where to eat, drink, and spend time in Lisbon, Portugal.

expanding the bounds of what you believe to be possible in the world and your own reality is a priceless experience, and traveling has proven itself to be one of the most impactful ways for me to expand my horizons. my sister Emma and I visited Lisbon for the first time at the beginning of July and it was a life changing trip from how much we got to experience with fresh eyes. there is something so magical and romantic about the city, and i’ve been thinking about it on the daily since we left. Lisbon, you have my heart forever, and i can’t wait to go back!!!

where we stayed

Solar dos Poetas: staying here made our stay one to remember!!! not only were the rooms absolutely adorable, but it’s in a perfectly central location to the heart of the city in the Chiado neighborhood. walking to places was easy from here, and it also had a great value for everything included (breakfast is even complimentary!).

spots to get drinks / go out

Rocco: the level of curation of this place had me in awe the entire time. every corner is stunning, even surprisingly down to the bathroom (as shown above). we got drinks in the bar area, and were sat in a corner by ourselves away from the main room, so overall service was spotty which was a little disappointing. i would go back for the ambiance, however.

Palácio Chiado: a must-see spot when visiting Lisbon. it’s a bar and restaurant in an old palace that has a lion hanging from the grand room. we only came for a drink so if i were to go back, i would make it a point to make dinner reservations here. they also make a great Hugo Spritz and have terrace views of the Chiado neighborhood.

Lumi Rooftop: this place had some of the most beautiful looking drinks i have ever seen. pictured above was the ‘garden spritz’ and it was the perfect bevy to sip on while overlooking panoramic views of the city.

not pictured but worth the visit:

• Cosmo: this is a cozy, tucked away spot on Rua de S. Paulo that feels like a speakeasy. you must GET THE COSMO FUZZ if you go there – it’s one of the best drinks i’ve ever had.

great places to eat

Lupita: when i said that i think about Lisbon on the daily, the memory of this pizza is always the catalyst. it has taken everything in me to not book a flight just to have a slice of their aubergine ‘za. Emma got the Hawaiian pizza and it also was an explosion of flavor. two themes that we caught onto and quickly made the most of is how incredible the food is, and how friendly the Portuguese are. we had great service here, and there are many yummy beverage options to pair with your pizza.

Coyo Taco: #IMINLOVEWITHTHECOYOOOOOOOO!!! Emma picked this spot out and we walked out different people (for the better). this was some of the best Mexican i’ve ever had. another common theme is me saying how often something was the best thing i’ve ever had, but everything in Lisbon was really just that good.

Oyster and Margarita: everything pictured above + a side of fingerling potatoes was a total of €50, making this one of the most bang for your buck places we ate at. the combination of fresh fish and spiced butter in a seashell made me feel like i was living out my childhood dreams of becoming a mermaid, with the sophistication that comes with drinking a spicy marg adorned with a chili pepper on top. if you don’t have reservations, show up early (around 4:30/5PM) to snag an outside table!

not pictured but worth the visit:

• O Trevo: get the famous bifana sandwich!!!
• Farès: great vibes and the best falafel i’ve ever had
• Time Out Market: lots of local spots and options in one place

sweet treat spots / cafés

Manteigaria: you can’t go to Lisbon and not have a pastel de nata. we would frequent this spot like clockwork when we wanted something sweet after breakfast or lunch (and both on some days). and the best part about it is you can enjoy your flan at the counter while watching the next batch get created right before your eyes thanks to an open layout.

The Folks: the coconut water with matcha cream gave me a Ratatouille moment that only lasted about 4 seconds from how quickly i chugged it. breakfast was also great (we split the avocado toast and breakfast plate), and the visual aspects of the place made you feel like you were in space.

not pictured but worth the visit:

• Landeau Chocolate: the rumors you’ve heard are true – the chocolate cake is unforgettable
• Nannarella: when there’s a line in Lisbon you know it’s good, and every minute we waited was worth it for this gelato
• Santini: another great gelato spot that has multiple locations across the city

places to go shopping

Feira da Ladra: the famous flea market in Lisbon’s old town Alfama has lots of vendors selling one-of-a-kind pieces at reasonable prices (like this top Emma walked away with!!). they’re only open on Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9AM to 6PM and be sure to bring some euros!

A Vida Portuguesa: this is one of the cutest shops i have ever been to. it has a variety of Portuguese keepsakes, like soaps made in Porto, tile postcards, and even sardines. i highly recommend making a stop here to stock up on gifts and souvenirs to take back home.

Ler Devagar & Etnik Spring at LxFactory: while i’m of the mind that LxFactory is a tad overrated, they did have some unique shops. Ler Devagar is a bookshop that has the dreamiest multi-story layout, and Etnik Springs Etnik Spring sells ornate pieces you won’t find anywhere else (like white eyelet fans!), making these two must-see stores to peruse if you find yourself at the establishment.

not pictured but worth the visit:

• Luvaria Ulisses: they sell leather gloves that literally fit like a glove
• Brandy Melville: there is something in the Chiado water that made this location one of the least chaotic Brandy’s i’ve ever stepped foot in
• Companhia Portugueza do Chá: prepare to be amazed by their selection of handcrafted teas (even if you’re a coffee drinker)

excursions / activities

spend the day laying in a cabana overlooking the water in Caparica at Praia Princessa

make a 7:30PM dinner reservations at Ponto Finale to catch the sunset and take the water taxi back across the Tagus to Lisbon

spend the morning walking around the beautiful Tile Museum

& if you take the trip to Lisbon, SAUDÉ!!!!

💘, HANNA