Arroios
Because I’m hungry for a slice of local Lisbon.
You’ll love this...
Arroios is a fine freguesia for a seafood feast. Head to Rua das Portas de Santo Antão for prawns, bacalhau, and sweet goose barnacles. Who’s hungry for barnacles?
But you won’t love this...
Live for the nightlife? Porto tónicos ‘til the sun comes up? Perhaps try Barrio Alto or Cais do Sodré instead. .
Will I like living here?...
Call it lesser-known, Arroios is a friendly up-and-comer found up one of Lisbon’s 7 hills. It’s part of the old town, with colorful azulejo (tile) facades and plenty of traditional charm. It’s popular with families, migrants, and students. The perfect place to plant your feet, mingle with the locals, and explore the unpretentious, and undeniably scrumptious Portuguese cuisine.
And if you’re bored...
Mercado de Arroios: Fresh fish, flowers, and fruit. Not quite the bustling locals’ locale it once was, but still a great spot for lunch.
Google rating: 4/5
And this Google review nails it:
“For fish go to Bruno. Fruit and vegetables see Rosa. Butcher? Paulo”. Bruno, Rosa, and Paulo, got it.
Anything else?
Eat, drink and sleep, at (mostly) local prices. Check out Casa Tia Celeste: €2.60 for a pint of Sagres or a very full glass of red wine!
The best part about a hill is the view. Nossa Senhora do Monte belvedere is one of the lesser known Miradouros (viewpoints) in the city. Find yourself a perch and watch the sun go down.
And did you know?…
Portuguese porcelain is world famous. The elaborate azulejos brighten up the city’s walls, museums, and facades and are an important part of Lisbon’s colourful culture and history. Pick some up for your own facade at the original factory, Viuva Lamego.
Move here to be near:
* Cervejeria Ramiro (Bourdain ate there. Always packed, and for good reason)
* Elevador do Lavra (The first funicular in Lisbon!)
* Nossa Senhora do Monte belvedere
* A thousand thousand awesome multi-cultural restaurants
Getting to and from the airport...
You can take a taxi from Lisbon airport to Arroios. It will cost you €10 and takes about 15 minutes.
Need to know more? Find all the stats you need here:
* The World’s Healthiest Cities
* Equality in Europe
