Talk Like a Local: Words and Phrases That Will Help You Integrate

In capital cities like Lisbon, which are visited all year round, it’s easy to fall into the trap of touristy attractions and hard to dig into the essence: places enjoyable to both locals and tourists. There are no super well-kept secrets, but there are certainly a few overlooked places that deserve to be high up on your list.

Nossa Senhora do Monte

It won’t be tourist-free, but it’s hands-down the best belvedere in the city of the seven hills. The panoramic view it offers ironically ranges from the Tagus estuary to São Jorge Castle and downtown Lisbon. If you’ve been moving around in less touristic parts of town, you will also be able to identify a bunch of other neighborhoods (and this can be a great group activity, pointing to places you’ve seen and trying to reproduce their names to the best of your ability).

Casa do Alentejo

Casa do Alentejo, ‘House of Alentejo’ was created in the early 20th century as a social club to promote and preserve the culture from Alentejo (a region of South-central and Southern Portugal), at the hands of the Alentejo people living in Lisbon.

It feels a bit out of place in the 17th century Moorish-looking palace where it’s housed. Inside, you’ll find a restaurant with beautiful tile panels, a cafe with outdoor sitting in an atrium and a former ballroom with a ceiling fresco and chandeliers.

Enter for free and don’t be afraid to peak inside, or wait for the afternoon guided tours (cost: €6 for adults).

Mercado de Campo de Ourique

Although you can catch tram 28 to Campo de Ourique, why not hop on tram 25 (usually less crowded), that does the same? Note that it rides from Monday to Friday only. Get off at the terminal stop, Prazeres, from where the Prazeres Cemetery is just a step away, or at the second-to-last stop, which is the closest.

Mercado de Campo de Ourique was renovated in 2013 with care to maintain the original architecture. Merchants still sell fish, fruit and vegetables at their food stalls, but what brings a lot of hungry people is the restaurant food court, in the likes of other renovated Lisbon markets.

Tapada das Necessidades

Tapada das Necessidades a huge park that’s close to Campo de Ourique. If you were to host a big picnic with your friends and family, this would be the place. Apparently, this was an idea Manet had in 1859, inspiring him to paint ‘Déjeuner sur l’herbe’ (‘Breakfast on the grass’).

Fast-forward tothe 21st-century, it’s unbelievably picturesque, from the old greenhouse’s dome to the cactus garden (elegant peacocks always in the background). It’s not nice and polished, everything is in need of some maintenance here, and yet… there’s a magical air of times past.

Calouste Gulbenkian

Also away from the city center is Calouste Gulbenkian, a dialogue between nature and art. On the premises, there are several buildings surrounded by a large peaceful garden. The Gulbenkian Foundation is a cultural center comprised of a library, an auditorium, a space for temporary exhibitions, and two museums

You can’t be in a rush to visit this place. Take the whole morning, bring a book, a bottle (don’t forget sunscreen), walk around the place and sit in the sun at the stone amphitheater. When you’re done photosynthesing, head over to the the Gulbenkian museum, where you can visit one of the world's most important private art collections.

Haute cuisine is synonymous with quality products and this is surely a distinguishing feature of Cascais. Whether it's Portuguese cuisine you’re looking for, or flavors from other corners of the world, here you are guaranteed to enjoy great meals.

Portugal is known for the quality of its fish. What better place to put this to the test than in Cascais, a village that has a long fishing tradition, well-known for its fresh raw materials brought by the boats?

Let us guide you through the top restaurants in Cascais, where you can indulge in the creations of the most renowned chefs in the area.

Fortaleza do Guincho

Address: Estr. do Guincho 2413, 2750-642 Cascais

Phone: +351 214 870 491

Website

Start with a Michelin-starred restaurant, Fortaleza do Guincho. It’s located inside the hotel of the same name, on top of the Guincho beach, and it got into the most important restaurant and hotel guide in 2001. With Antoine Westermann, the chef at the time, Fortaleza used to offer French-inspired cuisine. As the reins were handed over to Portuguese chefs — Miguel Rocha Vieira in 2015, then Gil Fernandes in 2018 —, the restaurant gained an Atlantic taste, with products coming from the ocean, right beside it, and other ingredients from the land.

