Lisbon is the type of city that you never get to fully know. There are just so many spots that you want to try, no matter what you want from your getaway or vacation. Obviously, you will want to see the top spots in the city, like those in the guides on the large travel sites. However, if you want something more special, you can always opt for a private tour as with the guides on Withlocals. This allows you to see some of the hidden spots Lisbon has to offer, including the following surprising gems.
Hospital de Bonecas
Hospital de Bonecas (The Doll Hospital) dates back from 1830 and is quite unusual. Just as the name implies, this is where you go when you need doll restorations done. Also, the hospital handles doll clothes, creates carnival costumes, toys and crafts beautiful miniatures.
You do not need to visit just when you want something done. There is a museum that you surely want to visit. Once there, you will learn about the unique Portuguese tradition that involves healing your dolls before celebrating Christmas.
Ler Devagar Bookstore
Right in the heart of the LX Factory (more on that below), you can check out the creative space of Ler Devagar bookstore. Time simply stands still there and there are many people enjoying coffee and looking as if they are a part of an active vintage movie set. Antique printing machines are preserved and included in the interior design. This makes everything fresh and really hip, a great place to visit for teenagers and young adults.
LX Factory Lisbon
Lisbon’s “cool people” know about the LX Factory but few tourists learn about it. This is a creative spot that is built right on the grounds of a former industrial complex. Once there, you can find numerous beautifully styled pubs and cafes. Street artwork is at home and you can always enjoy some praca in a unique spot once there. Just make sure that you also visit Landeau Chocolate if at the factory as you will taste really good chocolate while surrounded by vintage interior.
The Azulejos Museum
Whenever in Lisbon, if there is just one hidden gem you can visit, The Azulejos Museum is that gem. Local Instagramers know about it and always visit, especially due to the fantastic church inside. This is the type of church that you want to see and inspect every single corner.
Once in the museum, check out the beautiful terrace and restaurant. They both have wonderful interior styling.
Sao Jorge Castle Streets
As you move down from the Sao Jorge Castle, you move off the popular beaten path. This allows you to enjoy some quiet time and you can also admire countless pastel-colored facades. The cobbled streets are peaceful and you can always take alternative routes. Practically, you do not need to know where you are going. The narrow streets will surely surprise you.
Visit at noon since there are not many people around. You can see laundry left to dry and there is a pretty good possibility you will hear parrots near front doors.
Chiado
Chiado is a rather unexpected neighborhood located between Baixa Pombalina and Bairro Alto. It is a very busy place but you do want to see it because this is Lisbon’s Parisian-like neighborhood. Many locals visit to shop and there are countless restaurants and coffee shops that give you tasty dishes and drinks.
If you are around, make sure that you also check out the location around Teatro da Trindade. There, you can find a quiet corner that has a lovely summer terrace. Stay there and just admire the neighborhood. You will think you are in Paris but you are in Lisbon.
Alfama’s Lautasco Tipico
Alfama is one of the beautiful areas you surely want to visit in Lisbon. What you most likely do not know about is Lautasco Tipico. This is a beautiful restaurant that is often discovered just due to curiosity and chance. You can rest here and enjoy some cold drinks in a setting that is quite lush.
The only problem with Lautasco Tipico is that it is expensive. If you are on a budget, you will want to avoid it. However, if you can indulge in something more expensive, you will surely love this restaurant.
