The historical downtown of Lisbon is one of those places you'll never forget. Rebuilt in the 18th century after the great Earthquake and Tsunami of 1755, it's a snapshot in time. Wide car-free avenues, grand architecture and ornate cobblestone "Calçada Portuguesa" sidewalks that lead to a beautiful square that faces the Tejo river - it's an absolute must. After decades as a tourist trap, it's currently going through a renaissance with new hotels (see below) and restaurants that are worth a stop. Check out the beautiful Confeitaria Nacional, one of Europe's oldest pastry shops - and then for something new visit Typographia, a stand-alone shop where you can pick up limited-edition T-Shirts printed locally with contemporary designs.

Rua Augusta,
1100 Lisboa

Spread throughout the city, Quiosques can host just about anything from daily newspapers and magazines to cafes and bars. After a long afternoon sight-seeing, find one with a great view or tucked into a secret town square and have a little pick-me-up. We recommend the Quiosque no Bairro Alto - it has an incredible view of the city, and is the perfect spot for an espresso or a late afternoon "imperial", a 300cl mini-beer.

Praça do Príncipe Real
1200 Lisboa

No Lisbon Guide is complete without mentioning the Elevador de Santa Justa. Since Lisbon is the original City of Seven Hills (sorry Rome!), the Royal Family needed to come up with some ingenious ways to help "Lisboetas" get to the top of the hills in the heat of summer. There are trollies throughout, but the most fun is the Elevador built by Portuguese-born Eifell apprentice Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard. Literally an elevator to the sky, it brings you from the historic Baixa Area to the Ruins of the Carmo Convent with amazing views of Lisbon from the very top.

 Rua do Ouro,
1150-060 Lisboa

Revived industrial buildings now home to creative offices, studios, restaurants and shops, LX Factory is a creative hub blasted with street art and buzzing with great energy. Spend an afternoon just hanging out and enjoying instagrammable spots like bookstore Ler Devagar.  We might be slightly biased since a couple of our artisans have studios here, but for us its one of the hottest spots in town.

Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103,
1300 Lisboa

Pastéis de Belém have been made in this very spot for hundreds of years, and I hope they'll be here forever. One of the best-known pastries in Portugal, they're slowly taking over the world but it just doesn't get any better than the original - the secret recipe is served all day and always fresh from the oven. Perfectly warm and creamy, wrapped in a crunchy crust. I get them in multiples of 6 (trust me on this) dust them in cinnamon and find a cozy spot under a tree at the park nearby. You won't regret it and I promise you'll come back for more. 

Rua de Belém,
1300-085 Lisboa

A contemporary take on a traditional tavern, if you love tapas-style bites and good wine this place is for you. Bring some friends, get a pitcher of sangria and taste a wide variety of Portuguese bites - Casual and relaxed with simple decor it's right on a town square where you can dine in the summer for hours.

Praça São Paulo 21,
1200-425 Lisboa

Although built around music, Café Tati couldn't be more different than Café Lisboa in style. Bohemian and casual, Café Tati is a great hang-out spot with great food all day. After 10P-ish they bring in some amazing music, mostly jazz sets and fado by locals and international artists. No cover, so grab a table for dinner and stay for the music. You won't regret it.

Rua da Ribeira Nova 36,
Lisboa

This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in Lisbon. Perfectly fresh fish and ceviche prepared right in front you along with warm bowls and new innovative dishes. It's a magic blend of Peruvian sensibility through a Portuguese lens by Chef Kiko. I recommend the tasting menu at the bar, get a bottle of sparkling green wine (the famous vinho verde) and enjoy the evening.

Rua D. Pedro V, 129
1200 Lisboa

Recalling the grand times of dining all dressed up before the Opera, Café Lisboa looks glamorous in the 18th century São Carlos National Theatre. But this is not some stuffy restaurant; Run by Michelin-starred portuguese celebrity chef José Avillez, it's a contemporary take on classic portuguese cuisine. Known for their steaks it now even has its own style, the "Bife à Café Lisboa".
If you're in town for a few days, also check out his brand new neighborhood restaurant "Bairro do Avillez", with a gourmet grocery store and pub. A bit more casual, and very fun and delicious.

Largo de São Carlos 23
Lisboa

Located in Avenida da Liberdade, the 5th Avenue of Lisbon, Valverde Hotel is a luxurious mix of contemporary, vintage and mid-century design in a dark glamorous palette by José Pedro Vieira e Diogo Rosa Lã. Designed more like upscale townhouses, the experience from the intimate restaurant to the heated pool in the patio is a comfortable luxury that was missing in Lisbon.

Avenida da Liberdade, 164,
1250-146 Lisbon

The Browns Hotel Group know what they're doing. Portuguese-owned Browns Central is a renovated downtown classical building renovated in a contemporary/mid-century vibe. The lounge area is casually sophisticated in jewel-tone velvets, brass and great lighting, with brutalist cement stairs leading up to the warm contemporary rooms complete with all marble bathrooms. We once completely messed up a reservation (or rather an online booker did) and they absolutely stepped up and made the experience an incredibly positive one. I've been recommending it to anyone who'll listen since then. Also in the downtown Baixa neighbourhood are Browns | Boutique and Browns | Downtown, done in different but equally stylish design. 

Rua da Assunção nº75,
1100-042 Lisboa

A former palace (sensing a theme?) now decorated in an eclectic approachable style, the Independente is two buildings next to eachother that are a great place to stay without breaking the bank. With spacious rooms with tall ceilings, you could call it a "Luxury Hostel". Downstairs is great lunch spot The Decadente, with the front bar the perfect spot for a drink before you hit the night - the best part is that it's right by nightlife favorite Bairro Alto neighborhood. Part of the Portuguese-owned "Independente Collective", they also have a country farm hotel and a few restaurants. All stylish and casual, check them out.

R. São Pedro de Alcântara 81,
1250-238 Lisboa