A Lisbon guide from the inside

March 20, 2017November 11, 2018

History Castle of Saint George Lisbon, knight Martim Moniz & breathtaking views

For the most breathtaking views of the Tagus and Lisbon, walk the esplanades and climb the ramparts of the old Castelo de São Jorge (Castle of Saint George), located on the highest of the seven hills of the historic centre of the city. It is one of the main historical and tourist sites.

Lisbon-castle-entrance

Castle of Saint George

Singer inside the walls of the Castle (video)

Castelo do Sao Jorge entrance

Entrance Castle of Saint George Lisbon

Although the first fortifications on the Lisbon hilltop are known to date only from the 2nd century BC, archaeological research has shown that human occupation exists there at least since the 6th century BC, originally from autochthonous Celtic and Iberian tribes (with probable Phoenician, Greek and Carthaginian influences), afterwards Roman, Suevi, Visigothic and Moorish.

Lisbon-castle-upon-the-hill

Castle of Saint George

In the context of the Christian Reconquista the castle and the city of Lisbon were retaken from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques with the help of Northern European crusaders taking part on the Second Crusade. The Siege of Lisbon, which took place in 1147, was the only success of that Crusade.

Knight Martim Moniz

According to a famous legend, the knight Martim Moniz, noting that one of the doors to the castle was opened, prevented the door from closing again with his own body, sacrificing his life but allowing the Christians to enter the castle.

Lisbon-Castle-Statue_King_Afonso_Henriques_Portugal

In the square stands a heroic statue — sword in one hand, shield in the other — of the first king, Afonso Henríques

Picture: Martijn Kramers

Many of the existing walls were erected during the centuries of Moorish domination. The Moors held power until 1147, the year Afonso Henríques chased them out and extended his kingdom south.

Even before Lisbon became the capital of the newly emerging nation, the site was used as a royal palace.

Lisbon: view from Castelo Sao Jorge

Wonderful views!

The castle overlooks the historic area Alfama, the mountains of Monsanto and Sintra, Ponte do 25 de Abril (25 April Bridge), Praça do Comércio, and the tile roofs of the Portuguese capital, Lisbon.

Lisbon seen from the Castle of Jao Jorge April 25 Bridge

Castle of Saint George (Castelo de São Jorge)

Address: Rua da Costa do Castelo
Bus: 37 Tram: 12 or 28
Website: www.castelosaojorge.egeac.pt

Prices: check the website, free for children under 10

Lisbon-castle-overlookiing-the-tagus from the Castelo

March 5, 2017June 25, 2021

Lisbon’s unique Lavra funicular, steep slope & statue dr. Sousa Martins

The Lavra funicular was the first street funicular in the world. It opened on 19 April 1884 and carried 3000 people, free of charge, on that day alone! Originally water-powered, it was converted to electricity in 1915.

Lisbon funicular Lavra1 Rua de Sao Jose

YouTube Lavra funicular Lisbon

It runs from the Rua de São José (near Largo da Anunciada) to Travessa do Forno do Torel. To reach the bottom of the funicular, turn right off the Avenida da Liberdade, or, from Rossio Square, it’s a 10 minute-walk through Rua das Portas de Santo Antão.

Lisbon Lavra funicular Rua de São José6

Waiting for the driver……

Lisbon has three working street funiculars: Lavra, Gloria and Bica, which allow its citizens and visitors to move to and from its hilly districts more easily. All are operated by Carris, (including timetables and funicular’s history) the Lisbon city transport undertaking.

Lisbon Lavra funicular Travessa do Forno do Torel

For me, it is still a miracle!

When you turn left off the funicular, after passing Rua do Instituto Bacteriológico, there’s a lovely park, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, located on one of the 7 hills of Lisbon, the view from here is really wonderful!

Monument dr Martin Sousa

Here you will be surprised by the spontaneous religious fervour of Portuguese people who have honoured the statue of doctor Sousa Martins in front of the Faculty of Medicine. Yet since the memorial was erected in 1904, it has become the focal point for a religious devotion. People who come here believe that by praying to him and asking for his intervention, they will be cured. More….

