As the plane descends towards the city, one quickly sees why the light of Lisbon, on a background of fado music, is so highly celebrated. Destroyed in 1755 by a powerful earthquake, the city was rebuilt in pure Pombaline style. Crossed by the Tagus River, Lisbon is a city of seven hills where the smell of grilled sardines fills the air of its distinctive neighbourhoods. It has inspired and still emulates the poetry of Fernando Pessoa, who famously wrote, “God wills, man dreams, the work is born.”

Classic and sophisticated, it sits in the heart of Lisbon. An excellent restaurant and one of the city’s finest spas.

Boutique hotel, distinguished and contemporary. Steps away from the leading international brand stores.

Rated by Wallpaper magazine among the world’s best urban hotels. Located in a typical neighbourhood close to the fado houses.

A small palace built in 1902, and also a lookout point providing a striking view of Lisbon. The décor is fit for a king or queen.

One of the city’s most celebrated restaurants. Three levels, five rooms with walls covered with photographs left behind by famous guests. Quintessential Minho Province cuisine served. Treat yourself a breakfast.

A place to enjoy traditional appetizers and dishes. Close to the theatres. The terrace is a showcase for the city’s hustle and bustle. A great place to be at any hour. Open daily from noon to midnight.

It is the king of cod fish, cooked in myriad ways. Beiras and Mozambique specialties are also served. Lunch and dinner. (Find out on what nights you can catch a fado show.)

In the heart of the Chiado neighbourhood, Chef Henrique Sá Pessoa returns with a creative cuisine featuring surprising combinations. Informal atmosphere.

Traditional dishes with modern presentation and a varied wine list. Lunch and dinner.

More than 40 food and drink locations. Discover the gastronomic offerings of some of Portugal’s great chefs—Alexandre Silva, Henrique Sá Pessoa, Marlene
Vieira, Miguel Castro e Silva and Miguel Laffan—at very attractive prices. Find a variety of preserves, wines and souvenirs. Monday to Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m.; Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to midnight.

In business for over half a century, it is the seafood place. Enjoy crab, gooseneck barnacle, lobster, garlic shrimp or clams Bulhão Pato. Round off the meal with a prego, a traditional steak sandwich. Prices suitable for all budgets. From noon to midnight, closed on Mondays.

Chef Alexandre Silva’s restaurant invites you to an unusual gastronomic experience where no dish is what it seems, and where customers eat with their eyes as much as they do with their stomachs. Arrive with an open mind and enjoy a 14- or 18-moment tasting menu. High prices. Dinner only.

Cakes are everywhere in the city, but the recipe for these has been a well-kept secret since 1837. Bet you’ll be having more than one!

GELADOS SANTINI

Famous artisanal ice cream. Expect to line up for it! Open every day from 11 a.m. to midnight.

Rua do Carmo, 9

Tel. (+351) 213 468 431

GINJINHA

Having belonged to the same family since 1840, it’s a favourite in the capital. A liquor made from morello cherries (ginja in Portuguese), the type of berry it is named after. It is sweet and inexpensive. To be enjoyed with or without berries. Todos os dias, das 9h às 20h.

Largo de São Domingos, 8

A former royal residence. The view of the city is breathtaking and unique. Not to be missed for any reason. Accessible by foot, bus or rickshaw.

Inaugurated in 1902 to link the Baixa district to Carmo Square, it is the city’s only vertical funicular. Its cast iron structure has been declared a national monument. As for the view, it seriously competes with Saint George’s Castle. Open every day from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

This Manueline monastery was built in the 16th century during the golden age of Portuguese maritime exploration. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It houses the tombs of the Portuguese navigator Vasco de Gama and the Portuguese poet Luís Vaz de Camões.

Fado – Portuguese music performed by a solo singer accompanied by a Portuguese guitar. It reflects the soul of the Lusitanian people.

Located in the heart of the Alfama neighbourhood, it serves classic Portuguese appetizers, but the main dish always remains the fado music. Open daily from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.

OTHER FADO HOUSES

A typical neighbourhood with restaurants and bars for all tastes.

The city’s trendiest club. Features DJs (electro and alternative music) and live music.

A speakeasy bar with an extensive cocktail list.

The most beautiful ones on the south shore of the Tagus.

Small beaches at the foot of cliffs between the sea and the Arrábida Mountain.

Accessible by ferry from Setúbal across the Sado Estuary dolphin habitat.