Lisbon is generally associated with its past. After all, Portuguese capital attracts millions of tourists with its postcards, such as the São Jorge Castle, the Jerónimos Monastery and the Praça do Comércio. Not to mention the cable cars, the viewpoints, the architecture from other centuries, the elevators and even its restaurants and taverns – temples where traditional Portuguese cuisine is served.
But best of all, Lisbon also seduces with more contemporary addresses which coexist alongside the city’s relics. These include museums, cultural spaces, shops, restaurants, bars and even rooftops.
Rooftop with a view
A good way to experience this more modern – and trendy – side of the capital is from above, going up to the roof of the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisboa. There is the SEEN Sky Bar which has the sexiest panoramic view of the city, with São Jorge Castle on the left and the Tagus on the horizon, and which attracts tourists and young people looking for excitement.
The new feature is that, starting this summer, the rooftop will be open for lunch. To this end, the outdoor area has been renovated, with tables with elaborate umbrellas and touches of green that give a tropical feel. The chef Olivier da Costa signs the menu, which has sushi and tacos among the favorites – in the heat, try the salads, like the truffled lobster one.
The rooftop gets busier as night falls, with the sunset in the background, a perfect time for balanced drinks, including classics and signature drinks, such as the red lightini, with vodka, champagne and pepper. DJs keep the atmosphere lively, and when you get hungry, head to a table in the indoor lounge. SEEN By Olivier where Asian-inspired shareable dishes reign supreme.
The hotel just below is also a favorite among Brazilians, including celebrities, who join the British and Americans. With classic decor, the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade Lisbon (from €350 a night) started out as a mansion in the 1930s, then expanded and now has 285 spacious rooms. The care is clear: there is a turndown service, the flower arrangements are delicate and the pillows can even contain essential oil.
The spa is designed by Anantara and has an outdoor pool, which is located in an old mansion, offering a calm atmosphere just a few steps from one of Lisbon’s most important streets. Breakfast is served in the Freedom Brewery on the ground floor, with high ceilings, lots of wood, marble and large windows overlooking the avenue. Also open for lunch, the executive menu during the week usually attracts people in suits, who enjoy the Bacalhau à Brás, Seafood rice and Confit duck rice.
Cultural spaces

The pastéis de Belém and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos are not the only attractions that justify the trip to Belém. On the banks of the Tagus, it is worth visiting the Maat – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology which occupies two neighboring spaces: a 1908 thermoelectric factory and a super-contemporary building with bold lines. The latter allows public use of the space, with a terrace at the top with privileged views of the 25 de Abril Bridge.
While the old building displays preserved boilers (the 1,200ºC heat is a thing of the past), the new building has temporary exhibitions that engage with the present. Until October 7th, “Nosso Barco Tambor Terra” (Our Boat Drum Earth) by Rio native Ernesto Neto is on display, an interactive work that plays with the five senses and sheds light on issues such as nature and the discovery of the Americas. It is worth keeping an eye on the schedule throughout the year – admission is free on Sundays.
A short distance away, it also surprises the MAC/CCB Museum of Contemporary Art which displays works by names such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Marcel Duchamp, Joan Miró, Francis Bacon and Andy Warhol.
In Marvila, a neighborhood outside the tourist circuit, there is the 8 Marvila an alternative to LxFactory – if you’ve already visited it. It occupies a renovated 22,000 m² former wine factory, which has been transformed into a cultural and commercial space, with cool businesses and a few restaurants. Vintage shops, plant shops, natural wine shops, a bar, a bakery and a taqueria are some of the offerings there.
To eat and drink

In the bohemian Cais do Sodré, the Brilliant Restaurant is a French brasserie with a Portuguese soul. The chef Louis Gaspar leads the kitchen, which is the star of the house, as it is located right in the center of the room. Sitting at the counter means seeing up close the dishes being meticulously prepared by the skilled hands of the team.
It’s not just the Brilliant Steak, the sea bass with champagne beurre blanc and asparagus risotto, and the hazelnut and chocolate soufflé that impress: the bright red tones on the velvet sofas, swivel armchairs, and walls make everything even more charming. The bar has over 50 types of whiskey, bases for an old fashioned or whiskey sour, and a DJ plays 80s music at just the right volume.
Another request is the Craft in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand selection. Almost opposite the Avillez neighborhood, the house claims to be an “atypical tavern”, with a modern dining room and a menu of contemporary Portuguese cuisine to share – on a wine-filled evening, you can order almost anything. In the same spirit of sharing, Baldracca Tavern under the command of Brazilian Pedro Monteiro, does well with dishes that mix Portuguese and Spanish cuisine with, sometimes, a little Brazilian ingredients – the options are displayed on a blackboard inside the small, informal dining room.
For drinks, the tip is: Fox’s Lair not far from Rossio station. The tiny bar is hard to find, but once inside, the dim lighting and the large marble counter where cocktails are prepared transport customers to another world. The menu is seasonal and creativity is the rule, but there is a section for those who don’t stray from the classics.
Back at Cais do Sodré, another option might be the Tricky’s focused on natural wines and organic and seasonal foods, but which is also a place for good music.
To buy
If shopping is on your list, head to Deposit in the Pena neighborhood, which brings together the products – and knowledge – of two brands: A Vida Portuguesa, more traditional, and Portugal Manual, more contemporary. Both shed light on Portuguese craftsmanship with products ranging from ceramics to clothing.
Just under five minutes’ walk away, at Largo do Intendente Pina Manique, there is a store of its own from The Portuguese Life with countless products from Portugal, making it a good stop for souvenirs, from cans of sardines and books to soaps and olive oils.
The neighborhood of Royal Prince It also proves to be great for further discoveries trendyfrom cafes to clothing stores. On the last Saturday and Monday of each month, there is a craft fair in Jardim Príncipe Real and, after browsing the stalls, the ideal is to go down the neighborhood to the Mirante São Pedro de Alcântara for enchanting views of Lisbon.
Check out other tips on where to eat and where to go in Lisbon here, as well as find out which wines to buy for less than 10 euros.
If you want to extend your trip, the Algarve region is a great option, as it brings together breathtaking landscapes and a multifaceted culture.
*The journalist traveled to Portugal at the invitation of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts.
The post Lisbon is not just tradition: the city exudes modernity among its attractions appeared first on CNN Brasil V&G.
Source: CNN Brasil

Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.