The ‘Clara Clara’ Cafe in Alfama Lisbon is a kiosk in the garden-terrace of Boto Machado (or Santa Clara), overlooking the Tagus (Tejo) River and the National Pantheon (Church of Santa Engracia), in the heart of Lisbon’s legendary flea market, Feira da Ladra, litt. thieves market. ‘Clara Clara’ kiosk cafe in the heart of fleamarket Feira da Ladra, [...]
Artist Carlos Fernandez was born and raised in Mouraria, a historic (old Moorish) down town area in Lisbon. Together with Alfama, the Mouraria area is a muddle of very narrow streets and small squares, which gives the visitor a glimpse of a forgotten age. Mouraria, Lisbon: nostalgic drawing by Carlos Fernandez Carlos Fernandez earns his [...]
Restaurant São Cristóvão is a tiny place in Lisbon’s historical city center Alfama near Mouraria, the oldest areas of Lisbon and a narrowed maze of tiny streets and stairs. Really worth a visit! Owner Maria Levy in her restaurant São Cristóvão, Alfama Lisbon This small family-run restaurant is famous for its Cape Verdean- and other African dishes. The menu also [...]
Right next to one of the most popular viewpoints (miradouros) on the river Tagus (Tejo) in Lisbon Adamastor, you’ll find Palácio Verride, a former 18th- century Palace, better known as Palácio de Santa Catarina. ‘Pop Up’ 2010 Art Gallery Santa Catarina Palace: Artwork Tiago Chagas Nowadays the municipality of Lisbon is the owner of the former Palace, and excellent art [...]
One of Lisbon’s coolest flower shops, ‘FlowerPower’, is nowadays also a café/restaurant . A unique concept of healthy eating amid the hustle and bustle of Lisbon’s bohemien haunt of artists and writers: the legendary Bairro Alto district. ‘FlowerPower’ cafe/restaurant & vintage interior design As soon as you enter the place you feel the relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a light [...]
Terrace ‘Portas do Sol’ (Gates to the Sun) has opened his doors in October 2009, in Lisbon’s historical center, close to the famous viewpoint (miradouro) with the same name, at Largo das Portas do Sol. A new terrace coffee , cocktail bar and restaurant, designed in a way to make full use of its exceptional location. The lounge [...]
A little bit hidden in the former Moorish quarter Mouraria, in a small street of one of Lisbon’s oldest districts, you’ll find Restaurant ‘Zé da Mouraria’, mainly visited by local Portuguese. Great typical Portuguese food and, also important, very nice people and a very informal atmosphere . One of my favorites! (Air-conditioned in summertime). Restaurant ‘Zé da Mouraria’, Rua João do Outeiro [...]
Wonderful Largo do Carmo, located close to the heart of the legendary Bairro Alto district, in Chiado, is one of my favorite squares in Lisbon: the beautiful trees, the historical buildings, the atmosphere, the fascinating church ruins, the extraordinary Santa Justa elevator and the amazing city views! Largo do Carmo, March 2010 This picturesque square is a very popular tourist [...]
Fado is Portugal’s most well known music. Traditionally, the fado houses in Portugal are popular and a meeting spot for families and friends. In general: stay away in Lisbon from practically all fado places in Bairro Alto. They are too touristy and the quality not always worth the high prices, a tourist trap! ‘Vai Tu’ is a local community group. [...]
In December, thousands of colorful lights decorate Lisbon. Portuguese people love ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, celebrating Christmas with a lot of X-mas kitsch. Everywhere you look you see blinking neon lights, Christmas markets and decorated shops. If you are a Christmas hater, maybe it’s a better idea to visit this fascinating city [...]
