Becoming The New Berlin: Understanding Lisbon's Creative Shift

How do cities in the midst of economic hardship become the new capitals of cool? For one, they entice artists and other creatives looking for more bang for their buck; some of these cities, such as Lisbon, receive innovative facelifts in return.

More than a decade ago, Berlin was labeled as Germany’s poor but sexy capital by its mayor, who presented the low cost of living in an attractive light, highlighting features like rent prices in order to catch the eyes of euro-pinching creatives. As a result, the metropolis benefited from a cascade of artistic initiatives and saw new startups, such as global favorites Babbel and Wunderlist, gain footholds in the city, as well as well-known companies such as the online audio platform SoundCloud. Now it’s Lisbon’s turn in the limelight, and in the last few years, the Portuguese capital has made a name for itself as a creative hub, a tech capital, and a top location for entrepreneurs.

It seems hard to believe that Lisbon was for so long one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, especially considering the ever-present sun, local surfing scene, superb national gastronomy and viticulture, rich history, and, most of all, the super wallet-friendly cost of living. Artists and business-minded professionals looking for a blank canvas on which to paint their lives and careers saw the city’s potential, however, and began taking advantage of the low rents, building prices, and cost of living, and the high quality of life. Old factories that had been shut down and neglected were renovated and converted into galleries, cafés, bookstores, and co-working spaces.

Ler Devagar bookshop in Lisbon, Portugal

When you’re down, the only way to go is up. Lisbon, like Berlin, is emerging from a dark past by using its obstacles as supports, and is perhaps becoming stronger and all the more beautiful for it.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.