Image by Claudio Carneiro

Pão Doce stands for sweet bread, which is a very nice name indeed. Why exactly would I speak about a bakery? Well, because Portuguese have something to do with good bakeries around the world, and that’s not for any reason, Portuguese are really good bakers, and this bakery is the perfect example of this ability.

Actually the owner is Brazilian, of Portuguese descent. The bakery is always crowded, basically around the time the bread is still smoking, which is early morning and late afternoon. But even if there is a line, it is worth waiting, since there is nothing better than a just cooked bread. I cannot list all the types of breads they make, the variety is immense and I haven’t tried even half of them. There is the “tiger bread”, the grandma’s bread, the dark bread, the eight cereals bread, the Spanish, the German…it’s exhausting!

My favorites are the yummy scones, the perfect croissants and the pies they make are really delicious. I am always amazed by the huge bags full of breads people carry with them out of Pão Doce.

The surrounding area was all renewed last year, with the front street becoming a lovely promenade. And, of course, making a good esplanade possible for snacks and even lunches. Now no one can resist!

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Pão Doce Bakery | Coffee & tea, Snacks
Av. Duque Ávila 56 – D | Avenidas | +3513141068
Tue – Sun 08:00 – 20:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Rita

Cinema Londres is one of the city’s oldest theatres that still remains open. Don’t go there expecting state-of-the-art screens or uber-dolby surround sound because this is not what “Londres” is about! Instead, you enter into a somewhat dark and obscure movie theatre which still features the 60′s typical architecture and décor.

One of the major surprises here are the chairs – you get to sit in a real couch! I think these are the comfiest chairs ever as they surprisingly move and adjust when you sit! (plus, it is really hilarious to watch people’s faces when they go there for the first time!)

The other surprise in this spot is the Magnolia Caffe located inside -this is a cute little gourmet café, where you get to choose from a variety of muffins, natural fruit juices, quiches, pies, and other delicious pastries. It is definitely a great variation from the regular popcorn and coke combo!

It also has a relaxed reading corner, with a series of books and magazines, and where you can take a book home if you leave one in its place! If you go there in the afternoon, you can also try the 5′oclock tea- the scones are just delicious!

Vee’s Favorites – Chocolate cake and smoothies

Rita’s Favorites – Surprise-moving chairs, 5 o’clock t

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Cinema Londres | Cinemas, Coffee & tea | Movie ticket € 6.50
Av. Roma 7-a | Avenidas | +351218401313
Open daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Rita

Everyone knows that a good pair of shoes is hard to find, even more if you want affordable prices. Fear no more, Zilian is here!!

If you are a girl, then you have reached shoe heaven! As proud shoe-aholic girls, we felt like our prayers were heard since this store opened!

Here you can find hip, cool, high, low shoes. All sizes, all colors, all types. It’s basically shoe democracy with a twist. You can find shoes from € 20 until € 200, but the average is € 70/80.

The store has a pretty smart layout, with more than 4500 shoes to choose from. Yes, you read right: 4500!!

Once you get there, there’s no turning back. Just find the big cube displaying your shoe size and go crazy! Don’t dare to leave the store empty handed, since the odds of finding the shoes there when you return are pretty slim!

Since they’ve opened, they’ve added some good services from having Nespresso – just take your pick! – to Valet service for free.

Rita’s Favorites: Amazing mary janes and summer sandals

Vee’s Favorites: Ballet slipers, confy and stylish.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Zilian | Shopping | Average shoe price € 80.00
Av. António Augusto de Aguiar 29D | Avenidas | +351213878455
10:00 – 20:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Rita

If you happen to be in town for business, there are a lot of nice places to go and spend a relaxing time around the financial district.

One of my favorite places to splurge during lunch break is Pedra Dura. This is Lisbon’s nicest jewellery store (located in Monumental – a small shopping mall and movie theater in Saldanha).

The main quality of this spot is the extreme uniqueness of the pieces on display. One can spend hours exploring an immensity of cabinet drawers, filled with the most eclectic and original designs.

They also make cute and eco-friendly gift-wraps, so “Pedra Dura” could also be a great option for souvenirs.

The price tags can be sometimes harsh, but there are also “wallet-friendly” (and equally lovely) options)!

Vee’s favourites – N2 and Les Néréides Jewelery.

Rita’s favourites – I can’t absolutely decide what I like the most, especially since they receive new stuff every week!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pedra Dura | Shopping | From € 10.00
Av. Fontes Pereira de Melo 51 | Avenidas | +351912228748
10:00 – 23:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

Open in 1946, and still running by the same family, Pastelaria Mexicana is located at Praça de Londres in a building in ”Soft Portuguese“ architectural style. Commonly known as “New State Style” because it was designed during Salazar authoritarianism regime (1932-1974). In the area, there are still some impressive buildings from the 40′s and 50′s in perfect shape, so I definitely recommend you a long stroll in the neighbourhood.

Pastelaria Mexicana is famous in the area for their own old style cakes, for its retro decoration and, of course, for some famous visitors – Actors, politicians, writers and musicians. Inside, there’s a big ceramic panel by Portuguese master Qerubim Lapa and a jail bird at the corner with some birds – Poor fellows, since I remember they are there… don’t ask me why. 

