After living in this city for five months and countless city trips to Portugal’s capital ever since, I had to compile all my favorite hangouts in one handy city guide.  So, if you’re wondering how a semi-local twenty-something spends her time in Lisbon, this is it!

At the end of this post you can find a google map with all my tips, that you can open on your smart phone while you’re traveling.  On that map, you’ll find even more tips that I’ve collected from my most trustworthy sources, and intend to try out myself in the future.    Have fun!

Last update: December 2018

where to get some culture

Recommended neighbourhood: Alfama, Belém, Oriente

1. Centro cultural de Belém for the collection of modern art and the beautiful building. (see blogpost here) praça do império
2. Igreja do Carmo for the church’s ruins that leave you speechless. (see blogpost here) largo do carmo
   
3. Cristo Rei for the view you get from underneath this statue of Jesus. (see blogpost here) avenida cristo rei, 2800-058 almada (technically not in Lisbon but only a boat trip away)
4. Expo 98 for the well known architecture of Alvaro Siza and Santiago Calatrava.  (see blogpost here) parque das nações
5. Castelo de Sao Jorge for the view over the city, the peacocks that live here and the musicians playing underneath the treas in these old ruins.  (see blogpost here) rua de santa cruz do castelo
6. Belém for the torre de Belém, the monastery and the famous pasteis de Belém.  (see blogpost here)
7. Elevador de santa Justa, although I recommend to just walk on the bridge towards the elevator when you come from Largo do Carmo to enjoy the view and not pay for the ride down.  It’s a tourist trap!
8. Eléctrico 28, or a walk around the old part of the city to see the beautiful facades, the colorful tiles and the amazing street art.
9. MAAT, for art, architecture and technology.  Make sure to explore the building itself and enjoy the reflections of the sounds of the river Tejo, bouncing of of the curved walls, when you do so!  (see blogposts here) avenida brasilia
10. Palácio da Justiça, for lovers of brutalist architecture. (see blogpost here)  rua marquês de fronteira 
11. Centre for the unknown, for its remarkable architecture. (see blogposts here) avenida brasilia 
12. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos for its intricately carved architecture, beautiful light and peaceful atmosphere. praça do império
    
13. Mude for the fashion and design collections that are displayed in this museum.  rua augusta 24

where to eat and drink

Recommended neighbourhood: Bairro Alto, Bica, Santa Catarina

1. Café Tati for a cup of coffee with free wifi, a small meal or a glass of wine and a jazz concert.  (see blogpost here) rua da ribeira nova 36
2. Primeiro Andar for the livingroom like interior and the beautiful people.  (see blogpost here) rua das portas de santo antão 110
3. Copenhagen Coffee Lab for the delicious coffee and pretty interior.  (see blogpost here) rua nova da piedade 10
4. Hello Kristof for a delicious cup of coffee, their excellent magazine selection and a view of my old apartment. rua do poço dos negros 103
   
5. Tease for tasty sandwiches and healthy detox juices.  (see blogpost here) rua nova da piedade 15
6. LOSTin Lisbon for the amazing terrace with the great view over the city.  (see blogpost here and here) rua do pedro v 56
7. Café da Garagem for a breathtaking view over the city accompanied by a piece of pie and some freshly made lemonade.   rua da costa do castelo, 7
8. Pois, café for the cosy interior and the austrian menu.   (see blogpost here) rua são joão da praça 93-95
9. Flower Power for an original meal in a flower filled interior.  (see blogpost here) calçada do combro 2
10. The Food Temple for delicious vegan meals that even convince meat lovers and the lovely terrace on the stairs.  beco do jasmim 18
11. Pensao Amor for the amazing interior (including a fur wall), the fact that this used to be a brothel, the sex shop and the hair dresser you can find here.  Make sure to come here at night for some dancing too!   rua do alecrim 19
12. Dear breakfast for, you guessed it, breakfast all day everyday and an interior you’ll fall in love with in a heartbeat.  Don’t hesitate to pay a visit to the toilet downstairs for a pink surprise along the way. rua gaivotas 17
13. Heim café, for delicious brunch in a botanical setting.  rua de santos-o-velho 2 E 4
14. Estrela da bica, to share the most amazing dishes all night long. travessa do cabral 33A
15. Casa independente for the wonderful terrace and the beautiful crowd.  largo do intendente 45
16. O corvo for cosy drinks and (apparently) delicious brunch. largo dos triguieros 15A-15B
17. Damas for a (vegan) meal with the coolest locals. rua da voz do operário 60 AQ
18. Sol e Pesca for the interior that is completely devoted to sardines.  rua nova do carvalho 44
19. Café do Monte for warming up after seeing the sunset at the miradouro da senhora do monte. rua de são gens 1
20. Hamburgueria do Bairro for tasty and affordable burgers (around 5 euro’s) at several locations in the city, and no less than four vegetarian options!  travessa do abarracamento de peniche 22
21. Elevador Amarelo for afterwork drinks with the locals in an original vintage interior. rua da bica de duarte Belo 37
22. Tartine for brunch: it’s a bit expensive in comparison to regular portuguese prices, but the delicious pastries totally make up for that. rua serpa pinto 15a
23. Foxtrot for cocktails in a cosy bar that takes you right back to the twenties and even parks your car for you.  Ring the bell to enter! travessa santa teresa 28

where to chill

1. LX factory for the original shops, the beautiful cafés, the market that take place on sundays and the amazing location on an old industrial site.  Oh and keep an eye out on their agenda, the parties there are pretty legendary.  (see blogpost here and here) rua rodrigues faria, 103 
2. Jardim da Estrela for lounging around in the parc.  (see blogpost here)
3. The ruins of Almada on the other side of the Tejo, with the most beautiful view on Lisbon.  (see blogpost here and here)
4. Tapada das Necessidades for the abandoned greenhouse you find in this parc.   (see blogpost here)
5. Jardim botânico for some refreshing shade.  (see blogpost here) rua da escola politécnica 54
6. Miradouro de Santa Catarina, also known as Adamastor, for the great atmosphere that is best enjoyed with a beer.  (Tip: order uma litrosa e copos (one liter of beer with plastic cups) at the kiosk for only 2 euros!)
7. Fundaçao Calouste Gulbenkian for the beautiful parc, the art library and the museum. avenida de berna 45A (see blogpost here)
8. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte for the best view over the city.  Come here during sunset and bring a bottle of wine and a picnick!

