David is the typical Marisqueira (Portuguese seafood restaurant): simple, unpretentious and with the best traditional food!

The restaurant’s décor is as kitsch as one can imagine, with a Michelangelo David replica printed on some serious ugly wall tiles, plain tableware and paper tablecloths and napkins.

There is nothing charming about it, but at the same time, this will definitely add a touch of authenticity to the whole experience!

This is the place where old men go to watch football games and drink beer, but you will also find all sort of different crowds hanging there just for the food.

We recommend going here with a local, who’ll explain to you the different options available on menu, otherwise, if you’re not comfortable with the language, going to David can be rather challenging!

Vee’s favourites – “Bulhão Pato” Clams (typical Portuguese dish of clams with garlic and coriander), Octopus Rice and “Panachê” (Tap Beer with Sprite).

Rita’s favourites – “Caracóis” (it’s a very special snails stew that you eat with the help of a toothpick), Clams and the classic “Tremoços and Imperial” (White lupin seeds and Tap Beer).

After a good day of visiting museums, there’s nothing better than this hidden gem. It’s not a very big Patisserie, but the décor and the people are lovely, and invite you to a very well spent afternoon.

Everything they offer is made there, so it has this grandmother’s food vibe. If you just came from Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga, stop here to have some lunch. Try their perfect fried meatballs – it’s impossible to stop at the first.

Shall it be tea time, the best thing ever are the scones: they come with butter and jam and they are still hot, so just mix everything and see how brilliant it is. They also carry a great assortment of teas.

In case you have a sweet tooth, then this is also the perfect place: They have the best desserts ever, from the éclairs, to the chocolate cake without missing out the cheesecake or the blattertart.

I’ve been coming to this place since I was in middle school. It never gets old, it never gets boring. Like a fine wine, it just gets better with time.

Rita’s favorites: The chocolate éclairs. Delish!!

Vee’s favorites: without a doubt the scones.

Compared to a city like London, Lisbon does not really have parks (the exception being Jardim da Estrela, check the article). To call Monsanto a park, would be a little strange. Monsanto is more of a hilltop forest, with trails and paths to explore. The planning of the area, has been rather sporadic, and like I said, you will find it to be more wild than a park. But it’ s a great part of the city, which merits way more attention and visits.

Take the bus (nº 724) or car up to Alvito from Calvário, and after the tennis court on your right get off towards the entrance on your left. From here you can walk along the path all the way to a lovely rugged stone amphitheatre. I have seen couples picnicking here adorably, with everything from a straw basket to a Burberry like blanket. It’ s worth a stop here as the view over Lisbon is quite impressive.

You will find that there are signs to all sorts of spots around. You will also notice that there is a focus on sports in the forest and some installations for this purpose have been built (ex. skateboarding grounds as you go in). If you are adventurous and like a bit of wildness, venture out and off the main track to side trails carved in the hill. I’m sure you will have a great time, off the beaten track of Lisbon city life and into the green.

When I first learned of this place,I thought it was just a small restaurant from Nepal, hidden in a residential poor quarter, on the wrong side of town. Alcântara quarter near Belém doesn’t appear in touristic books, and it’s only known for having some bars and decent seafood restaurants. A Nepalese restaurant opening in a place surrounded by seafood and traditional Portuguese restaurants in a poor quarter like Alcântara didn’t look like a good idea to me,more like a shot in the dark…

Fortunately, the small restaurant with only a few seats, opened since 2006, hasn’t changed a bit. It’s still cosy, clean and remains… amazingly cheap. The owners expanded the restaurant, and the place now has two dinning rooms. The food is excellent, the word was spread and now the place is full with guests.

Always book in advance, if you’re going there on weekends – it could be packed with anniversary parties and groups. It’s definetely not a romantic place for a quiet night… except on week days. So, if you’re looking for peaceful Himalayan heaven… you know the trick.

I was there last time with a group and the staff still cooks with joy. Nepalese food remains hot and spicy with exotic ingredients. Great value food and still a bargain – drinks included! Very cheap sangria means a terrible headache the day after, but it means also having a good party with friends the night before. The friendly and happy staff keeps working peacefully and this is a place of Zen. Namaste

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Restaurante Nepal Maya | Restaurants (Nepalese) | Kukhura Vindaloo € 8.50
Rua Vieira da Silva, 50 | Santos & Alcântara | +351213970992
Mon – Sat 11:30 – 15:30 & 18:30 – 00:00

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Bookstores in Lisbon, are a rather traditional business which is why most people end up in the superstore Fnac. But look no further. Ler Devagar, has a rare beauty. Set inside one of the old printing factory sections of LX Factory (check the article), here you can browse books, have a drink, admire the old presses and even join in on one of the many book and non book activities that Ler Devagar has to offer.

The book shelf is enormous, all the way up to the ceiling. And just that is enough, to make any book lover melt with joy. The people are friendly and the environment will stimulate your mind…I hope! Even if you just come for a drink, go up the staircase and look around at the presses. They are impressive.  

Join in on book signings, exhibitions upstairs in the gallery, concerts, activities for children. There is all sorts of cultural stuff happening here, sometimes going on into the night as well. So check the website regularly to keep updated!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Ler Devagar | Art & culture, Bars, Shopping
Rua Rodrigues Faria 103 | Santos & Alcântara | +351213259992
Tue – Thu 12:00 – 00:00, Fri – Sat 12:00 – 02:00, Sun 11:00 – 22:00

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