Explore Príncipe Real & Lisbon
We love our neighbourhood – Príncipe Real. You will too! PRÍNCIPE REAL has become one of the most interesting shopping districts, located on one long street, Rua Dom Pedro V (which eventually becomes Rua da Escola Politécnica). Being a hub for cultural diversity and steeped in history, Príncipe Real is Lisbon’s trendiest neighbourhood. There are galleries, independent boutiques and design shops for the city’s hippest crowds to explore, traditional and contemporary restaurants, and beautiful gardens (Botanical and the Jardim do Príncipe Real). What to buy? Cork, tiles, shoes, soap, wine, textiles, ceramics and canned sardines, of course! We recommend: SHOPPING
Embaixada – Concept Store, Praça do Príncipe Real, 26. A palatial residence in the 1800s is now Lisbon’s most interesting shopping destination. Converted into a concept store in 2013, its rooms spreading over two floors are now dedicated to lifestyle products, mostly from Portuguese designers and brands. ENTRETANTO – Indoor Market, is another former mansion converted into a concept store, with lots of “Made in Portugal” brands. Rua da Escola Politécnica, 42.
Maison Nuno Gama, Portugal’s premiere clothing designer (mainly men) with excellent hair salon connected to the retail space. Rua de O Século, 171. And many other designer national and international shops dotting the streets of the district. THE ARTS & HISTORY
Medeiros E Almeida House Museum, the founder António Medeiros e Almeida donated the house where he lived for 30 years, and his art collection: clocks, Chinese porcelains, paintings, furniture, jewellery, sacred art, sculpture and textiles. Rua Rosa Araújo, 41 (Metro – Marquês De Pombal). Gulbenkian Museum, one of the world’s finest private art collections. It includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Monet and René Lalique. Chill out in the beautiful gardens too! Avenida de Berna, 45A (Metro – São Sebastião). Ancient Art Museum, Portugal’s National Gallery European and Oriental, much related to the Age of Discovery, which illustrates Portugal’s links with Asia and Africa. Rua das Janelas Verdes, Lapa (Tram 25). MUDE, Design & Fashion Museum. Permanent international collection and temporary exhibitions. Rua Augusta, 24. Tile Museum, well worth a visit. Five centuries of decorative ceramic tiles or azulejos. Understanding the history of Lisbon through tiles will change what you see as you walk the streets. Rua Madre de Deus, 4 (Bus 794 from Comércio Square or Taxi). St. George’s Castle, bird’s-eye view of the city. Located in Alfama, the city’s medieval village-like neighborhood. Walk up from Alfama or Bus 37. Natural History and Science Museum, it houses the Amphitheatre and Chemical Lab of the Polytechnic School. It is a historical and scientific jewel of the University of Lisbon, the city and the country. It is possibly the only survivor of the great teaching and research laboratories of the European universities. Rua da Escola Politécnica 56-58. Botanical Garden, adjacent to the Natural History and Science Museum. Landscaped botanical garden with global plants & trees, plus a bank of rare & endangered seeds. Rua da Escola Politécnica 54. Reservatório Patriarcal, also known as the Reservoir of D. Pedro V is an amazing ancient water reservoir for the water distribution in Lisbon in the old days. Under the Garden of Príncipe Real. São Roque Church, world’s most expensive chapel. The Chapel of St. John the Baptist inside is a European masterpiece (what look like paintings are actually mosaics!) made in Rome for this Lisbon church. To see more baroque magnificence head to Santa Catarina Church nearby. Largo Trindade Coelho, Bairro Alto (Just down the street from Príncipe Real). Convento dos Cardaes, baroque convent with annexed tiled and gilded chapel. This juxtaposition of tile and gilt is typical of Portuguese baroque and this Convent is one of the most noteworthy examples in Lisbon. Rua do O Século, 123. Berardo Museum, Portuguese millionaire Berardo has put together one of Europe’s greatest modern art collections in Belém – Warhol, Picasso, Dali and more. Free. Great café too! Tram 15. Belém Tower, the city’s icon is also a symbol of the Age of Discovery. Built in the early 1500s, this ornate watchtower has been declared a World Heritage monument by UNESCO. Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, home to the tomb of explorer Vasco da Gama. Massive 1500s church monastery. Cloisters are considered among the most beautiful in the world and has been listed also as a World Heritage Site. |
Lisbon’s blend of rustic-old world with modern-hip makes for an exciting and unique experience. No wonder it’s called Europe’s coolest city. So much beauty, creativity and vitality. While Lisbon has its share of impressive architectural monuments, places of historical interest, museums, galleries and churches, it is the light, the colours, and natural beauty that captures most hearts. So many great vistas – especially from Miradouros (vantage points) with outdoor cafés and kiosks – invite you to linger. I love to spend afternoons wandering through Príncipe Real, Rua Garrett and Avenida da Liberdade, feeling the city, pulsating alive and do a bit of shopping. Often I visit my favourite museum, the Gulbenkian. It’s wonderful gardens are perfect for relaxing in the afternoon and Foundation Medeiros e Almeida… a hidden pearl! I love to rent a bike and cycle alongside the river from Lisbon to Belém, were I make a stop for a famous custard tart!
