After years in big, buzzy cities, I’ve spent the last four years living in the oh-so-charming Praça das Flores – and I couldn’t love it more. Popping out for a morning coffee turns into chats with friends I bump into, and summer evenings feel like a movie scene.
This is what I love most about living here. It’s my perfect space and I can’t believe I get to live here. I moved in 4 years ago and have slowly filled it with a mixture of things I’ve found in Portugal; some that I have found on the streets nearby and done up as a craft project. It’s quiet but I’m steps away from all the action above.
A shout-out for my local essentials; the 727 bus can take you to Saldana, Marquês de Pombal, Alcântara and Belém. Avocados from Rafa Minimercado Fruitaria, Printing, emergency phone chargers and banter at the Smartphone Clinic.
The square itself is the place to be for pre-dinner drinks in the summer. Head to Black Sheep, talk to the fantastic team about the wines they have and choose what you’d like to enjoy, whilst sitting chatting and people watching on a bench in the square outside. It’s a mix of local residents and in-the-know tourists who found the summer place to be.
When you are visualising the perfect restaurant situation for a balmy summer night on holiday, O Palmeiral would be that. But luckily for me, it’s my local. The food is Italo-Portuguese with the coolest old-school touches. The drinks selection further cements that – Campari cocktail on the terrace anyone?
I could never move because I would be lost without my local coffee spot, Marquise. I’m always at the bakery side to get the best bread in Lisbon (you’ve likely eaten it as they provide to many restaurants around town), takeout coffees —and beans for home. Plus, I always know I’ll stop for a chat with the team. I think about their pastries when I’m out on a weekend run, and then have to grab on my way back! The cafe side is where I take friends for the prettiest hidden terrace. Places like this make somewhere feel like home.
