The Pocketbook: Yoga teacher Erica Bracken’s guide to Lisbon

WHERE TO STAY

Look for AirBnbs in quieter but still close to the centre areas like Lapa, Estrela, Sao Bento and Principe Real. For luxury boutique hotels, Toc Toc Toc has a great reputation. For a relatively affordable city centre, My Story Hotel Tejo is a great location. Even more affordable, Selina Secret Garden Hostel. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s Palácio Príncipe Real. I met the owners recently and it sounds like a stay there would be utterly exquisite.

WHERE TO WORK FROM

Lisbon has plenty of co-working spaces, including Tribe Social, Second Home and Heden. You usually pay a monthly fee or can rent a space as needed.

An increasing number of cafés and restaurants don’t allow laptops, but a few that do include The Venue, Honest Greens, WelWell, Thank You Mama, Curva, and Fable. Many have specially designated areas or tables for laptops.

For a more unique work setting, check out Biblioteca Camões, a beautiful public library with stunning Tagus River views and original design details, making it an inspiring place to get things done.

WHERE TO SWIM AND SOAK UP THE SUN

One of the best things about Lisbon is how close it is to so many beaches. There are two main options for a beach day.

The first is to take the train directly from the city centre at Cais do Sodré or Santos station and travel along the Linha de Cascais. You can ride all the way to Cascais or stop at one of the beaches along the way like Praia de Carcavelos or Praia do Estoril. A return ticket costs less than €3. You can also take a taxi from Cascais to Praia do Guincho, a stunning wild beach known for its strong Atlantic winds. If Guincho is your main destination, driving from Lisbon is usually the better option.

The second option is to cross the 25 de Abril Bridge, the iconic red suspension bridge, and head to Costa da Caparica, a breathtaking 10-kilometre stretch of white sand that feels like the Algarve. The further you go from Caparica town, the quieter and more untouched the beaches become. A great way to round off a visit is with a fresh fish lunch at one of the beachside tascas — Restaurante Praia do Rei is a favourite.

If you’re taking public transport, buses from Lisbon to Caparica take about 30 minutes, or you can take a ferry across the river and then a taxi. By car or taxi, it’s around a 30-minute drive from the city centre.

BEST KEPT SECRETS

Jardim do Torel is a peaceful hilltop park with sweeping city views without the usual crowds you’ll find at more popular miradouros. It’s a perfect spot to relax with a book or a coffee, and in summer, there’s an outdoor lido where you can sunbathe and go for a refreshing dip when it’s sweltering in the city, making it an even better hidden gem.

WHERE TO SHOP

You could easily spend an afternoon—or even a whole day—exploring Lisbon’s vintage shopping scene. Many of my favourites are clustered around São Bento, including Arquivos and AQ2 (sister stores side by side), Third Thrift Store, Pink Heart Vintage, Mess Vintage and Clube Royale.

If you’re venturing further, check out A Outra Face da Lua, Amor Fati and Malala Vintage. For a bookish detour, Salted, Fable and Well Read are brilliantly curated bookshops worth a visit.

YOU CAN’T LEAVE LISBON WITHOUT

Going to Praca da Flores. Sit in this pretty square at any time of the day or night to people-watch, read a book, eat ice cream and drink wine. If you’re lucky, there will be some live music to create the perfect movie-esque atmosphere that will have you thinking, “I could see myself living here.”

Follow Erica on Instagram @erica_bracken for more Lisbon insights.