Lisbon has rapidly become one of my favourite cities in the world, and I have been lucky enough to visit it many times over the past 5 years. I also have great friends who live there and some that spend a lot of time there, so I always get great advice and ideas on things to do, and most importantly: where to eat. There are so many fabulous places to eat, its hard to know how to shortlist it but I will give it a go.
These are some of the places I love and some pretty special things to see, I hope you'll put some of them on your must do list for your next visit.
SLEEP
The Luminares, R. do Diario de Noticias 142
Very chic and friendly hotel in Bairro Alto, great location and a splendid choice for a weekend in central Lisbon. They also have a great rooftop bar and restaurant.
Lisbon Five Stars Apartments, multiple locations
I've stayed in many of their apartments, and they are all very chic, clean and central. Ideal for singles or families, as well as couples. Great if you want to feel like a local and don't mind not having hotel amenities.
Casa na Rua de Saō Marmede, R. da Escola Politecnica 159
Stunningly renovated old residence in Alfama, I am definitively trying this on my next visit.
EAT
Taberna Rua da Flores, Rua das Flores 103
Fantastic taverna, its tiny - merely a whole in the wall, so expect to queue unless you are lucky. But the food is divine and so worth the wait.
A Cevicheria, R. Dom Pedro V 129
Another very special place in Lisbon, its ceviche is out of this world, and all other dishes are so fresh and different it really is a joy to eat there. Every time I go I am blown away by the quality of the food and the friendly staff.
Pinoquio, R. de Santa Justa 54
An old style Portugese diner, it may not look like much but the food (mainly seafood) is fresh and comforting. My favourite dish is the Massada de Marisco, a seafood stew with pasta. I order it every time I'm there, its it is just delicious.
The Insolito, R. de Sao Pedro de Alcantara 83
Fantastic rooftop restaurant with delicious dishes and a great vibe. Also a great spot for a sunset cocktail as the view is beautiful.
The Decadente, R. de Sao Pedro de Alcantara 81
Next door to The Insolito, great restaurant and perfect spot for a late nite drink.
SHOP
Embaixada Concept Store, Praca do Principe Real 26
This stunning 19th century palace now host an array of Portugese brands and artists, well worth a little peek around.
LX Factory, R. Rodrigues de Faria 103
A great place to explore little shops and artisan studios that sell art, clothes and pottery. Also got great little spots for a drink and eating.
EXPLORE
You could walk the streets of Lisbon for weeks and keep seeing new things. Or jump on one of its famous trams and see where you end up. Alfama and Bairro Alto are my favourite areas to explore, just walking all the small streets, looking at architecture, street art and finding little hidden places to eat or for a coffee.
Museu Berardo
A stunning museum in Belem, filled with modern and contemporary art. The permanent collection is fantastic and include many of my favourites; Frank Stella, Picasso, Donal Judd and Joan Miró. A must if you like modern art!
Torre de Belem
Walking on from Museu Berardo to Belem along the River Tagus, to the Belem Tower. Its a stunning piece of architecture celebrating Vasco de Gama and a UNESCO heritage site.
Find a bakery
Lisbon is famous for its baked goods, and especially for the Pastéis de Nata. If you've got a sweet tooth you have to try it, it is dangerously good.
Museu Calouste Gulbenkian
Displaying art from the founders, Calouste Gulbenkian's private collection. The pieces let's you travel through 5000 years of beauty, from the great old cultures and are beautifully curated.
Feira da Ladra
The Licbon fleamarket is well worth a visit (Open Tuesdays and Saturdays) and expect artisan goods, brac brac and anything and everything. It is close to Campo de Santa Clara where you can see the National Pantheon. Simply divine.
Daytrip to Cascais
Cascais is close by and easy to get to by train. You'll find gorgeous beaches, shopping and - wait for it - more eating.
Jump on tram 28
This the most fun route and will take you on a great route and you'll get a quick intro to the city - especially great if you are on a short visit.
COMPORTA
If you have a few spare days, rent a car and drive out to Comporta. It is about 90 minutes drive, over the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, and is a small costal town set in the dunes of the Atlantic coast. You can rent a house or stay at one of the few hotels out there.
Restaurante Sal, Praia do Pego
Great beach restaurant, located in the dunes of Praia do Pego. The view is amazing, the seafood so fresh and delicious and it sets the scene for the most wonderful afternoons.
Cavalarica, R. Do Secador 9
Fantastic restaurant located in an old stable. The decor is simple but chic and the food and wine offering is amazing.
Sublime Comporta
Stunning hotel and spa, resting in tranquil woodland surroundings.
Quinta de Comporta
Upmarket boutique resort with a wellness focus.
All photographs by Marte Frisnes
Enjoy,
Marte xo
