"Architects do not invent anything; they transform reality"
Álvaro Siza Vieira 

Did you know that Lisbon has seven hills like Rome, Prague, and Instanbul, to mention a few? It is undoubtedly a city where you can get breathtaking views–like the Miradouro de Santa Catarina or the Elevador de Santa Justa– and discover hidden architectural gems. One condition: you must walk! While you could grab a tram or other means of transport, to truly experience the city and taste all the delicious local food–look around for one Apadaria Portuguesa https://apadariaportuguesa.pt/ – you are better off walking.

Miradouro de Santa Catarina 
Photo Credit for all photos: Nicola Brasetti

Our tips to discover Lisbon from a designer and foodie perspective:

Architecture and design:

The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation: a worth visiting modernist complex of buildings, including the Gulbenkian Museum. The Foundation head offices, with their clean lines blending in the surroundings, are signed by Ruy Jervis d'Athouguia, Pedro Cid, and Alberto Pessoa; 

https://gulbenkian.pt/en/the-foundation/the-buildings-and-the-garden/

Typical Portuguese house entry door detail

Convento do Carmo: take the Elevador de Santa Justa (or Carmo lift) at the end of Rua de San Justa to reach the fascinating ruins of this former gothic convent.

https://www.museuarqueologicodocarmo.pt/

Portugal Pavilion: a must-see architectural masterpiece signed by Alvaro Siza. The structure's hidden complexity clashes with the simplicity of the building's elegant lines. It was a "difficult" task for Siza, as explained in this interview: https://www.dezeen.com/2019/08/02/expo98-portuguese-national-pavilion-alvaro-siza-movie-interview/

Amanda Levete's MAAT: a not-to-miss waterside promenade that leads to the rooftops terrace of the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology in the beautiful historic district of Belém. https://www.maat.pt/en

Architectural Holdout in Lisbon

LX Factory: historical industrial area in Alcântara transformed into a vibrant, colorful, creative hub through a mixture of art, fashion, and music stores, offices, and events. #LXFACTORY

https://lxfactory.com/en/homepage-en/ 

Food (and more). Yes, we love food! 

Casa do Alentejo: the best combo, delicious local food in a "One Thousand and One Nights" atmosphere. https://casadoalentejo.pt/

Taberna da Rua das Flores: typical, authentic recipes. @tabernadasflores

A Cevicheria: a genius blend of Peruvian and Portuguese flavors led by Chef Kiko. Try any of the Ceviches, and don't forget to get a Pisco Sour. 

https://www.acevicheria.pt/?lang=en

Ladeau Chocolate, for chocolate cake lovers: @landeau_chocolate, but you can't miss the delicious Pastel de nata (custard tart) of Pastéis de Belém @pasteisbelem https://pasteisdebelem.pt/

Time out Market: if you are undecided about what to eat, it will certainly not be easy to choose one of the 26 restaurants available here!

https://www.timeoutmarket.com/lisboa/en/concept/

To add a little bit of rhythm, Tejo Bar, is in our list of favorites: a tiny little place lost in the historical Lisbon, where you can listen to groovy live jazz music every night. But beware: rub your hands instead of clapping! @tejobar

Bonus tracks

Espaco Espelho de Agua: http://espacoespelhodeagua.com/

Museo Berardo ( Vittorio Gregotti): https://en.museuberardo.pt/

EDP Headquarter ( Aires Mateus): https://www.archdaily.com/785791/edp-headquarters-aires-mateus

Chapito a mesa: http://chapito-a-mesa.thefork.rest/en_GB/