Opened in 1782 this is the oldest café in Lisbon. Since the day it was opened, this café has always hosted celebrities from famous poet Fernando Pessoa to the ex-president of Portugal Jorge Sampaio. Although the restaurant is expensive, you can simply order a cup of coffee with pastel de nata to enjoy its truly garret-style ambiance with a lovely view of Praça do Comércio.
Charming its visitors with its beautiful design of wood and steel, the work of famous architect Norte Júnior, Café Nicola was opened in 1929 and started immediately Lisbon’s long tradition of the café as a place of literary and political meeting point. In 1935, the café had been redesigned in art deco style and only the sculpture of Manuel Mia Barbosa do Bocage, stayed. With its intriguing architecture and history, it is one of the cafés where famous Portuguese poet, Fernando Pessoa, wrote great part of his works. Today, the coffee shop continues to inspire its visitors.
Located in Praça da Figueira, this café was opened by Baltasar Rodrigues Castanheira in 1829, when the country was divided by the fierce arguments of liberal ideas. Even today, the café continues to be the same family's business and is famous for its traditional Bolo de Rei.
When the café was opened, its modernity and luxury attracted Lisbon upper-class society, including Queen D. Maria II whom they served until the foundation of the Republic.
With its bright mirrored interior, small shiny marble counters, it surely is worth a visit.
One of the oldest cafés in Lisbon served as a meeting place where those in exile negotiated their way to freedom. With a great range of pastries, the café today is largely occupied by tourists and a great venue for tea-time breaks.
A great spot to rest and perform the tradition: having a bica at “A Brasileira”, a café frequented by Fernando Pessoa, whom now, in order to commemorate his tradition, has a bronze statue on the esplanade. Today the café serves one of the favorite meeting points in the city frequented by both tourists and locals.
When walking in Chiado, the aromatic vapour rising from this the bread will take you there. This place used to serve to Salazar and now is one of the greatest and least touristy places to have breakfast. Although it is small to get a seat, for the delicious pastries and scones it surely is worth to give it a try.
Opened in 1912, this enchanting café is of historic importance among Chiado’s residents. There is outdoor seating on Rua Garrett and a moody old world interior with slow-moving ceiling fans. The sweet, delicious aroma of croissants baking in the kitchen is a great reason to make a pit stop at this adorable café.
This pastelaria located in Belem is the most famous bakery in Portugal and dates back to 1837. These tarts are made with a top secret centuries-old recipe and sell over 10,000 tarts a day (with the record day being 55,000 sold!). The tarts aren't the only attraction here. The cafe itself is a beautiful warren of rooms, covered with beautiful blue wall tiles.
A spectacular 19th century decorated café with a dizzying baroque confection, aristocratic grace and taste. An endless range of sweet and confections are served in a shimmering glass case and it is a must to visit.
This cozy Victorian-style teahouse is located just up the hill from the Ancient Art Museum, serves hot scones, chocolate eclairs, and cheesecake as well as filtered leaves.
Located next to São Carlos Theater in Chiado, this café also serves as a restaurant. It is a great attraction for young intellectuals, local workers and media types. It offers an outdoor seating with a range of Portuguese and foreign newspapers.