My Guide to Lisbon

Olá

I think my last visit had to have been at least my sixth to Lisbon. At least. I wouldn’t consider myself an expert on the city by any means, but this time I jotted down a few addresses that I’d been to before or new places that I’d heard about to take some snaps for a little guide here on the blog, in the hope that one day it’ll be handy to a few of you, or at least convince you that a trip to Lisbon is totally worth it!

Lisbon is a beautiful city, from it’s signature cobbles to it’s colourful tiles. I love just wandering the streets, and of course, eating all the pastries I come across. I hope these tips help get your trip to Portugal off to a great start!

General Tips

The Metro in Lisbon is super simple to understand, and isn’t a massive network. However, it’s easy enough to wander around the centre and see lots without using the trains, and the beautiful old trams will take you where you need to go.

And talking of trains, when you have a spare day in your schedule and have ticked the rest of the places on your list off, you must get the train over to Sintra. It’s one of the most beautiful places, full of old palaces in the mountains, and is just a 40 minute train ride from Rossio station.

People in Lisbon won’t have a problem communicating to you in English, so there is nothing to worry about there, but do brush up on the basics.

However, something to be wary of (as is the same in many cities I’m sure) is thieves and pickpockets – I wouldn’t usually bring it up in a guide but after witnessing a poor Australian lady have her bag taken from her table at a restaurant on one of the main shopping streets, I’m a little on guard!

A Outra Face da Lua

I’ve been to this vintage shop a few times, and whilst I’ve not ever taken anything home with me, it’s always worth a snoop as it’s so close to the main shopping streets. It also has a cafe, so works well as a spot to do a little shopping as well as grabbing a coffee.

Rua Assunção 22

Tartine

This is a sweet little bakery perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. Portuguese pastries are THE BEST as far as I’m concerned, and I always eat a scary amount of pasteis de nata when I’m there. You’ll find them at almost any bakery, but I loved this one from Tartine (where you can also grab some free WiFi!)

Rua Serpa Pinto 15A

Although, if you’re in Lisbon you totally owe it to yourself to take a trip to Belem and discover the place the famous Portuguese custard tart was created in the 1800s. You’ll have to queue, but they come warm from the oven and with a sachet of cinnamon to sprinkle on top. Heaven! You can catch the 15 or 127 tram from the city centre.

Rua Belém 84-92

a vida portuguesa

Ahh! This shop is my absolute favourite in Lisbon. I can spend forever in here! They specialise in traditional Portuguese products, so you’ll find anything from brightly coloured tins of sardines that look like they’re vintage, to books, soap, chocolate, stationery and other design products. It’s a must-visit!

All the items in the image at the top were bought here! I still don’t have the heart to eat the chocolate sardines…!

Rua Anchieta 11

To.B – To Burger or not to Burger

I just had to! Not Portuguese at all, but as I’m not a big fan of anything fishy, we beelined to this burger place for lunch. I have to say, I really really enjoyed my cheeseburger here, ordered with plenty of fries and a garlic and herb dip.

Burger places aren’t a huge thing in Lisbon like they are here in London, but they do have a few restaurants, so there are still more to tick off the list…watch this space!

Rua Capelo 24

Ás de Espadas

Another vintage shop! This was one I stumbled on as we left Rossio station. It had a wonderful rail of dresses – I picked up a few before deciding that my wardrobe would break under the weight of any new additions. Everything was wonderfully curated, and they also had a fab men’s section! Worth a browse…

Calçada do Carmo 42

Santini

Another Lisbon institution! Santini Gelado shop has been serving up tasty ice cream since 1949. I first fell in love with the stripy red and white decor, but of course, the ice cream is pretty damn good, too! Very much necessary on a hot day in Lisbon, but just as good on a cold day in December!

Rua do Carmo 9

Mercado do Ribeira

I didn’t get any snaps of this place, but if you’re in Lisbon you have to go! TimeOut have brought together some of Lisbon’s best shops and foodie places under one roof. You’ll find flowers, pastries, steak, burgers, cheese…all sorts! Take a closer look at what you’ll find here.

Avenida 24 de Julho 50

Landeau

Go here for one reason, and one reason only; the chocolate cake. Oh my word. I’m almost struggling not to dribble just writing about it. It was perfect! We’d squeezed in lots of food that day, and this was our last stop, but we just had to finish the gooey triangle of heaven off before we made our way to the station

It’s a small place, but felt like a very calm, welcome resting spot.

Rua das Flores 70

These were all spots we managed to get to in just a day, so I’m sure there is plenty more to see and do in Lisbon! I’d love to hear from any locals or frequent visitors – what are your favourite places in Lisbon? Let me know in a comment and I’ll be sure to visit them on my next trip!

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