With summer just arriving, Lisbon demands your attention, luring you seductively with its perfect blend of nonchalant rural-city vibe. With various sandy beaches boasting of crystal clear turquoise blue water just twenty minutes away from the city centre, the Portuguese capital in itself is like a cinematic dream: terracotta rooftops (some you can even climb to for a sunset view), trams squeezing through cobbled alleyways, and the scent of seafood mingling with the sweet pastel de nata — a small, round, flaky puff pastry case filled with a sweet custard cream that can be found in most cafes in the city.
Known for its international crowd (coughs: digital nomads), Lisbon today boasts of renowned artists, chefs, runners and rovers. There’s something for everyone: from the soft life girlie seeking slow morning hikes in the mountains to the fast-paced finance bro looking to cram a post-work riverside run club session in the evenings. Whether you’re sipping natural wine at a rooftop in Graça, or eating an Octopus salad watching live Fado music — the folk music of Lisbon’s rustic neighbourhoods — in Bairro Alto, Lisbon keeps you on your toes.
In this curated guide, we’ll unearth the stylish side of Lisbon through local recommendations. From seaside views to cultural must-sees, consider this your ticket to live like a true local, relaxed but unapologetically alive.
Where to Stay
For a stay that combines modern amenities with peak luxury, look no further and check into the Epic Sana hotel. Tucked in the heart of the Amoreira district that houses one of the biggest shopping malls in the city, this five-star hotel offers an upscale yet serene contrast to the city’s narrow lanes. Rooms are stylishly minimalist with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to bask in the summer sun even from the inside of your room and offer panoramic views of the city. And if that’s not enough, the rooftop infinity pool is perfect for sunbathing and capturing tan lines.
Opt for the sunset cocktail Hendricks Green peace, a refreshing blend of Hendricks with lime fresh juice, ginger and basil to enjoy the view of the Tagus river. The facilities of the hotel are top notch, including a gym that’s open twenty-four-seven for the gym bros/bunnies, an indoor pool as well as the Sayanna Wellness Spa with sauna and Turkish bath, plus an ice fountain. The service is impeccable and the staff seems to be most attuned to their guests’ needs with attention to small details such as putting snacks in the gym, turning down chocolates left on the bedside, welcome macarons in the room during check-in in and more.
Where to Eat
Fogo’s means ‘fire’ in Portuguese, and the entire concept of this restaurant revolves around fire — its flavour profile and gastronomic techniques associated with this millennial art form. The grilled oysters, duck rice and the octopus are the standout dishes. Chef Alexandre Silva is one of the most exciting and creative chefs of his generation. He has already bagged a Michelin star for his brainchild restaurant Loco, created seven years ago.
Now with the sister restaurant Fogo in the upscale Chiado district, he is constantly taking guests out of their comfort zone through its gastronomic experience. The menu is highly focused on seasonality and sustainability. Think grilled mackerel with fresh escabeche, or pickled mussels and bone marrow toast straight from the wood-fired oven.
For a breath of fresh air, escape the city centre and head to the coastal enclave of Cascais, thirty minutes away from Lisbon. This intimate Michelin guide Japanese restaurant with 24 seats, 12 of them at the counter, features gray tones and wooden details, elements that make us travel to Japan. It offers an Omakase style service where various chefs trained in Japan recreate the technique that was practiced centuries ago.
Customers sit face to face with the chefs with only a counter between them, witnessing every cut and slice, transforming a seasonal fish to jewel-like nigiri, sashimi, a nori tartlet with miyazakiwagyu tartare, seasonal flowers, and miso-cured egg. For an even luxurious experience, opt for the additional caviar because they work this into the dishes in the Omakase menu rather than it being served on the side separately. With its minimalist wooden interiors and the sea breeze directly coming from the ocean nearby, dining here feels like a religious experience.
A heaven for veggies, this restaurant goes the extra mile to create innovative dishes that have the power to convert non-vegetarians into veggies! They do have meat as well, but this restaurant is known for its aubergines, octopus dishes, oxtail croquettes, and burrata salad. Hidden inside the Lumiares hotel in Bairro Alto, it is a lush-garden style brasserie with vibrant tiles and leafy plants. Ideal for lazy lunches or romantic dinners, the chef crafts signature dishes such as tuna bruschetta with avocado and soy or salmon poke bowl with mango, edamame, seaweed and sesame seeds. Their wine list champions Portuguese producers, which makes for picturesque postcard-perfect rooftop sunset views.
What to Do
For an active, community-driven way to explore the city, lace up your trainers and join one of the runs by Lisbon’s welcoming run clubs. Rookie Run Club is a women-led collective focused on creating a safe, supportive space for beginners and casual runners. Equally popular is Lisbon Running Community, a diverse and energetic group that meets weekly at Cais do Sodré, offering a mix of 5K and 10K runs along the Tagus River.
For art lovers, MAAT and Museu Calouste Gulbenkian deliver stunning modern and classical collections in equally captivating architectural settings. Explore the LX Factory, a creative hub of concept stores, bookstores, and rooftop bars tucked beneath the 25 de Abril Bridge. Sunsets are best caught at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, where locals gather with wine and guitars as the sun dips below the terracotta skyline. And of course, when the temperature hits above 27 degrees, it’s officially a beach day! Take your pick between the young and hip Carcavelos beach or the posh and sophisticated Caparica beach, both a twenty-minute Uber ride away from the city.
words. Meehika Barua
