Lisbon Like a Local: My Tried & True Favorites After 3 Visits

Where to stay

• The Lumiares Hotel: My absolute favorite. It’s in the heart of Bairro Alto, and the rooms feel more like chic apartments than hotel rooms. The rooftop bar is also incredible—especially at sunset, when the city glows in golden light. Highly recommend stopping in for a drink even if you’re not staying there.

• Hotel Hotel: A boutique stay that’s stylish but playful, with a great location for walking everywhere.

Shopping and creative corners

• LX Factory: A former industrial complex that’s now a creative hub of indie shops, galleries, and cafés. Don’t miss Ler Devagar, the massive bookstore set inside an old printing press, and head to LX Rooftop for drinks with a view of the 25 de Abril Bridge.

• Príncipe Real: A lovely neighborhood to shop local. I always stop at Fabelus Lisboa for beautifully made shoes.

• Kintu Studio: A cute little shop packed with Portuguese-made goods. Perfect for souvenirs that feel special.

• Time Out Market: Yes, it’s touristy. But I still love it for sampling dishes from some of Lisbon’s best chefs all in one place. Go early or late to avoid peak crowds.

Easy day trips and road trips

• Cascais: Just 40 minutes by train. Think cobblestone streets, charming shops, beaches, and plenty of seafood restaurants. A perfect seaside escape.

• Sintra: If it’s your first time in Lisbon, you can’t skip it. The palaces and gardens are absolutely stunning.

• Vila Nova de Milfontes: If you’re renting a car to drive down to the Algarve, make a stop here. It’s a sleepy but charming local town with great restaurants serving fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese cuisine. One of my favorite meals ever was at Tasca do Celso—super local, family-run, with wine flowing while you wait. The seafood broth dish was incredible, and the warm, communal vibe made it unforgettable.

Lisbon is a food city, full stop. Here are the spots I return to again and again:

• Cervejaria Ramiro: My #1 restaurant in Lisbon. It’s lively, the beers are always ice-cold, and the seafood is legendary. Don’t miss the garlic shrimp sizzling in bubbling oil, best scooped up with crunchy bread. We even tried barnacles here once. (Note: They close in August for summer break, so plan accordingly).

• Bifanas, Lisbon’s iconic pork sandwich. For the real deal:

  • O Trevo (cash only, super local, Anthony Bourdain approved).

  • As Bifanas do Afonso (sadly closed when I went in August).

• Penalva da Graça: A true local gem. Unpretentious, tiny, and serving some of the best seafood we had in Lisbon. The sagres beer, tiger prawns, and shrimp were perfect.

• Bonjardim: Famous for piri piri chicken. Crispy, juicy, and just the right amount of spice. It’s TikTok-famous, so expect a line—but worth it.

• Ribadouro: A fantastic cervejaria (seafood and beer spot). We splurged on the giant hot-and-cold seafood platter, and they even brought out the live lobster before cooking it.

• Comoba: A really cute café with excellent coffee and matcha. It’s in a great neighborhood for bopping around to check out local shops, so I usually make it a double stop: caffeine and wandering.

• Dallas Burger: Known as Lisbon’s best burger. Honestly, it felt like a high-quality In-N-Out, with great vibes, crispy fresh-cut fries, and yummy dips.

• Neighbourhood Lisbon: Social media famous for their breakfast burrito. I tried the meaty version—it was good (not quite California-level burrito, but solid if you’re craving one). The space had a fun NYC café vibe, touristy but tasty.

For wine lovers:

• Holy Wine: Cozy, unpretentious, and full of natural wine gems.

• Nata Wine: A fun twist: drink wine alongside pastéis de nata (yes, that dream combo exists).

Pastéis de Nata:

• Manteigaria: Always a good bet, especially when hot from the oven.

• Pastéis de Belém: The OG, the legend, the absolute best. Honestly, stop whatever you’re doing and make your way here. Worth it.

Drinks and nightlife

• The Lumiares Rooftop: Perfect at sunset for cocktails with sweeping city views.

• Red Frog Speakeasy: One of Lisbon’s best cocktail bars. The drinks are incredibly creative, the atmosphere is sultry and fun, and you’ll definitely need a reservation.