You’ll spend around €200 on a meal for two.

Mar do Inferno

Address: Av. Rei Humberto de II Itália, 2750-800 Cascais

Phone: +351 214 832 218

Website

On the coastline, a few kilometers ahead towards the center of the village, Mar do Inferno is one of the best places to eat fish and seafood in Cascais —  so popular that it is advisable to book a table in advance. You can start by looking at the species that swim in the aquariums. Choose the one you want to see jumping on your plate, order a seafood platter for the whole group or individual portions of fish. A great option is the mythical platter from the sea, made out of fish on the grill, seafood, and side dishes.

A meal for two here averages €75.

Estoril Mandarim

Address: Casino Estoril, Av. Dr. Stanley Ho, 2765-192 Estoril

Phone: +351 214 667 270

Another haute cuisine restaurant with a large legion of followers is Estoril Mandarim, one of the first Chinese fine-dining restaurants in the country. The menu unfolds into over 100 dishes including the best of China's traditional cuisine. Between these, any choice is the right one. And, to pair food with an equally great drink, try a traditional soothing tea.

There are private rooms for groups and a Dim-Sum menu by a Chinese chef at lunchtime.

A meal for two people is approximately €75 here.

Midori

Address: Penha Longa Resort, Quinta da Lagoa Azul, 2714-511 Sintra

Phone: +351 219 249 011

Website

Another invitation to experience Asian food, this one coming from Japan: Midori.

Midori is a small restaurant, displaying 18 seats, and is headed by Portuguese Chef Pedro Almeida. Here, you’ll find Japanese recipes with Portuguese influences (‘Japanese cuisine with a Portuguese soul’ in the chef’s words), nearly all turned into tasting menus. They also have a few a la carte dishes, but all Japanese, and far from the most common sushi — this is a place for new cooking experiences.

It’s worth mentioning that it’s the oldest Japanese restaurant in Portugal and the only one of its kind with a Michelin star. Since 2017, it’s been totally reinvented and redesigned. In the new Midori, the sophisticated decoration in light gray provides a splendid luminosity to the space, in contrast with the magnificent view of the Sintra Mountains and the exquisite and intimate ambiance.

You can expect a meal for two to cost around €220.

On a final note, the best way to unwind between meals is with walks around Cascais. There are many paths, but one of the best is Paredão de Cascais. Starting at the Conceição beach, in Cascais, the promenade ends 2750 meters further, in Azarujinha. A great walk for any time of the day.

Legend has it that Lisbon has seven hills: São Roque, São Jorge, São Vicente, Santo André, Santa Catarina, Chagas, and Sant’Ana. Each of these offers belvederes with different angles on the river, the buildings, and the cobblestone patterns paving the streets.

What most maps don’t reveal are the private viewpoints, those of rooftop bars. It’s hard to beat a view with a cold drink in your hands! Here’s our pick of breathtaking rooftops in Lisbon.

Park

Address: Cç. do Combro 58, 1200-123 Lisboa

Phone: +351 215 914 011

Website

Did you ever want to be known as someone who finds a good spot? This is your chance. To get to this bar, you’ll have to enter a parking lot and go up a few flights of stairs. During that journey, you’ll start to wonder ‘Did I make up this place? Did I dream it?’ You did not. Park will be waiting for you at the top, a stunning panoramic view up its sleeve.

An amazing place to catch a sunset and take a good photo of the 25 de Abril Bridge. Go early if you want a place to sit, as it gets full rather quickly.

Topo Martim Moniz

Address: Centro Comercial Martim Moniz, Piso 6, 1100-341 Lisboa

Phone: +351 215 881 322

Website

Though in a completely different location (no parking lot — instead, an old-school mall in Martim Moniz), Topo has a similar energy to Park: it’s trendy, it has dancy music at night (and sometimes hosts DJ sets), and it attracts big crowds. There’s a seal of quality for the drinks, mixed by bartenders from Black Pepper & Basil.

The rooftop has a gorgeous view of Martim Moniz and the castle.

