You’re right, there is so much more to Lisbon than hopping on the vintage lemon tram between Alfama and Baixa. There’s nothing wrong with ticking off their cathedrals, palaces, and viewpoints — they’re famous for a reason — but they won’t satisfy your craving to see Lisbon for what it really is: A culturally rich and creative city that blends its proud heritage with modern ideas that culminate into an exciting tapestry of shopping, dining, and entertainment destinations.
Want to know where to find them? In this tell-all off-the-beaten-path guide to Lisbon 2025, we present a thoughtful, personal, curated selection of recommendations that allow travel tastemakers like you to properly sink your teeth into this masterful city. We cover where to stay, shop, eat, drink, and explore, giving you plenty of ideas to fill your itinerary for a week or more. Let’s dive in, shall we?
Hotels Off the Beaten Path in Lisbon
From historic palaces to boutique design hotels, Lisbon spoils the travel tastemaker for choice. However, we’ve whittled things down to give you three mid-priced, high-end hotel options that won’t disappoint:
For the style-savvy: 1908 Lisboa Hotel, Intendente/Anjos
Let’s start our recommendations off strong with the 1908 Lisboa Hotel, which is astonishingly affordable for the level of style and luxury it offers. The building brilliantly juxtaposes its elegant Art Nouveau architecture with contemporary features like an urban mural, bathrobes embroidered with ‘Go Tiger!’, and a neon-lit fox on an exposed brick wall inside its restaurant ‘Infame’. Speaking of, the restaurant’s menu is just as elegant yet eclectic, including dishes such as duck croquettes, lamb biryani, and poke bowls. Our favorite part might just be the complimentary pastel de nata delivered with a welcome note to your room upon arrival, one of the many ways in which the hotel provides a personalized service.
For the authentic traveler: Dear Lisbon
Imagine having a wealthy friend who lives in one of Lisbon’s best locations. You hit them up, and they welcome you into their lavish, tastefully decorated home with open arms. That’s the concept Dear Lisbon has created with its collection of small, independent guesthouses around the city. The boutique hotel-luxury guesthouse hybrid provides the best of both worlds: a curated, luxurious space that feels homely and intimate. Ideal for those who favor a sense of privacy and independence that a regular hotel may not provide. From traditional Victorian and Art Deco Portuguese rooms to modern and minimal, choose the style that fits your vibe.
For the romantic: Santiago de Alfama
Many hotels that position themselves as elegant and grown-up often fall into the trap of being boring, but not the Santiado de Alfama. Set in a restored 15th-century mansion, the hotel embraces a romantic, regal, yet relaxed atmosphere throughout with a modern finish accented by Portuguese heritage. While some suites enjoy sweeping river views, others gaze over the historic castle. Meanwhile, Audrey’s Cafe, Bistro, and Bar spills out into the streets from day to night with a classic menu to satisfy all cravings accompanied by live jazz. The perfect way to end a day after exploring Lisbon via the hotel’s private city experiences and freshening up at the in-house Beauty Bar.
Neighborhoods off the beaten path in Lisbon
Most tourists limit themselves to Lisbon’s most famous neighborhoods Alfama, Baixa, and Bairro Alto. As a travel tastemaker, you might prefer to wander off the beaten path to these lesser-known neighborhoods instead:
For an underground vibe: Anjos & Intendente
If you’re looking for Lisbon’s underground scene, wander north of Alfama and the Moorish Quarter to Anjos. A multicultural area, Anjos is founded on diversity and inclusion, which has been the bedrock for a thriving alternative scene with a creative pulse. Its raw and unpolished streets are lined with an eclectic mix of migrant cafes, old-school bakeries, and urban street art. But when you look between the cracks and in hidden corners, you’ll find a fun mash-up of community-run music venues, galleries, and creative hubs too. Here’s how to spend a day in Anjos:
Morning: Spend the morning vintage shopping at Retro City and Retrox. Look out for the monthly bazaar Anjos70 Market. Stop in Crew Hassan for thrifting and vinyl browsing with a morning coffee.
Noon: Fill up on fresh pasta and local wine at Pastaria before checking out local artists at Mono Lisboa Gallery.
Night: It’s a toss-up between Darc – Desterro’s multi-level artsy bar with jam sessions and film screenings, and Casa Independente, a former palace turned live music venue, with an eclectic crowd.
