Entrepreneur, explorer and long-time friend of NUDIENT, Fredrik Ljungman, is currently building a home in Bali. This time, we followed him to Lisbon, where he explored the city through his lens of good design, great coffee and the right kind of energy.
From slow mornings and strong coffee to late dinners and long walks, he found the spots that make Lisbon feel both lived-in and worth returning to.
This is his personal take for anyone who prefers to experience a city rather than just visit it.
What to center your trip to Lisbon around
Lisbon has numerous cafés and bakeries and the coffee scene in particular is amazing. Whatever you do, don’t waste your morning coffee drinking Nespresso in the hotel room.
Lisbon is beautiful to explore by foot, especially the old parts of town. There are a lot of hills and viewpoints that offer a good workout by simply walking, along with breathtaking views.
Situated on the Atlantic coast, Lisbon’s restaurants have access to some of the world’s best fish and seafood and is a must try.
in one of the many wine bars that serve tapas style dishes, a great selection of local wine by the glass and the unique and excellent port wine, unique to Portugal.
Coffee and breakfast spots to start my day
Sleek and modern, with some of the best specialty coffee in Lisbon. I like it for a perfectly made flat white and a quiet morning start.
A laid-back café with a warm vibe and generous brunch plates. It’s the kind of place where I end up lingering longer than planned.
A neighborhood favorite for breakfast or brunch, especially the pancakes and avocado toast. The coffee is solid, and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Restaurants I’d go back to
An old institution where business people used to come to lunch meetings, this place is part of Lisbon’s DNA and it feels as if time has stood still in the dining hall. Beef and seafood dishes are both sure to impress you here.
A throwback to the 1960s with dark wood, red leather, and an old Lisbon vibe. The food is simple but excellent—steak is the thing to order here, ideally late at night.
A cozy Argentine spot where the wood-fired grill sets the tone. I like it for the empanadas to start and a good ribeye or flank steak to follow.
Don’t be fooled by this place being a tiny pizzeria in the more touristy area. They are wildly popular for good reason, serving some of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas. This is a perfect spot for a late lunch or early dinner. Make sure to arrive off the peak hours to avoid having to queue for a long time for your table.
The vibe of this place is just as tremendous as their seafood and selection of small plate dishes. It should be considered a crime not to try their ceviche. Perfect for a later dinner before going out, say at 9pm.
Walks, swims and day trips I really enjoyed
Lisbon is all about the views, and I love spending a morning walking between the miradouros—São Pedro de Alcântara, Graça, and Senhora do Monte are favorites.
Ride or run along the river the roughly 5 kilometer seaside route that takes you of to Belém. While there, reward yourself for the effort by trying what is arguably Lisbon’s, and the world’s, best pastel de nata (or pastel de Belém, as they call it here) at the traditional pastéis de Belém.
Just a short train ride from Lisbon, this seaside town has sandy beaches and a laid-back feel. Perfect for a swim and fresh seafood lunch.
A stretch of beach just outside Lisbon that’s perfect for a seaside lunch or dinner of fresh seafood. The Atlantic is great for swimming, and if you’re up for it, there’s the chance to try surfing or kite surfing.
Wine Bars I never want to leave
A relaxed, welcoming spot with a strong natural wine list and friendly staff who are always happy to pour you something new. I like to settle in here and let them choose a few glasses for me. The small plates served here just so happens to be out of this world.
A lively, modern wine bar where the focus is on organic and natural wine. Great for trying something unusual while snacking on cheese and charcuterie.
Small, cozy, and passionate about Portuguese wines from lesser-known regions with great variety and a local, genuine vibe.
A place that transitions into more of a mini club in the later hours, come here to have wine or cocktails after dinner to build the vibe to continue the night out.
Where I’ve stayed and would return
Chic serviced apartments in a beautifully restored building. I like it for the balance between comfort and independence.
A boutique stay with a rooftop pool and sweeping views over the Tagus. Breakfast on the terrace is reason enough to book.
Set in an 18th-century palace, with character-filled rooms and quiet courtyards. It feels like stepping back in time but with all the comforts.
