A Brasileira

Open since 1905, A Brasileira was once the choice of Fernando Pessoa, the great Portuguese poet. You can sit beside him just outside, next to his bronze statue. Back in the day, this place was a hangout for writers, artists, and journalists. The location, in Garret Street, is great—just a step from the popular meet-up spot Largo de Camões. You can get there by subway (Baixa/Chiado Station), tram (Nº28), or on foot (go down Misericórdia Street, up Alecrim Street, or up Garret Street)—or come from one of the many streets of Bairro Alto).

This might be one of the most famous cafes in Lisbon, located in Chiado area of downtown Lisbon. The cafe was opened in 1905 to sell original Brazilian coffee, and kept its original interior and exterior. Today it is one of the most popular and touristic cafes in Lisbon and is a great touristic attraction. On a different note, a bronze statue of Fernando Pessoa, by sculptor Lagoa Henriques, was eventually placed outside the café in 1988, although the writer has preferred a different coffee place across the street.

this famous Lisbon landmark has a wonderful bar and also serves a really decent lunch in the downstairs restaurant. Take the stunning little fin de siecle elevator to the upper town (it is like a mini Eiffel Tower style elevator!) and wander the lanes enjoying the beautfiul tile work and architecture. Lisbon has several great areas to walk and enjoy, including the bairros and the Avenue de Liberdade. And if you find you have time to go further afield, the towns of Sintra (Disney-like palace) Evora (ruins and UNESCO world heritage site) and Obidos (charming walled village of white-washed houses) are all nearby and very much worth visitng, Oh, and by the way the roads are fabulous in Portugal- all new auto-routes (toll) with little traffic so getting around the country is fast and easy.

A Brasileira café is a tourist trap but it’s worth paying that little bit extra for your coffee for the chance to sit in Chiado square and watch the world go by. Street performers do their thing in front of the statue opposite the café while shoppers scurry or stroll along the street. Tourists take it in turns to sit with the bronze statue of Fernando Pessoa, one of Portugal’s most famous literary figures, and have their photo taken. Unlike he and his intellectual cronies, the tourists probably don’t have an absinthe with their coffees. The entrance to the Baixa / Chiado metro station is here, too, so it’s a popular meeting spot. You could play a game with yourself and try to guess who the people sitting on the wall are waiting for. The café has been open for over 100 years so don’t forget to pop inside to admire the period décor before you leave.