Lisbon
There’s a reason everyone you know and their mother has been flocking to Lisbon.
There’s something about -
-the way the light hits the pastel colored buildings
-the casual tone of the city, which reminds you to slow down and take it all in
-people sprawled out at cafes and kiosks at all hours of the day sipping vino tinto
-the breeze drifting off the Tagus River
-the winding alleyways and stone streets
It’s a magical place that sucks you in, making you want to linger as long as possible.
We spent a lovely full month in Lisbon. Here’s my list of places that can’t be missed and tips for Portugal.
Rosamar in Lisbon’s Príncipe Real neighborhood
PLACES
Toca Da Raposa - Cole and I both said that Toca Da Raposa is one of our favorite cocktail bars we’ve ever been to. The menu is also one of my most favorite and creative designs I’ve seen. The concoctions are unique and might sound strange, but we pretty much had half of the menu and they are all stellar.
Rosamar - Oh my. This place is awesome all around. Rosamar focuses on regional seafood with an extensive menu bringing out the best of the sea. The decor looks straight out of an Architectural Digest feature with amazing food to match. Must order the tuna ceviche and end with the housemade churros with nata sauce.
O Frade - This small restaurant located in the Belem neighborhood is Michelin Guide recommended and for good reason. O Frade focuses on traditional Portuguese dishes with a modern take. It's worth the trek to Belem to appreciate a new perspective of Portuguese cuisine.
Pasteis de Belem - If you don’t know what a Pastel de Nata is, you will find out very quickly in Portugal. Pasteis de Belem is apparently the birthplace of this delightful Portuguese treat. Since 1837, they’ve been churning out natas with the recipe staying largely the same. Read about the history here. A must visit when in Lisbon, even if it is a bit of a tourist trap.
Casa Independente - Part hip bar, part arts organization, Casa Independente is must-visit if you are in Lisbon for a few days. Walking in feels like you’ve entered an artists’ house, with graffiti adorning the walls and music freely flowing from rooms along the staircase.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED SO FAR…
Bread, bread, bread, and more bread - The Portuguese LOVE bread and will have it for every meal. If you are on a no-carb diet, good luck. Embrace it and eat all the bread, all the time. When in Rome…
Those little dishes of goodies they put in front of you at every meal are NOT free - Unlike Spain, the Portuguese do not give out free tapas with drink orders. Instead, most items come out wrapped in plastic wrap to taunt you. If that plastic wrap is opened, you’re paying for it.
You really need one pair of shoes. The city is filled with steep and winding hills that are paved with slick limestone. Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes with a good sole and plan to wear them every day.
No one is in a hurry. Just keep repeating that to yourself if you are a New Yorker.
It’s acceptable to drink at every hour of the day, even if it's 7am.
