Lisbon Guide

June 30, 2018June 23, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

It was my second time in Lisbon (I’ve been there in April as well – see all the posts on it here), but I still feel like I need a separate month to discover this city fully. Why? The number of tiny stores with well-curated, limited edition goods (from notebooks to babouche slippers) is unbelievable here, and it really needs time to get to know all of them! Just like with various concept stores, boutiques and outlets…

Below are the five spots I found intriguing. But I know there are more! So if you want to start with something, scroll down.

I adore places like Artes & Letras Atelier, because I’m a huge devotee of print. This small store works as well as a studio, where all the notebooks, pamphlets, postcards, letters and illustrations are made. Bought a beautiful, hand-sewn notebook here and I can’t let myself use it – it’s too precious.

Rua dos Poiais de São Bento 90

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Designer Ana Costa has created the brand +351 which stands for the Portuguese dialing code. Ana’s creative process is inspired by her lifestyle, which is connected with the city of Lisbon and it’s proximity with the ocean. Influenced by her surroundings, and her surfing passion, Ana delivers clothing with an attitude, but in a relaxed day-to-day style. Once visiting their flagship boutique, take a look at all the striped tops!

Rua Poiais de S. Bento 18

Embaixada is located in Ribeiro da Cunha Palace, one of the most iconic building in the trendy neighbourhood of Príncipe Real. This XIX century new-Arabian Palace was turned into an innovative shopping gallery that hosts a series of national brands and artists focused on Portuguese design, craftsmanship, fashion, gastronomy and culture. The result is a meeting point of people and experiences, blending preservation of the architectural heritage with the newest that Portugal has to offer.

Praça do Príncipe Real 26

Lisbon is one of the most diverse cities in the world. No wonder that you can even find a store fully dedicated to clothes coming from India. Lost In has a gorgeous selection of shirts, jackets, shawls and dresses, all kept in bold colours and made from finest cottons. Just behind the store you’ve got a bar/restaurant with the same name. Didn’t eat there, though.

R. Dom Pedro V 56-D

Casa Pau-Brasil is another spot that can be easily dubbed as ‘mind-blowing’. At the entrance, stuffed yellow birds hang from the ceiling of the Palácio Castilho in Lisbon’s Príncipe Real neighbourhood. Casa Pau-Brasil opened its doors in April 2017 to stage Brazilian design, fashion and beauty to the European world. This huge space sells the best of Brazil – Fernando and Umberto Campana’s surreal furniture; wooden tables from Hugo França; evening wear from Juliana Herc; sweets by Chocolate Q. And many, many others.

Rua da Escola Politécnica 42

If you’re interested in reading more posts on Portugal, or you’re planning your trip to places like Porto or the Algarve region, click here.

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Bordallo Pinheiro Garden

April 20, 2018April 20, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

It’s a small garden, or rather a well-hidden oasis in the heart of Lisbon, where the amazing giant porcelain creations of the 19th-century artist Rafael Bordallo Pinheiro bask in the sun. Scattered amongst the trees, bushes and live peacocks, you will be surprised to find the oversized snakes, lizards, bees, frogs, lobsters, mushrooms and cats all over the jardin. Honestly, I was quite shocked that nobody really knows about the existence of this place (I’m more than grateful to this Purple Travel post that I’ve found few weeks ago!). At least, you can walk around the garden all alone, in silence. It was the last point of my spring holidays, but one of the most magical.

Campo Grande 245 / Lisbon

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Claus Porto

April 15, 2018April 15, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

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

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Eating in Lisbon

April 12, 2018April 12, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

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.

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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

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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.

R. de São João da Praça 93-95

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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

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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.

Beco do Alfurja 2

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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

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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

April 11, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

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