Lisbon, Portugal

Beginning of November I flew to Lisbon, Portugal for the Web Summit 2017, the largest technology conference worldwide, where all things technology are discussed, expanding in all different sectors. There are thousands of speakers and from most prominent companies; like Uber, Facebook, Intel, Microsoft and much more. It was really aspiring and educational.

However, we managed to get some time to enjoy Lisbon. A wonderful city, full of history and beautiful landmarks, with a positive, blissful and relaxing vibe and full of sunlight.

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and since the exploration years it was the main port of Portugal where all the goods from the Americas, Africa and Asia where entering Europe. Most of the buildings though are from the 18th century onwards, since an earthquake in 1755 destroyed most of the city. 

Find below some of my tips for the city:

·      Keep in mind Lisbon is built upon hills so there are a lot of uphill and narrow streets. There is a tram in the old city and good transportation around, but the taxis are cheap. There is also an elevator who connects Bairro Alto with Baixa (elevator of Santa Justa).

·      Most nightlife and restaurants are in Bairro Alto area.

·      Fados are the traditional songs/music of Portugal, sad songs describing life, which can be heard accompanied with food and wine or just drinks in fado restaurants. In that case you should book a table and keep in mind the bill will be a bit high.

·      Nightlife has the Med influence, so people usually eat later (around 9-10pm) and there are few bars around in Bairro Alto that offer happy hour as well or cheaper drinks.

·      They have their own local dishes to try, mostly with fish, similar to Spanish cuisine, but some new chefs had added a culinary delight in the capital. Local wine and Porto, the local sweet wine (drunk before or after dinner or just with tapas), are the must.

·      Alfama is where the old city lies and is full of beautiful streets, especially around the castle, where you can see a panoramic view of the city.

·      Keep in mind they mostly speak Portuguese, but have made improvements in speaking English for foreigners.

·      It is a very friendly city and felt quite safe, great for a European getaway. 

What to see/sights:

·      Castle of Saint George (Castelo de São Jorge): Moorish castle in Alfama, which later became the resident of the Portuguese royalty, with a small museum inside and an archaeological dig in its grounds and with panoramic view over the city.

·      Lisbon Cathedral (Sé): the oldest and main church of the city, Catholic.

·      Museum of Ancient art: art from the medieval times with a lot of Flemish influences.

·      Belem Tower (Torre de Belem): fortified tower in Belem, the maritime area of Lisbon, where the old harbors where standing, overlooking the entrance of the Lisbon port for protection.

·      Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro Jeronimos): 16th century monastery in Belem, it has local architectural importance, where the south gate is of the most beauty.

Where to listen Fado music:

·      A Severa: Rua das Gaveas 51.

·      Senhor Vino: Rua do Melo a Lapa 18.

·      Casa de Linhares: Beco dos Armazens do Linho 2.

·      Adega Machado: Rua do Norte 91.

·      Parreirinha de Alfama: Beco de Espirito Santo 1.

Special Interest:

·      Mercado da Ribeira Nova: food market and upscale food court with a variety of local restaurants

481,, Av. 24 de Julho, 1200

·      Pasteis de Belem: the famous Portuguese custard pies, are here one of the best, to eat right away or take away

R. Belém 84-92, 1300-085

·      Manteigaria Fabrica de Pasteis: one more amazing place for the classic Portuguese custard pies

Rua do Loreto 2, 1200-108

Where to eat/drink:

·      Mini Bar Teatro: restaurant of famous Lisbon chef Jose Avillez, New York décor and futuristic, gourmet, delightful tapas size plates, and a pretty good cocktail list, try the cocktails which you eat instead of drink ;-)

R. António Maria Cardoso 58, 1200-026

·      Bairro do Avillez: The main restaurant of chef Jose Avillez, has three rooms, one tavern, one shop and one dining main room

R. Nova da Trindade 18, 1200-466

·      Loco: restaurant of chef Alexandre Silva, with only option a 14 or 18 plate tasting menu, Lisbon classics

R. Navegantes 53, 1200-830

·      Nunes Real Marisqueira: fresh fish caught and cooked for you

R. Bartolomeu Dias 112, 1400-031

·      Tasca da Esquina: located in a hip area and with a team of chefs famous in Lisbon, Portuguese dishes

R. Domingos Sequeira 41C, 1350-119

·      Enoteca de Belem: wine bar with modern local dishes

Tv. Marta Pinto 10, 1300-083

·      Rio Maravilha: gastropub, mostly for drinks, loud music

R. Rodrigues de Faria 103, 1300-501

·      Cantinho Lusitano: Portuguese tapas for sharing, local wines, hospitable atmosphere

Rua dos Prazeres 52, 1200-355

·      Foxtrot: cocktail vintage bar

Tv. Santa Teresa 28, 1200-405

·      A Cevicheria: amazing Peruvian ceviche, there are no bookings so you have to wait in line, keep in mind its popular, best dish: the pure ceviche (seasonal white fish, puréed sweet-potato, onions, seaweed and tiger's milk)

 R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 

·      Estrela da Boca: fusion and tapas Portuguese, casual

Travessa do Cabral 33 | Bica, Lisbon 1200-073

·      Restaurante Granja Velha: local restaurant, casual

R. dos Douradores 200, 1100-119