Lisbon Lavra funicular driver

Lavra funicular hours of operation: 07:00-22:45, every day except Sunday, when the opening time is 09:00. One way ticket: cheap.

February 6, 2017April 21, 2021

The ‘miraculous’ cures of Dr. Sousa Martins & Memorial Statue Lisbon

Dr. José Tomás de Sousa Martins (1843-1897) was a doctor and pharmacist renowned for his work amongst the poor in Lisbon. After his death, a secular cult has arisen around him in which he is thanked for ‘miraculous’ cures.

Lisbon Monument Dr Sousa Martins Campo de Santana10

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Lisbon

Born in Alhandra Dr. Sousa Martins moved to Lisbon in his youth, and qualified in pharmacy (1864) and medicine (1866). He then practiced as a doctor in the Pena area of Lisbon, specialising in the treatment of tuberculosis. His work was entirely on a secular basis, but he was noted in his life for the care he gave to the poor.

Suicide

In 1897, realising that he has contracted tuberculosis himself and could only expect a painful death, he committed suicide.

Lisbon Monument Dr Sousa Martins Campo de Santana8

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Lisbon

Religious devotion

Yet since the memorial was erected in 1904 at Campo dos Mártires da Pátria outside the main Faculty of Medicine, it has become the focal point for a religious devotion to Dr. Sousa Martins. People who come here believe that by praying to him and asking for his intervention, they will be cured.

After more than 100 years after his life, people still pray to the doctor and burn candles, to ask or thank him for medical cure.

Lisbon Monument Dr Sousa Martins Campo de Santana9

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Lisbon

It’s quite amazing to see how devoted people are to a dead doctor….

Lisbon Monument Dr Sousa Martins Campo de Santana1

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Lisbon

Those who have been healed offer their gratitude in the way of marble plaques.

Lisbon Monument Dr Sousa Martins Campo de Santana3

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Lisbon

The foot of the statue is surrounded by marble plaques giving thanks to him for unexpected cures, candles burn and flowers are placed around the monument.

Lisbon Monument Dr Sousa Martins Campo de Santana7

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Lisbon

A little child’s picture on a marble plaque… The veneration of dr. Sousa Martins was never recognized by the Catholic Church but it remains until nowadays.

Lisbon Monument Dr Sousa Martins Campo de Santana5

Campo dos Mártires da Pátria Lisbon

Flowers, wax candles, and religious articles are for sale here. In the nearby lovely park is a small cafe “O Coreto’. Besides: this place is located on one of the 7 hills of Lisbon, the view from here is really wonderful.

Lisbon dr Sousa Martins wax candles small shops

Candles with dr Sousa Martins’ picture are for sale in lots of small shops in Lisbon.

How to reach this place

February 3, 2017August 11, 2021

Bizarre bar Pavilhão Chines Lisbon: 1900s style curiosities & kitsch

A ‘must-see’ when you visit Lisbon! Once an old grocery store, this 1900s style bar, 10 minutes walk from Bairro Alto ‘s nightlife is really unique!

Lisbon Paviljao Chines7 bar retaurant

Pavilhão Chines Lisbon: one of the most interesting and unusual decorated bars I’ve ever seen!

A good start to Lisbon’s nightlife. You have to ring the doorbell, like in many other Portuguese places. The reason for the closed doors is that the owners want to welcome you personally.

Erotic art: menu book bar Pavilhão Chines Lisbon

If you wish, you can buy a fine menu book with a lot of beautiful pictures and stories (20 euro) as a reminder of your visit.

Lisbon Paviljao Chines8 bar restaurant

Pavilhão Chines bar Lisbon

Fascinating collection of all sort of things, like lead soldiers, contemporary engravings, humorous ceramics and models of war planes.

Lisbon Pavilhão Chines3

Pavilhão Chines Lisbon: miniscule toy soldiers are perfectly aligned.

Walking from room to room is like going through a museum with curiosities and kitch from all over the world. It is said that only one man collected all this stuff….almost unbelievable!

Lisbon Pavilhão Chines4 bar restaurant

Pavilhão Chines Lisbon: nothing is for sale

Once sitting down at one of the beautiful tables, the choice of drinks (nothing is for sale, except the drinks and it’s a bit expensive..) is quite large: from tea, wine, cocktails to champagne.