Although cabs are inexpensive and accessible, explore the city on foot – get lost in the mysterious alleyways of the Alfama (Moorish), pop in and out of the exciting shops and cafés of Príncipe Real, or wander down to the inviting blue waters of the Tagus river. On the riverbank to the west you’ll find the region of Belem, home to architectural wonders from Portugal’s era of discovery, along with the Berardo gallery, host to an amazing collection of contemporary art.
The bohemian Bairro-Alto area is next door to Príncipe Real. Enjoy a full range of dining experiences from grilled sardines in a back street café, to some of the city’s wonderful modern restaurants. And don’t miss eating and drinking at the amazing and revamped “TimeOut“ Ribeira Market – the best party in town – open every day and night.
RESTAURANTS
Prego Da Peixaria, pregos, a typical Portuguese fish or meat sandwich. Yum! Rua da Escola Politécnica, 40. Pão à Mesa com Certeza, Portuguese traditional food with a contemporary twist. Petiscos (tapas). Rua D. Pedro V, 44. A Cevicheria, an authentic South American-style ceviche. Uber cool! Start with a Pisco Sour. Rua D. Pedro V, 129. Tascardoso, on a side street just off Praça do Príncipe Real. Informal eatery with traditional Portuguese cuisine. Rua de O Século, 242. La Paparrucha, Argentinian charcoal grilled steaks. Fab buffet lunch too. Beautiful view of the city. Rua D. Pedro V, 18-20. Lost In, cafe and restaurant with a cosmopolitan vibe, relaxing lounge with an outdoor secluded esplanade. Rua D. Pedro V, 56D. Tapas Bar 52, tapas, tapas and more tasty tapas, huge selection! Rua D. Pedro V, 52. The Insolito, bar and restaurant with a great view over Lisbon. Rua São Pedro de Alcântara 83. Terra, an excellent vegetarian with a wide variety. Closed Mondays. Rua da Palmeira, 15. Grapes & Bites, wine bar meets tapas (aka petiscos). Great wine list, and often live music too. Rua do Norte 81 R/C. Quermesse, Mediterranean cuisines, Portuguese cuisine with a twist of some of the best specialities from Spain, France and Italy. Rua da Glória 85. Flor da Laranja, authentic Morrocan, evenings, closed Sundays. Rua da Rosa, 206. Casanostra Italian, lunch and dinner. Closed Mondays. Travessa do Poço da Cidade, 60, in Bairro Alto. Sophia La Loca, tapas and discerning regional wine list on Rua Grémio Lusitano, 20. Antigo 1 de Maio, traditional style food, family run. Closed Sundays. Rua da Atalaia, 8. Chafariz do Vinho – Enoteca, wine tasting, snacks and tapas, perfect for relaxing. Set in an old main water reservoir at the top of Praça da Alegria. Pizza a Pezzi, right down below the Dom Pedro Apartment, this pizza place has extended opening hours and is perfect for a late night snack or a bite on the go. Rua D. Pedro V, 88. Verdeachado, pizza place steps away from the Taipas Apartment. Tasty and various Pizzas. Another good option for a quick and savoury bite. Rua da Conceição da Glória, 48. Pavilhão Chinês, unique decoration, with collections of toys, porcelains, trinkets you have to see it! Lounging and relaxing over cocktails. Right in front of Dom Pedro Apartment. Rua D. Pedro V, 89. There are no shortages of amazing restaurants in Lisbon, but you should not leave without a visit to TimeOut Ribeira Market. Open everyday for lunch and dinner. FADO
Love it or hate it, but don’t miss experiencing Portugal’s unique ‘blues’ music. There’s no shortage of Fado houses, especially in nearby Bairro Alto. Typically shows take place at night – and often include a dinner with the ‘show’. ***Useful Tips and Informations*** Luggage storage City Lockers – Rossio Metro Station Luggage Storage Lisbon – Rua do Alecrim, 53 – Street Store Lugagge Drop – Rua de S. Marçal, 186-A, Príncipe Real Train Stations providing Luggage Lockers Facilities: Cais do Sodré, Entrecampos, Lisboa Oriente, Lisboa Santa Apolónia, Rossio and Sete Rios Discover Lisbon with the Lisbon Card Travel for free, skip the queues and enjoy free access to Lisbon’s best museums and attractions with the Lisboa Card. The card includes free admission to the Torre de Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, Santa Justa Elevator, Tile museum and more. http://www.lisboacard.org/ We can recommend the hop on/hop off YELLOW BUS too! |