Seville

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In case of Seville, you really need a day for the ‘tourist’ part and a day (or two) for absorbing the local spirit. Not that the ‘tourist’ part is somehow tedious or exhausting. Quite opposite – the Seville Cathedral is a jaw-dropper in every aspect, from its monumentality (it’s the biggest gothic cathedral in the world) to opulent ornaments. Meanwhile Real Alcázar, a royal palace that’s a preeminent example of Mudéjar architecture, is renowned as one of the most beautiful spots in the entire city. Those gardens are a dream, I tell you! To capture the essence of these two, be prepared for hours of walking. But the visual treats here are worth it!

In case of a less ‘tourist’ experience in Seville, the city is known for impressive vintage stores (Buhoneras Vintage, Cigarrera, for intance) and tapas. There are, however, two camps with tapas – the first is more traditional, while the other is willing to experiment. Casa Ricardo is a crowdy place, where you will try various Spanish tastes and see how the locals dine – slowly, loudly, with friends, family. Eslava is a more contemporary tapas bar, which is equally busy in the evening (you might even wait in a queue to get a place). Here, you will find small plates with fried sardines, tuna tataki, sea anenomes (!) or classical ham. Whatever you take – it’s going to be delightful.

But most of all, enjoy Seville in a relaxed pace – observe the streets, enter the stores with hats for flamenco dancers, sit in the sun.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Portimão

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Portimão is perfect in terms of visiting the Portuguese sea-side. Not only the local market is rich in freshly caught fish and fruits coming from the nearest orchards, but the  beach here is… a dream. Just as the restaurants, villas and pretty much everything. I can actually see myself living here, picking oranges and shells for days.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Claus Porto

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The Chiado district of Lisbon is a treasure chest of the best goods coming from all over Portugal. At the roots of Claus Porto are its German founders and a beautiful, historic city of Porto. The label built its name on hand-crafted soaps infused with fine fragrances, which draw on ingredients from the country’s rich and lush countryside. These products are imbued with an artisan’s heart and soul, and are wrapped by hand in packaging illustrated with retro-inspired and vintage graphic designs, which give a sense of being transported to the glamourous decadence of Belle Époque Europe. Not only soaps tempt you at Claus Porto, but as well creams and perfumes. Still, it’s the signature soap that everyone has to bring back home, whether you’re deciding between Classico, Deco, Agua de Colonia or Musgo Real.

Rua da Misericórdia 135 / Lisbon

Eating in Lisbon

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Lisbon is not only great art, mind-blowing architecture and stylish concept stores. It’s also all about food! And really good food, I should admit. And no, the don’t only eat baskets of freshly picked clementines here (as pictured above) – even though a fresh juice made of them is an actual seventh wonder. Here’s my short guide around some of my favourite eating spots and dinner places in the Portuguese capital.

If you’re planning your dinner at Cervejaria Ramiro, read carefully the following: beware of the queue! No reservations, which is usual for the best restaurants in Lisbon. But before you induldge yourself in all those spider crabs, razor clams, tiger prawns and goose barnacles, you’ve got to wait for about half to one hour outside. No worries – they serve beer for the patient ones. And the waiting is really worth it.

Av. Almirante Reis N.1

After an exhausting excursion to Alfama’s most important churches and a few hours of walking down and up the hilly streets, Pois Café is the right place to take a break. The interior is an eclectic mix of brick, vintage furniture and local artists’ paintings. Food is simple, but tasty – take the plate with mozzarella bufala or the passion fruit cheesecake. A fast brunch / lunch in an intriguing spot.

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A Chevicheria is Lisbon’s hottest dining place. The huge octopus hanging above the bar tempts to enter and try Kiko Martins’ signature seafood menu. Whether it’s a tuna ceviche with radish or St. Jacob’s mussels, you won’t be dissapointed with the restaurant, that’s for sure. Again, no reservations, possibility of waiting in a queue. But the locals know what’s good!

Rua Dom Pedro V129

Morgadinha de Alfama is not a busy, fancy kind of place, but it has one of the most romantic patios in town. And delightful tapas! It’s especially refreshing when the temperature rises and you can hide hear from the scorching sun.

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Everybody heard of Time Out Market in Lisbon. You can eat anything here, from the best pata negra ham and fried squids to soaps in the most stylish packages at A Vida Portuguesa corner. The food here is good, true, but the prices are slightly too high. Also, don’t expect Berlin’s market coziness – Time Out is much more commercialised. But the flower shop located inside is a total must visit – even if you can’t buy a bouquet due to approaching airplane travel. Just beautiful.

Av. 24 de Julho 49

In case of traditional Portuguese patisseries, Padaria e Pastelarias Panificação R. Sao Roque is unrivalled. Try tapas served in a more contemporary manner at Tapisco. I hope that the next time I’m in Lisbon, I will discover equally delicious places. Any recommendations, maybe?

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

República das Flores

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Have you ever wondered what it’s like to enter a cabinet de curiosités? Well, entering República das Flores might be just the experience you’ve always been dreaming of. It’s a magical store that’s located in a Pombaline house from the beginning of the 19th century in Lisbon’s Chiado district. What to see and love in here? Perfumed paper, cushions, soaps and bath products, Bordalo Pinheiro china, fresh flowers, linen table clothes from Porto, vintage garments, jewellery from remote destinations, Alentejo oil and wine, antique objects from India and Morocco… in fact, you can’t go out with empty hands.

Rua Alecrim 99 / Lisbon

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.