Lisbon Pavilhão Chines9 bar restaurant

Pavilhão Chines Lisbon

You can have a drink while listening to the jukebox playing classic rock songs from the 60’s and 70’s or play snooker, and then walk down to the Bairro Alto and enjoy the night..

Top 10 bars with live music in this area, Bairro Alto

Lisbon Pavilhão Chines 10 unique bar and restaurant

Pavilhão Chines Lisbon, open from 18:00 – 02:00, smoking allowed

Address: Rua Dom Pedro V 89-91, Bairro Alto. Tel: (00351)213 424 72.

Lisbon Pavilhao Chines Bar

FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/pavilhaochineslisboa

January 13, 2017October 8, 2023

From Rossio train-metro Station Lisbon to Pena Palace in Sintra/ Queluz Palace

Rossio train- and metro station (Estação do Rossio) is incredibly unique, located between Rossio and Restauradores in Lisbon. The beautiful neo-manueline architecture was designed by architect José Luís Monteiro, completed in 1887.

Lisbon Rossio Station at night

Rossio train- and metro station Lisbon

The Neo-Manueline façade dominates the northwest side of the square and is a Romantic recreation of the exuberant Manueline style, typical of early 16th century in Portugal. Its most interesting features are the two intertwined horseshoe portals at the entrance, the watch in a small turret and the abundant sculptural decoration.

Rossio station, Largo do Duque de Cadaval, Lisbon World Cup Football 2010

Near the station you can have a drink at Largo do Duque de Cadaval, which is a really nice square full of open-air cafés.

Lisbon Rossio Station inside Train

Rossio train- and metro station Lisbon

Inside the station, the platform is connected by ramps to the façade level and is covered by a cast-iron structure. The station is an important example of Romantic (façade) and Cast-iron (platform cover) architecture in Portugal.

Lisbon Station Rossio inside

Rossio train- and metro station Lisbon

Downstairs is Rossio’s metro station (green line). Metropolitano de Lisboa, Lisbon Metro official page (also in English), you’ll find a map with a network diagram and explanation of the metro lines.

Lisbon Rossio Station train to Sintra

Rossio train- and metro station Lisbon

Visit Sintra and Queluz, easy to reach by train from Rossio train- and metro station

The wonderful Rossio train- and metro station is a must see if you visit Lisbon.

If you like to visit Sintra, the famous World Heritage town and the Pena National Palace just outside Lisbon or the National Palace in Queluz, you can take the train here for a cheap price.

From Rossio Station to Sintra station

Sintra Station.

Trains to Sintra (and vice versa) leave every 15 minutes, a 45 minute trip. The access of trains to the Rossio station is made by a tunnel more than 2600 m long. This tunnel was escavated under the city and is considered one of the most important works of engineering of Portugal in the XIX century.

From Rossio Station Lisbon to Sintra station

Sintra Station

Besides: if you prefer to go by car to visit Sintra, the IC19 superhighway takes you directly from the city and it comes to an end at Sintra . Parking is possible, 10 minutes walk from the center of Sintra.

Sintra Palacio da Pena

The Pena National Palace, built by a noble man for his Portuguese wife

A one-day ticket (around 7 Euro) can be bought at Sintra station and will allow you to get on and off at all the main attractions, like f.i. Pena Palace and The Moorish Castle.

Sintra National Pena Palace July 2011. Picture: Maurits Benschop

December 15, 2016April 27, 2021

Village Underground Lisbon: creative community & Polly Robbins

How about a delicious dinner in a dubble-decker retro bus beneath the 25th April Bridge? A great experience, but Village Underground in Lisbon offers much more! It’s a coworking center for creative- and event industries located at the Santo Amaro station in Alcântara, next to the Carris vintage trams & buses Museum.

Village Underground Lisbon in summertime

Lisbon: the hippest place to be

For years, Lisbon was somewhat off the beaten track for young travellers, or millennials seeking a new home. The Portuguese capital crumbled romantically while London, Paris, Barcelona and more recently Berlin enjoyed the cultural status. Yet in the last 10 years the city has seen an explosion in culture, tourism and entrepreneurialism, and is now surpassing its European rivals as the hippest place to be!

