Lovely Lisbon, Portugal🎇

This is where we stayed for our recent visit to Lisbon. Located at the end of a narrow windy street in a former bakery, it is just up the hill from the Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral) in a former bakery. Wonderful breakfast offered daily as well as a lovely rooftop lounge with pool. Tip: We booked an Alfama Superior room which was wonderful. If available, I'd recommend the Terrace rooms, which have access to a common terrace with a small wooden deck per room and from there you can overlook Alfama and the river.

Run by a Portuguese brother and sister in a great location in the Chiado-Baixa area, they offer a relaxed atmosphere almost like staying in a private home but with all the amenities you would expect in a hotel. My sister stayed at this place and loved the hospitality and the 18th century historic spaces. Casa do Barão was refurbished in 2022-23 while still preserving its original features. Best rooms are the Suite or Premium Room with Terrace. For more info: https://www.casadobarao.com/

Located just off the Praça da Figueira in the Lisbon Baixa, this is a popular spot for morning coffee & pastry in the downstairs cafe. We enjoyed Bola de Berlim along with a sweet bread called Pão de Deus (Portuguese Sweet Olive Oil Coconut Buns – translated, Pão de Deus means Bread of God). Founded in 1829, Confeitaria Nacional was the official confectioner of the royal family. It's still regarded as one of Lisbon’s best pastry shops and cafes. The more formal upstairs space offers Portuguese dishes at lunch time.

This was a stop on our food tour, where we sampled delicious presunto ibérico (jamon). An excellent cheese and charcuterie shop, they also offer wines for sale. Pick up some quality items for a picnic or souvenir!

Located across the street from Camões Square, this cerveijaria was made famous after a visit by Anthony Bourdain in an episode of 'No Reservations.' Enjoy a simple yet delicious bifana pork sandwich with a cold beer any time of day. Across the street in Camões Square is a monumental statue of 16th-century epic poet, Luis de Camões. The square marks the transition zone between Chiado and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.

There are several Manteigaria outlets throughout Portugal, where you can get the ubiquitous pastéis de nata. It's an egg custard tart pastry sometimes topped with cinnamon (or powdered sugar). Manteigaria gives the original Pastel de Belém a run for its money as the best pastéis de nata. You can find these tarts everywhere, and it's fun to compare and see which ones you like best!

The name translates to 'Ginjinha without a rival,' which is funny because there are many other spots to sample 'Ginja,' which is a local favourite sweet cherry liqueur served as a shot. Ginjinha sem Rival opened in 1890 and is still run by the same family. The shop is tiny, so head inside to order and enjoy outdoors at the high top tables. People in Portugal drink Ginja any time of day. If you want to sample a couple different shots, you can also visit A Ginjinha - opened in 1840 - located a few meters away (both are located just off Rossio Square).

A traditional Portuguese restaurant located in the heart of Baixa, near both Praça da Figueira and the Elevador de Santa Justa (Santa Justa Lift). Wonderful family feel and welcoming space featuring lots of seafood dishes. We had a delicious dinner of traditional fish rice, ribs, and wine followed by ginjinha offered by our server along with coffee.

Large food hall located in the Mercado da Ribeira at Cais do Sodré. Featuring ~ 40 spaces with foods from the best chefs and restaurants, it is a popular spot. Note: It is very crowded and touristy, but a good choice if your time is limited or you are with a group wanting to sample a variety of foods.

Located in the town of Cacilhas across the river, you can catch a ferry from Cais do Sodré (just off Praça do Comércio and across from the TimeOut Market). Cost was only 1.40€ each way for the ~ 10 minute trip across the Tagus River with nice views of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the Santuário de Cristo Rei monument. Once across, turn right and follow the river along the row of abandoned warehouses adorned with graffiti. After about 20 minutes, you'll reach Restaurante Ponto Final. Tip #1: Make sure to secure a reservation for this waterfront spot: https://www.facebook.com/pontofinalalmada/ Tip #2: If you arrive early or want to do so sightseeing in the area, continue past the restaurant to nearby Jardim do Rio park. There, you can ride the free Elevador Panorâmico da Boca do Vento up to the top for a view of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the Santuário de Cristo Rei monument (very windy up there).