Funky Lisbon: neighborhoods and complexes that unite gastronomy, culture and action

What does an editorial team do inside a market? We can find the answer in Lisbon Time Out Market. It is a market – and a mandatory stop – in the city that has 26 restaurants, eight bars, more than 10 commercial spaces and a concert hall.

Its original name, however, is Ribeira Market , inaugurated in the beginning of 1882. Since then, it has undergone several expansions and renovations. With a history that dates back to the 19th century, it was only in 2001 that it received a new floor and began to add social, cultural and recreational aspects.

With 10 thousand m² of covered area, the space was granted to the team of “Time Out”, an editorial brand that performs a filtering of attractions – this is how strong and varied gastronomic names entered the place, all tested and approved by the team of critics. and journalists of the publication.

Here, meat, fish, hamburgers, sushi, ice cream, cakes, custard tarts and great cost-effective wines can be enjoyed in the corridors, all under the same roof in a very nice atmosphere. Tables and chairs scattered throughout the venue help with the task – the place has a dining-room character and the interior design has a very modern feel.

At the market, I tried the delicious sausages and cheeses from Silva Butter , which also has units in Chiado and Baixa and has more than a century of tradition. Delicious batches of custard tarts come out all the time from another traditional store, the butter shop where typical Portuguese sweets are sold for €1 each.

If you want to take some wines home, good labels for up to €10 can be purchased at National Wine Cellar one of the only stores on the block.

The space initiative was so successful that the group replicated the concept in different parts of the world – I am talking about New York, Miami, Dubai and Chicago, for example. Furthermore, the market is a good starting point to get to know more about the Cais do Sodré region (story below), which has been revitalized over the years after being relegated to a nebulous reality.

Neighborhood of Avillez

If you were in any doubt that the Chiado is a must-try neighborhood in the Portuguese capital now there will be no excuses.

Dedicated to the best flavors that Lisbon can offer, here is another noteworthy “neighborhood”. I speak of Neighborhood of Avillez a space of about 1,000 m² that is home to four restaurants under the guidance of the well-known chef José Avillez – the same behind the starring Belcanto, one of the best houses in Portugal and in the world.

The concept of the “neighborhood” crosses an affective issue: the chef sought to build a space that would resonate with his own memories and memories from traditional Lisbon neighborhoods. So, combine this with exquisite gastronomic points and we have a hot spot in the city.

In addition to an esplanade, here is the Tavern , where traditional Portuguese flavors are reinvented and served in an exquisite way, good for snacking and enjoying a prego, steak or pluma of Alentejo pork. The cheeses and charcuterie even come from the partnership with Manteigaria Silva.

already the patio in the center of Bairro do Avillez, serves seafood, snacks, meat, fish and desserts, all very well accompanied by a glass of wine or a local beer.

O Mini bar this is where small gastronomic discoveries full of flavor mingle in the intimate atmosphere alongside good specialty cocktails, wines and beers – on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, after dinner, it gains an extra joy when transforming into a space with music and great for to dance.

Finally, there is also the Pizzeria Lisbon which, upstairs in a relaxed atmosphere, serves appetizers to share and fine pizzas.

The interior of the development is filled with tables and chairs, has natural light and meticulously decorated corners, like a true neighborhood of Lisbon. It is definitely quite a gastronomic discovery in the Portuguese capital, even more coming from the hands of one of the chefs that put Portugal on the radar of world gastronomy.

The space is open every day for lunch and dinner, but the specific hours of each restaurant change – check the information at official site.

LxFactory

THE Alcântara region it still carries port characteristics and a very Portuguese neighborhood feeling that mixes with the new manifestations on the streets and walls. Here, the industrial past on the banks of the Tagus meets an artistic present, and it is also a bustling center with nightlife.

A good place to start discovering the region is the LxFactorya former 23,000 m² weaving factory from the 1840s that now gives way to an interesting complex full of funky shops, bars and restaurants.

The land was purchased in 2005 by a foreign real estate company, which turned it into what we know today. It is a very valid stop in the city, as it has activities for all tastes. In numbers: there are 18 restaurants and bars, 33 stores, around 35 offices and workspaces. There is also a hostel in the heart of the factory and cultural events throughout the year, such as art exhibitions and exhibitions.

