Jewellery designer Matilde Mourinho was born in Setúbal, Portugal – just 45 minutes away from neighbouring city Lisbon.
Her sustainable fine jewellery brand Matilde combines heirloom-worthy values with a modern design aesthetic, and designs reflect her Portuguese heritage; the Heritage Collection has pieces inspired by the Portuguese motif Coração de Viana, as well as by Azulejo tiles (which famously decorate the streets of Portugal).
Based in London today, Matilde tells us about the places she always visits on her return to Lisbon including a rooftop with a view, a neighbourhood full of independent stores, a vineyard worth making a day trip for, and much more.
Any local café for an espresso and a pastel de nata.
Your favourite hotel to check in at is…
I usually stay at my family home just outside of Lisbon, but one of my favourite hotels is the Sublime Comporta. I love staying there – and always go back, even if only for dinner or drinks.
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For an early morning workout head to…
Studio Rise for its spinning classes.
Where should we go for breakfast?
Hygge Kaffe – their mini pancakes are to die for.
And for a weekend brunch?
Who doesn’t love a good brunch spot? Dear Breakfast is a go-to if you want something fresh and delicious. The space is so nice – it has its own character and really feels like it’s in Lisbon.
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
I’ve been going to the Time Out Market for so long; it’s loved by tourists and locals. There are loads of different food options available, including from local Portuguese restaurants.
Your favourite restaurant in town?
JNcQUOI on Avenida da Liberdade is my favourite restaurant in Lisbon. It serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a twist (the tiger prawn is my favourite) and their desserts are incredible. The interior of the restaurant is stunning too.
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And for dinner with friends?
Java Rooftop – it’s one of my favourite places to go to for rooftop drinks; the view is to die for and the food is as good as the drinks. I couldn’t recommend it more.
The drink to order at the bar…
Caipirinha.
The best place for people watching…
A Brasileira in Chiado. It has a statue of Portuguese author Fernando Pessoa at his ‘usual table’ and is such a good place for people-watching.
The culture spot to rave about…
I love Praça do Comércio, but also the town of Sintra, which is about a 30-minute drive from Lisbon. While here, visit Palácio da Pena and Quinta da Regaleira – both are incredible.
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Where can I go shopping?
For me, Fashion Clinic is the best multi-brand shop in Lisbon. I blame my mum for my love of this store: for as long as I can remember we would go there together. It’s such a good spot to find so many different brands in the same place. It’s located on Avenida da Liberdade in the centre of Lisbon, so is super easy to get to. I’d also suggest getting lost in the neighbourhood of Chiado which has lots of unique and independent spots.
For the best views head to…
Miradouro das Portas do Sol or Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
Best spot for sundowners?
I have to repeat Java Rooftop.
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One place only locals know about…
Cerâmicas na Linha in Chiado. It’s a ceramic shop where you pay per kilogram.
A book to read before we visit?
Anything by Portuguese writer and poet Fernando Pessoa.
For a change of pace try…
Visit the incredible beaches around Costa da Caparica, just outside of Lisbon. If you want to go slightly further out then Comporta and Troia are incredible too, and have a much slower pace.
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Souvenir to take home?
Pastel de nata, Super Bock beers, traditional azulejo tiles or ceramics. And a nice tan.
A must-try spot for date night?
Rocco – the food is amazing and the interiors are fabulous.
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The best place to treat yourself is…
Belcanto – it’s number 31 on the World’s Best Restaurants list and is really special.
Your favourite neighbourhood(s)…
Principe Real, Chiado, and the Avenida da Liberdade area.
Great day trips include…
If you want to venture out of Lisbon, the José Maria da Fonseca vineyard. I went this summer and it was one of the best wine tours and tastings I’ve ever taken. It’s located in a small town called Azeitão, which is where my family house is too, and it really is a special place.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Walk around and get lost – I love to do this, but sometimes I over plan my trips. The best finds are the ones you aren’t necessarily looking for. Eat lots of local seafood too.
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What’s your Lisbon secret?
I’m keeping that one to myself or it won’t be a secret anymore!
What’s the dress code?
I recommend wearing comfortable shoes if you’re walking (leave the heels for when you’re in and out of a cab). Lisbon is known as ‘the city of seven hills’ because of its seven highest points – if you’re walking, expect to go up and down a lot. It can also get very hot; keep that in mind especially if you’re visiting during summer.
In one word, Lisbon is…
Diverse.
Essential items to pack?
My Azulejo Necklace which is inspired by the Azulejo tiles that adorn Portugal (especially Lisbon). It’s an everyday staple that you can do anything in. I’m obsessed with the Heart Tops from Welcome To The Love Club, a Portuguese brand – I have them in four different colours, they are the perfect evening top. I love Alfie because their stuff is so wearable, in particular their Kate Dress in white poplin, which you can dress up from day to night – it will keep you cool in the sun but you’ll still look put together. I love Hunza G for swimwear; this strapless Gloria Bikini is my most recent buy. Sunglasses are a must in the sun, I wear these from Sestini all the time. Lastly, my Little Studs, which won’t weigh your ears down after a long day.
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Any Questions or Tips to add?