Entretanto Rooftop Bar

Address: Hotel do Chiado, R. Nova do Almada 114, 1100-184 Lisboa

Phone: +351 21 325 6100

Website

This bar’s vistas are similar to those of the Santa Justa elevator: you’ll see Lisbon’s downtown rooftops, the São Jorge Castle, and the river.

There’s a polished and current feel to it. To top it all up, the service is outstanding, coherent with Entretanto’s location atop Hotel do Chiado.

Pro tip: there is great gin to be had here!

Sky Bar

Address: Tivoli Avenida da Liberdade, Av. da Liberdade 185, 1269-050 Lisboa

Phone: +351 213 198 642

Website

Close to the sky, on the ninth floor of the hotel Tivoli, on Avenida da Liberdade (our Champs Elysées, no less). Life doesn’t get more sophisticated and glamorous than this.

You’ll love the layout of the bar, the lights, and the spring colors — a platform from which to glance at Baixa, the São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River, and Serra da Arrábida. And because you’ll be staying for a bit, take a seat in the comfortable lounge sofas or beanbags.

This is a seasonal experience, however, which makes it all the more special. Come here between April to September and in the warmer months enjoy regular DJ sets and live music.

Ferroviário

Address: Rua de Santa Apolónia 59, 1100-468 Lisboa

Phone: +351 217 651 869

Website

A less catchy name (‘railway’) to a non-Portuguese speaker, but it’s attached to a story. Ferroviário was born in 1961 to host cultural and recreational activities for employees from CP (the state-owned railway company). It went on to become a rooftop bar and stage in 2010 and, in 2018, the management and the decoration changed. The original architecture was preserved, now coexisting with cabaret-style reds on the inside and the fun tropical vibe on the terrace.

While the service can be slow, I’d argue it’s worth the wait. Come here to drink a cocktail or a mocktail with the Tagus River at the forefront.

Tomar is a great destination for a getaway weekend for Lisbon or Cascais residents, and for travelers who’ve covered the basics in the region and are ready to venture a bit further. You can reach it in under an hour and a half coming from Lisbon by car or train, or a bit more by bus.

You may not have heard of Tomar yet, but it’s right up there on every Templar enthusiast's bucket list. You see, Portugal was the first country in Europe where the mighty, wealthy, and mysterious order settled and, when the pope issued a decree dissolving them, they continued operating under different names.

So, let’s uncover the traces of the Templar presence in the scenic medieval town of Tomar, and learn a few other things along the way.

Convent of Christ

Climbing up to the Convent of Christ complex is one of the most interesting things you can do. Its historic significance is deeply tied to the Knights Templar. It was their home for 400 years, up until Pope Clement dissolved the order in 1312. Later, it was transferred to the Order of Christ, which King Denis created to allow Templars to continue their operations and uphold their assets and power.

On this UNESCO-inscribed site, comprising the Templar castle and convent, you’ll be able to witness an impressive intersection of architectural styles — Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, Mannerism, and Baroque. Make sure to visit Templar Charola (Rotunda), a round church decorated with colorful Gothic paintings and sculptures, which constitutes the main attraction; the Main Cloister, a European Renaissance masterpiece; and the Window of the Chapter House (Janela do Capítulo), a large window visible from Saint Barbara's Cloister that boasts unique Manueline motifs.

Sete Montes Woods

On the way down from the castle, go through the lung of Tomar, Mata dos Sete Montes (or Sete Montes Woods). The 39 hectares (96 ac) of bucolic gardens with beautiful vegetation, a Romanesque temple, lakes, and fountains were founded by the Order of Christ. It was no doubt a place for introspection, invited by nature, and some say that this is where Templars had their initiation ceremonies.

Nowadays, it’s ideal for a walk, an outdoor meal on the picnic tables, or playtime with the kids on the playground.

Old synagogue

Built during the 15th century, the Tomar Synagogue is one of two synagogues in the country that predate the persecution of Jews (the other one being located in Castelo de Vide). Here, you can visit the Abraham Zacuto Portuguese Jewish Museum. Walking around the tiny streets around will reveal traces of what used to be the Jewish quarter in Tomar.

Old Bridge

Also known as King Manuel I Bridge, the Old Bridge is one of the landmarks of Tomar. It has been the object of changes, probably since the very arrival of the Knights Templar in the 12th century, when they allegedly repurposed a pre-existing Roman structure.

