Spring in Lisbon
Lisbon is an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway. As a capital city, it’s not overwhelmingly large, making it easy to explore its various bairros—each with its own unique character and special sights to discover.
Chiado is a great neighborhood to stay in—right next to Bairro Alto, but without the overwhelming crowds. From there, you can easily walk to many of the city’s most interesting spots. Just be prepared the charming hills of Lisbon require a bit of a workout.
I’ll guide you to some fantastic restaurants, cozy cocktail bars, and unique shops worth exploring.
Food
Situated right by the Atlantic Ocean, Lisbon offers an abundance of fresh fish and seafood. Restaurant Nunes Real Marisqueira, located near the Belém Tower, is a true seafood lover’s paradise. We started with the steamed clams and spider crab served in its shell—finger-licking good and very generous portions. For the main course was the sole meunière, perfectly cooked and served in a rich butter sauce.
The wine list is extensive, featuring many excellent Portuguese selections, and the knowledgeable staff are happy to guide you through the options. The decor follows a maritime theme, with large tanks of live fish and slightly grandiose statues of sea gods. It’s not uncommon to see waiters parading enormous lobsters past the tables for those considering one of the lobster dishes.
The atmosphere is refined but not pretentious—the clientele is sophisticated yet relaxed. While dinner isn’t exactly cheap (our bill came to €250), it’s well worth it for the quality of the food and the overall experience.
Spider crab in its shell at Nunes
Steamed clams at Nunes
Sole Meunière at Nunes
Up for a flavor adventure, try Las Dos Manos—a fusion restaurant that creatively blends Mexican and Japanese flavors. The menu ranges from delicate tuna sashimi to tostadas topped with ultra-fresh salmon, and Yakitori made with tender Iberico pork. Everything is complemented by a selection of bold, flavorful cocktails.
The ambiance is a playful mix of Mexican and Japanese influences, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. Just a heads-up: the service is on the quicker side, so this is a great spot for amazing food, but not ideal if you're looking to linger over a long, slow dinner. Our bill for two came to around €160.
On our final evening, we dined at Santa Joana, the renowned restaurant by chef Nuno Mendes. Housed in a beautifully restored and spacious old convent, the setting was as impressive as the cuisine. The menu featured inventive fish, vegetarian, and meat dishes—like charred green asparagus with angel hair brassicas, a delicate 'dried' onion soup, and aged beef fillet with brandy and peppercorn sauce, served alongside caramelized Jerusalem artichokes. The wine list was outstanding, showcasing an elegant selection of Portuguese wines expertly recommended by the knowledgeable staff. The overall bill came to around €200 for 2.
Charred green asparagus
Aged beef fillet
Restaurant Santa Joana
One cocktail spot you won’t want to miss is Seen Skybar, located in the Tivoli Hotel. Expert bartenders craft exceptional drinks tailored to your taste.
Cocktails at the Seen Skybox
Excellent house cocktails - service with a smile
Another great spot for late afternoon drinks is Memmo Alfama. Tucked away near the old castle but off the beaten path, it remains a bit of a hidden gem. The cocktails are excellent, and the terrace offers stunning views over the cruise ship docks.
Shopping
Lisbon is also an excellent destination for shopping. Its many winding streets are filled with local shops—beyond the usual tourist traps—offering everything from ceramics to textiles and more.
One shop that really stood out to me was Burel Chiado Home, where I picked up some beautiful textile-based art for my home. Everything in the store is crafted from textiles, ranging from wall hangings and decorative pieces to cozy plaids and stylish travel accessories. If you're looking for something truly unique, this place is a must-visit.. They ships items anywhere in the world.
Right next door, Burel also operates a fashion boutique featuring quirky, original clothing—mainly for women—that reflects the same creative spirit.
Decoration objects
Plaids and scarves
Wall decoration at Burel
For quirky home decor, unique jewelry, and stylish travel accessories, head to Lisboa Paper Company. The staff are incredibly friendly and let you browse at your own pace. They also host creative workshops on a variety of themes, adding an extra layer of charm to the experience.
Known for its sardines, Portugal naturally has its own chain of shops dedicated to these iconic delicacies. Scattered throughout the city, Portuguese Sardine shops sell sardines and other fish beautifully packaged in decorative tins—each one a little piece of art in itself.
