Spend a day in Lisbon with us, sampling traditional treats, taking in the views from its miradouros, and exploring Portugal’s crafty heritage.
We’ll take you around the neighborhoods of Chiado and Príncipe Real and then head down to Estrela for a wine tasting just before catching the sunset at Cais do Sodré. The walk is around three miles, and ideally, it should take a day to complete, but if you have time to spare, you could easily divide it into two parts. It’s up to you!
10 a.m. Tuck into a Pastel de Nata
If you’re visiting Lisbon, you must try the pastel de nata. You can find this delicious custard tart all over the city, but our favorite one is from Manteigaria. Treat yourself to one or two pastéis, and watch them bake the next batch in the back.
10:30 a.m. Visit the Burel showrooms
Textiles are one of Portugal’s traditional crafts. Hailing from Serra da Estrela, the Burel Factory produces stunning textiles made from sustainable wool. We highly recommend visiting their showrooms in Lisbon.
Our Farah Trading Co team making our selection of textiles for import at the Burel showroom in Lisbon
11 a.m. Explore A Vida Portuguesa
Just a few minutes from Burel, you’ll find A Vida Portuguesa. This local shop features many Portuguese vintage brands. It’s the perfect place for souvenirs. Whether you’re looking for stationery items, canned sardines, or ceramics, it’s all here.
11:30 a.m. Admire the Carmo Convent
The 1755 earthquake destroyed much of the city. While many buildings were rebuilt, the Carmo Convent was left in ruins as a reminder of that tragic event. Take a wander around the building (catching the views from Terraços do Carmo), or step inside to visit the Archaeological Museum.
12:30 p.m. Relish the views at Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara
Stop at the Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara to admire the views of the castle and the Tejo river.
1 p.m. Lunch break
Swing by Ofício for lunch, a cozy restaurant serving up a creative mix of dishes with influences from all over the country. Alternatively, you can walk a bit further up to Faz Frio, which focuses on traditional Portuguese dishes.
2 p.m. Go shopping at Embaixada
Venture into Príncipe Real, where you’ll find Embaixada. This Neo-Arab palace has been converted into a stunning shopping gallery showcasing local designers.
Embaixada
3 p.m. Stroll through Jardim da Estrela
From Embaixada, it’s a 15-minute walk to Jardim da Estrela. Take some time to relax in this semi-tropical garden. On weekends, you can often catch a local craft market here. It's only a few steps from the 18th-century church Basílica da Estrela. If you’re lucky, you might spot the 28 tram passing by.
4 p.m. Wine tasting at Holy Wine
Drop by Holy Wine, a tiny shop-cum-bar dedicated to natural and organic wines run by two Russian friends. They offer tastings of local and international brands, including some rare finds. You can also take a bottle home.
4 p.m. Stroll through Jardim da Estrela
Take some time to relax in this semi-tropical garden. On weekends, you can often catch a local craft market here. It's only a few steps from the 18th-century church Basílica da Estrela. If you’re lucky, you might spot the 28 tram passing by.
5 p.m. Stock up at Comida Independente
Slowly wander down to Comida Independente. This gourmet-style deli supports small Portuguese producers. You can find anything from cheese to charcuterie, as well as wines. The friendly staff will gladly give you a recommendation.
6 p.m. Catch the sunset by the river
Make your way to Cais do Sodré in time to watch the sunset at Ribeira das Naus. There are a couple of kiosks by the river where you can unwind with a drink.
Bars next to the river in Lisbon
7 p.m. Dinner time
Settle down for a meal at Sala de Corte, a steakhouse specializing in aged meats. For something a bit lighter, you can stop by the Quiosque São Paulo, which serves delicious petiscos (Portuguese-style tapas). Top it up with a glass of ginjinha, a traditional Lisbon liqueur made with sour cherries.
9 p.m. Drinks in Cais do Sodré
Feel like staying up a bit later? If so, you can continue the night at Cais do Sodré, one of Lisbon’s party districts. Grab a cocktail at COPA, a lively bar serving sugar cane spirits, or taste some local craft beer at Musa da Bica.
We hope you enjoyed wandering around the Portuguese capital with us. Check out our post on top things to do in Lisbon to see what else you should see when visiting this sunny city.
1 comment
lovely website – great ideas for our upcoming short trip to Portugal (Lisbon, Santa Cruz and Evora)
thank you