Not only is Lisbon laden with charm and friendly people, but there is also cultural and artistic richness here. An addictive buzz. I, for one, have my passport ready, and my walking shoes prime for this urban hiking extravaganza through the City of Seven Hills. Get excited yet again for that glorious feeling of teetering in the unknown – this time, by way of Lisbon.
EAT
Mercado da Ribeira – My favorite food destination in the city. Although it opened just a few months ago, this market-like food hall is already a hit. Tons of food stalls which are hosted by some of the city’s best restaurants and chefs. You will also find great local wines as well! If you want some fun little gifts to take home, grab beautifully retro-packaged tins of sardines from the Conserveira de Lisboa. And check out my favorite stand of all – the plants at O Meu Amor e Verde.
Cafe Lisboa – Inside the São Carlos National Theatre, this is a beautiful spot in Chiado for lunch by young rising star in Portuguese cuisine – José Avillez. A charming space with a beautiful terrace as well.
STAY
Palacio Belmonte – For high-end historical luxury that you will be hard-pressed to find anywhere else, the Palacio Belmonte is a 15th century palace-turned-guest house. Tucked away in the streets of Alfama, right up by the Castelo de São Jorge (atop the highest hill in Lisbon), this enchanted palace-style accommodation is run by a charming husband and wife team, and makes for a truly memorable experience.
SHOP
COS – Just because! Opening this summer, Portugal’s first ever COS (Collection of Style) store is as fresh and beautiful as the rest. COS – the higher-end label of H&M – is full of beautiful and timeless staple pieces – simple, stylish basics – with reasonable, mid-market prices. I can’t walk past one without stopping inside, in any city.
Feira da Ladra (“thieves market”) – Lisbon’s biggest flea market, held in Alfama each Saturday morning. Come here for some amazing antique finds. The market starts at the Arco de São Vicente – an arch near where the famous tram 28 stops.
FROLIC
LX Factory – In a far-off corner, somewhere between Lisbon and Belém, an old industrial site has recently been converted into an exciting new art and design district. A creative hub full of galleries, cafes, bookstores, and clothing boutiques, this is the perfect place to while away a few hours. Shop here, eat here, hang here. I especially love the Ler Devagar bookstore, set amidst an old printing plant, with a little café tucked away amongst the books.
EDP – Lisbon’s Electricity Museum. Located in Belém, on the banks of the river, this beautiful old power station was once responsible for supplying Lisbon with all its electricity. When I visited in the summer, the EDP was hosting an awesome exhibition by Portugal’s most famed street artist, Vhils (who carves his art out of bricks and walls). No matter what the museum is showing, it’s an impressive building to check out in any case. And keep an eye out for Vhils’ work (Portugal’s answer to Banksy) on random street corners. One of my favorite pieces can be found on a large wall by the port.
