October 2023 / City guides

Lisbon

Welcome to Lisbon! Hope it’s not too hot, but if it is, find a terrace with an umbrela (or more, on the Pink Street) and have a cold beer.

Let’s stroll a bit through the streets and neighbourhoods, starting from the Cais do Sodré station:

  • From the train station you can head towards the Pink Street (if you’re not already having a beer there), and explore the bars and restaurants; slowly head westwards to Café Janis for a great brunch (that is if you want to avoid the overly touristy Time Out Market, though in some evenings they have nice dancing events there)
  • Onward to Elevador da Bica (national monument), a funicular built in th 19th century, and before you hop on it (or walk on the pavement on the steep street), take an espresso from Baobá Café Bica, you’ll need it
  • After that, climb a little more (it’s worth it!) to Miradouro de Santa Catarina – beautiful viewpoint towards the river and Ponte 25 de Abril (any miradouro – viewpoint – in Lisbon is worth a visit, especially the ones that are not easy to reach); the Museu da Farmácia is just a breath away
  • Two more places await towards Campo de Orique: Taberna Portuguesa and the mill, for a coffee refill; Senhor Uva is a havenly wine spot and it’s very close to Jardim da Estrela, a nice park
  • Onward east! Many taco places in Lisbon, yet Taco Locoo is in top 3, then up and down on the Lisbon hills you can get to Fauna & Flora – Anjos, a beautiful brunch place, and if you want something more dirty: cut your pizza with the scissors at Retrogusto experience
  • On your way to another amazing mexican restaurant, stop for a bit at Praça Olegário Mariano to admire the mural; back to eating: Las Gringas has probabily one of the best menus in Lisbon, nothing disappointed my taste buds: gringas, gringuitas, tacos, and don’t forget to have a cold Rooibos Tea
  • Heading down towards the center, Zé da Mouraria is an amazing traditional restaurant, and you will need the energy with all the ups-and-downs in this city
  • And wecome to Alfama! The oldest neighbourhood, filled with historical buildings and fado restaurants; try to find your way to Miradouro das Portas do Sol, then eat: Bohemia Lx Sé (make a reservation for the fado), have a drink with some live music at Tejo Bar and eat some more at Basílio
  • After this, head towards the river, at Praça do Comércio and admire the pillars in the river, have some rest, take a deep breath
  • Then head back into the crowd towards Rossio metro station, this part is filled with pedestrian-only roads, restaurants and shops; you can have a small overview from Elevador de Santa Justa, but find your way to walk up there, it’s not worth taking the lift
  • If you’re tired from all the traditional foods and drinks, have a taste of Asia at Panda Cantina, one of the best ramen places in Europe; don’t let the queue fool you, it’s definitely worth the wait
  • Praça Dom Pedro IV is another busy place to visit, and you can walk again towards the river to Baixa-Chiado metro station, follow the crowd then ditch them for a beer at Delirium Café Lisboa
  • Wether it’s already morning or afternoon for you, Dear Breakfast – Chiado is the perfect place for a breakfast or brunch in the area
  • And from there, Barrio Alto is just a few streets away, it is filled with boutiques and cafes, as well as with taverns and clubs, so it’s gonna be very lively in the evenings
  • I’ll finish this tour with more places to drink at: COPA Lisboa and Comida Independente

Other streets and places to stroll or even run around:

CategoriesCity guides