
Where should I start? First and foremost, Lisbon is beautiful!! If you ever get the chance to go - YOU MUST GO! I'm still so impressed by the architecture and the flair of the city. Before the trip, I didn't know I had a "thing" for tiles. Now I do! The tile art called "Azulejo", which is deeply integrated into the Portuguese architecture was so inspiring to me that I wish, I could also build my future house with tiles on the outside..Unfortunately, my Dad ruined this beautiful daydream of mine within seconds, telling me that the tiles would immediately fall off when it starts freezing. Now, I know why the German houses are constructed in their neat "Fachwerk-Style" but not with tiles...But hey, let's start with the bright side - I have so many insights on what to do, where to brunch, snack and dine as well as many practical traveling tips about the beautiful city of Lisbon for you!
We flew into Lisbon directly from Stuttgart, Germany. The Lisbon airport is actually super close to the city (roughly 20min by car). When we arrived, we took an Uber directly from the airport into the city where we had rented an Airbnb. The costs were about 7-8 EUR if I remember correctly. Everything worked super smooth. To find your Uber, go to the designated pickup area at Termina 1 (First Floor). There, at the designated Uber pickup platform, it took less than 5 min to find an Uber driver.
In the city, we then mostly walked around to discover as much as possible. When our feet got tired, we either used the Ubahn or hopped into the traditional yellow tram, which runs throughout the city center. You can either buy day tickets, which enable you to use any sort of public transportation (incl. yellow tram), or you can purchase single-ride tickets. The best location to buy tickets, is at the machines located at the entrance of any Ubahn station. A day ticket this summer was 6.50 EUR.
Food FIRST - ALWAYS! Before we get to "what else you can do in Lisbon", let's talk food! In the following, you find all the places I discovered during the trip, including the one's I didn't get to visit but were on my city bucket list. Let's dive right in..
THE COOLEST CAFES & BRUNCH SPOTS IN LISBON
1. COPENHAGEN COFFEE LAB
The Copenhagen Coffee Lab definitely belongs to the best Coffee Spots in town, I would say. I absolutely loved the ambiance of the place. Plus, it's a brilliant place if you need to work on something. Bring your laptop and you have all the space to get whatever you need to get done, done. If I remember correctly, they even have several locations across the city. I only got to visit the one in R. Nova da Piedade. But I am sure, the others are at least as welcoming as the one I visited.
2. DEAR BREAKFAST
Dear Breakfast is a beautiful breakfast spot in the heart of Lisbon. The entire interior is created with a lot of attention to detail. If you are lucky to catch a seat near the window, you even get to watch the yellow tram driving by every once in a while, while enjoying your Acai Bowl! Unfortunately, the service was horrible the day we went there, Our waiter was completely overwhelmed. But even though we had to wait forever for our food, I highly recommend the spot if you have enough time for a cozy Brunch!
3. FAUNA & FLORA
Looking back at the trip, I think Fauna & Flora is officially my favorite breakfast spots in Lisbon. The place is filled with plants creating a super cozy breakfast/brunch atmosphere. Besides, the food there is delicious. All of the juices on the menu are freshly prepped and the pancakes I tried were pure heaven. (A true "cheat day meal", I have to admit as well). But walking up and down Lisbon's 7 hills made me so hungry that I felt I deserved the sweet treat at Fauna & Flora. And it was absolutely worth it - every bite!
4. COMOBA LISBON
Another great breakfast place is Comoba Lisbon. Their Matcha Pancakes are delicious, so is the Sweet Potato Breakfast Burrito and their Egg & Spinach Breakfast Bowl. A must-try for an Lisbon "touri. Besides, the interior was just stunning at Comoba.
LISBON'S GREATEST LUNCH & DINNER SPOTS
1. ROYALE CAFÉ
The Royale Café was one of my favorite lunch spots in the city in retrospect. Their lunch menu was perfectly "light", wholesome and yet beyond delicious. One of my favorites on the menu, besides the various delicious main courses, was their hot apple crumble dessert served with fresh berries. If you get the chance to visit, take a look if they have a free spot on their back terrace. The back terrace is super cozy.
