Príncipe Real

Part film archive, part museum, and part movie theater, Cinemateca Portuguesa is the kind of place where you can wander in and watch an Ernst Lubitsch silent film accompanied by live piano. They screen a variety of classics; and there's a convenient restaurant and quiet patio in the back, too.

With its white stools, white walls, and decidedly minimalist interiors, this coffee shop is what you might expect from Danish owners. Pleasant and unassuming, you’ll find some serious coffee nerds behind the bar, where you can get your fix by V60, Chemex, aeropress, or French press. Good music, decadent cake, various pastries, and a nearby outdoor square make this a great stop—whether you’re in it for the excellent coffee, or not.

Filled with small gadgets, figurines, and toys from the early twentieth century, this five-room bar is the perfect setting for a conversation over a drink or two. The vibe is super relaxed—not at all scene-y—with lots of comfortable seating. Even if you're not in the mood for a drink, it's worth it to at least go inside and take a peek at it unique décor.

To get to this quirky terrace bar and café, you'll first navigate a maze-like Indian clothing store via the back door before being met with its stunning rooftop view. Comfortable outdoor seating, shaded by colorful umbrellas, makes for a tranquil environment perfect for an afternoon drink or a light meal.

Given the historical connection between the countries, it's no surprise that there are a few great Brazilian restaurants in Lisbon. Comida de Santos airs on the kitschy side, but the grilled meats (and the fries they serve them with) are cooked to perfection, and there are a few great seafood picks on the menu, too. Bonus: The lengthy but very complete wine selection is quite reasonable.

A Cevicheria is known for putting a Portuguese spin on Peruvian ceviches (and also for its rather dramatic decór element, a large octopus sculpture that looms over the bar). The rest of the space is white-washed and light-filled, making it a clean slate for the order of choice here—ceviches made with fresh fish that chef Kiko Martins hand-selects from Portuguese markets each morning. And if ceviches are the signature dish here, the pisco sours are the signature cocktail—make sure to get at least one for the table.

We love Branca Lagarto and Natacha Tavares Pinto's narrow, light-filled shop for unique, accessible Portuguese design pieces. The walls are hung with sweetly designed graphic prints, and the shelves are stocked with little sculptures and homewares, like star-shaped cutting boards, artful ceramics, and jewelry from local designers. Souvenir-wise, they've got a selection of quirky giftables like ornate craft scissors in the shape of a peacock, oversized erasers, and an old-school boomerang. Don't miss the kids' section.

This adorable shop in Príncipe Real is a go-to for European (and often handmade) kids' brands, featuring everything from beautifully painted wooden blocks, to sleekly designed teething toys, to the teeniest little espadrilles. The buyers also have a few beachy homewares around for mom—baskets, oversized totes, and Turkish towels are scattered throughout the space.

What we love about 39a is that it's much more shop-able than your average concept store. Owner Raquel Prates covers the walls with art installations (there's always a cool temporary exhibition on display), and the racks are always filled with hard-to-find designers, but everything is relatable enough for regular wear. Win-win.

This shop is decorated from floor to ceiling in stunning, intricate, and mostly blue-and-white antique tiles from every era of Portuguese history. Collectors who know what they're looking for will have a field day here, but it's just as pleasurable an outing for naive tourists (some small tiles come in at a price range that's reasonable enough for a souvenir).