For the Love of Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, its origins dating back as far as the Iron Age and a Phoenician trading post since 1200 BC. As such the city is steeped in history and culture, graced by natural beauty and a great geographical location. A born ‘Alfacinha’ (nickname given to those born in the Lisbon), I am proud of the city’s heritage and would like to share some of its spots, museums, restaurants and shops to its many visitors. Please note the list is in no partícula order and a continuously a work is progress!

Lisbon has seen an explosion of great restaurants over the last few years beyond the traditional Portuguese cuisine. These are some, to name a few only, of my favourite places in Lisbon. Lisbon also has a number of 5 star Michelin restaurants, which you will easily find, so I will list below 2 of my favourites. Regardless of the type of restaurant you choose to visit, it is my strongest recommendation that you pre-book them, especially in high-season, to avoid disappointment!!!! I recommend you use thefork .pt for your restaurants bookings. Most restaurants are listed there (not all!) and you can make it from the comfort of your home even before you leave. App and online version.

Lisbon, like many big cities suffered, a desertion of small retails shops from the 80-ies with the emergence of large shopping malls in the outskirts of the city. Over the last few years, small retail shops have once again been opening in the city centre and miraculously a few old shops managed to survive against all odds. The city of Lisbon has created a website that 'collects' a list of these traditional businesses under under the umbrella of www.lojascomhistoria.pt. Please have a look and support these businesses! I have listed here some of my favourite retail spaces in Lisbon included and in this list but also beyond.

I am not going to try and define or explain fado here and I am sure that, to some extent or another, you all have heard of it. Fado comes in many styles, shapes and forms (far beyond my knowledge), but perhaps I will simply it and mention here 2 forms; the more traditional fado, perhaps the one that expresses the famous saudade ('longing' would be an oversimplification) so associated with fado and the 'fado vadio' a perhaps lighter street version fado, more joyful, often songs by amateur singers with the crowds joining in. Recommending fado is not easy, as it is so 'a matter of taste' and very dependent on the artists performing on a specific day. Many places offer a show and dinner and others allow the guests to enjoy the show with only a few drinks (normally at a later time). Again a qualified statement here, the quality of food varies immensely and there are certainly some tourist traps out there. Below you will find a list of a few places that have been recommended (generally or specifically by previous guests). VERY IMPORTANT: Please book in advance (dinner and show) and please beware that many places accept ONLY cash or Portuguese debit cards only!!! I hope that you enjoy and any feedback would be extremely welcomed as at the end of the day, you are your own best judges!!!