Writing about Lisbon while it’s fresh on the brain. While we spent five full days in the city, we were sick for two…so we packed a lot into three days. Mostly, we skipped the big landmarks and opted to do what we love in any city…explore and eat.
Spreading our learnings across two posts, and starting with Food and Views.
Pastel (or Pão) de Nata.
As much as possible! Every panderia, restaurant, and cafe have their own versions. If you want a quick comparison, visit these three spots about a block apart in the Biaxa-Chiado area along Rua do Loreto. (And also around the corner from the infamous Santa Justa elevator).
- Pastelaria ALCÔA.
- Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata. Across the street from ALCÔA
- Manteigaria. I don’t want to cause bias here, but these were my favorite because you get them hot out of the oven. I can still taste them!
Breakfast/Lunch Spots
I’m biased here: breakfast and brunch are my favorite meals. Also the easiest for me to eat because I’m gluten free. Lisbon gets the gold star for doing these meals really well and making them accessible to vegans and GF-diners. (Dinner, not so much.) We never had to wait even though every restaurant or cafe was hopping.
- Comobå. Everything is 10/10.
- Hello, Kristof. The best gluten-free bread you will ever taste. Worth having it just to experience what dream GF should taste like everywhere.
- Neighbourhood Lisbon. The Turkish eggs are not to be missed.
- Heim Cafe. The bunch special is amazing…we split it it was so massive…also Churro French Toast!
- Copenhagen Coffee Lab & Bakery. Great spot to chill. Excellent bread selection and sandwiches.
- the mill.
- Fauna & Flora.
Views. (+People Watching)
You’ll see everyone go to Santa Justa elevator for the views. Here’s the thing: you can get these views all over the city while you explore (and skip the long-ass line. PS…the TikTok/IG tip to avoid the line at Santa Justa? It’s no longer…the store with the free elevator shut down access after being overwhelmed from the social media hype.)
- Skybar. Located in the luxury shopping Avenida de Liberdade.
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara Go in the daytime and go back at sunset. We visited this park every single day!
- Principe Real Garden. Go along the back side of the park where it intersects with Rue de Jasmim. It will give you a surreal San Francisco vibe. Enough said. (Then after, walk over to Bettina Corrallo for the finest chocolate you’ll ever eat.)
- Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Sweeping views of the water and bridge. You can walk up to Castelo de São Jorge after.
Next Post: Overall tips, Dinner.
charlene prince birkeland 
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