The Village Underground in Lisbon & Polly Robbins, November 2016

Who are you and how have you found yourself at Village Underground?

Polly Robbins: “I come from London. I love London, but the pace of life is crazy and I felt like spending some time in another European capital. Lisbon particularly attracted me because I’m interested in urban cultural development. I studied sociology, looking at how art movements develop in cities, and for the last 3 years I’ve been running a business in London that takes over empty spaces and makes them into venues for culture”.

Village Underground Lisbon

Ex-pats & tourists in Lisbon

Polly Robbins: ‘I heard about Village Underground Lisbon from a contact who knows the London branch. So I contacted Mariana (Director VU), got some funding from the EU Erasmus Young Entrepreneurs scheme, and here I am. At Village Underground I am developing marketing and communications, specifically for the ex-pat and tourists in Lisbon. I’m also developing ways for the co-working community to share their skills and feel more part of a community”.

Village Underground Lisbon

So what is Village Underground?

Polly:” It’s a project that began in London in 2009 when a group of friends had a crazy idea to hoist to some decommissioned tube train carriages onto the roof of a building and create a co-working space in Shoreditch. Mariana Duarte Silva, who is the Director of Village Underground Lisbon, was working in London when she came across the space and took a desk to set up her own music agency. She fell in love with it and brought the concept back to Lisbon, where the doors opened in 2012″.

Village Underground Lisbon & one of the retro dubble-decker buses

Creative community

Polly: “Village Underground Lisboa sits at the end of the municipal tram yard, beneath the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril. It consists of 14 shipping containers which act as a co-working space for the creative industries. There are about 35 people working here, in web design, graphic design, video making, branding, theatre and music”.

Village Underground Lisbon & one of the dubble-decker retro buses, November 2016

Cafe/restaurant & events from January 2017

“There are 2 converted retro buses, one is a café, open to the public every lunchtime and for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays. And in addition, there’s a warehouse space used for events and exhibitions, a recording studio, a large space outside used for events and a skate ramp.

There is a great range of events going on at Village Underground, from parties with electronic and live music, to markets, to exhibitions and performance. Starting January 2017 these will be hosted every Friday and Saturday”.

Village Underground Lisbon & delicious dinner in a dubble-decker retro bus 🙂

Tasty food & affordable prices

Our dinner: tapas; Peixe (fish): Moqueca de camarão com arroz selvagem (shrimp Moqueca with wild rice); Chili com carne com basmati de coentros (Cili con carne, basmati rice with coriander): wine , water, sobremesa (dessert). Bill: 77 euro (3 persons). A vegetarian dish is also available.

Village Underground Lisbon & a group of visitors

Why should people visit Village Underground?

Polly: “It’s a really interesting space to be in physically, particularly if you like to be surrounded by cool architecture, street art and disused trams and buses! The café serves incredibly tasty food and the team working there is lovely. The people who gravitate towards Village Underground are an amazing bunch – I’ve been warmly welcomed! They come from all walks of life and you don’t have to be chatting too long before you discover that they’re involved in all sorts of weird and wonderful projects”

Village Underground Lisbon & delicious lunch in a dubble-decker retro bus

Muito obrigada! Great food & great service 🙂 🙂

Mafalda Rodrigues, Tania Pines & Mafalda Pais

Village Underground Lisbon & delicious lunch in a dubble-decker retro bus

Vegetarian dish, sandwich with salmon, sweet potatoes, 2 glasses of wine, small bottle of water & coffee: 18 euro

Village Underground Lisbon

Rua 1º DE MAIO, 103

MUSEU DA CARRIS | SANTO AMARO TRAIN STATION

LISBON Wonderful WEBSITE FACEBOOK

Both the interior and the terrace have free Wi-Fi. There is free parking. The only entrance to the Cafeteria is the main gate of the Carris Museum, located at Rua Primeiro de Maio, 103.

Cafetaria, info and reservations. Facebook

October 30, 2016April 9, 2025

Historical area Mouraria Lisbon, fado museum & Amália Rodrigues, queen of fado

No neighborhood in Lisbon is praised more for Fado music than Lisbons historical area Mouraria.