where to dance

Recommended neigbourhood: Cais do Sodre, Bairro Alto, Bica

1. Chapito for the live african music on sunday nights, the amazing building that is an old women’s prison and the view over the city.  (see blogpost here) costa do castelo 1
2. Out Jazz for summer sundays spent picnicking in a lisbon parc accompanied by live jazz music, followed by a dance party with great dj’s.
3. LEFT for dancing on tables until early in the morning.  largo vitorino damásio 3f
4. Incognito for indie music and gin tonics.  rua poiais de são bento 37
5. Musicbox for really good music (Gold Panda, Breach, Jazzanova,…) that’s probably a little less famous than what you get at Lux, but also more affordable.  Keep an eye on their agenda!  rua nova do carvalho 24
6. Bicarte for dancing next to exhibitions of local artists.   travessa do portuguesa 38a
7. Galeria Zé dos Bois for art exhibitions and dance parties.  Especially the LGBT parties by Rabbit Hole here are insane, don’t miss it!   rua da barroca 59
8. Purex for the lesbians among us, but everybody is welcome here.  Rua das Salgadeiras 28
9. Lounge for upcoming talents and more well known names, I still regret I didn’t manage to get in when xxyyxx was playing here and that I didn’t know this place when Tom Barman was one of the dj’s… Belgium represent! rua da moeda 1
10. Lux for the best dj’s and the most well known dance floor of Portugal. avenida infante dom henrique
11. Bar da velha senhora for the best music in Cais do Sodre.  rua nova do carvalho 40
12. Damas for dancing among locals. rua da voz do operário 60 
13. Crew Hassan for underground concerts and dj sets. rua andrade 8A

where to see the sea

1. Costa da Caparica for surfing (or looking at the surfer boys…)   (see blogpost here)
2. Carcavelos to stay close to the city.  (see blogpost here)
3. Praia Guincho for the wild waves that are perfect for surfing and the rocks surrounding this beach  (see blogpost here)

where to shop

Recommended neighbourhood: Chiado, Baixa, Bairro Alto

1. Feira da Ladra for the vintage treasures you can find on this market.  (see blogpost here) Campo de Santa Clara
2. Fabrica Features for design and fun gifts  (see blogpost here) rua garret 83
3. Zazou for original portuguese products and a cup of coffee.  (see blogpost here) calçada do correio velho 7
4. A vida portuguesa, for authentic portuguese products in a beautiful shop.  (see blogpost about their store in Porto here) rua anchieta 11 & largo do intendente pina manique 23
5. Under the cover for a selection of magazines that makes my heart beat faster. rua marquês sá da bandeira 88b
6. Ler Devagar an amazing book shop slash library slash café. lx factory, rua rodrigues faria 103
7. Loja das conservas, for all the sardines you could possibly want, packaged in tin cans that have been carrying the same design for ages. rua do arsenal 162
8. Prado mercearia  for artisanal and biological food and drinks, wrapped in the most beautiful packaging.  Make sure you try the “Tanzania” milk chocolate made from sheep’s milk by Feitoria do Cacao, it’s fingerlicking good.   rua das pedras negras 37
9. A loja da cerâmica, for stunning handmade ceramics. rua de são cristóvão 7.
10. June, for exclusive editions and unique pieces of furniture.  lx factory, rua rodrigues faria 103
11. Rutz, for Portugal’s specialty product, cork in the form of shoes and tableware.  lx factory, rua rodrigues faria 103
12. Entre tanto, an indoor market where you can find different fashion, interior design and food.  rua da escola politécnica 42
13. Stock the nature – powered by Oliver B., for beautiful interior design. entre tanto, rua da escola politécnica 42
14. Quer, for original gifts, art, and children’s toys.  rua da escola politécnica 82A
15. Møbler, for a stunning selection of vintage furniture, with a focus on mid century and scandinavian design.  rua nova da piedade 41
16. Casa tita for quirkie gifts. avenida casal ribeiro 47
17. Feira das Almas for handmade and vintage goodies. regueirão dos anjos 70
18. A Outra Face da Lua for their great selection of vintage (although it’s not exactly cheap) and a cup of coffee or a light meal afterwards. rua da assuncão 22
19. Hangar Chiado, a design store with beautiful furniture and objects from both Portugal and international designers.  travessa do carmo 8
20. Roof, for stunning design furniture.  rua nova do almada 1

where to sleep

1. Oasis backpackers hostel for making new friends in no time.   (see blogpost here) rua santa catarina 24
2. Casa C’Alma for an apartment with a Scandinavian inspired interior that feels like breath of fresh air  (see blogpost here) praca das flores 48
3. This lovely airbnb for sleeping inside the most beautiful indoor jungle.
4. Santa Clara 1728 for a hotel room you’ll never want to leave.  (see blogpost here) campo de santa clara 128

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