Guidebook for Lisboa
Food Scene
Recalling old grocery stores and taverns, this space brings to the present the ambience and traditions from Lisbon's past. Its meals follow long-forgotten recipes, from cod dishes to meat sandwiches.
Open throughout the day, it has a lunch menu and a list of "petiscos" (tapas) for dinner. In the afternoon there's a "happy hour" with small plates accompanying drinks, and there is always a space for grocery products from small producers, such as organic bread and canned foods that may be enjoyed at the table.
115 locals recommend
Taberna da Rua das Flores
103 Rua das FloresRecalling old grocery stores and taverns, this space brings to the present the ambience and traditions from Lisbon's past. Its meals follow long-forgotten recipes, from cod dishes to meat sandwiches.
Open throughout the day, it has a lunch menu and a list of "petiscos" (tapas) for dinner. In the afternoon there's a "happy hour" with small plates accompanying drinks, and there is always a space for grocery products from small producers, such as organic bread and canned foods that may be enjoyed at the table.
Found between the Santa Catarina viewpoint and the Bica funicular, this restaurant is dedicated to fresh fish and seafood. The colorful décor is inspired by a fisherman's hut, and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. The menu changes every day, depending on the fish found in the waters of Sesimbra and Peniche, to the south and north of Lisbon.
Isco
Found between the Santa Catarina viewpoint and the Bica funicular, this restaurant is dedicated to fresh fish and seafood. The colorful décor is inspired by a fisherman's hut, and the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. The menu changes every day, depending on the fish found in the waters of Sesimbra and Peniche, to the south and north of Lisbon.
French chef David Eyguesier honed his skills at Pois Café, then his own underground restaurant at home before opening this sorely needed Alfama gem whose name loosely translates as 'The Truants' (he 'skipped' culinary school!). His daily-changing, market-fresh set menus delight under a spiderweb of modern lighting, beautiful geometric cabinetry and an open kitchen. No microwave. No freezer!
18 locals recommend
Os Gazeteiros
114 R. das Escolas GeraisFrench chef David Eyguesier honed his skills at Pois Café, then his own underground restaurant at home before opening this sorely needed Alfama gem whose name loosely translates as 'The Truants' (he 'skipped' culinary school!). His daily-changing, market-fresh set menus delight under a spiderweb of modern lighting, beautiful geometric cabinetry and an open kitchen. No microwave. No freezer!
Small vegetarian restaurant tucked in a residential square in Lisbon's historic Mouraria neighborhood. Dinner is served in the way of changing tapas with a daily main dish as well. Open Wed-Sun 7:30pm-12:00am.
90 locals recommend
The Food Temple
18 Beco do JasmimSmall vegetarian restaurant tucked in a residential square in Lisbon's historic Mouraria neighborhood. Dinner is served in the way of changing tapas with a daily main dish as well. Open Wed-Sun 7:30pm-12:00am.
The concept here is sharing Portuguese and Spanish flavors at the table. It's a spacious "petiscos" restaurant and includes the Lisbonita Gin Bar, an-all gins bar with dozens of different choices.
63 locals recommend
Taberna Moderna
18A Rua dos BacalhoeirosThe concept here is sharing Portuguese and Spanish flavors at the table. It's a spacious "petiscos" restaurant and includes the Lisbonita Gin Bar, an-all gins bar with dozens of different choices.
Like all typical Portuguese tascas – traditional taverns and bars that serve food – the atmosphere at Tasca Kome is cozy and friendly. The owner is always there to serve or do other tasks, and there is a steady stream of loyal, local customers. The fact that it serves high-end Japanese food and whisky instead of the traditional meat, fish and beer doesn’t detract from its intimacy.
54 locals recommend
Tasca Kome
57 R. da MadalenaLike all typical Portuguese tascas – traditional taverns and bars that serve food – the atmosphere at Tasca Kome is cozy and friendly. The owner is always there to serve or do other tasks, and there is a steady stream of loyal, local customers. The fact that it serves high-end Japanese food and whisky instead of the traditional meat, fish and beer doesn’t detract from its intimacy.
Drinks & Nightlife
Who would have thought that the top of a small multiethnic shopping center would become one of the city's trendiest spots? But the reason is the beautiful view of the castle and the "petiscos" (tapas) and drinks available. The best time to enjoy the views and a cocktail is at sunset, but both the interior and exterior space also invite you to stay well into the night.
448 locals recommend
Martim Moniz station
Who would have thought that the top of a small multiethnic shopping center would become one of the city's trendiest spots? But the reason is the beautiful view of the castle and the "petiscos" (tapas) and drinks available. The best time to enjoy the views and a cocktail is at sunset, but both the interior and exterior space also invite you to stay well into the night.
