Even though Lisbon is the capital and most populous city of Portugal, it has a small-town charm with its low buildings and quiet streets. But don’t be fooled: the Portuguese capital is full of life and has so much to offer!
A cool fact is that Portugal is a large hub for high-quality clothing and footwear manufacturing. Brands like Balenciaga, Stussy, Off-White, and Filling Pieces have some pieces made here. So, if you see a “made in Portugal” label on any piece of clothing, know you’re getting something very high quality.
To get a good feel of Lisbon, we recommend spending at least three days in the city. This guide is based on our favorite experiences, but there are many other spots worth visiting.
Photos and Content: Kickstory
Text: Pedro Passa Gomes
If you’re looking for a good location to stay, consider the Cais do Sodré or Chiado areas. Both are central and make it easy to get around, whether on foot or by metro. One of Lisbon’s great advantages is that you can walk to almost anywhere. And when you can’t, buses and the metro are very accessible. To complete your experience, we suggest taking a train or bus to Porto. It’s a city worth checking out — and we even made a guide for the city as well!
We hope our tips help you explore Lisbon better and open your eyes to places you hadn’t yet put on your travel itinerary. Our idea is to share the best of our experiences so that yours can be even more amazing!
STORES
LATTE LISBON Located on Rua Nova do Almada, the store belongs to our friends Nuno and Rodrigo, and it’s a true gem. We had the chance to interview them in 2023 and were impressed by the exceptional curation of “Made in Portugal” products they have put together. Here, you’ll find not only Portuguese brands but also international brands that have products manufactured in the country. The relaxed environment includes a lounge area at the back with a large aquarium and a TV, creating a vibe that makes you want to lay back and chat. Next to it, iconic sneakers are displayed like a mini museum.
Cybercafé Skate Shop Located on Rua Ferragial, this is the coolest skate shop you’ll find in Lisbon! We interviewed one of the owners, and it was started by two Brazilians who were around 22 years old at the time. The shop quickly became a hub for skate culture, offering brands like Dime and Palace, along with decks and apparel. Today, it’s one of the few skate shops in Portugal that gets Nike SB sneakers. Plus, you can grab a cup of coffee for the full experience!
Ementa Store Specializing in skate products, this shop offers high-quality clothing, mostly “Made in Portugal,” with unique cuts and prints. Located on Rua da Boavista, it’s well worth a visit! They also have a store in LX Factory.
LX Factory Located in Alcântara, this historic industrial complex is home to companies, creative professionals, bars, restaurants, and shops. You’ll find everything from streetwear stores to a bookstore. It’s a must-visit, and we recommend going in the afternoon to get the most out of the atmosphere.
Son of a Gun Located on Rua da Assunção, this is a great discovery. Though we visited briefly, we noticed their excellent curation of streetwear and sneakers.
Komum Owned by the famous DJ Branko, this store specializes in selected and exclusive items, making it a hotspot for those looking for resell products. You’ll find it on Calçada Nova São Francisco.
El Corte Inglés Located on Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar, this large shopping mall has everything from Balenciaga to GAP. It’s the perfect spot for those seeking a wide variety of sneaker brands.
RESTAURANTS
Gal Café Created by a Brazilian couple, this vegan-only spot is located on Rua Forno do Tijolo. It’s worth a visit, even if you’re not vegan! With a brunch vibe and Brazilian-inspired dishes, make sure to try the banana pancake with peanut butter when you’re there.
Café da Garagem Boasting one of the most stunning views in Lisbon, this café is perfect to visit both during the day and at night. Located in Teatro da Garagem, near Castelo de São Jorge, getting there on foot is a bit of a challenge, but it’s absolutely worth it. The walk may be steep, but the neighborhood is charming and full of surprises along the way.
A.P.F. Café & Restaurante This spot offers delicious food in a very pleasant atmosphere! It’s located on Rua das Trinas.
JAC Brunch Lisbon offers no shortage of great brunch options. Our recommendation is JAC, situated on Rua da Rosa in Bairro Alto. This lively area is filled with interesting shops and is conveniently close to the city center.
Linha d’Água One of our favorite cafés, this gem is located in Eduardo VII Park, which also features a lookout point with breathtaking views of the city. As you arrive, you’ll find a café nestled alongside a serene waterline, surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect place for those seeking tranquility.
ART, CULTURE & LEISURE
Zé dos Bois Gallery Located on Rua da Barroca, one of Lisbon’s busiest nightlife streets, this gallery carries the same vibrant energy as downtown São Paulo. The building is historic and houses an art gallery, but the real highlight is the rooftop on the top floor. There, you’ll find a laid-back bar offering great drinks at affordable prices and a music selection that guarantees a great vibe!
São Pedro de Alcântara observatory Lisbon is full of scenic viewpoints, or miradouros as they’re called. One you shouldn’t miss is the one in Príncipe Real. This trendy neighborhood boasts fantastic bars, restaurants, and shops. On certain days of the month, there’s even a small producers’ market. It’s definitely worth checking out!
MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology – The MAAT impresses not only with its rotating large-scale exhibitions but also with its stunning architecture. Located in front of the Tagus River in the Alcântara district, this museum is a must-visit destination!
SPORTS
Alcântara Basketball Courts Right under the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge, next to the Padel Club, you’ll find two public basketball courts in the Alcântara area. With solid infrastructure and a breathtaking view of the Tagus River, it’s the perfect spot to hoop!
Monsanto Forest Park One of the largest urban parks in Europe, spanning about 1,045 hectares — three times the size of Central Park! Over 50 years old, this park symbolizes the resilience of Portuguese forests, having transitioned from agricultural land to a thriving forest. Reforestation began in 1938 after centuries of deforestation. Today, the park plays a vital ecological and recreational role, offering activities like hiking and running trails. When we visited, Ian completed a great running route starting from the Rato area to the park. You can even follow his route on Strava!
We hope you enjoy Kickstory’s travel guide! Here are our thoughts on Lisbon:
Lisbon is bursting with attractions, from its rich culture and gastronomy to the fashion options we found there. The city boasts various streetwear and high-quality clothing stores, with a special emphasis on local brands and unique items from labels like Diadora, New Balance, and Saucony that aren’t as widely available in Brazil. While the sneaker market isn’t huge, the effort these stores put into creating immersive experiences is remarkable.
The cuisine is spectacular, and the cafés stand out, offering much more than just coffee—they have amazing food options too. Leisure in Lisbon extends beyond its breathtaking views, although the sheer number of viewpoints is impressive. The architecture itself is a draw, but there are also vibrant hotspots offering lively nightlife, as well as daytime activities ranging from art galleries to excellent bars and restaurants.
Although we didn’t list many sports activities, Monsanto Forest Park is a fantastic spot for hiking, biking, or even enjoying a picnic with friends. If you visit Lisbon, we hope you get a chance to explore all these places, and that our tips help complete your itinerary, making your trip an even better experience!