Cross the bridge connecting the East to the West of Tomar, the old and the new, and marvel at the view of the Nabão river. A great entrance to the old town, whether you’re traveling by car or on foot.

1879 saw the emergence of an important boulevard, built in the likes of Champs Élysées, that would simply be known as Avenida — the Avenue. Avenida da Liberdade (‘Avenue of Liberty’) connects the Marquês de Pombal Square to Restauradores, and along the way you can find traces of history, luxury shops, boutiques, hotels, embassies, and great views over the city and river.

If you want to be better prepared next time you go to Avenida, read on.

What to see

Statue of Marquês de Pombal

You’ll find it at the top of the boulevard, on one of the most important roundabouts in Lisbon. It represents the Marquis of Pombal with a lion by his side. He was a political figure famous for helping redesign and rebuild Lisbon (Baixa, in particular) after the 1755 earthquake. The subsequent architectural style — Pombaline — was named after him.

Patterns on the pavement

Look around, but also down every now and then. Calçada (traditional Portuguese pavement) covers the Avenida exhibiting beautiful mosaics. On Restauradores, you’ll find Monumento ao Calceteiro, an homage to calceteiros, pavers who specialize in this craft.

São Jorge Cinema

Halfway down, you’ll see the São Jorge Cinema on your right, close to the Avenida metro station. It’s one of the most prestigious cinemas in the whole country. If you’re lucky enough to catch an event happening here, like a film festival, you’ll experience a very special atmosphere. Either way, it’s worth going up to the first floor and sitting on the building’s charming balcony. Cinema lovers will have an even better time at Cinemateca (Museum of Cinema), only five minutes away.

Hop on the funiculars

Whether you see them as means of transportation or attractions, they’re pretty darn fun! There’s Elevador da Glória on your right side as you approach Restauradores. It’ll take you up to the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint and Bairro Alto. On the other side of the Avenue, take a left at Largo da Anunciada to see the oldest funicular in Lisbon, Ascensor do Lavra.

Palácio Foz and Teatro Éden

Side by side on the Restauradores Square, these might just be the buildings you’ll remember most. Palácio Foz, the first of the two, is a Baroque building that later received an Italian makeover. It was Marquis de Foz’s residence (hence the name) and is nowadays home to the Lisbon Tourism Office. You can join a tour to visit it.

The building next to it exhibits the lettering ‘Eden Teatro’, once one of Lisbon’s great cinemas and theater buildings. You can’t miss this art deco gem, with a marble façade and a stone frieze depicting actors, a film crew, and cameras.

Where to shop (or window shop)

Liberdade is the crème de la crème of luxury shopping, so it’s no surprise that there are designer stores aplenty on either side. While strolling down, you can stop at some of the shops below, listed from top to bottom of the Avenue.

• Loja das Meias (left side) with Dior, Celine, Etro, Marc Jacobs, and other national and international brands;
• Versace (left side);
• Prada (left side);
• Burberry (left side);
• Dolce & Gabbana (left side);
• Louis Vuitton (left side);
• Hugo Boss (right side);
• Gucci (left side);
• Miu Miu (left side);
• Adolfo Dominguez (right side).

Where to eat and drink

A bit scattered throughout Avenida da Liberdade, there are kiosks serving drinks and food. Some excel at juices, pizzas, and others at hot dogs. If you want to be in the middle of everything, sit at one of these.

Though not strictly on Avenida, Cinemateca Portuguesa’s 39 Steps is a great place to drink a special cocktail, have a quick meal, or enjoy a family brunch on a Saturday. They have vegetarian and vegan options too.

We’ll give you a great excuse to enter the glamourous five-star hotel Tivoli: its rooftop bar. Sky Bar is trendy and sophisticated, and it boasts breathtaking views of Baixa, the São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River, and Serra da Arrábida.

For fine dining (sometimes at the sound of fado or jazz) or delicious weekly brunch, book a table on the patio at Sítio Valverde. You’ll also find vegetarian and gluten-free dishes there.

Fans of rock and roll can have an American-style meal surrounded by music memorabilia at Hard Rock Café on the Restauradores Square.