For the upscale local: Campo de Ourique
Campo de Ourique is a quiet, elevated Lisbon neighborhood sitting pretty between the city center and Parque Florestal de Monsanto. Think calm, tree-lined streets sprinkled with upscale boutiques and top-notch eats, frequented by those with a taste for luxury that’s more discreet. When the bustle of the historic center overwhelms the senses, consider Campo de Ourique your antidote. Rather than rushing to discover everything it has to offer, the neighborhood invites visitors to slow down and relax with casual shopping and long, leisurely lunches. Here’s how to spend a day in Campo de Ourique:
Morning: Grab a morning pastry and coffee at Padaria do Povo or Aloma, then wander tree-lined Rua Ferreira Borges to browse boutique bookstores, wine shops, and ceramic studios nearby.
Noon: Stop for an extended lunch with Portuguese flavors at O Magano or Tasca da Esquina before a cultured afternoon in the Casa Fernando Pessoa museum for a fascinating exploration into the mind of Portugal’s most famous poet.
Night: After a big lunch, grab some light bites at Mercado de Campo de Ourique, an upscale yet unpretentious food hall serving everything from burgers to oysters, and any alcohol you want. Afterward, move on to Kitu Champanheria for a tipple in a more refined atmosphere.
For the trend-seeker: Alcântara
Like with most industrial inner-city neighborhoods, Alcântara’s old docks, factories, and warehouses have found themselves serving a new purpose. Now, they are design-forward studios, co-working hubs, and event venues that host markets, exhibitions, music, workshops, and more. The breezy dockside streets, once grey and grim, have been painted with eclectic murals that say ‘don’t take life too seriously’. It’s hard not to feel emboldened as you walk by. Digital nomads, startups, and creatives are naturally drawn here, creating an inspirational playground for work and play. Here’s how to spend a day here:
Morning: Start the day strong by climbing up Pilar 7 on the 25 de Abril bridge to reach a glass-floored observation deck with impressive views over the Tagus River.Then grab a coffee and catch up on emails at Village Underground, Lisbon’s shipping containers-turned co-working spaces.
Noon: Soak up the industrial artsy spirit with lunch at the LX Factory, a retail and food space beneath the Ponte 25 de Abril. Enjoy afternoon rooftop drinks at Unico on Tap.
Night: Enjoy dinner at Aquele Lugar que Não Existe (The Place that Doesn’t Exist) followed by trendy cocktails at Rio Maravilha.
Restaurants and bars off the beaten path in Lisbon
As a capital city, there’s no shortage of food or drink for every craving in Lisbon, but as a visitor with limited time, there’s certain experiences you just can’t miss. Here’s where to go for your fill of pastel de nata, fado, cocktails, fine dining, and more:
For your daily pastel de nata: Pastelaria Aloma, Campo de Ourique
Tucked off the tourist trail in the calm Campo de Ourique neighborhood lies Pastelaria Aloma, a quietly high-end bakery that has won awards for its pastel de nata. In an ideal world, you;d eat their pastel de nata every day in Lisbon, but at least one visit will suffice.
For a rustic lunch: Ponto Final, Cacilhas
If you’re looking for a traditional rustic Portuguese restaurant with a view, hop on the Cacihas- Cais do Sodre ferry to Ponto Final on the waterfront. Sip wine and dine on bass while Lisbon glistens before you.
For the fado: Maria da Mouraria, Mouraria
Forget the overpriced touristy fado shows and head to Maria da Mouraria, the birthplace of fado, for a more intimate, authentic experience. By night, the tiny restaurant and bar fills up with locals to listen to the soulful sounds of this historic music, so be sure to book ahead.
For a fancy dinner: LOCO, Estrela
Treat yourself to a Michelin-star dinner at LOCO where Chef Alexandre Silva serves 16 bold, theatrical Portuguese dishes on an impressive tasting menu. It specializes in micro-seasoned elements and a zero-waste policy.
For casual dinner and drinks: Aquele Lugar que Não Existe (The Place that Doesn’t Exist), Marvila
It doesn’t get more off-the-beaten-path than Aquele Lugar que Não Existe, a sign-less vaulted warehouse in Marvila. Those who find it can enjoy modern Portuguese fare in a rustic loft-style atmosphere that feels intentionally make-shift.
