Gat Rossio Lisbon City Guide

This blog post was originally shared Summer of 2015:

My friends over at GAT ROOMS have created the perfect WEBSITE APPLICATION easily found on their WEBSITE to help visitors get aquatinted with the beautiful city of Lisbon while staying in their GAT ROSSIO HOTEL location. During my stay I visited some of their many SUGGEST SPOTS TO DISCOVER and some of my own to create this city guide to Lisbon.

Before you dive into my guide, let me start with you can easily take the Airobus from the airport costing only 3.50 euro per person taking you directly in front of GAT ROSSIO HOTEL. But if you opt for taking a cab, the cost should be around 10 to 15 euro, and if you think you’re getting over charged asked reception at the hotel to help as you can get scammed. Though before arriving remember mostly all of Lisbon is able to be reached by foot. Meaning pack your walking shoes and do walk when possible, don’t be afraid to get lost. Lisbon is super safe and wandering down the wrong street may lead you to a beautiful site. As for weather, remember you’re down south and it does get warm. Think shorts by day and maybe a light jacket by night. There are BEACHES nearby worth visiting, so do bring a bathing suit but keep in mind the Atlantic ocean is quite cold.

Now for the detailed good stuff!

Bars & Cafes

PENSÃO AMOR
RUA ALECRIM 19

A burlesque and cabaret environment which stage is open to all types of events: concerts, poetry, theater, and music. Located a short walking distance from Barrio Alto where on Friday and Saturday nights you can start your night around midnight with some inexpensive beers walking the streets with locals and tourist alike before headed to Pensao Amor to dance, get your tarot cards read, and of course drink some more.

PARK
Calçada do Combro, 58


Situated atop a parking garage in Barrio Alto is one the coolest rooftop views in Lisbon to grab a drink and enjoy the sun. I highly recommend drinking some sangria and enjoying yourself. As for getting up top, there is an elevator below that is just as you walk into the garage to the left, take it to the very top and then walk up a bit. Then you’re there!

MORE BAR OPTIONS FROM GAT ROSSIO

Clubs

LUX FRAGIL
AV. INFANTE D. HENRIQUE, ARMAZÉM A CAIS DA PEDRA A STA. APOLÓNIA PT

Every city has their premier club where everyone wants to be, for Lisbon this is Lux. An old warehouse converted into a stylish nightclub owned by John Malkovich is a place where locals and tourist alike want to see and be seen. This being said, the door policy is tough if you aren’t confident and dressed well. You can be turned away or asked to pay a premium of 250 euro entry. Coming from Berlin where Berghain is my standard of partying, this place has a nice layout offering house music on their disco level, techno downstairs and has a beautiful sunrise view on their rooftop terrace. For a fee of only 10 euro granted you get in, Lux is worth checking out. Though, don’t arrive until 3am or 4am when it gets good and do check the lineup online as you may be surprised to see one of your favorite dj’s playing.

MUSICBOX
RUA NOVA DO CARVALHO, Nº 24
For those who like new artist and traditional techno in a venue that has a performing stage and dance floor. MusicBox offers a unique experience just below Pensao Amor. You are bound to have a fun time here on a Friday or Saturday.

TRUMPS
Rua da Imprensa Nacional 104
This weekend gay club attracts a young crowd and gets packed after 2am with the crowd split between two rooms – one for top 40’s hip hop, and the other for house music.

Outdoor

LX FACTORY
RUA RODRIGUES DE FARIA



What was once an fabrics company in the 1900’s has now been turned into a food, shopping, live performance, and multipurpose space for everyone to enjoy. You are bound to find something unique that match your interest here. Even if you bring your laptop for a day of work at one of the many welcoming cafes. As for the evening they also have once a month parties here, make sure to check LX Factory FACEBOOK for updates while you’re in town.

VILLAGE UNDERGROUND
MUSEU DA CARRIS, RUA PRIMEIRO DE MAIO 101

This space is just around the corner from LX Factory offering another side of Lisbon that most tourist don’t know. You can stop in for a drink, live music, and many other activities depending on the week. Make sure to check their FACEBOOK to see what is going on, and don’t take yourself too seriously by not swinging on their welcoming swing.

Belem
PRAÇA DO IMPÉRIO

Incase you’ve seen the Disney movie Rapunzel, you will totally want to see this beautiful tower begging for Rapunzel to let her hair down. This tower capture the essence of Lisbon, plus within walking distance there are some of the most delicious desert known in Lisbon, PASTIES DE BELEM.

MORE OUTDOOR OPTIONS FROM GAT ROSSIO

Restaurants

SEA ME
RUA DU LORETO, 21So when you’re in Lisbon you have to eat seafood, right? Then Sea Me is the place to stop in for a meal, even if you don’t like sea food as I thought I didn’t. Sea Me offers some of the most delicious sea food to change your perspective on fish, I know mine was changed. Do make sure to make a reservation as everyone also knows how delicious their fish is.

TIME OUT MERCADO DA RIBEIRA
Av. 24 de Julho 49

For those who are traveling in groups or just don’t know what they want to eat, Time Out Mercado da Ribeira is the answer to your problem with over 20 different restaurants to choose from ranging in seafood, burgers, steak, ice cream, cheese, and of course wine. You are bound to enjoy this stunning Mercado.

LOST IN ESPLANADA BAR
Rua D.Pedro V Nº56-D, 1250-094

Offering not only delicious fair priced food, you are also receiving a breathe taking view over Lisbon. If you are wondering where to go for your first meal after arriving to Gat Rossio, you won’t be disappointed by stopping in for a bite.

CAFÉ BEIRA GARE
Praça Dom João da Câmara 4

Less than 3 minutes away from Gat Rossio you can find this inexpensive restaurant offering everything from land to sea and nice outdoor seating right in front of Lisbon’s train station. This isn’t for your fancy dinner night out, but if you’re hungry and want to eat for a reasonable price. You won’t be disappointed.

MORE RESTAURANT OPTIONS FROM GAT ROSSIO

Scenic Overlooks

CASTELO DE SÃO JORGE
RUA CHÃO DA FEIRA, 1100-129

Not only is this castle filled with rich history, the views are breathe taking overlooking all of Lisbon. You can easily spend 3 hours exploring the grounds taking in history and having a mini hilltop photoshoot.

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Shopping

CHIADO
RUA DO CARMO 2, 1200-093

By American standards Chiado is the Saks Fifth Avenue of Lisbon. You will find your high end and moderate clothing here. With a little something for everyone who loves to shop until their wallet can’t anymore.

Príncipe Real
PRAÇA PRÍNCIPE REAL

Looking for some trend in Lisbon? Don’t miss this street for shopping, drinking, and dinning. While admiring all of the classical architecture surrounding you.

MORE SHOPPING OPTIONS FROM GAT ROSSIO.

I’m sure arriving to a new city can be overwhelming, so If you happen to have some questions about what to do in Lisbon, you can always leave me a message.