Who would have thought that a former bakery would turn into one of the trendiest bars in Bairro Alto? Some of the furniture and machinery (including a wood oven on the wall) remain from the bakery. It has a welcoming ambience and an atypically-large interior (by Bairro Alto standards), but of course most still prefer to follow the old Bairro Alto tradition by standing outside. On weekdays the sounds are relaxing lounge music, while on weekends it tends to be house.
54 locals recommend
Maria Caxuxa
12 R. da BarrocaWho would have thought that a former bakery would turn into one of the trendiest bars in Bairro Alto? Some of the furniture and machinery (including a wood oven on the wall) remain from the bakery. It has a welcoming ambience and an atypically-large interior (by Bairro Alto standards), but of course most still prefer to follow the old Bairro Alto tradition by standing outside. On weekdays the sounds are relaxing lounge music, while on weekends it tends to be house.
A former guesthouse that was essentially a brothel is now one of Lisbon's most memorable bars. It has a classic-naughty cabaret decor spread over several rooms.
398 locals recommend
Pensao Amor
19 R. do AlecrimA former guesthouse that was essentially a brothel is now one of Lisbon's most memorable bars. It has a classic-naughty cabaret decor spread over several rooms.
Sightseeing
Lisboa Story Centre is an innovative space dedicated to the history of the Portuguese capital, inspired by the wide array of facts and events that have shaped the city. Located in the East Wing of the newly renovated Terreiro do Paço, it has been designed as an interactive Visitor Attraction, comprising 6 public areas, featuring state-of-the-art technology.
Like a well-illustrated book, the Lisboa Story Centre “transports” visitors on a fascinating journey through time. Using a mixture of elaborate sets, multimedia and sensory experiences, the Centre stages dramatic recreations of Lisbon's most important historical events, within the zone between the Baixa Pombalina and the Terreiro do Paço
66 locals recommend
Lisboa Story Centre
78 Praça do ComércioLisboa Story Centre is an innovative space dedicated to the history of the Portuguese capital, inspired by the wide array of facts and events that have shaped the city. Located in the East Wing of the newly renovated Terreiro do Paço, it has been designed as an interactive Visitor Attraction, comprising 6 public areas, featuring state-of-the-art technology.
Like a well-illustrated book, the Lisboa Story Centre “transports” visitors on a fascinating journey through time. Using a mixture of elaborate sets, multimedia and sensory experiences, the Centre stages dramatic recreations of Lisbon's most important historical events, within the zone between the Baixa Pombalina and the Terreiro do Paço
Belém is known as the historic district of the Age of Discovery. It was from its waterfront that Vasco da Gama and other explorers departed for their voyages, events celebrated today by grand monuments and museums in the neighborhood.
The sensational architecture of the Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery (both World Heritage Sites) is the result of the discovery of the sea route to India, the opening of trade with Japan, and the colonization of Brazil and parts of Africa and Asia. These monuments are adorned and embellished with motifs of exotic lands elaborately carved in stone, as are the heroes of the age on the colossal Discoveries Monument.
406 locals recommend
Belem station
Belém is known as the historic district of the Age of Discovery. It was from its waterfront that Vasco da Gama and other explorers departed for their voyages, events celebrated today by grand monuments and museums in the neighborhood.
The sensational architecture of the Tower of Belem and Jeronimos Monastery (both World Heritage Sites) is the result of the discovery of the sea route to India, the opening of trade with Japan, and the colonization of Brazil and parts of Africa and Asia. These monuments are adorned and embellished with motifs of exotic lands elaborately carved in stone, as are the heroes of the age on the colossal Discoveries Monument.
Poets and travelers have always described it as an eden, and a visit to Lisbon isn't over without a visit to Sintra's fairy tale castles and palaces, especialy to Pena Palace. It's a romantic and mysterious place surrounded by nature, classified as a World Heritage Site, and the best way to see it all is on an organized tour. Many tours also stop by Queluz Palace, by the Mafra Palace and at Cabo da Roca nearby, Europe's westernmost point.
166 locals recommend
Sintra station
Poets and travelers have always described it as an eden, and a visit to Lisbon isn't over without a visit to Sintra's fairy tale castles and palaces, especialy to Pena Palace. It's a romantic and mysterious place surrounded by nature, classified as a World Heritage Site, and the best way to see it all is on an organized tour. Many tours also stop by Queluz Palace, by the Mafra Palace and at Cabo da Roca nearby, Europe's westernmost point.
Lisbon's castle stands on top of the city's highest hill, and offers the most breathtaking view of the city and river. Partially ruined, partially restored, it's a romantic vision that's survived for a thousand years.
