Built for the tourist that hasn't made any plans, is up for anything and only wants to feel happy in the city, the Gat Rossio is strategically located in a quiet street behind the Restauradores square. It's a hip hotel, that knows the city inside and out and can tell you the best way to get anywhere. What does that exactly mean? It means a friendly environment where people from all over the world gather. If you are hoping to remain incognito, that won't work: the hotel is relatively small and beyond its 71 rooms there isn't much space left for common areas. Between the lounge and the outer terrace, you will be rubbing elbows with other guests.
A buffet breakfast is served on long tables, usually a good meeting point for early birds. Many guests would rather sleep in and then visit a city centre pastry shop for the first meal of the day - just a five-minute downhill walk.
Time Out tip: If you dread tourist traps, avoid the temptation of sitting at the open-air tables of the Figueira square – you won't find real Lisbon treats there. Go up a few metres towards the Chiado and you will find the Fábulas café, where a good light meal can be had any hour of the day.