Online - January 21, 2006

Port Authority

DailyCandy Goes to Lisbon

Really now. You’re running out of excuses not to get to Lisbon. It’s young, vibrant, booming — and just the right size for a four-day getaway.

Lay of the Land
Bring walking shoes: This city is all hills and cobblestones. You’ll want to get lost in Alfama, the old Moorish quarter, and Chiado and Bairro Alto, the neighboring shopping, eating, and drinking areas. Prepare to stay up late.

Crash, Relax, Recover
Money no object? Then stay at the newly renovated Palácio Belmonte (14 Páteo Dom Fradique; +351-21-881-6600), next to St. George’s Castle. Book the tower room with a 360-degree panorama, and you may never leave. The new Bairro Alto Hotel (8 Praça Luis de Camões; +351-21-340-8288) is the chic boutique choice. And at Dom Carlos Liberty (13 Rua Alexandre Herculano; +351-21-317-3575) you’ll sacrifice nothing and save the expense.

Eat, Drink, Flirt
Eleven (Rua Marquês de Fronteira, Jardim Amália Rodrigues; +351-21-386-2211), with its incredible views and Michelin star, is the splashy newcomer. But our favorite meal is at Mezzaluna (16 Rua Artilharia Um; +351-21-387-9944), owned by NY transplant (and charmer) Michael Guerrieri, who also owns the more casual City Sandwich and La Brusketta, both nearby.

Stop by Vertigo Cafe (4 Travessa do Carmo; +351-21-343-3112) in Chiado when you crave bagels and a schmooze with Lisbon’s hot novelists and screenwriters.

You’ll get a serious meal at Olivier (35 Rua do Teixeira; +351-21-342-1024), where you have to knock for entry. Lisboà Noite (69 Rua das Gáveas; +351-21-346-8557) serves traditional Portuguese food to a chic and fun crowd. Now you’re poised for the Bairro Alto night, when every corner becomes a street party. Pick the cutest crowd, order a drink at any bar, bring it outside, and get ready to work it.

Amazingly enough, Lux (Avenida Infante D. Henrique; +351-21-882-0890), the massive nightclub by the river, is still packing them in. Like Les Bains in Paris, this place has staying power. As does Bica do Sapato, the see-and-be-seen restaurant next door.

Spend, Spend, Spend
All right. Let’s be organized about this. What exactly are you looking for?

Home design:
- Mod local talent: Nosso Design (5 Rua Nova da Trindade; +351-21-325-8961); Sem Nome (970 Avenida 25 de Abril; +351-21-481-2340).

- Hand-painted ceramics: Viúva Lamego (29 Calçada do Sacramento; +351-21-346-9692).

- Food to bring back: Mercearia da Atalaia (64a Rua da Atalaia; +351-21-342-1104).

Fashion:
- Hot Portuguese designers: Fatima Lopes (36 Rua Atalaia; +351-21-324-0540), Aleksandar Protich (112 Rua da Rosa; +351-93-633-7795), Jose Antonio Tenente (8 Travessa do Carmo; +351-21-342-2560).

- Hipster style depots: Yorn (105-115 Rua Nova do Almada; +351-21-092-7016) and Gardenia (54 Rua Garrett; +351-21-342-1207).

- Laid-back Brazilian style: Osklen (9/11 Rua do Carmo; +351-21-325-8844).

Whew. You need to relax. Hit the gorgeous new spa at the Four Seasons Ritz (88 Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca; +351-21-381-1400) for a swim and a kick-ass massage.