Mouraria Calçada de Santo André balcony with flowers

Mouraria, Calçada de Santo André.

This ‘Bairro‘ (neighborhood) is a maze of little, narrow streets, situated between Graça, Alfama and Costa de Castelo, given it’s name by the first Portugese king, Dom Afonso Henriques (1109 – 1185) , after Lisbon was taken over again by the (Christian) Portugese army from the Moorish overlords. The Moors however kept on living in the city after the conquist and gathered in this area.

Portuguese blues

It is said that the melancholic sounds of the music and singing of the Moorish people was at the base of Fado (meaning fate) music, often described as the Portuguese blues. Its passionate songs overflow with saudade ( yearning), with sorrowful themes like despair, loss, betrayal, jealousy and unrequited love. The little streets of Mouraria are full of typical small grocery stores, old bars (some Fado taverns) and cheap traditional restaurants.

Ginja Cafe in area Mouraria

More history of Fado (and the sad story of the legendary fadista Maria Severa (1820 – 1846) on this website.

Stencilled paste-up of Amalia Rodrigues, Beco dos Cortumes August 2007

Picture: Jef Aerosol. Stencilled paste-up of Amalia Rodrigues, Beco dos Cortumes, Alfama, Lisbon

Amália Rodrigues, Rainha do Fado (‘queen of Fado’) was born near Mouraria on Rua Martim Faz in 1920. She was a genius and worldwide famous Fado singer and lived for many years on Rua de Sao Bento 193. Nowadays her house is a museum, it’s just like she’s still living there… Casa Amalia Rodrigues ; 30 minutes guided tours from Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 – 13:00 and 14:00-18:00. Metro: Rato.

Amália Rodrigues lived near Mouraria, one of her very famous songs: Ai, Mouraria (Oh Mouraria), da velha Rua da Palma (near the old street ‘Rua da Palma’), onde eu um dia (where one day), deixei presa a minha alma (my soul became a prisoner)…

Amalia Rodrigues tomb Panteao Lisbon

On October 6, 1999, Amália Rodrigues died at the age of 79 in her home in Lisbon.

Portugal’s government promptly declared a period of national mourning. She is now buried at the National Pantheon alongside other Portuguese notables.

Amalia Rodrigues shop Rua Aurea 274

‘Discoteca ‘Amalia’ Rua Aurea 274, a shop specialized in traditional Fado music. Very friendly and professional staff.

For those interested in knowing more about fado music style: the Fado Museum is located in front of Largo do Chafariz de Dentro (the historic Alfama neighborhood) including a permanent exhibition, a temporary exhibition area, a documentation centre, a store, a small auditorium, a school, and a restaurant/coffee-shop. Saturdays and Sundays, 4h30pm guided tour of the museum featuring the participation of fado singers of different generations.

Open from 10:00 am – 18:00 (closed on Mondays)

October 19, 2016May 24, 2021

Metro Station Lisbon area Baixa-Chiado: free escalators & avoid hundreds of stairs

Metro Station Baixa-Chiado is a unique and impressive subway, opened in 1998, created by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira.

Metro Station Baixa Chiado Rua do Crucifixo entrance

Metro station entrance Baixo-Chiado Lisbon, Rua do Crucifixo.

Metro station Baixo-Chiado is one of the most important transfer stations, and one of the most crowded of Lisbon.

Metro Station Baixa Chiado entrance tiles

Metro station Baixo-Chiado Lisbon

Beautiful white tiles are covering the station walls.

This metro station has an entrance in the Baixa city center as well as one at a much higher level in the Chiado district, linked by a series of escalators.

Metro Station Baixa Chiado escalator

Metro station Baixo-Chiado Lisbon

Instead of walking (hundreds of stairs from Baixa to Chiado), an alternative and free way is to use the escalators inside the metro station, reaching the Chiado district ca. 5 minutes later.

Of course, walking is also interesting….. 🙂

Metro Station Baixa Chiado metro lines

Metro station Baixo-Chiado Lisbon

The Lisbon Metro operates from 6h30 to 01.00. Tickets: cheap 🙂

Metropolitano de Lisboa : Lisbon Metro official page.

