Lisbon is amazing. It is a living, breathing mosaic of tiles and cultures. The golden visa program has brought people from around the world to this amazing city. People are flocking here for the balmy weather and happening nightlife. Lisbon is safe and comfortable. Incorporating the warm hospitality of Portuguese culture with an increasingly diverse population, this city is quickly growing into a place to see and be seen.

Wine bars litter the city offering fabulous small plates and the best wines you’ve never heard of. Delicious opportunities to taste some fabulous vintages paired up with salty sausages, creamy cheeses and some of the best bread in Europe (arguably, if you count the French). The culinary scene here is happening with plenty of inventive, Michelin hailed chefs to satiate any palate. Boutique hotels are popping up in old palaces, offering hip alternatives to the old school chains. All the best that the bright young things of the travel world seek out. Of course, one cannot omit the flourishing design scene.

Lisbon is a fun city to wander, but to appease your thirst for great design you need to do a little research and planning. We were only able to scratch the surface of a bustling art, fashion and design scene here.

KURUVA

Upon arrival in Lisbon on a steamy August day, it became clear that we wouldn’t be able to begin our wandering without some hats to keep the sun at bay. Googling shops nearby the hotel, I stumbled on Kuruva, a fabulous webstore offering a selection of unique swim and yoga gear. We phoned the number to see when the store was open and learned that in fact, it was the home of the proprietor but she would happily greet us the next day. There we found gorgeous hats made of Mexican Imperial Palms by artisans in Spain (See? Global!).

POEIRA

Wandering around the very quiet neighbourhood of Lapa, we came across Poeira. This very well-curated design shop carries a vast selection of furniture, art, tableware and other adornments for the home. Like a jewelry box, every turn in the store offered something else beautiful to look at. Mónica Penaguião is the mastermind of this incredible collection of Venetian glass, Brazilian and Italian artwork and her own furniture designs.

EMBAIXADA

Located in the Principe Real neighbourhood, this stunning 19th century palace has been transformed into part concept store/ part shopping mall. The name Embaixada is a nod to the nearby embassies all located in this swanky and trendy area. A collection of hip young designers call the palace home with the rooms transformed into boutiques. All centred around the beautifully appointed Gin Lovers Bar and Restaurant, an homage to the local ginja liqueur that the local Lisboetas enjoy.

PRINCIPE REAL

Heading down the block from Embaixada, you might miss this small boutique. The current owner is Maria Cristina Castro, and she is carrying on the traditional embroidery and linen work of her Grandmother, after whom she was named. Founded in 1938, Royal Prince/ Principe Real has for decades supplied the crown heads of Europe with their wedding trousseau. Now you can find lovely linen napkins, tablecloths, nightgowns and baby gifts all hand embroidered.

STRÓ

Stró is a further extension of the vibrant tradition of textiles that exists in Portugal. Following the work of Maria Cristina’s family with Principe Real, Stro is a modern echo with beautiful, sustainable cottons woven into fabulous blankets, scarves, shirts and even tote bags. Located just around the corner from Principe Real, you’ll find yet another beautiful option for souvenirs of your trip to Portugal.

WHERE TO STAY

Olissippo Lapa Palace – we have experienced the Lapa Palace a few times and have never been disappointed. Located in the quiet, residential neighbourhood of Lapa this property is quite expansive and their beautiful garden, pool and various terraces offer a lovely respite in a city as busy and bustling as Lisbon. Chiado and Bairro Alto are a short Uber or taxi ride away or you can enjoy the walk. Not to mention that the food was excellent.

Four Seasons Hotel Ritz – overlooking the large Parque Eduardo VII, the Four Seasons Ritz is situated close to the top of the Avendida da Liberdade (Lisbon’s Champs Elysées) so a fantastic location. Rooms are well appointed, the breakfast room design is bright and elegant. Our kids loved the outdoor pool (where they may have bumped into a famous Mandalorian) and we enjoyed the warm terrace in the evenings.

The Ivens – happening boutique hotel centrally located in the Chiado neighbourhood with a couple of very cool looking bars.

Sublime – we really enjoyed our stay at the Sublime Comporta, so would expect that their sister property in Lisbon would be as fabulous a place to lay your head.

WHERE TO EAT

Grau Douro Wine Bar – There are charming wine bars around every corner in Lisbon, but this gem of a place came up with a 4.9 google rating and is well located in the Chiado neighbourhood so we decided to give it a try. It was fantastic. Charming and cozy with a fantastic wine selection, the real stand out here was a great selection of food to enjoy and a delightful staff at the helm. You are instantly made to feel like a guest in someone’s home. It was a delight.

JnCQUOI Avenida – Fabulous decor (including a skeleton of a velociraptor looming over the dining room), great good and a stellar location. Make a reservation in advance as this is a hotspot.

Time Out Market – There are 26 restaurants and 8 bars located under the one roof of the old Mercado da Ribeira. Time Out Markets are starting to pop up in other cities around the world, but in case you are not familiar with the format, guests are seated at long communal tables in the centre of the building with counter service from some of Lisbon’s best chefs set up around the perimeter. In addition, bars offer great selections of some fabulous Portuguese wine, beer and cocktails. It’s a great stop for a crowd or with family as there is surely something for every palate here.

THINGS TO DO

• Take a day trip to Sintra and visit the spectacular Pena Palace – special note, be sure to book tickets in advance including the shuttle transport ticket. Your taxi or bus will only drop you at the entrance, from there you can walk the rest of the way up the hill to the Palace or take the park’s shuttle (but only if you bought a ticket in advance). The real highlight of the Palace is the exterior design and the spectacular view.

• Visit the charming seaside town of Cascais for lunch (an easy stop on the way back to Lisbon from Sintra). We had a simple yet incredibly delicious grilled chicken lunch at Jardim do Frango. This place is not fancy but the chicken was outstanding. Just make sure you have cash, they don’t take credit cards.

• Book sunbeds at a local beach club and enjoy some of Portugal’s best beaches just a short drive from the centre of town. We visited Praia Princesa along the vast Costa da Caparica and had one of the best lunches on our entire trip (the whole sea bream lunch special was mouth wateringly good).

• Ride the legendary yellow tram. Tram 28 will take you through all the most scenic neighbourhoods of Lisbon.
• Explore the charming narrow streets and alleyways of the historic Alfama neighbourhood. You can start at the top at the historic Castelo de Sao Jorge, an iconic Lisbon landmark.
• Visit LX Factory to check out some great local art and design shops and studios as well as some great spots to eat. More to come on this in a future post.
• Rent a car and take a road trip south to visit the beautiful town of Comporta, just two hours south of the city. Or head north towards Nazaré, home of a legendary surf break boasting the 100 foot wave. Or head east to visit the historic and charming city of Evora.