It’s been sunny and mild here in Lisbon throughout the week, and apparently it will remain so next week. But the rainy days will come sooner or later, and if you happen to be in the city on one of those days, here is where to seek refuge.
These are cafés that could also be destinations themselves, either for their ambience, décor or simply for the food and refreshments they offer.

CULTURA DO CHÁ
Your day will be brightened as soon as you enter, no matter how dark and rainy it is outside. With a colorful interior filled with charming decorations, this is like a grandmother’s tea house but usually filled with young crowds. That’s due to the location in youth-magnet Bairro Alto, but also because everyone enjoys an excellent piece of cake and a good drink.
The cakes are the first temptations you see, and then you’re given a long list of teas to choose from. Because you’re in Portugal, look for the only tea produced in Europe, in Portugal’s Azores, the Gorreana green tea.
Address: Rua das Salgadeiras 38

FÁBULAS
It’s big but cozy thanks to a very charming décor made up of old furnishings. Not much light comes in from outside, so no matter how gloomy it is on the street, here it’s a wonderful escape where you can eat, drink, and spend some time relaxing, perhaps carefully planning your itinerary. It’s found in Chiado, and a metro station is nearby, where an underground train on the blue line can take you to your next destination — perhaps the Gulbenkian Museum.

PORTAS DO SOL
Lisbon’s favorite summertime terrace can also be the place to be on rainy winter days. That’s because there is also a nice interior with large windows that still allow you to look out to the city. Relax as you watch the rain fall over Alfama‘s rooftops and church towers, have a drink and a light meal, and then hop into tram 28 just a few feet away to get to the following attraction on your sightseeing list.

VERSAILLES
This historic café is known for its monumental interior and as a pastry shop offering some of the city’s most sugary confections.
Dating from the 1920s, its name comes from the obvious inspiration for the mirrored walls and stucco ceiling decorations, and is easy to reach on the yellow line of the metro, the best way to get around the city on rainy days.
Address: Avenida da República 15A

POIS CAFÉ
This is one of the favorite cafés in the city to stay sitting with friends, or reading a book and periodicals. It’s found close to the cathedral where tram 28 stops, and it serves daily specials that combine Portuguese and Austrian dishes. It’s also a good place for brunch on a rainy weekend.
The best spots, if you are lucky to find them unoccupied, are the ones with sofas and not the less-comfortable wooden chairs.

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This entry was posted on Friday, October 22nd, 2010 at 2:19 pm and is filed under Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, Food & Drink. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.