Lisbon has evolved faster than any other European city in the past few years, with new wine bars all around town, bistronomy restaurants at every corner, and chefs flocking in from Paris and London. But its charm remains untouched, from Belem to the Alfama neighborhood.
EAT
– Senhor Uva: one of the best restaurants in Lisbon, with plant-based dishes from local farms and carefully selected wines. If they are fully booked, there’s always their wine bar across the street, Senhor Manuel.
– Prado: probably the most coveted dinner reservation in town, and for good reason. In case you didn’t score one, there’s always Prado Mercearia for lunch.
– BouBou’s: with a young French chef at the helm, this is a high-end bistronomy spot with small and large plates to share.
– Ramiro: a true classic with seafood by the weight. No reservations, so it’s safer to get there right before noon.
– Fábrica dos pastéis de Belém: no better place than Belém to try the famous pastéis de Belém. Closer to the center of town, there’s also the pasteleria on the ground floor of the Bairro Alto Hotel.
– Cacué: for traditional Portuguese fare, by young chef José Saudade E Silva.
– Arkhe: a vegetarian restaurant which received a Michelin star.
– A cevicheria: the name says it all, raw seafood in the heart of Principe Real.
DRINK
– Comida Independente: perfect for a glass of wine and a few bites, in a small wine shop with local and foreign natural wines.
– Pavilhao Chinese: a huge bar decorated with old toys, for a couple of cocktails after dinner.
– Park: a hip rooftop bar on top of a car park.
– Ginjinha: the tiniest bar, with just a couple of tables on the sidewalk, where you drink cherry liqueur among the locals.
– The Insolito: a low-key rooftop bar without the crowds and the fuss.
– Pharmacy museum bar: not the best wine selection but the view over the bridge is breathtaking, especially at sunset.
DO
– Tram 28: perfect to see most of the sights such as the cathedral, castelo São Jorge, etc. Stop in the Alfama neighborhood to go for a stroll. And the tram itself is a memorable experience!
– CCB – Coleção Berardo: a contemporary art museum in Belém.
– Torre de Belém: while in Belém, make sure to see the emblematic tower as well as the Jerónimos monastery.
– A vida portuguesa: the perfect shop to get souvenirs before heading back home, along with Conserveira de Lisboa.
– LX Factory: a collection of warehouses and factories that have been renovated into restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
– Sintra: rent a car and go for a day-trip to the enchanting village with numerous castles, and stop in the seaside town of Cascais on the way back.