Cosmopolitan Lisbon once was the getaway city for many explorers to discover new lands, flavors and tastes from across the world. A fusion of all that newfound exciting food, architecture, spices and cultures created the beauty that is Lisbon today.
Portugal’s capital feels pocket-sized accessible and is one of west Europe’s coolest hidden gems. Lisbon’s narrow cobblestoned alleyways in the oldest neighborhood Alfama are authentic and charming. While Alcântara has more modern architecture, interesting museums and a spacious and open vibe, being situated at the Tagus River. Everywhere in Lisbon you’ll find excellent coffee, tasteful local produced wines and simple honest food, all for next to nothing. In Lisbon time moves slowly, so relax and enjoy the rhythm of everyday life on one of the many sunny rooftops overviewing the colorful neighborhoods and Ponte 25 de Abril.
Neighbourhoods
In the lovely Alfama I walked around for hours in the winding small streets, enjoying the beautiful views and charming tiled houses and its warm inhabitants. Alcântara is full of hip shops, innovative art galleries buzzing cafés and fine restaurants. The best time to visit LX Factory (also in Alcântara) -a former industrial complex turned into a creative hub- is on Sunday. On this day an interesting flea market sets up shop, and don’t forget to check out the impressive LX library. Being in the neighborhood you can’t miss a visit to Pastéis de Belém, in Belém. While the pastéis de nata taste great here, you’ll find a less touristic experience and the absolute same sublime quality in taste at Manteigaria in the Chiado district
Rooftop top tables
Lisbon is built on many hills and finding a good miradouro (viewing point) isn’t a challenge. But some rise above others. Treat yourself to a drink at the Memmo Hotel bar in Alfama. For an absolute excellent dinner with view head over to hip and delicious restaurant The Insólito. The well-prepared sophisticated dishes come with delicious pairing local wines. Make sure to try out the carpato, liber’atum and miss de chocolate! The sweeping city views from the rooftop make it the perfect romantic dine setting. The magnificently restored 19th century mansion in which the restaurant of Valverde Hotel is set will defenitely surprise you in the best way. Dine and wine in the stylish tropical patio or get cozy in the creative designed restaurant. The fine cuisine matches the fabulous interior and is based on Portuguese gastronomy. Dishes are prepared with a selection of the finest locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Still got some energy? Make your way over for after dinner drinks at PARK, a garden bar located on the roof of a seven-story parking garage. For the best cocktails in town head over to the Red Frog and make sure to keep an eye on the bookshelf in the back.
Mean greens
Looking for a delicious healthy (Indian) cuisine, at Princesa do Castelo you can’t go wrong. The homemade international dishes are vegan, vegetarian, macrobiotic and super tasty.
Inspira Hotel Santa Marta is your most sustainable yet comfortable hotel choice in Lisbon. The Boutique hotel is settled in Lisbon center just a few steps away from Avenida da Liberdade. Its created as an oasis of peace in which all positive energies -aligned by the principles of Feng-Shui- flow freely, revitalizing your mind and soul. The hotel is 100% carbon free and sustainable in every sense of the word. Even the leftovers from the delicious breakfast buffet is everyday donated to those in need in the city. Choose for the future by choosing for Inspira Hotel Santa Marta.
Beach Bums
Ready to escape the city buzz for a bit? These are three good options for a well deserved beach day. Try out Ericeira for a good surf, unspoiled sandy beaches, some nightlife and good seafood restaurants. Sintra is a protected natural area, has wild beaches, a beautiful landscape and small quaint villages or go to Cascais that has Riviera-like beaches, calm waters and some nice bars and seafood restaurants.
Favourite neighbourhoods
In the lovely Alfama I walked around for hours in the winding small streets, enjoying the beautiful views, charming tiled houses and its warm inhabitants. Alcântara is full of hip shops, innovative art galleries buzzing cafés and fine restaurants. The best time to visit LX Factory -a former industrial complex turned into a creative hub in Alcântara- is on Sunday. On this day an interesting flea market sets up shop, and don’t forget to check out the impressive LX library. Being in the neighborhood you can’t miss a visit to Pastéis de Belém, in Belém. While the pastéis de nata taste great here, you’ll find a less touristic experience and the absolute same sublime quality in taste at Manteigaria in the Chiado district.
Beach Bums
Ready to escape the city buzz for a bit? These are three good options for a well deserved beach day. Try out Ericeira for good surf, unspoiled sandy beaches, some nightlife and good seafood. Sintra is a protected natural area, has wild beaches, a beautiful landscape and small quaint villages, or go to Cascais that has Riviera-like beaches, calm waters and some nice bars and seafood restaurants.
