HALF DAY HISTORICAL COFFEE SHOPS AT LISBON

HD Historical Coffee Shops

Route of “Cafés” with History in Lisbon

Let’s try a hands on approach and begin this voyage experimenting a nice beverage and a typical Portuguese pastry in one of our illustrious historical coffee shops.

Welcome to the people’s parliament, where in the old days, for the price of a cup of coffee, one could engage in vivid debates on any issue of the day.

Since the 18^th century the gathering spot for writers, poets and all sort of intellectuals, many works of art have seen daylight on top of one of these tables.

Names like Fernando Pessoa, Almada Negreiros, Bocage and others, were frequent attendants and run their own “tertúlia” – friend’s circle.

One can only imagine Fernando Pessoa at Martinho da Arcada, enjoying a Coke for the first time in Portugal (1927) and coming up with its first slogan “ primeiro estranha-se, depois entranha-se” – first you find it strange, then it becomes a part of you”.

Cafés are spaces for socializing, meeting points where we not only enjoy the famous coffee but also engage in discussions and conversations. Explore Lisbon’s most iconic historical and cultural “cafés”, taste their delicacies, and feel their history.

CHIADO - A BRASILEIRA serves as a meeting point, located near the statue of Fernando Pessoa in the Chiado neighborhood. Let’s explore “A Brasileira” café, arguably the most renowned in all of Lisbon. Its interior exudes Art Déco charm, featuring wooden accents and paintings by Modernist artists who frequented this establishment. Founded in 1905 by Adriano Teles, it established a network for selling imported Brazilian coffee, playing a pivotal role in popularizing coffee consumption.

Next on our journey is CHIADO - PASTELARIA BENARD. Established in 1868, Pastelaria Benard initially operated as a distinguished aristocratic tea house in the 19th century. To attend a Benard tea, you were required to have appropriate attire. Step inside and indulge in their renowned croissants.

Continuing our walking tour towards ROSSIO, it’s time to explore CAFÉ NICOLA. Known as the second home of poet Bocage (whose sculpture still graces the café), it was a meeting point for other writers, artists, and politicians—so much so that it was often referred to as the “Academy.” During the tumultuous war years across Europe, Lisbon served as a first refuge for newly arrived refugees who entered the city through Rossio. As the last European capital with light (and where there’s light, there’s a certain peace!), foreigners flocked to Rossio’s terraces in the 1930s and 1940s. Café Nicola likely witnessed espionage activities and holds untold stories, as mystery is an intrinsic part of this job.

Next, we head to PRAÇA DA FIGUEIRA, where we find CONFEITARIA NACIONAL, Lisbon’s oldest confectionery (founded in 1829), still home to the best well appreciate "bolo rei" in Lisbon.

Our journey concludes at TERREIRO DO PAÇO - Commerce Square, home to CAFÉ MARTINHO DA ARCADA, which opened its doors in 1782. Over the years, it changed ownership and names, but it was here that Fernando Pessoa used to work in the late afternoons. It was also where he shared his final coffee with Almada Negreiros before his passing. At Café Martinho da Arcada, you can savor traditional dishes such as the “bife à Martinho” or “bacalhau à Lagareiro.”

Our journey ends on the top of the Augusta Street arch, where we can view the river and the entire downtown, and here we will talk a little about the reconstruction of Lisbon following an earthquake, fire and tsunami, in 1755.

What a great morning...