A classic Lisbon café

Talk of the town: This is truly a historic café, and a Lisbon icon, with a long and rich history.

Tipple of choice: While it’s not alcoholic, try the ‘Bica,’ a strong espresso made famous by the city’s literati.

A Brasileira is perhaps the most famous café in Lisbon. It’s been around for ages, and serves as a central meeting point for many people. The decor inside is wooden, tiled and adorned with large mirrors and chandeliers. A Brasileira used to be one of the city’s favourite haunts for the intellectual elite, like the well-known poet and writer Fernando Pessoa. These days, it’s still full of charm, and serves an interesting cross-section of Portuguese and foreigners alike.