1774 locals recommend
Castelo de S. Jorge
Rua de Santa Cruz do CasteloLisbon's castle stands on top of the city's highest hill, and offers the most breathtaking view of the city and river. Partially ruined, partially restored, it's a romantic vision that's survived for a thousand years.
A group of abandoned 19th century warehouses and factories is now Lisbon's biggest hub of creativity, an "island" in the center of the city for companies related to art, fashion, advertising, and design. There are also a few cafés and shops to serve not just those who work here, but also visitors. Every space has an industrial look, attracting curious crowds to regular events like "Open Day," with exhibitions, music, and other activities throughout the day. Every Sunday there's an open-air market of a variety of products, from second-hand articles to original crafts.
572 locals recommend
LX Factory
103 R. Rodrigues de FariaA group of abandoned 19th century warehouses and factories is now Lisbon's biggest hub of creativity, an "island" in the center of the city for companies related to art, fashion, advertising, and design. There are also a few cafés and shops to serve not just those who work here, but also visitors. Every space has an industrial look, attracting curious crowds to regular events like "Open Day," with exhibitions, music, and other activities throughout the day. Every Sunday there's an open-air market of a variety of products, from second-hand articles to original crafts.
Arts & Culture
This iconic piece of modern architecture on the waterfront was designed by British architect Amanda Levete and opened in the fall of 2016. It stands next to a former power plant which was previously the Electricy Museum, and which is now also part of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Both buildings present temporary exhibitions of major international and local artists, directed by the former curator of contemporary architecture of New York’s MoMA.
529 locals recommend
MAAT
Avenida BrasíliaThis iconic piece of modern architecture on the waterfront was designed by British architect Amanda Levete and opened in the fall of 2016. It stands next to a former power plant which was previously the Electricy Museum, and which is now also part of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Both buildings present temporary exhibitions of major international and local artists, directed by the former curator of contemporary architecture of New York’s MoMA.
Lisbon's monumental aqueduct is one of the world's most remarkable hydraulic and engineering constructions of all time, and is part of the award-winning Water Museum. It was built in the 1700s to provide clean drinking water to the city, and had the tallest stone arches in the world when it was built (the largest is 65m/213ft high). Its 109 arches survived the 1755 earthquake that destroyed practically everything else in the city, and you may now walk over them during a visit.
85 locals recommend
Aqueduto das Áquas Livres
Lisbon's monumental aqueduct is one of the world's most remarkable hydraulic and engineering constructions of all time, and is part of the award-winning Water Museum. It was built in the 1700s to provide clean drinking water to the city, and had the tallest stone arches in the world when it was built (the largest is 65m/213ft high). Its 109 arches survived the 1755 earthquake that destroyed practically everything else in the city, and you may now walk over them during a visit.
Shopping
If you're after an original souvenir of Portugal, this absorbing handicraft-hardware store is probably where you'll find it. Items on sale here are represented by brands that have been manufactured in the country for generations, and the inventory lists some of the nation's most cherished goods. There are fragrant soaps from Brito/Claus Porto (Oprah raved about them on her show) displayed in colourful and stylish retro wrapping paper, and Benamor Cream boxed in similarly eye-catching designs. For the kitchen, look out for the aromatic vinegars from Moura Alves and gourmet sea salt (Flor de Sal) from the Algarve. There are also toiletries, stationary, books, toys and even jewellery!
310 locals recommend
A Vida Portuguesa
23 Largo do Intendente Pina ManiqueIf you're after an original souvenir of Portugal, this absorbing handicraft-hardware store is probably where you'll find it. Items on sale here are represented by brands that have been manufactured in the country for generations, and the inventory lists some of the nation's most cherished goods. There are fragrant soaps from Brito/Claus Porto (Oprah raved about them on her show) displayed in colourful and stylish retro wrapping paper, and Benamor Cream boxed in similarly eye-catching designs. For the kitchen, look out for the aromatic vinegars from Moura Alves and gourmet sea salt (Flor de Sal) from the Algarve. There are also toiletries, stationary, books, toys and even jewellery!
Since 1933, this café has been visited by grandparents and hungry grandchildren eager to fill their pockets with bonbons, sweets and tea. As children shouldn’t drink coffee, it’s mostly the grandparents who take packets of the various blends to keep in old cupboards filled with fans and porcelain.
Casa Pereira Da Conceiçäo
102 R. AugustaSince 1933, this café has been visited by grandparents and hungry grandchildren eager to fill their pockets with bonbons, sweets and tea. As children shouldn’t drink coffee, it’s mostly the grandparents who take packets of the various blends to keep in old cupboards filled with fans and porcelain.
Essentials
Pingo Doce
1 R. João SaraivaSupermarket open from 8h30am until 9pm