Rua Anchieta 11
Products created and produced in Portugal, with charming original packaging - toiletry, stationery, art supplies, books, jewellry, food and wine, textiles, handicrafts, toys, gifts. "We believe that objects are capable of telling stories about a people and its tastes, about a society and its context, and about a history which is, after all, a common identity."
Castelo de São Jorge (take tram 28)
Lisbon's castle stands on top of the city's highest hill, and offers the most breathtaking view of the city and river. Partially ruined, partially restored, it's a romantic vision that's survived for a thousand years. The Castelo de S. Jorge National Monument occupies a privileged area of the old medieval alcáçova (citadel) and consists of the castle, ruins of the former royal palace and part of the neighborhood for the elite. The fortification, built by the Moors in the mid-11th century, was the last defensive stronghold for the elite who resided on the citadel.
Rua das Salgadeiras, 10, Bairro Alto
Jewelry, home decor, lighting, office supplies. Portugal is the world's larger producer of cork. Cork is the bark extracted from the cork oak tree, which forms a thick, rugged bark that is harvested and made into products. It is a 100% renewable resource—once the bark is stripped, the tree starts to regenerate, creating a new layer.
Praco do Principe Real 26
Concept store in a palatial neo-Moorish building from the 1800s.
Rua da Escola Politecnica 42
Indoor market in a 17th century building. Clothing, home decor, children's clothes, toys, jewelry, shoes, bags.
Avenida da Liberade, 25, LISBON
You can't miss the bright blue facade of this cozy boutique hotel on the main avenue of Lisbon. The 18th century townhouse was expertly restored by Portuguese designer, Miguel Câncio Martins (known for designing the Buddha Bar in Paris), keeping as many original elements as possible, including the facade, the veranda railings, and the shutters with their original ironwork.
Praça do Imperio
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was built by King Manuel I in 1502, on the site of a hermitage founded by Prince Henry the Navigator, where Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal in prayer before leaving for India. It was built to commemorate the voyage and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success. Vasco da Gama's tomb and the tomb of poet Luis de Camões are inside the entrance of the church. The cloisters are magnificent, each column differently carved with coils of rope, sea monsters, coral, and other sea motifs evocative of that time of world exploration at sea.
Rua Das Gáveas, 69, Bairro Alto
In a building that was once the stable for the Palacio dos Condes, decor includes traditional Portugese tile panels, ring chains once used to tie the horses in the stable, and stunning contemporary photos of LIsbon. Traditional Portugese appetizers of olives, soft camembert cheese served with a spoon, crusty bread, and garlic butter are placed on the table upon being seated. The menu features dishes "From Ocean", including their salt cod specialties and a selection of fresh fish, and "From Earth," such as Iberian pork with lime risotto and Portugese-style tenderloin steak fried in butter with garlic and laurel. I had the sole and shrimp en croute, served with a flavorful sauce. Delicious!
Largo das Portas do Sol 2
Ricardo Espirito Santo was a wealthy banker whose priceless collection was left to the state and led to the creation of this museum. Decorative pieces such as Flemish tapestries, Indo-Portuguese furniture, silver, and Chinese porcelain are on display in several rooms of painted ceilings and tiled walls, while a workshop that can be booked for visits shows artisans working on restoration and reproductions of antiques.
Rua Madre de Deus 4
Housed in the 16th century Convent of Madre de Deus. Introduced by the Moors in the 15th century, Portuguese tiles (azulejos) were originally geometric in style. Later tiles were painted with religious imagery, historic events, flowers and birds. The museum takes you through the history of tiles from the 15th century up until contemporary tiles. Don't miss the opulent chapel and the 23 metre long "Great View of Lisbon" with its panoramic view of the cityscape before the devastating earthquake of 1755. Can only be reached by taxi.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina Rua de Santa Catarina
Terraces at the top of the hills that provide a bird's-eye view of the city. The café and restaurant overlooks the Tagus River, serving great food and cocktails—the vibe is laid back, the music is funky jazz and the views are magical. Across the Tagus River you can see the ninety foot high, Christo Rei, image of Christ, standing atop a 246 foot high pedestal. It was inaugurated in 1959, as a way for the Portuguese episcopate to thank God for having spared Lisbon from World War II.
Rua D Pedro V. 68-70
Portugese tiles, furniture and decorative arts, XVI to XIX century.
Rua da Graça 91
Not to be missed. Authentic fado - sung in tiny family-owned restaurant. Saturdays and Sundays, 4-8.
Avenida da India
Lisbon's most famous landmark looks like a small castle out of a fairy tale. It's a romantic architectural gem from the Age of Discovery that's classified as a World Heritage monument. A UNESCO monument built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, it was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery. Facing the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias, and a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages.
Rua da Escola Politécnica, 32
Brick oven pizza in a cozy room that looks out to the Botanical Garden.
