There's a lot to love about Lisbon. With its world-class restaurants, thriving art and design scene and vibrant nightlife, the Portuguese capital is a must-visit for any discerning traveller.
Whether you're planning a brief sojourn or a longer stay in the city, you're going to want to come prepared – which is where we come in. With some help from our friend Pedro Palha – Lisbon local and co-founder of Portuguese label ISTO. – we've compiled a list of some of the coolest shops, restaurants and bars to visit. From minimalist menswear stores to natural wine bars: these are the hot spots you need to know.
What to do in Lisbon
SHOP
ISTO.
Praça do Príncipe Real 26, 1250-184
Do your wardrobe a favour and stop in at ISTO., an independent Lisbon-based brand that's all about slow, conscious fashion. You'll find a curated range of seasonless staples sustainably made from premium fabrics like organic cotton, linen and merino wool – from classic tees and cosy knitwear to button-down shirts and workwear-inspired jackets.
JAK
Rua Nova da Trindade 4A, 1200-302
JAK's Portuguese-made sneakers have garnered a huge following amongst lovers of minimalist design, and it's not difficult to see why. Clean, contemporary and – most importantly – consciously crafted, they inject just the right amount of character into any outfit. Opt for something sleek and simple, like the bestselling Royal White, or go for a pair that will turn heads for all the right reasons – the Python Bottle gets our vote.
FORA
Rua da Misericórdia 90, 1200-273
Pay a visit to FORA for beautifully handcrafted vintage-inspired sunglasses. Each pair is designed in Portugal and made locally using premium Italian acetate and ZEISS lenses, so you can be guaranteed they'll stand the test of time. The minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired store itself is a design lover's dream.
EAT
Prado
Tv. Pedras Negras 2, 1100-404
Renowned restaurant Prado is headed up by chef António Galapito, who celebrates farm-to-table dining using local and seasonal ingredients – think cabbage heart, hooked squid and Barrosã beef – alongside organic and biodynamic wines. Housed in an airy, high-ceilinged former fish market that's filled with lush greenery, it's an aesthete's dream.
Ramiro
Av. Alm. Reis 1, 1150-038
You're most likely going to have to queue for a while to nab a table at Ramiro, but trust us: it's worth it. Beloved by locals, this three-floor seafood restaurant and beer hall is a lively establishment that guarantees a good time. Order a feast of shellfish (don't miss the crab and scarlet prawns), wash it all down with a few glasses of vinho verde and stumble out with a huge grin on your face.
SEM
Rua das Escolas Gerais 120, 1100-383
SEM is shaping up to be one of Lisbon's hottest restaurant openings of 2021. And it's clear to see why. With a focus on waste-free, regenerative cooking, it serves as a refreshing reminder that "every leaf, stem, skin, seed, root, bone, has a purpose". The restaurant serves up a five-course tasting menu, while the wine bar next door offers a stripped back à la carte version. Expect innovative and playful dishes and low intervention wines.
DRINK
Bla Bla Glu Glu
Largo das Olarias 22, 1100-376
After launching the much-loved restaurant Taberna do Calhau in 2019, Lisbon chef Leopoldo Garcia Calhau opened Bla Bla Glu Glu right next door in the summer of 2020. The wine bar serves a selection of natural wines from European producers alongside Portuguese-style tapas (known as petiscos). Be sure to try the egg and truffle croissant.
Casa do Capitão
Rua do Grilo 119, 1950-144
Culture lovers can't miss Casa do Capitão, a dynamic pop-up initiative that has become a space for multidisciplinary cultural programming. Enjoy concerts, DJ sets, workshops, exhibitions, staged readings and more, as you tuck into the delicious food and craft beer on offer.
Park Bar
Calçada do Combro 58, 1200-452
While away your afternoon sipping cocktails and taking in the breathtaking views from Park Bar, a rooftop bar located on the sixth floor of a car park in Lisbon's Bairro Alto district. As evening descends, DJs take to the decks, making for an ultra-chilled vibe.
Read our guide to the best menswear stores in London.
