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.

Sé do Porto

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

I have such a beautiful memory from this major destination in Porto. Originally built in the 12th century, Porto Cathedral (or Sé do Porto) still has the original merlons and twin towers, although the towers are now topped by 18th century additions. It has undergone various alterations over the centuries, the most important additions being the Gothic rose window, the cloisters, the 18th century altar and the rococo doorway. But you don’t notice details like this when in a crowd of tourist. Really, by co-incidence, we had a chance to visit the Cathedral all by ourselves: we came a few minutes before the closing, but the lovely cashier let us go in. Walking around the cloisters as if it was your summer mansion, ahh, what a feeling! You can look at the tiled walls with no haste and see every single tiny fragment (and believe me, the Portuguese loved tile story-telling). And all that in total silence.

Photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Mistu

June 18, 2018June 18, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

If you’re coming to Porto (see my guide around the city’s loveliest spots here), make Mistu your must-go restaurant. It’s the best restaurant I’ve been to in entire Portugal – it’s heaven. After recovering a neo-Arab building and transforming it into the Flow Restaurant & Bar, the restaurateurs’ desire to develop new experiences at the table took them to a former locksmith’s shop behind the Stock Exchange Palace. Black, white, brass, straw and green are the tones that predominate here, creating a chic, groovy atmosphere. But what’s most appealing about Mistu is that several gastronomic cultures of the orld with references of Asia and South America arrive at the table with an Portuguese accent. Chef Rui Mingatos is a magician! Try the tuna ceviche for starter, Uruguayan picanha for the main course. An ecstatic experience! Oh, and you better book a table in advance.

Rua do Comércio do Porto 161 / Porto

All photos by Edward Kanarecki.

Porto Guide

June 16, 2018June 15, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

I never thought that Porto, one of Portugal’s most historically rich cities, is filled with so many gorgeous places to check out (after you’ve visited all the local churches and cathedrals, of course!). Some of the places have that vintage-y, age-old magic, others are more into contemporary stuff – but all of them feel truly authentic. Porto is a city where every art form flourishes and which takes care of its creative spirits. Whether you’re in the delightful old city centre or in the slowly, but gradually booming art district, Porto has idiosyncratic spots you must delve into!

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I’ve already written about Claus Porto here, when I visited Lisbon for the first time. The soap and cologne heaven has a beautiful boutique on the ground floor, and the brand’s museum on the first floor. That’s not your average store with cosmetics, that’s for sure.

R. das Flores 22

If you still haven’t found your perfect basket, then make Hats & C.A.T.S. the first place you visit in Porto. It’s also a place for straw hats lovers (and amateurs that are into Jacquemus lately). Paradise!

Rua do Infante D. Henrique 117

Since 1906, Livraria Lello has been the house for people of arts and letters, an inspiration for acclaimed authors, a place for social gatherings, performances and a quiet library for many of book moths (until the age of consumption hit it…). Although today is receives thousands of visitor, who everyday enter its doors to visit this Neo-Gothic gem, the place still sells some of the most incredible book editions and printed rarities (held in a separate room). Also, it’s called the most ‘beautiful bookshop in the world’, so…

R. das Carmelitas 144

Patch is a vintage treasure chest. From military bombers to Balenciaga mules, old kimonos and ceramic objects, who knows what you can discover here.

Rua do Rosário 193

Cirurgias Urbanas is, as far as I understood, a gallery space and a jewellery studio. The owner, whose outfit was so good that I had to photograph it in every detail, does some of the most unusual earrings, rings and brooches out there.

Rua do Rosário 147

I guess Early Made is Porto’s spot that has the status similar to Berlin’s Voo Store. With an impressive number of Portuguese labels (as well as internationally recognized Maison Kitsune or YMC) this spacious concept store changes its display seasonally, with the help of local artists. You will a wide selection of niche magazines and curated objects in the back of the store.

Panamar is a wonderland. From Portuguese brands that do their clothes on couture level to tiny labels from the most remote destinations, Panamar is one of the most refined boutiques in Porto. Upstairs, you will find a number of antique furnitures, one of a kind jewellery, fur coats and other very, very expensive goodies…

R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 14

Hope this short guide of my favourite places in Porto might be useful while planning your trip to this city. A few more posts are coming, so stay in tune.

Cape St. Vincent

June 13, 2018June 13, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

To be honest, my visit to Cape St. Vincent (or Cabo de São Vicente) is one of the most beautiful experiences in my life, and a must-see when staying in Portugal’s Algarve region. Once believed to be the ‘end of the world’, today Cape St. Vincent is a tourist attraction that many tourists don’t even know about actually. The area (where you can as well find the obsolete Franciscan monastery and a renovated light-house) is largely protected as a National Park. You will surely observe countless wildflowers (including Algarve orchids) and migrant birds. But, oh my, those views! THAT AIR! The sunsets are spectacular, but that’s quite clear. And the woollen sweaters you can buy at the entrance during the day are also worth the drive.