Travel better with Urbanaut

Eat / Drink

by Srila Very unassuming but a very cool restaurant that delivers Cantonese style cuisine with modern flavours.

Campo de Ourique Market

by Srila Campo De Ourique Market is the smaller, more local and perhaps saner version of Time Out Market. It’s a nice break from the tourist heavy center of Lisbon, with its restaurant stalls serving fresh fish, oysters, steaks and a host of local produce for you to try. Its cheerful, family friendly vibes extend to the neighborhood beyond, and lunch here can be a nice way to kick off an exploration of a modern Portuguese neighborhood that has retained all of its cultural charm.

AronSushi - Saldanha

by Srila Aron sushi serves more traditional style Japanese cuisine. This restaurant is unassuming but its newest avatar is located on the premises of Mercado 31 de Janeiro i.e. right next to the best fishmongers in the city. It is on the pricier side of things: but the quality rivals the fanciest sushi restaurants world over. If you want high-quality Japanese food this is where you should go.

by Srila A trendy upmarket restaurant on the very fashionable Avenida Liberdade. A stunning eatery, with a pan-asian menu: both working in tandem to tell a story of Portugal’s colonial history. If you can excuse the mild (or perhaps on the nose!) orientalist perspective and are looking to splurge a little and go some place dressy - this should be on your list. The food is honestly worth it. Seriously excellent cocktails and a great DJ on the weekends. Literally every corner of this restaurant is decorated exquisitely and the outdoor terrace is an added bonus.

Casa do Alentejo

by Urbanaut Chances are you’ve seen this very photogenic building on the ‘gram. This beautiful Moorish palace is worth a visit just to admire the architecture - but they also often host events and cultural happenings. There’s a restaurant and taberna in the courtyard as well for once you’re done admiring the palace.

Magnolia Bistrot & Winebar

by Srila If you’re looking for a quintessential European bistro, this is it. You can picture yourself living an alternate life as you dive into the select menu, replete with natural wines. Brimming with cheer and charm

Ceres Boulangerie

by Srila A little french patisserie in the heart of the historic São Bento neighborhood that offers the most divine croissants, choquettes, eclairs and tartines - all freshly made for the day. Carrying some Portuguese staples too - this little cafe is a perfect short stop either before or after you explore the famous antique stores of São Bento.

Esperança da Sé

by Srila A one minute walk from Lisbon Cathedral - this cafe serves great Italian food in an atmospheric setting. The outdoor seating area faces the Sé and you can genuinely relax despite being in the heart of historic center. You can’t go wrong ordering family-style sharing a couple of pizzas and their delicious ravioli.

by Srila In the trendy neighborhood of Principe Real, is Portuguese chef Kiko Martin’s Peruvian restaurant: A Cevicheria. A clear ode to seafood, this stylish nook is always buzzing. Small plates, surprising flavors and a remarkable detail to presentation is what makes this place fresh and worth trying out. Don’t worry about the queue outside, it moves pretty fast - instead enjoy a pisco sour (or several) while you wait. You won’t be disappointed.

Imprensa Cocktail and Oyster Bar

by Srila Artisanal cocktails + fresh oysters from Setubal, all located in the trendy neighborhood of Principe Real…need we say more? The lovely team at Imprensa, will even make something bespoke if you find nothing on their menu that suits your tastes.

by Srila An 18th-century neo-Moorish palace that houses an attractive collection of pop-up boutiques and stores: featuring mainly independent Portuguese designers. You will find high quality design from fashion, jewelry, cosmetics to chic interior decor. The ground floor hosts a cool bar called the “Gin Lovers Bar & Restaurant”. The whole palace is atmospheric and is especially enjoyable for shoppers with a penchant for great design and discovering upcoming artists.

Han - Table Barbecue

by Srila A hole-in-the-wall chinese-korean bbq spot. Uncannily reasonable and never disappointing. This place is located away from all the tourist traps - and is a local favorite so, be warned, it’s nearly always busy!! So try and make a reservation in advance.

by Ana Silva One of the best places to eat Cod in Lisbon - this is a classic restaurant. They have outdoor esplanade seating as well and it’s a great place to visit for good seafood (and of course, Cod).

by Ana Silva Lisbon locals hang out in two main areas at night before going out (much later!). These areas are Cais do Sodre and Bairro Alto. The bars in these neighborhoods start getting busy around 11pm. Pensao Amor is a great place in Cais do Sodre to hang out in the evening and even for a little warm-up dancing before you hit the club. I think you’ll like it. Think burlesque erotica meets raucous fun and you’ll get the vibe. They even have an erotic book library collection!