2. TIME OUT MARKET (MERCADO DE RIBERIA LISBON)
Lisbon's Time Out Market is a must-see for every Lisbon tourist. There, you find tons of lunch spots all united under one roof. It's actually the perfect location if you are with a group of people and you can't find common ground on what to eat today. At the market, everyone can choose whatever he/she feels like eating and you can still enjoy it all together. So while your friend may grab a burger, you get the opportunity to try local Portuguese cuisine or rich Italian pasta!
3. VALDO GATTI ORGANIC (GF and Vegan options available)
If you're in the mood for Italian Pizza in the city, check out Valdo Gatti. They create the most beautiful veggie Pizzas with fresh and pure organic ingredients. Plus, the location is also absolutely beautiful with a super nice back terrace to enjoy a cozy evening with your loved ones.
4. BOA BAO
BOA BAO is one of the coolest and most delicious Asian spots in Lisbon, I would say. Their interior is stunning and they really got the storytelling game down. Their menu looks like a passport taking you on a trip to explore the beauty of Asia. Everything is so thought through - I was beyond impressed. By the way, they also have a location in Porto!
OTHER PLACES I HAD PUT ON MY CITY BUCKET LIST..BUT UNFORTUNATELY DIDN'T GET TO VISIT ARE...
The super famous bakery serving Lisbon's traditional "pudding sweets". Unfortunately, the place was super crowded when we visited Belém that we had to skip it. But, I tried the "sweet" at another location and it tasted delicious. A little bit too sweet for my green taste buds but a great experience. Location: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisbon, Portugal
A super nice antique place worth checking out, not only for the food, but also for the architecture/ design. Location: R. das Portas de Santo Antão 58, 1150-268 Lisbon, Portugal
A cute little Brunch Spot. Location: R. Santos-O-Velho 2 e 4, 1200-109 Lisbon, Portugal
Bythewine is a perfect location for a nice glass of wine. Their interior is stunning and it's located right in the "heart of the city". So, it's even worth just walking by, if you don't feel like a drink. Location: Rua das Flores 41 43, 1200-193, Lisbon, Portugal
I was told that there are only two Michelin Star Chefs in Portugal currently. One of them is Jose Avillez, Star Chef of the Minibar. I'm beyond sad, I didn't get the chance to go to one of his amazing restaurants. Other options from his portfolio are: Belcanto, Bario do Avillez and Beca - Cabaret Gourmet and Cantinho do Avillez.
A beautiful place to dine I think. Location: Tv, Pedras Negras 2, 1100-404 Lisbon, Portugal
A cute little Coffee Spot and alternative to the Copenhagen Coffee Lab. Location: R. das Portas de Santo Antão 136, 1150-269 Lisbon, Portugal.
8. ZENITH BRUNCH AND COCKTAILS
Super nice Brunch spot. The images looked stunning. Location: R. do Telhal 4A, 1150-346 Lisbon, Portugal
9. NICOLAU LISBON (AMELIA LISBOA)
Brunch spot with a beautiful interior. Location: R. de São Nicolau 17. 1100-547 Lisbon, Portugal)
Another cool Brunch spot. Location: Tivoli Forum, Piso -1 (Food Court, Av. da Liberdade 180, 1250-146 Lisbon, Portugal)
Cool Coffee Bar and Breakfast Spot. Location: R. da Escola Politécnica 85-87, 1200-279 Lisbon, Portugal
Mexican Taco Spot - Perfect if you feel like Mexican Lunch or Dinner. Location: Rua da Boavista 16, 1200-275 Lisbon, Portugal
Beautiful Veggie Restaurant. I'm sure the food is delicious. Location: Largo Graça 77, 1170-165 Lisbon, Portugal
The perfect place for all Seafood lovers. Location: R. Dom Pedro V 129, 1250-096 Lisboa, Portugal
Another great Breakfast spot. Location: R. Moeda 1A 1200-109 Lisbon, Portugal.
And... another breakfast option. Location: 1150 R. São José 182 Lisbon, Portugal.
Another breakfast option. You see, I am a breakfast lover! Location: R. de Sant'Ana à Lapa 33, 1200-796 Lisbon, Portugal
Great location for Brunch or Lunch as they have many savory options. Location: R. da Palmeira 23, 1200-311 Lisbon, Portugal
And last but not least, another Brunch/ Lunch recommendation. Location: Rua da Sociedade Farmacêutica 31, 1150-103 Lisbon, Portugal