Want to check out an interesting store? go to “Read Slowly” Bookstore and come across amazing titles and even performing arts. Up for a little mouthful? The tip is to stop beer’s and enjoy a range of beers along with Portuguese snacks, such as cracklings, prawns with garlic, broken eggs and burrata.

It’s definitely a creative hub and on the radar. trendy of the city that gathers a little bit of everything and that managed to keep the rustic air without ceasing to be modern.

Make the most of your visit here and also discover other typical spots in Alcântara, such as the 25 de Abril Bridge, which stands out in the landscape above the river; the warehouses and restaurants of Docas de Santo Amaro and even museums – the Museu dos Carris has old trams, which are a landmark of public transport in the capital, and the Museu do Oriente displays Asian and Portuguese art.

cultural experiences

Cais do Sodré

Located in the central area, close to Chiado and downtown Lisbon, the Cais do Sodre neighborhood it is right on the banks of the Tagus River and carries a history linked to the waters. It was, for a long time, a stopping place for sailors and, consequently, a region full of brothels.

Over time, the place ended up being marginalized, but in recent decades the scenario has changed and today it has a lively and funky nightlife.

In addition, the Ribeira Market , or Time Out Market, is located here and is one of the central characters of the region, where locals and tourists frequent. Access is easy: there are train and metro stations with the same name, as well as being a popular route for buses (called buses around here).

With a very bohemian character, the neighborhood is home to Rua Nova do Carvalho famous for being the “pink” street, as it has a central pavement in this color – prepare the camera and make a few clicks.

The street also stands out in the city for concentrating several bars and clubs, where a hustle usually invades the night – see the place you like the most and spend a pleasant time with friends.

already enter the unmissable Praça do Comércio and the Pier is at Ribeira das Naus known for being an urban beach and where we can sunbathe and sit in front of the water – it is also a good spot for warmer days.

To absorb a little more history, a task not difficult in Lisbon, the Praça Duque da Terceira it is a large outdoor space that has a 19th century monument. It is a good place to stop for photos in this attractive part of the capital.

royal prince

Considered one of the most cool of the entire Portuguese capital, the royal prince cannot go unnoticed in the script. Until recently, it was mostly residential, but now news is popping up and it has a very cool cultural scene.

Above Chiado and neighboring Bairro Alto, it concentrates some museums and other tourist attractions. Here we find restaurants with different cuisines, bars, shops and outdoor activities.

Don’t forget to go to Príncipe Real Garden , a place built in the 19th century that carries a romantic style in its lines and traits. One of the trees in the square has a certain appeal of public interest as the main cypress is more than 20 meters in diameter. On Saturdays, an organic fair brings stalls and products from all over the country, in addition to the last Saturdays and Mondays of the month, there is a craft and antiques fair.

In the vicinity of the square is the Embassy an interesting shopping destination with shops by local designers that is located inside the Palácio Ribeira da Cunha, a 19th century neo-Arabic building that has been transformed into a commercial gallery.

Here is also the Lisbon Botanical Garden , designed in the 19th century and which is a national monument. Right next to it is the National Museum of Natural History and Science with a collection focused on the areas of history, zoology, anthropology, mineralogy and paleontology.

Entrance to the Botanical Garden costs up to €7.50 and tickets to the museum go up to €12.50 – the visit to both can be combined in a single ticket.

Want more local culture? take a look at Amália Rodrigues House-Museum , which opens to the public the home and intimacy of one of the greatest fadistas in Portugal – an icon in the country. Dresses, jewelry, awards, honors and memories can be seen up close here at Rua de São Bento. Visits are always guided and it is recommended to schedule an appointment – ​​adults pay €7.

right next to the Gloria Elevator a mode of transport that connects Baixa with Bairro Alto and is one of the symbols of Lisbon, is the Viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcantara . The place, which has benches, trees, a geometric garden and statues of heroes and gods from Greek mythology, is an invitation to admire Lisbon, as the privileged views overlook São Jorge Castle, Baixa and Alfama. It’s worth going at sunset and seeing the city lights come on at night.