Manteigaria (Portuguese custard pies factory)

by Urbanaut While Pasteis de Belem gets a lot of press for being the original creators of the famed Portuguese tart, locals in the know may point you toward Manteigaria for an authentic, buttery tart that ages well for a few hours after even. The light, custard-filled Pastel de Nata are expertly made in front of your eyes (none of the secrecy of Pasteis de Belem) by white-coated chefs, and a ringing bell signifies that your hot batch is ready and waiting to be eaten with a bica (or Portuguese espresso). Perfect.

Pastéis de Belém

by Ana Silva The birthplace of Lisbon’s legendary custard tart - Pastel de Nata. You’ll find endless queues, long waits and a busy, buzzy space. Many locals think you get better Pastel de Nata in smaller establishments but this is a legendary , historical establishment. Go early to try and beat the queues, pair with a trip to the Jeronimos Monastery (which is where the custard was truly invented - by the nuns of the monastery who handed the tarts over to a nearby sugar shop - voila - Pasteis de Belem) and walk away the calories during the rest of the day.

by Urbanaut Concept store, cafe, bakery and overall design forward space - Marquise is also a cute place to work from, if you’re so inclined.

by Urbanaut A chic and trendy spot where the food, wine and events are all curated thoughtfully. It’s an experimental space and their events are worth going to.

by Srila One of the coolest stops in Lisbon has to be LX Factory. Situated in a redeveloped 19th century industrial site is a modern art centre that houses restaurants, book stores, designers and artists and very interesting start-ups. It’s a great place to hang out, kid-friendly too with plenty to see and discover over the course of the day. Their graffiti-laden walls are glorious and will surprise you at every corner. There’s live music in the evenings and check their calendar for bigger bands/ artists over the year. Definitely explore their website before you head over.

Do

Campo de Ourique Market

by Srila Campo De Ourique Market is the smaller, more local and perhaps saner version of Time Out Market. It’s a nice break from the tourist heavy center of Lisbon, with its restaurant stalls serving fresh fish, oysters, steaks and a host of local produce for you to try. Its cheerful, family friendly vibes extend to the neighborhood beyond, and lunch here can be a nice way to kick off an exploration of a modern Portuguese neighborhood that has retained all of its cultural charm.

Casa do Alentejo

by Urbanaut Chances are you’ve seen this very photogenic building on the ‘gram. This beautiful Moorish palace is worth a visit just to admire the architecture - but they also often host events and cultural happenings. There’s a restaurant and taberna in the courtyard as well for once you’re done admiring the palace.

Livraria da Travessa - Lisboa

by Srila Located in Principe Real, this bookstore has some of the most beautiful coffee table books, and a good mix of English and Portuguese books if you are looking to get a souvenir, or have some time to browse. The Portuguese love to read, however you can be hard pressed to find stores carrying titles in English. This is one of the few spots where you might find something that can keep you company on your travels.

Lisbon Cathedral

by Srila Located in one of Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhoods, is the oldest church in the city, referred to simply as ‘Se’. Built on the site of the Moorish main mosque, it’s reconstruction in 1147 resulted in a fortress-like facade serving as a stronghold against the Moors. It’s a must do in Lisbon for a first time visit and becomes a perfect starting point to explore the Alfama neighbourhood itself.

by Srila An 18th-century neo-Moorish palace that houses an attractive collection of pop-up boutiques and stores: featuring mainly independent Portuguese designers. You will find high quality design from fashion, jewelry, cosmetics to chic interior decor. The ground floor hosts a cool bar called the “Gin Lovers Bar & Restaurant”. The whole palace is atmospheric and is especially enjoyable for shoppers with a penchant for great design and discovering upcoming artists.

Baixa de Lisboa

by Ana Silva Downtown Lisbon, known as The Baixa or Baixa Pombalina was almost completely destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. Rebuilt under the rule of the Marquis of Pombal, it now stands as a beautiful example of a ‘planned’ city. A stroll through Lisbon’s commercial heart and historic centre with its straight and perpendicular streets, is highly recommended. Make a visit to Praca do Comercio and Praca do Rossio (Commerce Square and Rossio Square). If waiting in long lines like a true tourist is your thing, then check out Elevador Santa Justa - which takes you straight up from Baixa for great views. Lisbon’s vibrant central district is best experienced as an un-hurried walk-through to get a better sense of this incredible city.

