Here’s my Alternative Lisbon Guide, in it, you’ll find some of my favorite cafés, cool shops, and nightclubs that play indie tracks. Basically, all the good stuff.
Many times I get asked what my favorite type of music is, and even though I like most things, I often reply with alternative or indie. I guess these words have managed to find their way into my life as something that describes me. This search for something different is one of the reasons why I started this blog.
Though not too far from my hometown in Cascais, Lisbon quickly became my second home. And like most places we live in, it’s easy to become blind to its quirkiness.
Best Cafés in Lisbon
The neon light, the flowery wallpaper, and the delicious pancakes make Amélia the perfect place for brunch!
For a long time, cafés in Lisbon were synonymous with bare walls, cold lights, and a TV broadcasting the news or football. Behind the counter, there was usually a taciturn man that would barely say anything else than a bom dia.
Even though I’m local, these places never felt welcoming to me. You can complain all you want about today’s oversaturation of cafés serving brunches and avocado toasts, but, for me, it’s really about the people and the welcoming interior that these new places offer.
One of my favorite cafés in Lisbon is Pois Café. We used to head there for their special, Cappuccino com Surpresa, a cappuccino with a slice of cake of their choice.
From the moment you open the curtains, you’ll feel right at home. There are books scattered all over and comfy couches where you can relax for hours on end. The only downside is that the service is a bit slow, but then again, that’s most places in Lisbon from my experience.
Brunch and chocolate cake
The brunch trend started late in Lisbon, but it’s already taking over the city. I could go on and on about the places you should try, but I’ll stick to the ones I like—Heim Café and Amélia. The first one is a tiny café near Santos. They have four brunch options, but my favorite is the Verde, which comes with an avocado toast and granola.
Amélia, on the other hand, is a bit far from the center, in Campo de Ourique, but definitely worth the trek! I would skip the brunch menu and order some pancakes instead. Last time I was there, I struggle to eat it all, so I recommend bringing a friend.
Oh, and of course I have to mention Landeau, which serves the best chocolate cake in Lisbon! Yes, it’s a bit pricey, but if you want to treat yourself with something other than a pastel de nata, this is it.
Local tip: Most cafés post their menus on Zomato, so you can check what to order in advance!
Coolest Shops in Lisbon
Ó Galeria is one of my favorite art galleries in Lisbon!
There are a few shops in Lisbon that I visit regularly. One of them is Fabrica Features. You probably walked past it before, and you’ve never noticed it. That’s because it’s inside a Benetton shop, right next to the Baixa-Chiado metro station. Once you go inside, you’ll need to take the elevator up to the 4th floor. They have stationery items, illustration books, and sometimes they even have a small exhibit by local artists in the corner.
Speaking of local artists, one of the best places to buy art prints in Lisbon is Ó Galeria. The gallery is originally from Porto, but when they opened their shop in Lisbon, I was one of the first people to visit! Are you into illustration? Then you should also visit the Galeria Malapata. It’s a small art gallery that sells prints, zines, and cool greeting cards.
If you want to discover more cool shops in Lisbon, I’ve written a whole Lisbon Shopping Guide, which features the best vintage shops, bookstores, and flea markets in town.
Alternative Clubs in Lisbon
I must admit I’m not the biggest clubber, but when I do go out, I usually go to the indie nights at Club Noir or Metropolis-*. They can be hit or miss in terms of the number of people that show up, but if you enjoy the music, who cares how many people are watching? Also, the entrance is much cheaper than the other mainstream clubs in the city, so that’s a plus!
Occasionally, I might also swing by Lounge for a live gig or to grab a drink after things closed down in Bairro Alto.
Some of my best night outs in Lisbon have been during the Indie Lisboa film festival. Besides showcasing films, they host a few parties around the city. Most of the parties are free, and who knows, you might bump into a few film directors on the dancefloor.
*Sadly Metropolis closed down in January 2020.
Local tip: Check the Facebook pages of the clubs to see what kind of music they’re playing before you head out.
Alternative Lisbon Itinerary
If you’re looking for an alternative Lisbon itinerary, I’ve created a map below with all my favorite spots. From cafés to art galleries and cool nightclubs, you can save it all for your next trip!
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P.S. The picture is from the Tings Hotel, one of my favorite hidden gems in Lisbon 🙂