Metro Linha Azul (blue line) Metro Linha Amarela (yellow line) Metro Linha Verde (green line) and Metro Linha Vermelha (red line).

Also including a special section on subway art of Lisbon Metro stations with stunning examples of contemporary azulejos (Portugues tiles).

Metro Station Baixa Chiado escalators up to Chiado

Metro Station Baixa-Chiado

Escalators up to the Chiado district.

Metro station Largo do Chiado Pessoa

Cafe ‘A Brasileira’, Largo do Chiado, near the entrance of the Chiado metro station.

The bronze sculpture of Portugal’s famous writer and poet Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935), is extremely popular. More…….

October 9, 2016May 7, 2021

Top tourist attraction Lisbon: bronze sculpture famous poet Pessoa & history

The bronze sculpture in Lisbon of Portugal’s famous writer and poet Fernando Pessoa (1888-1935) is extremely popular.

Lisbon cafe A Brasileira tourist attraction statue Fernando Pessoa

Sculpture of famous poet Fernando Pessoa, kissed by a young girl, almost 80 years after his death! 🙁

Top tourist attraction

Famous cafe ‘A Brasileira’ ‘s terrace in Lisbon (Rua Garrett 120) is a real tourist attraction. Poet Fernando Pessoa once was a regular customer. His table in bronze was created by Lagoa Henriques.

Pessoa statue Rua Garett A Brasileira9

Famous old cafe ‘A Brasileira’ (‘The Brazilian’, opened in 1905) Lisbon, Rua Garrett

Who was poet and writer Fernando Pessoa?

Pessoa was largely unknown in Portugal until after his death in 1935. The man has no idea he’s mobbed by lots of tourists nowadays, all day long!

Lisbon Pessoa statue Rua Garrett & friend Hans

Sculpture poet Fernando Pessoa Lisbon & Dutch admirer Hans

‘The best way to travel is to feel’ Pessoa wrote, ‘so feel everything in every possible way.’ Pessoa was born in Lisbon in 1888.

Apart from his high school years which he spent with his mother and half brothers in South Africa, he lived in Lisbon without a break, without taking public holidays, without traveling abroad. He did so with the help of heteronyms, inventing many lives (and cities) out of his own, spent between the Chiado area, where he lived.

Restaurant Martinho da Arcada table Pessoa famous Portuguese writer

Quality Restaurant Martinho da Arcade, Lisbon.

Restaurant Martinho da Arcade Lisbon & Pessoa’s table

Portugal’s famous poet and writer Pessoa spent a lot of his time in cafes (like Cafe Martinho da Arcada, where he wrote and drank a lot . He died in 1935, aged 47.

Pessoa’s table is still there…

Fernando Pessoa

Fernando Pessoa

Casa (house) Fernando Pessoa, Rua Coelho da Rocha, 16, Campo de Ourique.

Open from Monday – Saturday 10:00-18:00.

Pessoa drawing Travessa do Sequeiro

Drawing Fernando Pessoa, Travessa do Sequiero Lisbon

“Acordar”, poem by Álvaro de Campos, one of Fernando Pessoa’s various ‘heteronyms’ (imaginary characters).

“Acordar da cidade de Lisboa mais tarde do que as outras
Acordar da Rua do Ouro
Acordar do Rossio, as portas dos cafés
Acordar…..
E no meio de tudo a gare, que nunca dorme
Como um coração que tem que pulsar através de vigilia e do sono”

“The waking up of Lisbon, later than other cities
The waking up of Rua do Ouro
The waking up of Rossio Square, at the doors of its cafes
Waking up…..
And in the middle of it all the train station, which never rests
Like a heart that has to beat in both waking and sleeping hours”

Pessoa drawing Rua 1 Dezembro Lisbon

Rua Primeiro de Dezembro, April 2009

October 4, 2016May 17, 2021

Restaurant Bairro do Avillez Lisbon: suprising seating areas & tasty dishes

José Avillez’ new restaurant in Lisbon, Bairro do Avillez (Avillez’ ‘neighborhood’) is located in Chiado. A spacious and spectacular location, with 2 separated seating areas.