Eduardo VII Park

by Ana Silva The Parque Eduardo VII is located north of the Marquis of Pombal square and the views from the top are absolutely amazing. Carry a blanket and some food and drink and spend some time there.

Avenida da Liberdade

by Ana Silva Avenida da Liberdade (Avenue of Liberty) is the sort of Regent Street or 5th Avenue of Lisbon. It’s famous for being one of the most expensive shopping streets in Lisbon. It starts at the Marquis of Pombal Square and ends at Restauradores Square (which marks the entrance to Baixa) - so if you have strong legs and a penchant for window (or real) shopping - take a walk down this famous street. There is art and beautiful tiled pavements to keep it interesting as you walk.

MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture & Technology

by Ana Silva A grand, stunning building located on the banks of the River Tagus - visitors can walk over, under, and through the museum and the roof offers panoramic views. The structure offers shade while reflecting that magical Lisbon sunlight. The EDP Foundation campus comprises a repurposed power station — the Central Tejo, an iconic example of industrial architecture originally built in 1908 — and a newly built complex designed by the London-based architecture studio AL_A (Amanda Levete Architects). Both buildings house exhibitions and events programmed by the museum and are connected by a landscape project by Lebanese architect Vladimir Djurovic.

Parque das Nações

by Ana Silva Locally known as “Expo” because it was the site of the 1998 Lisbon Expo, this is a vibrant district. Green spaces and art link awesome buildings to each other and there are tons of trendy restaurants in the area.

by Ana Silva Lisbon locals hang out in two main areas at night before going out (much later!). These areas are Cais do Sodre and Bairro Alto. The bars in these neighborhoods start getting busy around 11pm. Pensao Amor is a great place in Cais do Sodre to hang out in the evening and even for a little warm-up dancing before you hit the club. I think you’ll like it. Think burlesque erotica meets raucous fun and you’ll get the vibe. They even have an erotic book library collection!

Pastéis de Belém

by Ana Silva The birthplace of Lisbon’s legendary custard tart - Pastel de Nata. You’ll find endless queues, long waits and a busy, buzzy space. Many locals think you get better Pastel de Nata in smaller establishments but this is a legendary , historical establishment. Go early to try and beat the queues, pair with a trip to the Jeronimos Monastery (which is where the custard was truly invented - by the nuns of the monastery who handed the tarts over to a nearby sugar shop - voila - Pasteis de Belem) and walk away the calories during the rest of the day.

by Urbanaut Concept store, cafe, bakery and overall design forward space - Marquise is also a cute place to work from, if you’re so inclined.

by Urbanaut A chic and trendy spot where the food, wine and events are all curated thoughtfully. It’s an experimental space and their events are worth going to.

by Srila One of the coolest stops in Lisbon has to be LX Factory. Situated in a redeveloped 19th century industrial site is a modern art centre that houses restaurants, book stores, designers and artists and very interesting start-ups. It’s a great place to hang out, kid-friendly too with plenty to see and discover over the course of the day. Their graffiti-laden walls are glorious and will surprise you at every corner. There’s live music in the evenings and check their calendar for bigger bands/ artists over the year. Definitely explore their website before you head over.

Buy

by Srila An 18th-century neo-Moorish palace that houses an attractive collection of pop-up boutiques and stores: featuring mainly independent Portuguese designers. You will find high quality design from fashion, jewelry, cosmetics to chic interior decor. The ground floor hosts a cool bar called the “Gin Lovers Bar & Restaurant”. The whole palace is atmospheric and is especially enjoyable for shoppers with a penchant for great design and discovering upcoming artists.

Avenida da Liberdade

by Ana Silva Avenida da Liberdade (Avenue of Liberty) is the sort of Regent Street or 5th Avenue of Lisbon. It’s famous for being one of the most expensive shopping streets in Lisbon. It starts at the Marquis of Pombal Square and ends at Restauradores Square (which marks the entrance to Baixa) - so if you have strong legs and a penchant for window (or real) shopping - take a walk down this famous street. There is art and beautiful tiled pavements to keep it interesting as you walk.

Pastéis de Belém

by Ana Silva The birthplace of Lisbon’s legendary custard tart - Pastel de Nata. You’ll find endless queues, long waits and a busy, buzzy space. Many locals think you get better Pastel de Nata in smaller establishments but this is a legendary , historical establishment. Go early to try and beat the queues, pair with a trip to the Jeronimos Monastery (which is where the custard was truly invented - by the nuns of the monastery who handed the tarts over to a nearby sugar shop - voila - Pasteis de Belem) and walk away the calories during the rest of the day.

