OUR FAVORITE SPOTS FROM OUR TRIP TO LISBON & SINTRA, PORTUGAL.
TO SEE
Lisbon, my new favorite city. The tiles, the colors, the light. Make sure to have some Vinho Verde (their slightly effervescent white wine, that is so light and delicious you can have it for breakfast. Hey, you're on vacation..). Lastly, make sure to try an Amarguinha aperitif, which you can find at any bar. It's a refreshing mix of Almond liqueur and freshly squeezed lemon juice served over ice. Or the Portugese classic- Ginjinha. It's not a super vegetarian city, so if you don't eat meat or fish be prepared to just drink many many delicious drinks.
Alfama (Neighborhood): Beautiful old neighborhood in the hills. Take the historic tram 28 there, wander around, have a coffee and then make your way to one of the viewpoints for a great view of the city.
Berardo Collection Museum: Beautiful modern and contemporary art museum in Belem.
Belem Tower - UNESCO World Heritage site - 16th century Moorish tower on the river Tejo.
LxFactory - a short uber from the center of Lisbon, LxFactory is a vibrant complex of hip restaurants, cafe, bars and shops definitely worth a visit on a sunny weekend afternoon.
SHOPS
Feria da Ladra Flea Market: Best flea market I've ever visited. Tiles, vintage art deco lamps and so much more. Located in the Alfama neighborhood of Lisbon. Saturday 6am - 5pm in the Campo de Santa Clara.
A Vida Portuguesa: One stop shop for wonderfully curated Portuguese made products and souvenirs.
EAT & DRINK
Mercado da Ribeira: Lisbon's classic and recently renovated food court and market, in operation since 1892. Wander around and sample different local dishes, with a glass of vinho verde. Don't forget to try a Pasteis de Nata - the famous local egg custard pastry.
Barrio do Avillez: One of the many restaurants in the city by famed chef Jose Avillez. Try any of them.
Damas Bar - Local, late night, low key and very cool neighborhood bar in Alfama. If you're lucky there is a great band playing in the back room.
Gelato Daverro - Really, really, really good gelato in unexpected flavors.
Pavilhao Chines - Have a drink in this bar which basically makes you feel like you're inside a curio cabinet of an insane collector.
Botequim Da Graca - Cool Alfama cafe that feels unchanged since it opened in 1960s. Perfect for breakfast, but open all day and into the evening.
Pharmacia - Restaurant, cafe and bar inside the National Association of Pharmacies. Lovely interior and patio.
Palacio Chiado - Food course in an 18th century palace. Have a cocktail and wander through to admire murals and moldings before grabbing a bit to eat.