Rua Das Gáveas, 69, Bairro Alto
In a building that was once the stable for the Palacio dos Condes, decor includes traditional Portugese tile panels, ring chains once used to tie the horses in the stable, and stunning contemporary photos of LIsbon. Traditional Portugese appetizers of olives, soft camembert cheese served with a spoon, crusty bread, and garlic butter are placed on the table upon being seated. The menu features dishes "From Ocean", including their salt cod specialties and a selection of fresh fish, and "From Earth," such as Iberian pork with lime risotto and Portugese-style tenderloin steak fried in butter with garlic and laurel. I had the sole and shrimp en croute, served with a flavorful sauce. Delicious!
Miradouro de Santa Catarina Rua de Santa Catarina
Terraces at the top of the hills that provide a bird's-eye view of the city. The café and restaurant overlooks the Tagus River, serving great food and cocktails—the vibe is laid back, the music is funky jazz and the views are magical. Across the Tagus River you can see the ninety foot high, Christo Rei, image of Christ, standing atop a 246 foot high pedestal. It was inaugurated in 1959, as a way for the Portuguese episcopate to thank God for having spared Lisbon from World War II.
Rua da Escola Politécnica, 32
Brick oven pizza in a cozy room that looks out to the Botanical Garden.
Castelo de São Jorge (take tram 28)
Lisbon's castle stands on top of the city's highest hill, and offers the most breathtaking view of the city and river. Partially ruined, partially restored, it's a romantic vision that's survived for a thousand years. The Castelo de S. Jorge National Monument occupies a privileged area of the old medieval alcáçova (citadel) and consists of the castle, ruins of the former royal palace and part of the neighborhood for the elite. The fortification, built by the Moors in the mid-11th century, was the last defensive stronghold for the elite who resided on the citadel.
Praça do Imperio
A UNESCO World Heritage site, it was built by King Manuel I in 1502, on the site of a hermitage founded by Prince Henry the Navigator, where Vasco da Gama and his crew spent their last night in Portugal in prayer before leaving for India. It was built to commemorate the voyage and to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for its success. Vasco da Gama's tomb and the tomb of poet Luis de Camões are inside the entrance of the church. The cloisters are magnificent, each column differently carved with coils of rope, sea monsters, coral, and other sea motifs evocative of that time of world exploration at sea.
Largo das Portas do Sol 2
Ricardo Espirito Santo was a wealthy banker whose priceless collection was left to the state and led to the creation of this museum. Decorative pieces such as Flemish tapestries, Indo-Portuguese furniture, silver, and Chinese porcelain are on display in several rooms of painted ceilings and tiled walls, while a workshop that can be booked for visits shows artisans working on restoration and reproductions of antiques.
Rua Madre de Deus 4
Housed in the 16th century Convent of Madre de Deus. Introduced by the Moors in the 15th century, Portuguese tiles (azulejos) were originally geometric in style. Later tiles were painted with religious imagery, historic events, flowers and birds. The museum takes you through the history of tiles from the 15th century up until contemporary tiles. Don't miss the opulent chapel and the 23 metre long "Great View of Lisbon" with its panoramic view of the cityscape before the devastating earthquake of 1755. Can only be reached by taxi.
Rua da Graça 91
Not to be missed. Authentic fado - sung in tiny family-owned restaurant. Saturdays and Sundays, 4-8.
Avenida da India
Lisbon's most famous landmark looks like a small castle out of a fairy tale. It's a romantic architectural gem from the Age of Discovery that's classified as a World Heritage monument. A UNESCO monument built in 1515 as a fortress to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbor, it was the starting point for many of the voyages of discovery. Facing the river are arcaded windows, delicate Venetian-style loggias, and a statue of Our Lady of Safe Homecoming, a symbol of protection for sailors on their voyages.
Rua Anchieta 11
Products created and produced in Portugal, with charming original packaging - toiletry, stationery, art supplies, books, jewellry, food and wine, textiles, handicrafts, toys, gifts. "We believe that objects are capable of telling stories about a people and its tastes, about a society and its context, and about a history which is, after all, a common identity."
Rua das Salgadeiras, 10, Bairro Alto
Jewelry, home decor, lighting, office supplies. Portugal is the world's larger producer of cork. Cork is the bark extracted from the cork oak tree, which forms a thick, rugged bark that is harvested and made into products. It is a 100% renewable resource—once the bark is stripped, the tree starts to regenerate, creating a new layer.
Praco do Principe Real 26
Concept store in a palatial neo-Moorish building from the 1800s.
Rua da Escola Politecnica 42
Indoor market in a 17th century building. Clothing, home decor, children's clothes, toys, jewelry, shoes, bags.
Rua D Pedro V. 68-70
Portugese tiles, furniture and decorative arts, XVI to XIX century.
Avenida da Liberade, 25, LISBON
You can't miss the bright blue facade of this cozy boutique hotel on the main avenue of Lisbon. The 18th century townhouse was expertly restored by Portuguese designer, Miguel Câncio Martins (known for designing the Buddha Bar in Paris), keeping as many original elements as possible, including the facade, the veranda railings, and the shutters with their original ironwork.
Avenida da Liberdade, 177
Three beautifully decorated and spacious apartments in a 19th-century building, located in the heart of Lisbon, on the much coveted Avenida da Liberdade.
