Travel & Hotspots
5 X LISBON HOTSPOTS
+ 2 X WHAT TO DO’S
I miss Lisbon. A week ago I was still sitting there on a rooftop terrace eat with friends with a glass of ice-cold sangria in my hand. People, go to Lisbon, it’s amazing there. I saw so many beautiful colored (Portuguese) tiles, cool people, nice shops, trendy restaurants, and there is sun.
PARK BAR
This bar is on a rooftop and has an amazing view over the city and water. From the outside, you have no idea, in fact, you step into a completely normal parking garage (nothing is indicated on a sign) and take the elevator to the fifth floor. This place is especially great for drinks (opt for a pitcher of sangria with a cheese platter) or to dance in the evening. For dinner, I would choose another place, but don’t skip PARK Bar, because I thought it was fantastic. Lights in the trees, cozy soft sofas, nice people serving, and mainly R&B music from the speakers. Well, then you have me.
Calçada do Combro
NICOLAU
This lunch spot has just opened (10 days to be exact), and luckily there was still space, because I can imagine this becoming a busy spot. On the menu, über-healthy salads, smashed avocado, granola, açai bowl, and delicious cold green tea. You can also order a glass of wine, but here you start your day with breakfast just incredibly well. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside on cushions by the window, but it’s just as nice inside with wallpaper featuring cozy palm trees.
Rua de São Nicolau
PHARMACIA
This is a busy hotspot, so do try to make a reservation. Pharmacia is located in an old hospital and you can really see that. The wine cooler is in a first aid kit and you squeeze the olive oil from a dropper. On the menu, you’ll find many delicious tapas made from local products.
R. Mal. Saldanha 1
LX FACTORY
LX Factory is located on a huge factory site that has been transformed into a place with quirky cafes, unique restaurants, and trendy shops. You can spend quite some time here. It all looks super colorful with lots of street art.
R. Rodrigues de Faria 103
A CEVICHERIA
Do you love fish? And don’t mind waiting in line for a bit? Then this is the place where you can eat amazingly well. Yes, it’s busy, but it’s more than worth it. You could also choose to have lunch here, then you have a better chance of getting a table right away. But this restaurant, though. Fish fish fish. Amazing.
R. Dom Pedro V 129
TO DO
- Eat a pastel de nata. They are available in almost every restaurant or bakery. It’s a small tart with a crispy puff pastry crust and has a custard filling that the Portuguese often eat with a cup of coffee. Don’t leave Lisbon without tasting this delight. And preferably a warm one. But hey, cold is also incredibly delicious.
- Hop on a tuk-tuk, they drive everywhere in the city. Use this transport as a taxi, and also ask for a bit of a city tour in the meantime. You have to get over the fact that it’s (indeed) extremely touristy, but it’s really a lot of fun. A tuk-tuk is a kind of golf cart that you cruise around the city in. Do choose a driver who can tell you nice facts about the city.
