Caetana Botelho Afonso's Lisbon

When I want to eat something local, I stop at: O Velho Eurico is one of Lisbon’s best-kept culinary secrets — a small, no-frills tasca that serves big flavors and real soul. Tucked away in Mouraria, it’s where locals and in-the-know travelers go for honest Portuguese food, loud laughter, and a glass (or three) of wine. It’s unpretentious, chaotic in the best way, and absolutely unforgettable.

The best cocktail bar for a night with friends is: Located in Lisbon’s vibrant center, Imprensa is a stylish cocktail bar with a sleek, intimate vibe and a flair for creative drinks. A local favorite for both pre-dinner aperitivos and late-night conversations, it’s the kind of place where every cocktail tells a story. Don’t miss the Matcha cocktail — it’s my personal favorite and a total standout. 

My favorite park in the city is: The Gulbenkian is Lisbon’s quiet masterpiece — a place where art, architecture, and nature exist in perfect harmony. Whether you’re wandering through its world-class museum, catching a concert, or just reading under the trees in its magical gardens, it always feels like a breath of calm in the middle of the city. It’s one of those places I go back to again and again — and it never loses its magic.

When I want to take a nice walk outside, I start at: The Arrábida mountains — where lush green cliffs meet the deep blue of the Atlantic. After soaking in all that natural beauty, end the hike just right: a relaxed lunch at Farol, a spot that serves traditional Portuguese food, fresh from the sea. 

When I want a quick getaway from the city, my favorite town nearby is: Belmond Reid’s Palace with timeless elegance perched above the Atlantic. From afternoon tea on the terrace to swimming in the ocean-facing pool, everything feels effortlessly luxurious.

The best place to get breakfast is: Casolare is a brand-new project that I’m starting with my boyfriend, Tomás Blades, and entrepreneur Michael Londjine. Casolare is a residency inside Buna, a collaboration between passionate chefs that want to develop an easygoing breakfast menu for the best coffee shop in Lisbon. 

The best dessert in Lisbon is: The Baba de Rinoceronte at JNcQUOI Asia is hands-down one of the most decadent, delicious desserts I’ve ever tasted — rich, creamy, perfectly indulgent. 

If I want to go shopping for home décor, I go to: Fashion Clinic Home is the epitome of cool, curated living. With its sleek aesthetic and meticulously selected design pieces, it’s more than just a store — it’s a destination for anyone who loves contemporary elegance with a bold twist. I have many pieces from there in my own home, and they never fail to impress — timeless, distinctive, and effortlessly chic.

A perfect day in Lisbon looks like this: A perfect day in Lisbon starts with the sun on your skin and your feet in the sand. My favorite beaches are Avencas or Riviera! After that, nothing hits quite like a scoop (or two) of creamy, dreamy gelato from Nannarella — because yes, it’s worth the hype. I love the pistachio and oreo there, so good! And to end the day just right? Dinner at DA NOI. It’s intimate, delicious, very cool and full of heart.

The museum with the best art is: The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology or MAAT is effortlessly cool, and wildly curious.

My favorite hotel in Lisbon is: Hotel das Amoreiras is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon. With elegant design, personalized service, and easy access to the city’s main attractions, it offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the bustling Avenida da Liberdade and historic neighborhoods like Príncipe Real. 

I love Lisbon because: It’s beautiful without trying too hard. The light, the tiled façades, the hills that make your legs burn but your heart full. The food, the people, the way the city somehow feels both alive and unhurried. And the truth is — the more I travel, the more I realize how good it is to live here. Lisbon isn’t just a place I love; it’s what home really means.