellness & Fitness Center includes a sauna, sensory shower and a double treatment room using organic products by Susanne Kaufmann, with a range of massages and tailored therapeutic treatments focused on your wellbeing.  

• Yoga Room Lisboa, located in Saldanha, is part of the international Yoga Room group and offers a contemporary and welcoming yoga experience for all levels. With more than 40 classes per week, each session promises to help align body and mind for the year ahead.  

Inspiring museums to visit at a slower pace 

• In the heart of Baixa, the Design Museum (MUDE) is a must-visit for anyone looking for a fresh take on contemporary culture. Dedicated to design and fashion, the museum invites visitors to see everyday objects differently and understand how design shapes the way we live.  

• Set against the calm backdrop of the Tagus River, the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) brings together art, critical thinking and innovation in an accessible and engaging way. Between the contemporary building and the Central Tejo, often immersive exhibitions invite time and attention, while the constant dialogue between sculptural architecture, the river and natural light creates a uniquely contemplative experience.

Green retreats for a deeper breath  

• The Gardens of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation are one of the best examples, where greenery blends naturally with culture and outstanding contemporary architecture. Peaceful paths, natural amphitheatres, lakes and welcoming shaded areas are complemented by an artistic programme well worth exploring at a relaxed pace, reinforcing its role as a cultural and leisure hub. 

• Another space to discover is Jardim do Torel. Located in the western part of the city, it is one of Lisbon’s most charming hidden corners. With open views and a tranquil atmosphere, it is perfect for a quiet moment, a short walk or a coffee in the sun, far from the daily hustle. 

Bookshops to lose track of time 

• Livraria Bertrand do Chiado, recognised as the oldest bookshop in the world still in operation, remains an essential reference not only for its history but also for its editorial diversity and central location. 

• For a more alternative approach, Under the Cover, near Gulbenkian, combines the latest magazines with art and music books and posters in a carefully curated space, ideal for lingering well beyond the purchase itself.