Lisbon: A Day for a Tram Ride Around Town
Lisbon, Portugal
"Any Portuguese town looks like a superstitious bride’s finery – something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."
Markets, Sunsets, and Trams! Oh My!
On this day in Lisbon get ready to check out all the sites from inside the famous Tram 28. This iconic yellow tram is one of five operating lines in this ancient city, but before you get settled for the ride, make sure to fuel up with coffee and breakfast (and snacks, why not) at one of Lisbon's urban (and quite chic) markets, Mercado de Campo de Ourique.
After the tram ride check out one of Lisbon's other market, Time Out, for lunch, where choices will be plenty once again. Walk off the long ride and lunch at the local hangout spot, Viewpoint Santa Catarina. We of course have to make a stop for some delicious egg tarts at our number one favorite, Manteigaria, no day is complete without one (or three).
As the sun starts to set, get a front row ticket at a very unique rooftop bar that sits on top of a parking garage before settling down for dinner at a neighborhood favorite, Tapa Bucho. Finally, wander the streets until you find the secret sign, a red frog on the side of the wall, and enter a cocktail lovers dream at Red Frog Speakeasy. You will sleep well tonight my friend!
We hope you find this guide useful!
Buy us a coffeeIt’s been a long day, we know. But we never want to leave you with an option for the perfect nightcap and I’m sure you are on a high from that delicious dinner, so let’s keep that momentum going! Head to Rua do Salitre 5A and you’ll see a Red Frog on the wall. Underneath that Red Frog you’ll see a doorbell. Ring said doorbell. We will leave you with that. And remember, Speak Easy.
PS. If you are into lists, Red Frog Speakeasy made The World's Best 50 Bars in the World in 2017! Cocktails Anyone?
(Click to See More on Red Frog Speakeasy)
One of the best parts about discovering a new city is stumbling into tiny little restaurants that end up being everything you dreamed of and more. That was Tapa Bucho for us. You will feel like you are walking into someone’s kitchen and you will leave with that warm, fuzzy (slightly tipsy) feeling inside.
Some of our favorites? The Pimentos Padron, the Croquettes (specifically the Calamar), and don’t even think about leaving without trying the Ovos Rotos. And that's just from the first page of the menu!
(Click to See More on Tapa Bucho)
I Bet You've Never Had This Much Fun in a Parking Garage Before
PARK Rooftop Bar
Lisboa, Lisboa, 1200, Portugal
Leave it to Lisbon to open a trendy bar and rooftop garden on top of a parking garage with great cocktails and sweeping views of the city. Park Rooftop is just that. Enter the parking garage from Calcada do Combro. Make an immediate right and you will see the elevator which you need to take up to 5th floor. Walk straight out and follow the ramp and voila, you’ll be in the bar. On top of the parking garage. Yep! Have fun!
PS. If you get hungry, they have an awesome cheese and charcuteries plate!
(Click to See More on PARK Rooftop Bar)
Clearly we’ve gone WAY too long without a Pasteis da Nata today. Let’s remedy that immediately with a pop into our favorite and number one spot for those delicious custard tarts, Manteigaria. Remember, calories don’t count in Lisbon. There are too many hills!
Why is it our number one? Check out our Best Of Pasteis de Natas series to find out why it's our favorite and to help you find yours.
(Click to See More on Manteigaria)
Walk off that lunch and Tram ride with a stroll to another one of Lisbon’s famous view points. A popular spot for locals and tourists to hang out and drink before heading out for a night on the town. Santa Catarina is one of the best spots to see Rio Tejo, the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, and the Cristo-Rei statue.
(Click to See More on Viewpoint Santa Catarina)
Two markets in one day may seem like a lot, but now you have a chance to compare Mercado de Campo de Ourique to Mercado da Ribeira’s Time Out Market. A few pointers. Resist the urge to visit Manteigeria’s second post at Time Out (you’ll be heading to the original soon I promise!). On the opposite side of the giant Time Out sign, you’ll see a few of the top gourmet restaurants such as Alexandre Silva, where you can enjoy some delicious padron peppers. If you want to try a Portuguese classic with a twist, try the bacalhau (salt cod fish) at Miguel Castro E Silva. And definitely don’t leave without an octopus salad from Henrique sa Pessoa. Finally, for that sweet tooth craving, check out Santini for some of Lisbon’s favorite ice cream!
(Click to See More on Time Out Market)
So here’s the deal. This iconic yellow Tram is no hidden secret but skipping out on it is kind of like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower…well maybe more like Notre Dame. It’s crowded and is known to be pick-pocket central, but it can be a fun way to see the city. We can tell you to ride the tram early (like real early, first tram departs at 5:40am on weekdays and 5:45am and 6:45am on weekends) or late (last train departs at 9:15pm on weekdays and 10:30pm on weekends) but if you plan on taking Tram 28 the traditional way from Martim Moniz, you better pick up some extra Pasteis de Natas for your wait.
Our suggestion? Jump on the tram at Campo de Ourique (Campo de Ourique / Prazeres stop), where the line ends, and take this touristic ride in the opposite direction. You will still hit all the famous landmarks while skipping the line and most likely guaranteeing a seat! And you will end up right in the center of Lisbon ready for the rest of your day. I would call that a win win!
Pro Tip: Purchase the 24 hour public transport ticket for €6.15 which includes Tram 28 and Elevador de Santa Justa, the Gloria Funicular, and tram to Belem.
(Click to See More on Tram 28)
To Coffee, Juice, or Acai Bowl? That is the Question!
Mercado de Campo de Ourique
Lisboa, 1350, Portugal
If variety is your jam, then this morning is going to rock you. Situated in one of Lisbon’s most traditional neighborhoods, Mercado de Campo de Ourique is the perfect spot for any time of day. This historic site started out as a market in the 1930s and has since reopened in 2013 into a hip, urban gathering place which still holds on to it’s roots.
Similar to Mercado da Ribeira, this neighborhood market offers you everything from coffee and sweets to Portuguese classics and on weekend evenings, you can even enjoy your gin and tonic with live music. Grab a coffee at Cafe do Mercado and make sure to swing by Verde for a fresh start. Stroll through Jardim da Estrela on your way to the market and don’t forget to pick up some snacks for later, you are about to embark on an iconic tram ride through Lisbon!