Love for Lisbon

(where to eat, sleep, rave & repeat)

Never have I felt so happy, relaxed, and in love in a city as I did in Lisbon. In one fell swoop, this Portuguese gem has been crowned my new favorite city. Forget London, forget Paris, forget Barcelona, Antwerp, WHATEVER European city trip you have in mind. For your next weekend getaway, you want to go to Lisbon. And this is what your perfect first day will look like:

Breakfast: Fabrica Lisboa

It may look quite basic, but everything is fresh and delicious. This is one of those coffee spots that just does everything right. The Portuguese don't have a heavy breakfast, with a café com leite/geillao (wrong coffee) or a bica (espresso) at the bar. Simple, tasty, cozy, cheap. Grab a pastry or a croissant with it, and your day starts off chill. (Address: Rua da Madalena 121)

The coolest neighborhood to start your day: Alfama

First of all, great for the butt (because uphill), instalicious as hell, and super fun to wander through those narrow streets with small passages. I found it so cute, fun, and lovely here, it's hard to explain. With laundry hanging above the streets, street musicians, and mini restaurants with live music and four tables outside. I could totally live here.

Lunch: Ao Pé Da Sé

More of a refined taste and want to have a light lunch? And a fan of raw fish? Then you should rush to this cute little spot. The Asian salmon tartare and ceviches are out of this world. Note: the terrace is almost always full during lunch, so keep that in mind. (Address: Cruzes da Sé 31)

Hanging out at: Bairro Alto

Neighborhood 2 that you must/should see during a lightning visit to Lisbon. If only for the fantastic view (hoiii good Insta-shot). Plus, all the cool bars, cafés, art galleries, and shops are located here.

Snacking: A PASTEL DE NATA!

Undoubtedly the most famous sweet treat from Portugal. I think I ate it about ten times in a week, but the ones at pastry shop Manteigaria are so HEAVENLY that I almost wanted to stop by four times in a day. (Address: Rua do Loreto 2) I urge you to take a look there or travel to Belèm to taste the original. And yes, the uglier the bakery, the better they are.

Beach lounging: at Costa de Caparica

If you're in Lisboa for a bit longer, it's also nice to check out the other side of the bridge for the beach. Especially on the northwestern side. Rent a bike, then take the ferry from Belèm towards Tarifa, and then bike a bit.

Drinking cocktails: Pharmacia

I just love this place. Not only because of the brilliant mansion + accompanying Instagrammable front yard, but DEFINITELY because of the concept. Everything in this place in the Bairro Alto neighborhood shows that you're dealing with an old pharmacy. Your amuse in a test tube, the butter in a medicine jar, and cocktails with names like Ibuprofen, LSD, and Oximetazolina. Brilliant. (Address: Rua Marechal Saldanha 1)

Watching the sunset: by the Tagus

Okay, you want this. You have a terrace by the water with the chillest lounge chairs. I was strongly advised to sit there for a bit. I think I stayed for about two hours. What. A. Chill spot. Unfortunately, I don't have an address, but it's super simple and you'll find it right away: walk from the white square towards the Tagus and then keep to the right. Do you see people with a view of the bridge completely in chill mode by the water? That's your spot.

Dinner: Bairro do Avillez

A beautiful tavern by José Avillez, one of the most famous chefs from Portugal. Portuguese food in a modern guise. Think: shared dining, eating tapas in a super atmospheric environment where the sausages hang on the wall. The wine is top-notch by the way. You do pay a bit more, but it's absolutely worth it.

Eating ice cream: Gelatini Italiani

We still feel like having a dessert, right? According to connoisseurs, this is also the best place to get ice cream in all of Lisbon. And they have (too) crazy flavors: avocado, almond, and mascarpone. And you get a gigantic scoop too.

Sleeping: Boutiquehotel Portugal

Okay, it's all a bit posh and stuff, but really if you have something to celebrate, (like my boy and I here) this is the most beautiful hotel in the city. A huge TV IN your mirror, a bed so dangerously comfortable that you're spoiled for life, and a wonderfully high ceiling. And hello, the hotel is PINK on the outside. If you don't end your Lisboa trip here satisfied and snorting, I don't know what will.