A Day in Lisbon With Photographer Sanda Vuckovic

> Calçada Marquês de Abrantes 146

I usually start the day with a coffee and croissant at Dear Breakfast – Santos, it’s the latest outpost of a very beloved brunch institution, which opened its first restaurant in 2017, when the concept of all-day brunch was barely known to Lisbonites. Santos is one of my favourite neighbourhoods — a creatively vibrant area full of design gems and different cultures, coexisting within its historic buildings and cobblestone streets. I come here early to enjoy a moment of peace in the softly lit, minimalist interior (as with all Dear Breakfast locations, the aesthetic is spot-on). If you prefer a later start, booking in advance is a good idea.

> R. do Machadinho 48

For plant lovers like me — especially if you are in Lisbon for long enough to want to spruce up your space with some exotic leafy green additions — this tiny shop in Santos is a must. Owned by three friends, Limbo is a neighbourhood favourite, specialising in rare plants and ceramics made by local artisans.

> R. de Santo Amaro 72

This isn’t your typical gym – fitness is just one part of the holistic wellness experience on offer. I like the sleek and tranquil space, immaculately designed by local architects Studio Gameiro. It’s intuitively soothing and perfectly accommodates the versatile concept here, which includes personalised workouts, yoga, spa facilities, and a vegetarian café, all under the same roof.

> Tv. Pedras Negras 2

Located in Lisbon’s Baixa district, Prado is the epitome of farm-to-table dining in the city. Meaning “meadow” in Portuguese, the name reflects the restaurant’s philosophy of showcasing fresh, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Chef António Galapito, who honed his craft in London, has created a menu using entirely Portuguese produce, sourced from a trusted network of farmers, fishers and winemakers. Following the same concept, the Prado Wine Bar (just around the corner) offers simple, fresh local dishes and a list of only Portuguese organic and natural wines.

> Tv. do Rosário, 16

Made in Situ is one of my favourite galleries in Lisbon. Created by French designer Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, it highlights sustainable materials and craftsmanship through beautifully curated collections and storytelling. Each piece is the result of deep collaborations with local artisans, from cork and stone to bronze and ceramics, showcasing the essence of Portugal’s landscapes and traditions. The gallery also hosts a programme of talks, events and sensory experiences, offering deeper insight into creative processes. It’s a space where design and nature come together in the most thoughtful and inspiring way.

> Av. de Berna 45A

This striking Brutalist building houses one of the world’s most important private art collections, spanning Ancient Egypt to early 20th-century masterpieces. You will find art from the Islamic World, China and Japan, as well as jewellery from René Lalique and paintings by Rubens, Monet and Renoir. The museum is part of a larger complex, which includes the Gulbenkian Foundation and Art Library, all set within extensive public gardens. It was declared a National Monument in 2010, beautifully combining culture, nature and architecture. Be sure to visit the Modern Art Centre too, currently undergoing an extension by Kengo Kuma.

> R. Marquês Sá da Bandeira 88B

While in this area, I never miss popping by Under the Cover — it always has a brilliantly and carefully curated selection of independent magazines, books and artworks, spanning topics from art and architecture to fashion and photography, sourced from all over the world. After browsing, I love taking my finds to the Gulbenkian gardens (above) for a quiet read.

> 1 Calçada do Duque de Lafões

Dinner here is always a truly immersive and dramatically unique experience. This restaurant is set within a live theatre, inside a palace which was once home to the Duke of Lafões — an illegitimate descendant of King Pedro II, who was excluded from the royal circle and chose to live an alternative reality, creating Palacio Do Grilo as his ​​‘dreamlike kingdom’. Today, the restaurant merges theatre, art and food in a space where guests become part of the story. You can wander freely through the elaborate rooms, where you might come across an interactive performance at any moment. Meanwhile, the menu gives a fine dining take on Portuguese-French fusion. It’s an unforgettable dinner spot.