24 Hours in Lisbon – Marta Braga
A lover of Lisbon, journalist and blogger Marta Braga shares her healthy connection with the city and whets our appetite as we follow her on a different intinerary of the Portuguese capital.
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Marta Braga
She was born in Lisbon 40 years ago, spent her childhood and adolescence in the Algarve and, at the age of 18, moved to Porto to study at the Escola Superior de Jornalismo. “It’s a city I always like returning to, it has small details that make it very special.” After finishing her journalism course, she moved lock, stock and barrel to her birthplace, starting an internship at the SIC TV station and working as a local radio presenter in Sintra. However, her real passion was the press, which saw her start writing for Cosmopolitan, before moving to Lux Woman, where she has been for the last eleven years, writing about travel, lifestyle and behaviour. She tells us that she’s travel the world from her desk and chooses India as her ideal destination. Another of her passions is her blog, where highlights include food and photography. Despite the city’s hills, Marta is a keen cyclist and tells us, with obvious satisfaction, that she has spent the last “eleven days without a car”. “It takes longer, but you see the city in a different way.” Undoubtedly, good advice.
abramabocaefechemosolhos.wordpress.com
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An energetic start to the day
“Lisbon has seen a lot of boulangeries spring up recently, but this is the best one. Start the day with scrambled eggs and salmon or cured ham which, alongside fresh orange juice, provides you with plenty of energy. Try the outside tables and finish off with the purity and effectiveness of Kusmi tea.”
Amoreiras Plaza, Rua Professor Carlos Alberto Mota Pinto
+351 21 192 7894
www.maison-kayser.com
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As long as you’ve got your health…
“Best get there early to have more variety to choose from. Buy fresh fruit, juices or biscuits with seeds, walk to Jardim da Estrela and have a morning picnic with your organic produce-loving friends. Buy a bunch of flowers to give someone and a pot of herbs to plant at home.”
Mercado Biológico do Príncipe Real
Praça do Príncipe Real
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Gastro grub
“A grocery shop that’s also a laid-back and healthy café that’s good for lunch. In addition to the market, which is held on Saturday mornings, there is a nice outside area for meals during the week. Of the various salads on offer, which always include Portuguese produce and are served in an interesting way, I recommend the goat’s cheese salad.”
Mercearia Criativa
Avenida Guerra Junqueiro, 4 A
+351 21 848 5198
www.merceariacriativa.com
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A historical meander
“I love walking. I set off from Príncipe Real and walk down past Jardim de São Pedro de Alcântara to Chiado and then Terreiro do Paço. From here, I wander aimlessly through the narrow streets until I get to São Jorge Castle. It’s best to do it at your leisure, because from the historic main square it’s all uphill.”
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Rejuvenation
“After a good walk, I recommend a shot of wheatgrass – an energy and vitamin boost, which is the equivalent of consuming kilos of vegetables. In this tiny bar, I also recommend the ginger and lemon shot, and two juices – Detox and Energizing, ideal for recovery from last night’s heavy dinner.”
Liquid na Merendinha
Rua Nova do Almada, 45 A
+351 91 764 6195
www.facebook.com/liquidlisboa
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The sweetest panorama
“At the end of the afternoon, this hotel terrace is the place to see Lisbon in a very different light. Here, it’s like you unwind and enter another world. It’s like a picture-postcard with a view of the city’s verandas and the river in the background. Order one of the fruit juices.”
Bairro Alto Hotel
Praça Luís de Camões, 2
+351 21 340 8288
www.bairroaltohotel.com
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Appletini time
“They serve a marvellously fresh cocktail – the Appletini – with a slice of Granny Smith and a little sugar. The risotto, which is delicious and moreish, is another highlight. It also has the best and healthiest hamburger in Lisbon, which comes with a salad”.
Bistro 100 Maneiras
Largo da Trindade, 9
+351 91 030 7575
www.restaurante100maneiras.com
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Shall we dance?
“A bar I like to go to, particularly because you can be out on the street if it’s busy or if it’s a warm evening. The music is modern, both alternative and electronic, and the dynamic and appealing programme of bands and DJs is another reason to come here. The fact that can hear yourself talk is another advantage.”
Lounge
Rua da Moeda, 1
+351 96 193 8714
www.loungelisboa.com.pt
by Manuel Simões
