Lisbon for Medical Congresses: Venues, Hotel Areas and Group Tips

Lisbon hosts medical congresses at two main venues: the Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL), by the river near historic Belém, and FIL, Portugal's largest exhibition centre, in Parque das Nações close to the airport. Upcoming meetings include the ISUOG World Congress at CCL on 13 to 16 September 2027. Where your group should stay depends on which of the two venues the congress uses.

Medical societies keep coming back to Lisbon for its mild climate, direct flights from most of Europe and a compact city centre. The catch is that the two venues sit at opposite ends of the city, so the right hotel for one can mean a long ride to the other. You can see upcoming medical congresses in Lisbon on our website.

Lisbon's two congress venues

CCL – Lisbon Congress Centre (Belém / Junqueira)

• Location: on the Tagus waterfront, next to the historic Belém district, west of the centre.
• Size: 8 auditoriums, 5 pavilions and 34 meeting rooms.
• Upcoming medical meetings: the International Forum on Quality and Safety in Healthcare (20 to 22 April 2027) and the ISUOG World Congress on Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology (13 to 16 September 2027).
• Getting there: Cascais-line trains and tram 15 run along the river from the centre; a taxi from the Baixa takes around 15 to 20 minutes outside rush hour.

FIL – Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (Parque das Nações)

• Location: in the modern riverside district of Parque das Nações, in the east of the city.
• Size: Portugal's largest exhibition centre, with 100,000 m² including four pavilions and the separate FIL Meeting Centre with three auditoriums.
• Getting there: Oriente station is a short walk away, with the metro Red Line running straight to the airport, plus suburban and long-distance trains.

Where to stay

For a congress at FIL

Parque das Nações has a cluster of modern business hotels within walking distance of the venue, and the airport is about 15 minutes away by taxi. It's the most practical base for a group, though evenings are quieter than in the old town.

For a congress at CCL

Belém and the riverside have fewer large hotels, which suits smaller groups. Bigger groups usually stay in central Lisbon and use a shuttle or taxis to the venue.

Central Lisbon

Avenida da Liberdade, Marquês de Pombal and the Baixa have the widest choice of hotels, from business properties to five-star, and the best restaurants for dinners and advisory boards. From here, allow 20 to 30 minutes to either venue at peak times.

Planning tips for HCP groups

• Don't trust the map on walking times. Lisbon is built on hills, and a hotel that looks close can mean a steep climb on cobblestones.
• Watch the calendar. Spring and autumn are peak congress seasons, and the Santo António festivities in mid-June fill the city.
• Book early. For large congresses we recommend securing a group block 9 to 12 months ahead.
• Plan transfers around traffic. The riverside road to Belém gets busy in the morning, so early sessions need early departures.
• Agree room block terms upfront. Cut-off dates, attrition and name-change deadlines should be clear before signing.
• Stay within your hospitality rules. We keep accommodation in line with the codes our pharma clients follow, such as EFPIA.

After the sessions

If the congress is at CCL, Belém Tower and the riverside are a few minutes away. In the centre, Chiado is the place for coffee and an evening walk, with the ruins of the Carmo Convent open to the sky since the 1755 earthquake. Tram 28 climbs through the old neighbourhoods towards São Jorge Castle, and a fado dinner is the classic way to end the day. Try bacalhau, bifanas and, of course, a pastel de nata. With a free day, the Arrábida Natural Park south of the city offers beaches, cliffs and boat trips.

Frequently asked questions

Which venues host medical congresses in Lisbon?

Mainly the Lisbon Congress Centre (CCL) near Belém and FIL – Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre in Parque das Nações.

How far is FIL from Lisbon airport?

About 15 minutes by taxi. The metro Red Line also connects the airport with Oriente station, a short walk from the venue.

How do delegates get to the Lisbon Congress Centre?

By Cascais-line train or tram 15 along the river, or by taxi or shuttle from central hotels, usually 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.

When should we book hotels for a congress group in Lisbon?

Ideally 9 to 12 months ahead, especially for spring and autumn congresses.