The place was a meeting point for several artists from the Surrealism to Neorealism movement, but even nowadays you can still feel that’s something going on. Mexicana is well known for it’s cakes and pastry: “Bolo Rei” (Christmas Cake), Palmiers (Palm Trees), Croissants, Jesuites, Bola de Berlim (Berliner) Ducheses, Cupcakes and other sugar bombs… The place is usually crowded with locals all day long. From the early morning coffee or tea to the daily traditional lunch or the afternoon toasts or scones… here you’ll find a good place to enjoy real life of Lisbon in a upper middle class neighbourhood where old ladies still wear formal clothes and tons of jewels.

With it’s own production of delicious pastry, fine service that will not cost you a small fortune… Chose a cake and gain some weight, ask me how!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Pastelaria Mexicana | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Portuguese) | Cheese croissant € 1.90
Avenida Guerra Junqueiro, 30 C | Avenidas | +351218486119
08:00 – 23:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

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)

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

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

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

The bull ring of Campo Pequeno was built in 1890 by a Portuguese architect. The design was inspired by the old bull ring of Madrid and the style is called Neo-Mudéjar - Arab influence can be seen in the oriental-looking domes, the horseshoe shaped doors and the two towers at the main entrance. It looks like you’re back to the “Arabian Nights”.

Bull fighting is certainly not my cup of tea, so… besides the “Tourada” there’s also a stage for concerts and underneath the 10.000 seat arena, there’s a shopping center with cinemas, restaurants, several shops and my favorite supermarket in Lisbon - Sá. The small supermarket – the one in the city selling products from the Madeira Island – Is a place I would go to buy local products such as: Coral beer, Passion fruit, Banana, Madeira wine and traditional jam and cookies. Buy a snack and a yogurt and have a seat outside while enjoying the park and admiring the Arab influence on the famous bull ring.

The Bull ring is located in a central park near one of the main avenues of Lisbon. There’s a Metro station and underground parking place. I would go there after 7 p.m. avoiding the rushing hours. If you’re a cinema fan, don’t despair… Brad Pitt and Scarlett Johansson can’t speak portuguese yet and almost all movies are subtitled as they remain in the original language. 

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Campo Pequeno | Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants | Cinema Ticket € 6.50
Avenida da República, 100 | Avenidas
10:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

I was celebrating Saint Anthony’s day with my friends on the night of June 12th – We were celebrating on the eve of the Saint’s day - when I saw the place for the first time. Well, like in Vegas… what happens in Saint Anthony’s, stays in Saint Anthony’s, but I can still remember something from that distant night. There were some people in the streets selling Margaritas, so, I took one to go from the Ó Chá, I asked the staff if they wanted live music and I told them about my band. Soon we started playing there almost every month, and instead of money as cachet, we had surprisingly good food and… the famous Margarita, of course.

The place I knew was in Alfama, near the old town and it was working also as a bar but it’s closed right now. Fortunatelly at Alvalade quarter, the place still works as a Tea Room since four years ago. Here you’ll find different types of tea, homemade cakes and scones. At the basement floor, there’s also a souvenir shop.

I’m not sure if you can still find the magic Margarita from Saint Anthony’s Day, but for the afternoon snack or just for a cup of tea, the place is perfect. To get the full taste of tea, choose a snack, but please… don’t spoil the taste of tea with adding sugar to it. Taste one of seventy different teas from Asia to South America, Africa and also the unknown portuguese tea from the Azores.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Ó Chá | Coffee & tea, Snacks, Restaurants (Fusion food) | Green Tea € 1.50
Rua Luis Augusto Palmeirim, 78 | Avenidas
Mon – Sat 12:00 – 20:30

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

Located 1667 Km from Lisbon in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean – you could say – in the middle of nowhere, the Azores Islands are still a paradise on earth. It is told that for every man, there’s two cows. So, the beautiful nine volcanic islands produce milk and cheese in large quantities. Azores Islands are one of the best destinations for trekking, whale watching and diving. It’s also a good place to chill out and enjoy a peaceful break, and, for food lovers like me… it’s a place of exile. Unfortunately, flights are outrageous and one must choose the best dates to avoid overpriced tickets.

Open since 2009, Loja Açores brings a little bit of Azores to the continent. From the traditional cakes and “Mulata” cookies to some fruits like the small pineapples, vegetables like yam, tea (the only place in Europe producing it), licours, wines, beer, jams, yogurts and the famous Saint George cheese. I love to eat, and, if you’re staying at a place where you could cook, buy some milk, jam, bread, cheese and “Massa de Pimenta” (red chilly sauce) for your breakfast - I know you’ll come back for more.

I use to go there after work, to buy the traditional “Bolo Lêvedo” bread for my breakfast the morning after – Try it toasted with butter or jam…yummy! The place usually has some other things to offer such as newspapers, books, handycraft, and all the products you can buy locally. This is a good place to buy a different souvenir, it’s a supermarket disguised as a tourism office… and it works!

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Loja Açores | Art & culture, Shopping, Snacks | Mulata Cookies € 3.15
Rua Elias Garcia, 57 | Avenidas
Mon – Fri 10:00 – 19:00, Sat 10:00 – 13:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon