Image by Erik Lassche

Esplanada do Principe Real is a nice terrace in one of Lisbon’s nicest parks. It’s a great place to have breakfast or just a coffee.

The place has changed owner several times in the past, with mixed results. But it seems that this time they’ve got it right. Each Saturday morning you can visit the Principe Real Organic Market, right next to the terrace.

Although I normally come here during the day to catch some sun and read a magazine, they are open until 2 in the morning.

The whole area around the park has become increasingly interesting, with a lot of shops and cafés opening. A nice place to stroll around a bit.

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Esplanada do Principe Real | Bars, Coffee & tea, Relaxing | Meia de Leite € 1.40
Jardim do Príncipe Real | Príncipe Real | +351962524513
Thu – Sat 09:00 – 02:00, Sun – Wed 09:00 – 00:00

Image by Rita Esgalhado

As soon as the weather starts to get warmer, this is the spot to watch the perfect sunset. It can be a place to go on your own with a book or magazine to keep you company, or with a noisy group of friends after work.

Meninos do Rio (river boys) or just Meninos, as its called by locals, is a big terrace filled with chaise longues and comfortable poufs. One can find a somewhat peace here due to the fact that it’s on the river side, and can just sink in the amazing scenery.

The atmosphere is really cool, fueled by some lounge or bossa-nova music and a young and cheerful clientele. They always have a great variety of drinks and appetizers on the menu, from cocktails to iced teas, potato skins or salads. Just relax and enjoy. The only disadvantage of this place is that, when it’s really busy, service tends to be slightly on the slow side… But the atmosphere and view are definitely worth the waiting!

May you wish to prolong your stay for dinner, you can always opt for the sushi restaurant located behind, named Sushi Rio. The view is also magnificent and the sushi-men are really creative, so it’s definitely worth a visit!

Rita’s Favorites – Some nice drinks and chatty company make this the perfect after work spot!

Vee’s Favourites – Great strawberry Morangoska! (Strawberry caipirinha made with vodka instead of the regular Cachaça)

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Meninos do Rio | Bars, Coffee & tea, Relaxing | Caipirinha € 5.00
Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa Arm. 255 | Riverside | +351213220070
12:00 – 02:00 daily

Image by Veronica Leitao

The Bertrand Bookstore in Rua Garret opened in 1773, and it’s the oldest store from the Bertrand chain (the first one, built in 1732, was devastated by the Lisbon 1755 Earthquake). It has also been considered the oldest bookstore in the world!!

Bertrand, which once was a privileged space of cultural debate and a literary club, frequented by the intellectual elite of the city, is now transformed into a regular bookstore, but keeps a few peculiarities that are worth a visit.

Still located in the original building, the shop has an amazing quantity of books, divided into maze-sections that respect the original architectural features of the space.

The staff is polite, helpful and glad to be of service when asked to. You also won’t be disturbed if you just wish to sit quietly and read a novel.

This is an excellent spot to relax and recharge batteries, and can as well be the place to find information about Lisbon and Portugal.

Rita’s favorites – Top selection of travel and art books.

Vee’s favorites – Great place to find hidden book marvels as well as a great selection of magazines from all over the world.

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Bertrand livreiros | Relaxing, Shopping
Rua Garrett 17 | Chiado & Baixa | +351213476122
10:00 – 19:00 daily

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

Alvalade quarter was planned in the 40′s and even nowadays it’s surprising that this urbanism example is not more valued in other new cities. It’s an ideal form of urbanism with small three floor buildings – all yellow or pink – with simple, functional architecture, large sidewalks, gardens and magnificent avenues. It’s still my favorite place to live. Here, everyone has their own small garden and friendly neighbors still talk to each other. I have friends since school days.

Alvalade is still a good and peaceful place to live well. The quarter is surrounded by famous buildings like the Cinema Alvalade and old pubs like Grog (check the Grog article), parks and small shops. These places are open and working since my childhood. Here the portuguese punk movement also started, giving birth to bands such as Censurados and Tara Perdida. You can sing “Sheena is… a punk rocker!”

The Igreja Avenue is a good place to start the day, shopping or just strolling along the main streets, enjoying the crowded and noisy marketplace where you can buy fresh vegetables and fruits. Try the quiet atmosphere of small cosy and charming places like Tin Tin at Roma Avenue and Ó Chá near Igreja Avenue (check the Tin Tin and Ó Chá articles). Roma Avenue is also good place to take a long walk and if you get starving, go straight to the original Frutalmeidas small grocery (check the Frutalmeidas article) for the best traditional portuguese pastry – “Pastéis de Massa Tenra”.

It’s central neighborhood with nice people, good transport, schools, gardens and shops… sounds like I’m a real state agent… I did mention you can hear planes landing?

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Bairro de Alvalade | Art & culture, Relaxing, Shopping
Avenida da Igreja | Avenidas
09:00 – 20:00 daily (depending on location)

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

I have friends that begin the day at the gym, hearing loud music while punching the air, burning calories and yelling like recruits. For those to  who working out at 07:30 in the early morning sounds insane and stressfull, here’s a good tip to relax and improve your game afterhours in a central place in town.

I didn’t like playing Tennis that much because: It’s not a traditional sport in Portugal, only few people play it, you won’t learn it in school like football or basketball, and it’s expensive because you can’t practise in the streets so you always need to rent a court.

At the beginning, playing Tennis was boring and painful - Anyway, I know I am stubborn - I started playing almost every weekend, and now at twilight, I’m more than happy with my skills… well, all cats are alike in the dark. 

I guess playing Tennis is still a good way to get yourself in shape and burn some calories for it gives your arms and legs a good work-out. I enjoy playing at 7 or 8 p.m. because it’s not that hot, and, after the game you can ruin your diet a little in a restaurant nearby.

To play Tennis I would often go to Monsanto Park, but there are some places spread all over town. There’s one I also know called Parque 1º de Maio – Inatel, in a much more central location. There you’ll find different courts to rent and you can practise your “Topspin”.

Portuguese food doesn’t have nothing to do with aguacate salads, so, if you’re enjoying our food, you’d better start hitting the ball… Matchpoint! 

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Tennis at 1º Maio | Relaxing | Court rental € 8.00
Av. Rio de Janeiro | Avenidas | +351218453470
08:00 – 23:00 daily