Patio Restaurant Bairro do Avillez decorated as a traditional downtown Lisbon neighborhood & ‘neighbor’ Erika Reusens 😉

2 Michelin stars

José Avillez is one of the most renowned chefs in Portugal. He currently owns six restaurants, five in Lisbon and one in Oporto. His cooking style, contemporary and of Portuguese inspiration, has earned him a Michelin star in 2012 (restaurant Belcanto in Lisbon) and, in 2014, it received a second one, making it the first restaurant in Lisbon to have this honour).

Restaurant Bairro do Avillez Lisbon & wonderful decorated spacious patio

Patio restaurant representing a traditional Lisbon neighborhood

The Patio restaurant is really surprising: a huge open kitchen and a wonderful creative decoration. A large skylight lets in plenty of natural light. There are different doors, typical Portuguese tiles and closed- or open windows to give you the idea of being in a traditional downtown Lisbon neighborhood, where people often hanging out of their windows. YouTube

Restaurant Bairro do Avillez Lisbon & our dinner end of August 2016

Our dinner: 2 couvert € 7.00, Bife de Lombo (tenderloin steak) € 18.00; Legumes Salteados (sautéed vegetables) € 4.00; French fries € 3.00; 1 Bife Tártaro (tartar steak) € 14.00; água Vitalis (bottle of water) € 3.00; Wine: Casa Passarella (bottle of white wine) € 16.00; (by the glass € 4.00). Desert: Avelã (hazelnut cream); Mil Folhas Pastel de Nata € 6.00 (litt. ‘thousand sheets’ Pastel de Nata (famous Portuguese egg tart pastry) € 6.00.

Bill for 2 persons: € 91.00.

Restaurant Bairro do Avillez Lisbon & delicious desserts

Bairro Avillez patio restaurant: tasty dishes & great ambiance

Once we were seated it took quite some time before a waiter came to our table. This restaurant just opened its doors, it’s understandable. The food was tasty, rather expensive in Lisbon (ca. € 45 p.p.), but the great ambiance was worth it! 🙂

Restaurant Bairro do Avillez Lisbon & Taberna (Tavern)

Three concepts in one space: restaurant, tavern & grocery/gift store

Once you enter number 18 of Rua Nova da Trindade there’s the Taberna (tavern), a good idea to enjoy lunch, dinner or an ‘in-between’ snack in the afternoon. In de Tavern it is not possible to make reservations.

Mercearia (grocery & gift store)

Not just cheeses, sausages and canned goods but also kitchen accessories, books and aprons. More…... (website José Avillez). The charcuterie specialties rely on the advice of the illustrious shop in Lisbon: ‘Manteigaria Silva’.

Restaurant ‘Bairro’ do Avillez Lisbon & the grocery store’s creative decoration

Bairro do Avillez, Rua Nova da Trindade 18. Lisbon

Opening hours: Taberna (tavern) & Mercearia (grocery/gift shop): daily from 12:00 pm till midnight.

Patio restaurant: daily, from 12:00 pm to 15:00 pm and from 19:00 pm till midnight. Closed on public holidays, December 24 (dinner) and 25. Phone: (351) 215 830 290 (reservations). Facebook

Patio Restaurant Bairro do Avillez Lisbon, Erika Reusens & the friendly waitress

The Lisbon Connection

Posts

History Castle of Saint George Lisbon, knight Martim Moniz & breathtaking views

Lisbon’s unique Lavra funicular, steep slope & statue dr. Sousa Martins

The ‘miraculous’ cures of Dr. Sousa Martins & Memorial Statue Lisbon

Bizarre bar Pavilhão Chines Lisbon: 1900s style curiosities & kitsch

From Rossio train-metro Station Lisbon to Pena Palace in Sintra/ Queluz Palace

Village Underground Lisbon: creative community & Polly Robbins

Historical area Mouraria Lisbon, fado museum & Amália Rodrigues, queen of fado

Metro Station Lisbon area Baixa-Chiado: free escalators & avoid hundreds of stairs

Top tourist attraction Lisbon: bronze sculpture famous poet Pessoa & history

Restaurant Bairro do Avillez Lisbon: suprising seating areas & tasty dishes