Eat

Old: Gambrinus
Suit up and pretend you’re on a business trip. That’s the best way to go to Gambrinus, the natural habitat for industrious types for 60 years. Start with the appetisers put in front of you, keep it up with the caldo verde soup and then, if you dare, try a bit of the alheira de mirandela with its six types of meat. Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 23, +351 21 342 1466; www.gambrinuslisboa.com.

New: Alma
Probably every country has a chef that draws comparisons to Jamie Oliver: Henrique Sá Pessoa is Portugal’s own, mixing cooking and screen talent with aplomb. It’s difficult to book a table (try calling three to five days in advance) but when you succeed, at least you know you’re buying your way into a showroom of Lisbon’s beautiful people. And prices are reasonable. Calçada Marquês de Abrantes 92, +351 21 396 3527; alma.co.pt.

Sleep

Old: Hotel Palácio Estoril
Forty years ago, the crew shooting James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service landed in Lisbon. And they went straight to the Hotel Palácio Estoril, which was known as European espionage’s favourite hangout. There are no spies now (we think), but the royal glamour lingers on. Rua Particular, 2769-504 Estoril, + 351 21 464 8000.

New: Travellers House
Who says the words ‘affordable’ and ‘backpacking’ can’t also mean stylish? ‘Hostelworld’ named it the number one hostel in the world, and Lisbon is a global backpacking capital. It takes pride in being made by travellers for travellers, which means its tailor-made to fit every traveller’s needs. Especially great if you’re into the whole communal travelling experience. 89 Rua Augusta, +351 210 115 922; www.travellershouse.com.

Do

Old: Belém Walk
You’ll be able to see the country’s grandest monument (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), the most important cultural centre in town (Centro Cultural de Belém) and Lisbon’s biggest tourist attraction: the famous pastéis de Belém. Start there, stuff your pockets and then take a peek into the Mosteiros dos Jerónimos’s cloister.

New: Cascais’ biCas
Pick up a bicycle at the centre of the Greater Lisbon Area’s premier coastal town, Cascais. The best part: it’s free. Leave your ID or passport and then you can cycle all around the beautiful scenery. Go all the way to the Guincho, one of the best beaches in the area.

For more information, see Time Out Lisbon. (in Portuguese)

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