How to experience Lisbon like a local: a guide inspired by Claudina and Philipp’s story.
Breakfast
A Padaria Portuguesa
is Claudina and Philipp’s favorite café chain for breakfast or a snack. They recommend trying the «Menu Pequeno-Almoço», which includes a croissant with ham and cheese, an orange juice, and a café for only 3,99€. You can find many Padarias Portuguesas throughout the city.
Snacks
O Melhor Croissant da Minha Rua
Philipp loves croissants and claims to have found the best ones at „O Melhor Croissant da Minha Rua“
As Bifanas do Alonso
Whenever Claudina and Philipp felt hungry in the city center, they head to As Bifanas do Afonso on Rua da Madalena for delicious, cheap, and quintessentially Portuguese bifanas. However, this option is not suitable for vegetarians. While a bifana may be a snack for Philipp, Claudina considers it a full meal.
Casa do Alentejo
Another recommendation for bifanas comes from Claudina and Philipp: Casa do Alentejo. From the outside, Casa do Alentejo appears discreet, often unnoticed by tourists. However, inside, it boasts an Eden of vibrant colors and surprising Arabian architecture. Even if you’re not hungry, Claudina suggests visiting and exploring the diverse rooms.
Cinemateca
One of Claudina’s favorite cafés is located at Cinemateca. On the first floor, you’ll find a beautiful terrace offering prices reminiscent of Lisbon before the tourism boom, with an espresso priced at just 0,70€.
Lunch & Dinner
Café Império
Café Império is the go-to restaurant for Claudina and Philipp. Once an old cinema, it has been converted into a restaurant while retaining its cinematic ambiance. Food is delicious and clients are mostly Portuguese.
Versailles
During their last holiday in the city, Claudina and Philipp discovered the Versailles restaurant and quickly fell in love with the place.
Drinks
A Ginjinha
For newcomers to Lisbon, Claudina and Philipp recommend going for a traditional ginjinha at A Ginjinha in Largo São Domingos.
O Botequim
Claudina highly recommends the bar O Botequim for drinks (and why not snacks?). It is in a very old and charming neighborhood in Lisbon.
Foxtrot
Another recommendation from Claudina is the bar Foxtrot. You ring a bell, and then you enter in an amazing ambience.
Pensão do Amor
To be in Lisbon by night is to go to Pensão do Amor, an ex-brothel, and very dear place to Claudina and Philipp.