top of page

A Perfect Day in Lisbon: History, Flavors & Unforgettable Experiences!

  • Writer: Laene Carvalho
    Laene Carvalho
  • Feb 20
  • 4 min read

You know those days that flow so perfectly it feels like the universe planned every moment?


That was my perfect day in Lisbon — and now I’m going to share every detail so you can experience it too.This is a 100% walkable itinerary that blends iconic landmarks, stunning views, and unforgettable food.


If there’s one city where walking feels like pure joy, it’s Lisbon. Come along with me!


ree

If you want to start the day in the most “Lisboeta” way possible, nothing beats a warm pastel de nata and a good coffee.For that, I chose Manteigaria — one of the best places in the city when it comes to this iconic treat.


The counter is always buzzing, the smell of flaky pastry and cinnamon fills the air, and the pastéis come out of the oven practically every 10 minutes. My order was simple and perfect: a freshly baked pastel de nata and a short espresso.Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, with just the right touch of sugar and cinnamon...There’s truly no better way to begin the day.


Manteigaria is located in Chiado, one of Lisbon’s most charming neighborhoods — so I left already excited to explore!


From there, I wandered downhill toward Baixa, passing through Praça do Comércio, one of the most beautiful and grand squares in Lisbon, framed by its majestic arch and a breathtaking view of the Tejo River.


ree

I kept walking toward Alfama, one of the most authentic neighborhoods in the city. The streets get narrower, the buildings more colorful, and the sound of fado echoes through the alleys.The highlight of this part of the walk was definitely the Miradouro de Santa Luzia — a picture-perfect viewpoint adorned with classic blue-and-white tiles and a stunning view over the rooftops and the river.


Lisbon invites you to slow down. Here, the magic lies in getting a little lost, stepping into local craft shops, and simply feeling the city — no rush required.


After wandering for a while, hunger started to kick in — and nothing beats a proper Portuguese feast to recharge. So I made my way (on foot, of course) to the iconic Cervejaria Ramiro — and yes, it absolutely lives up to the hype.


I started with a classic that never fails: gambas al ajillo — shrimp sautéed in olive oil with loads of garlic, the kind that perfumes the table even before the dish arrives. To go with it, freshly shucked oysters — the perfect match for a chilled glass of Vinho Verde, light and crisp with just the right acidity to bring out the flavors of the sea.Then came the grilled tiger prawns, juicy and slightly charred — a showstopping dish in every sense.


But the real secret to this lunch? The “Prego no Pão” — a soft, flavorful steak sandwich traditionally served at the end of the meal. It might sound unexpected, but trust me — it makes perfect sense. And it’s absolutely delicious.

ree

After lunch, I continued on foot to the Castelo de São Jorge — not only a living piece of Lisbon’s history, but also home to one of the most breathtaking views in the city.The walk up is manageable and totally worth it, every single step.


The ancient walls, the towering ramparts, and the courtyard filled with olive trees create a truly unique atmosphere. But the real highlight? Sitting there, taking a deep breath, and letting Lisbon reveal itself in full right before my eyes.


As the day began to wind down, I made my way to Chapitô à Mesa, a restaurant-bar with one of the best views in town.The bohemian, artsy vibe of the place already makes it worth the visit.


I went for a simple but perfect order: a chilled Portuguese white wine (yes, it’s always wine!) and a few small bites to go with it. Creamy Azeitão cheese, codfish tapas, and crispy octopus fritters.And as the sun set, bathing Lisbon in gold, I raised a glass to a truly perfect day.


And just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, it was time for dinner — and it was nothing short of a masterpiece at 100 Maneiras, by chef Ljubomir Stanisic.

ree

Here, it’s not just about eating.The tasting menu is an experience, a true gastronomic story.I chose the most complete option — because if you’re going to do this, you might as well go all in.And every dish that arrived was a surprise: explosions of flavor, unexpected textures, creative combinations.


From the very first amuse-bouches to the final dessert, everything was perfectly balanced, sophisticated, and full of surprises.The chef plays with Portuguese and international ingredients in ways you’ve never seen before.


And the wine pairing? Flawless.


We ended the night toasting to this one-of-a-kind experience — the kind that stays with you, both in memory and on the palate.


Lisbon has that magical way of winning you over at every corner — with its history, its food, and its vibrant soul.This was my perfect day, and I hope that when you follow this path, you feel the same magic I did.


And if you want to join us for more foodie adventures and unforgettable itineraries, follow us on Instagram @vinholifestyle! We’re always sharing moments that taste like joy.




Comments


bottom of page