For after dark: Red Frog Speakeasy, Avenida
If you wander into Monkey Mash, just off the Avenida de Liberdade, look for a red frog, and ring the doorbell, you’ll gain access to Lisbon’s best-kept secret. Red Frog Speakeasy is a legendary cocktail bar where tuxedoed mixologists create impeccable potions in a sultry setting.
Things to do off the beaten path in Lisbon
Forget the tourist traps. If you’re looking for more authentic, enriching, and cultured experiences in Lisbon, check these out instead:
Watch indie films at Cinemateca Portuguesa
What better way to delve into Lisbon’s unique arts and culture scene than by watching a Portuguese arthouse film (with English subtitles) in an exquisite historic cinema? Your experience begins at the gates, as you walk through the Gothic entrance into a gorgeous Portuguese-Moorish mansion, taking in the beautifully tiled, glass-roofed atrium. After watching your film, explore the cinema’s film equipment museum and finish with a drink on the sun-drenched rooftop terrace.
Meet Lisbon’s talented creatives at Galeria Zé dos Bois (ZDB)
After Cinemateca, jump back on the culture train, next stop: Galeria Zé dos Bois. From the outside, it’s a glorious palace in Bairro Alto, which makes what’s inside even more surprising. An epic alternative arts center with gallery rooms featuring up-and-coming contemporary artists, an avant-garde theater, an independent author’s bookshop, and so much more. Throughout the year, Galeria Zé dos Bois hosts over 150 events from theater and film screenings to exhibitions and workshops. Be sure to check out what’s on during your visit for an introduction to Lisbon’s most talented creatives.
Try Portuguese wine on a wine-tasting tour
Wine bars are great, but nothing beats a formal introduction to Portuguese wine on a wine-tasting tour. There are several options including a full-day private tour at Adega Mãe & Manzwine, a 5-hour tapas and wine pairing with a 4x4 adventure through a vineyard, and a 2-hour wine tasting and picnic at Cas’Amaro Winery. Aside from the wine itself, the beauty of these tours is that they allow you to see what lies beyond Lisbon’s historic center. But if you prefer a quick, easy, yet equally delicious wine tasting, opt for Lisbon Winery in the city.
Shopping off the beaten path in Lisbon
Lisbon’s creative, design-forward thinking mixed with its rich heritage has allowed its shopping scene to blossom into a city-wide treasure hunt for unique finds. Here’s where to look:
Caza das Vellas Loreto, Bairro Alto
As one of the oldest candle store’s in the world this apothecary-style atelier in Bairro Alto is a candle-lover’s dream. Inside, the store is lined with wood-paneled cabinets with tall arched windows that frame its colorful selection of quality handmade candles lit by a golden glow.
Depózito – A Vida Portuguesa, Bairro Alto
The newest of five stores by A Vida Portuguesa, Depózito offers an endearing selection of luxury artisan goods such as ceramics, soaps, and linens, which blend Portuguese heritage into modern design in an industrial setting. Make this your stop for curated lifestyle gifts.
Lisbon thrifting
Whether you’re typically a thrifter or not, Lisbon’s thrift scene is worth exploring. Between the charity shops, vintage boutiques, and flea markets, the thrift scene is vast, dangerously affordable, and extremely tasteful. Whatever your style, you’re sure to find gold on your treasure hunt. Go to A Outra Face da Lua for 70s-90s gems, The Lisbon Thrift Store for minimalist thrifting, and Refuse & Odacieuse for higher-end brands.
Concept stores
Lisbon has a not-so-surprisingly large number of concept stores, ranging from cool streetwear to eclectic home goods.Therefore, no Lisbon shopping experience is complete without browsing a few. There’s something for every taste, but if you want our take on where to go, we’d say: Check out The Feeting Room for a curated shoe selection and coffee; Under the Cover for handmade books and design publications; and Kintu Studio for Portuguese artwork and homeware.
Create your personalized Lisbon itinerary
Now that you’ve read our off-the-beaten-path guide to Lisbon 2025, you’ll likely have a better idea of how to spend your time in the city. Whether you feel ready to create an itinerary or want more recommendations, our Tripsby Travel Planner is here to assist you. All you have to do is give us a rough summary about your travel style and preferences and in a matter of minutes, we will provide a bookable itinerary or recommendations. Extraordinary travel has never been so effortless! Get started now.