A Vida Portuguesa

by Srila A visit to A Vida Portuguese is a must if you are looking to pick up some genuine products of Portuguese design. It’s essentially a home store that stocks everything from exquisite dinnerware, crockery and decorative wall hangings to handmade soaps, organic olive oils and fruit conserves …the list is both esoteric and endless! It’s a beautiful store to browse and pick up thoughtful souvenirs for the home, or as gifts for friends and family.

by Urbanaut Concept store, cafe, bakery and overall design forward space - Marquise is also a cute place to work from, if you’re so inclined.

by Urbanaut A chic and trendy spot where the food, wine and events are all curated thoughtfully. It’s an experimental space and their events are worth going to.

by Srila One of the coolest stops in Lisbon has to be LX Factory. Situated in a redeveloped 19th century industrial site is a modern art centre that houses restaurants, book stores, designers and artists and very interesting start-ups. It’s a great place to hang out, kid-friendly too with plenty to see and discover over the course of the day. Their graffiti-laden walls are glorious and will surprise you at every corner. There’s live music in the evenings and check their calendar for bigger bands/ artists over the year. Definitely explore their website before you head over.

Stay

by Urbanaut In the heart of downtown Lisbon is Baixa House. These serviced apartments, each quaintly done up and named after a Lisbon garden is perfect for those who want to feel at home while in Lisbon - in a well-curated, tasteful environment. Baby cots are free and the apartments are pet-friendly too. Daily cleaning and fresh breakfast product are included and you’re a hop away from the all the sights of Baixa yet cocooned in a cozy home.

A Casa das Janelas Com Vista

by Urbanaut Warm, stylish, and inviting all at once, Casa das Janelsa com Vista gives off farmhouse feels - but you’re in the middle of buzzy Bairro Alto. This 12-bedroom boutique hotel/guesthouse has views, but you’ll also want to spend time in its cozy, quaint - but still modern interior. The convivial living room is where you’ll want to rest your tired legs after all that walking, and help yourself to some Pastel de Nata. The standard rooms are small but the price is right and the superior rooms have little balconies to take in the incredible view.

The Lisboans Apartments

by Urbanaut A former 19th venture factory turned into a boutique apartment-hotel, The Lisboans is a charming and stylish place to drop anchor for a short or mid-term stay (and you’ll probably never want to leave). The apartments are perfect for people who want to set up base for a while and cook their own meals - there’s even a conveniently located deli in the building serving organic wine and delicious produce. What’s more, the Prado Restaurante is also on the premises - an airy, industrial restaurant for when you’re feeling a bit more fancy than deli food.

Real local

Han - Table Barbecue

by Srila A hole-in-the-wall chinese-korean bbq spot. Uncannily reasonable and never disappointing. This place is located away from all the tourist traps - and is a local favorite so, be warned, it’s nearly always busy!! So try and make a reservation in advance.

by Ana Silva One of the best places to eat Cod in Lisbon - this is a classic restaurant. They have outdoor esplanade seating as well and it’s a great place to visit for good seafood (and of course, Cod).

by Ana Silva Lisbon locals hang out in two main areas at night before going out (much later!). These areas are Cais do Sodre and Bairro Alto. The bars in these neighborhoods start getting busy around 11pm. Pensao Amor is a great place in Cais do Sodre to hang out in the evening and even for a little warm-up dancing before you hit the club. I think you’ll like it. Think burlesque erotica meets raucous fun and you’ll get the vibe. They even have an erotic book library collection!

Manteigaria (Portuguese custard pies factory)

by Urbanaut While Pasteis de Belem gets a lot of press for being the original creators of the famed Portuguese tart, locals in the know may point you toward Manteigaria for an authentic, buttery tart that ages well for a few hours after even. The light, custard-filled Pastel de Nata are expertly made in front of your eyes (none of the secrecy of Pasteis de Belem) by white-coated chefs, and a ringing bell signifies that your hot batch is ready and waiting to be eaten with a bica (or Portuguese espresso). Perfect.

Pastéis de Belém

by Ana Silva The birthplace of Lisbon’s legendary custard tart - Pastel de Nata. You’ll find endless queues, long waits and a busy, buzzy space. Many locals think you get better Pastel de Nata in smaller establishments but this is a legendary , historical establishment. Go early to try and beat the queues, pair with a trip to the Jeronimos Monastery (which is where the custard was truly invented - by the nuns of the monastery who handed the tarts over to a nearby sugar shop - voila - Pasteis de Belem) and walk away the calories during the rest of the day.