Things to do in Lisbon
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Casino Estoril
Bond fans after a spritz of espionage head for glitzy Casino Estoril, the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale. Fritter away your euros on a high-stakes poker tournament or check out the spangly Las Vegas–style shows.
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Restô
Part of the Chapitô arts cooperative, Restô’s tree-filled courtyard hums with arty types tucking into tapas or barbecued steaks. Zebra and giraffe prints glam up the top-floor restaurant, affording mesmerising views over Lisbon.
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Mar Adentro
Gay-friendly Mar Adentro reveals a razor-sharp industrial design with a stainless steel arch, concrete walls and moulded plastic chairs. Lisbon creatives flock here for healthy breakfasts, yummy sandwiches like feta, pepper and olive, and free wi-fi.
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A Vida Portuguesa
A flashback to the late 19th century with its high ceilings and polished cabinets, this store lures nostalgics with all-Portuguese products from retro-wrapped Tricona sardines to lime oil soap and Bordallo Pinheiro porcelain swallows.
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Gambrinus
Since opening in the 1930s, this wood-panelled beer hall (named after the patron saint of brewing) has been serving the best seafood in Lisbon. Book ahead to savour delicacies like steamed clams and shellfish bisque, rounded out with vintage port. Service is discreet, the crowd dressy.
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Antiga Casa de Pasto Estrela da Sé
A stone's throw from the cathedral, this tavern has retained its antique decor. Secret political meetings once took place in its wood-panelled booths, which have existed since 1814. The food is quite simple but very tasty. It's an ideal place for an intimate (or even clandestine) dinner.
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Páteo do Garrett
Don’t be put off by the rustic-meets-kitsch decor; the major draw here is the patio, shaded by a huge plane tree and affording far-reaching views over Sintra’s rooftops. Home-cooked classics include spicy black sausage and garlicky clams with coriander.
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Clube de Fado
Clube de Fado hosts the cream of the fado crop in vaulted, dimly lit surrounds. Big-name fadistas performing here include Joana Amendoeira and Miguel Capucho, alongside celebrated guitarists like José Fontes Rocha.
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El Gordo II
Lit with a rosy glow from cloth lanterns, Lisbon’s ‘fat boy two’ churns out lip-smacking tapas such as octopus in smoked paprika, pimento peppers and cod pastries. Go alfresco on the cobbled steps.
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O Fumeiro
This cosy blue-and-white–tiled restaurant specialises in the earthy, aromatic cuisine of the mountainous Beira Alta. Suckling pig and seafood cataplana (stew) pair well with Portuguese wines.
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Fábrica Sant’Anna
Hand-making and painting azulejos since 1741, this is the place to add some porcelain pizzazz to your home with classics from blue-and-white geometric tiles to cherubs and candlesticks.
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Fátima Lopes
Divas love Fátima’s immaculate collection of figure-hugging, Latin-inspired threads – from slinky suits to itsy-glitzy prom dresses and hot-pink ball gowns.
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Alfaia
This cosy spot serves tapas, sandwiches and hearty Portuguese fare, though port is the main event here. Grab a seat at one of the peaceful outdoor tables for premium imbibing.
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Kwantha
Flavoursome curries (including some vegetarian options) are polished off nicely with mango sticky rice and Singha beer at this Thai newcomer.
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La Caffé
With its art-slung walls and plump sofas, this laid-back cafe above Lanidor boutique is a great spot to rest shopping-weary feet. Free wi-fi.
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