Travel Journal: Notes from Lisbon

From fabulous Fado nights to a coastal day trip, Lisbon is one of Europe’s most vibrant escapes.

Story by Amira Hashish

Lisbon is a gem of a city that oozes vibrant culture, history and delicious food. Essential landmarks for your Google maps include The National Palace at Mafra, Castelo de São Jorge perched on one of the city's highest viewpoints, the Belém Tower and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. 

The Tagus River banks are dotted with great districts such as the Parque das Nações with its futuristic architecture, urban art and green spaces. The Alcântara neighbourhood is the place to find Santo Amaro Docks and the LX Factory, which houses more than 50 shops (the place to go for vintage finds), restaurants and bars inside a renovated factory building. 

Head to one of the 'fado houses' in Bairro Alto and Alfama for a taste of the haunting music that is deep-rooted in Lisbon's culture. Dip in and out of the cafes and tapas bars for local dishes. Bacalhau (salted codfish) is the king of seafood in the region, while grilled sardines are a Lisbon icon and fried cuttlefish is also popular. Pastel de nata, the moreish sweet egg custard tarts, are sold in pastelaria on virtually every street. 

The city’s surrounding areas are breathtaking too. The colourful town of Sintra, nestled in the foothills of the mountains, is a day trip in itself. If watersports are your thing, Ericeira is a World Surfing Reserve and just 30-minutes by car from the city. 

With its deep blue seas, idyllic beaches and vibrant green hills, the Arrábida Natural Park is a 30-minute drive south. For something more tranquil, explore the secluded coves along Arrábida's coast. Galapinhos, Galapos, Coelhos and Creiro all have crystal-clear waters.

Where to stay

The Lisboans is a cosy, well-designed bolthole made up of a series of apartments in the lovely Prado district. All rooms have the original finishes, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows with great views of the surrounding neighbourhood, from the public churches and trams to the signature washing clothes lines of the city’s residential buildings.

Vintage and contemporary custom-made furniture sits against the backdrop of handmade tiles inspired by geometrical prints. Antiques are hand-picked from across Portugal and the textiles are hand-woven by local artisans, thelisoboans.com.

Shopping list

Claus Porto, A Vida Portugesa, LX Factory, Embaixada, Casa Pau-Brasil.

Lunch & dinner reservations

Tasca do Chico, Tapas Bar 52, A Cevicheria, Hello Kristof, Prado.

Instagram inspo

@lisboacool, @designescapesportugal, @thelisboans, @wonderlust.portugal,  @tasteofportugal.eu, @joandso, @dearlisbon.