Visit Lisbon as a local

A few addresses to explore Lisbon as a local

Before leaving Lisbon , it is necessary to learn about the must-see visits like the Castelo de São Jorge, the Tour de Belém, or even in the vicinity the city, to the very pretty Sintra . But when you arrive in the Portuguese capital, you quickly realize that these monuments and other flagship activities become less and less important to you. The idea of exploring the colorful neighbourhoods of the city and embracing the rhythm of everyday life quickly surpasses everything else.

Lisbon gives the impression of being a pocket town, accessible, and the Lisboets are passionate about what their city offers.

Mangez Portugais

Portuguese cuisine is very diverse and delicious, but it can be difficult to explain what composes each dish. So don’t be afraid and try Portuguese cuisine, you won’t regret it. You can try heavy dishes like the Feijoada (beans, meat and sausages) or the Cozido in Portuguesa (meat, potatoes, white beans and usually soup). Just for soup, try the Caldo Verde (most typical of the North, but it’s good and simple). Eat it with some chouriço and corn bread. In terms of seafood and fish, try the Amêijoas in Bulhão Pato (palourdes) or the Bacalhau in Brás (mortum, potatoes and eggs). For dessert, enjoy one (and even two) Pastes of Nata (hot, cinnamon and powdered sugar).

Le Mercado da Ribeira

This daring reinvention of this market began in the spring of 2014. While the traditional fish market and other products that have been operating since the 19th century remains present, the largest chefs and local restaurants have opened "satellite" stands here, including the Santini ice merchant and sandwiches prego SeaMe. You can also eat bolo do caco , a circular mellow bread subtly scented with garlic butter and herbs. But one of the best things you might taste in Lisbon is perhaps the bolo do caco com chouriço A chorizo sandwich. The market is still crowded at midnight on the weekend. An ideal place for you to test the true local experience.

Manteigaria et ses Pastéis de Nata

You can't leave Lisbon without having tasted the famous cream pies, Pastéis de Belém . Apart from this classic restaurant, pastries are called Pastéis de Nata. Here are probably the best pastry shops in the city, but success sometimes has disadvantages: there are many tourists and so much waiting. Instead, you can go to the lift Manteigaria (Praça de Luis de Camões), in the Chiado district, to take a coffee and sublime tarts with a crust of butter and hot and sweet pastry cream.

LX Factory

The best time to visit this former industrial complex transformed into a creative hub, located under the iconic bridge of April 25, is on Sunday, when a very "hype" chip market is installed with different shops. The Alcântara district is full of lively cafes and restaurants, and nice shops, and innovative art galleries to explore.

PARK

Because Lisbon is a city built on several hills (the "city with seven hills"), finding a fantastic view is not a problem. But rising above the rest, as in the small paved streets of Alfama, is another case. There is no sign indicating to pedestrians the presence of PARK (58, Calçada do Combro), a “garden bar” located on the roof of a seven-storey car park, so it is enough to find the elevator and to get there.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

For another exceptional view of the city’s roofs, you can climb up to Santa Luzia, another view from which you will be entitled to a breathtaking view of the dome of Santa Engracia (also known as the National Pantheon), the church of Santo Estevão and the two white towers of the church of São Miguel.

What to bring home?

If these are Portuguese products you want, your first stop will be A Vida Portuguesa (Mercado da Ribeira), a treasure of fantasy finds, magazines and jewelry, passing through the famous tiles that have long been the architectural tour map of the city.

To Goodies Boutique (17, Largo da Trindade), guests are welcomed by smiling faces, Porto wines, and a selection of local products such as teas, jams, biscuits, olive oils and much more.

Where to stay?

Because Lisbon is less expensive than many other major European cities, it is possible to find special offers in hotels. But what more exciting than renting an apartment to melt in the local mussel? The HouseTrip.fr apartment rental website offers a wide selection of apartments in Lisbon at very affordable prices. A good way to get up in the morning and be immediately bathed in local culture, especially if you find an apartment in one of the countless alleys.