Where to shop, sleep and dance in Lisbon, according to this local creative

"Portuguese people love to support local artisans and designers, which I love. Mustique is a Lisbon-based fashion brand founded by childhood friends Vera Caldeira da Silva and Pedro Ferraz. In their shop on Rua dos Poiais de São Bento(also dubbed the coolest street in Lisboa, because it breathes art, fashion, and music) you’ll find their own clothing line along other local brands–from colourful T-shirts to necklaces and special interior finds.’

R. Poiais de São Bento 90, 1200-350 Lisboa, Portugal

"Only open by appointment, this underground and intimate perfume boutique is one I always love to visit. You get to create your own perfume based on memories and scents that you already love. Bespoke memorabilia to take home."

R. Garcia de Orta 71C lj11, 1200-678 Lisboa, Portugal

"I love myself some natural skincare, and at Cuerpo you’ll find just that. They have the best selection of natural and unique skincare brands such as Rowse and Orris. Especially over summertime, when heading out to nearby beaches more often, I wanna make sure I pack some clean SPF50."

R. Garcia de Orta 71b, 1200-678 Lisboa, Portugal

"Featured in many design magazines, such as Architectural Digest and Vogue Brazil, this shop offers quirky, often colorful, and just very special design objects by international artists. ‘I always have to get something here."

R. Garcia de Orta 71 AB, 1200-678 Lisboa, Portugal

"If there’s one gallery I enjoy visiting regularly, it’s Eritage Art Projects. They have monthly exhibitions to highlight both local and international artists. Their choice of artists and artworks always piques my interest. It’s also a paint and pottery studio (take a class if you feel like it) and they do wine tastings here at Eritage."

R. das Janelas Verdes 128, 1200-692 Lisboa, Portugal

Tip by this writer: "Santa Clara 1728 is one of the most memorable places I have ever stayed at. Santa Clara 1728, part of the Portuguese hotel group Silent Living, is dedicated to preserving the awe-inspiring ambience of its converted 18th-century building in Lisbon. With only six rooms, guests are treated to a serene stay adorned with high ceilings and breathtaking artwork. Attention to detail is paramount, including open kitchens at night for snacks and luxurious pink limestone bathrooms. Breakfast is a communal affair featuring locally sourced organic produce."

Campo de Santa Clara 128 RC, 1100-473 Lisboa, Portugal

Luca’s pick? Brown’s Hotel. ‘There are in fact four design and boutique hotels by Brown’s in Lisbon, all beautiful, warm, intimate, cozy. If you don’t stay the night here, do visit the library in the hotel along with the rooftop with pool and the intimate weekly jazz concerts.’

R. da Assunção 75, 1100-042 Lisboa, Portugal

"A fairly new place in town, this delightful restaurant has a mushroom-forward concept.‘Not just plant-forward, but mushroom-forward, which I find so interesting. They’re not just jumping on a trend; I highly recommend the dining experience. The food is great, as well as the atmosphere."

Calçada Ribeiro Santos 31, 1200-789 Lisboa, Portugal

"There’s nothing quite like Palacio Do Grilo.‘It’s like stepping into a dream world. Wine, dine, accompanied by unique improvisation performances. In the evening they have parties called Gala Kri Kri. Can’t recommend enough."

Calçadado Duque de Lafões 1, 1950-207 Lisboa, Portugal

Modern yet mystical, is how Luca would describe this place. "It’s informal fine dining with Portuguese fusion cuisine in a simply gorgeous setting. ’Not to mention, the outside terrace offers breathtaking views and sunsets–also highly recommended for a late-night drink or dancing."

Praça Luís de Camões 2 5º Piso, 1200-243 Lisboa, Portugal

"Here’s one you want to book in advance, the phenomenal Japanese restaurant Omakase Ri. ‘They are usually fully booked weeks in advance, and they only have 10 seats available. It’s a speakeasy and just the best Japanese eatery in town."

R. Garcia de Orta 71c, 1200-678 Lisboa, Portugal

"For breakfast I regularly head to Monka. A cute, small breakfast cafe with friendly staff. They serve the best coffee, and this grilled cheese with three different cheeses which I’ve had on rotation lately. Plus, there’s an additional bakery where they sell delicious sourdough bread."

R. de Buenos Aires 28A, 1200-625 Lisboa, Portugal

"Since I’m a freelancer I’m always on the lookout for comfortable co-working spaces. Tiffin is one of those with living room vibes and a delicious lunch menu."

R. do Conde 32, 1200-637 Lisboa, Portugal

"Not too fancy, but more laidback. From the rooftop of the Independente Hotel you’re treated to a breathtaking view of the Portuguese skyline. I always have a fun time here."

R. de São Pedro de Alcântara 83, 1250-238 Lisboa, Portugal

"Great cocktails, a nice, slightly edgy vibe, a largely creative crowd. Vago is a favourite hangout of mine. They have different types of music and DJ’s in the evening and over the weekends. In my opinion, Wednesday’s and Thursdays are best. Afterwards, you can also pop by Club Lisa, a live music venue which is literally next door."

VagoR. Gaivotas11A, 1200-163 Lisboa, Portugal
LisaR. Gaivotas 5, 1200-178 Lisboa, Portugal

"This is basically the Portuguese version of Bergheim in Berlin. Dark mood, different rooms. Every night there’s another theme. If you’re into this kind of thing, I’d definitely recommend a visit to let yourself be amazed."

Av. Infante Dom Henrique, 1950-021 Lisboa, Portugal