Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
A city that is equal parts historical and contemporary, Lisbon is a sun-drenched European destination with much to discover by way of design, food, art, and style. One of the oldest cities in the world, the Portuguese capital’s winding alleys, hilltop castles, and palatial hotels marry seamlessly with a buzzy modern scene of cool restaurants, boutiques, and an emerging fashion scene. Lisbon is a labyrinth of tiny streets, hidden corners, and glorious views, which are best experienced by hours of aimless wandering.
Vogue Arabia went for a long walk with Nour Arida (wearing a bold wardrobe of urban staples by Mango) to discover the highlights of the city.
Go exploring
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
Central Baixa is an ancient district packed with picturesque fabric stores, cafes, and galleries on Baroque streets that transport you back in time. Grab a coffee and a photo op before heading to Alfama, which has dramatic cathedrals and the 7th century St George’s Castle looming over it. With its patchwork tile covered buildings, it has a typically Portuguese vibe.
A visit to Lisbon wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the museums. Our favorites? The Museu Nacional do Azuleio (the Tile Museum) and MUDE – Lisbon’s design museum which showcases many Portuguese artists.
Lastly, wander over to Belém to take in the many monuments such as Toree de Belém and the elaborate Mosteiro Dos Jerónimos. Get a “nata” – a traditional Portuguese custard tart — at the iconic Pastéis de Belém bakery while you’re here. The recipe has been closely guarded and unchanged since 1837.
If your feet are sore from all the walking, jump aboard the famous Tram 28 – a Lisbon icon that has wound its way through the same picturesque, attraction-studded route for over a century.
Take in some greenery
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
Lisbon has an abundance of large, verdant parks that are perfect for getting your nature fix. The Parque Eduardo VII is the biggest and was named after Britain’s King Edward II. Rife with mosaic patterned walkways and exotic tropical plants, this is a botanical garden at a scale you’ve never seen before. Finally, the lush garden of the Palacio Marques Da Fronteira – guarded by a real black swan no less – boasts blue walls and extravagant fountains and feels like a real secret garden (the private palace itself is jaw-dropping and home to the Marquis of Fronteira and some of the most interesting tile work in Portugal).
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
If you like your greens on the side, a stunning vertical garden serves as a backdrop at the Espaco Espelho d’Agua restaurant in Belém (along with a wall-to-wall Sol LeWitt mural). With a menu inspired by Portugal’s imperial past, this is a simple yet modern take on Portuguese eats.
Shop. Obviously.
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
Lisbon is positively bursting with must-have buys to take home with you. For handmade-in-Portugal tasseled leather loafers and classic pumps, head straight for the century-old Chiado shoe shop Sapataria Do Carmo.
Or pick up luxe leather gloves in any color and style from Luvaria Ulisses, who has specialized in gloves since 1925.
Recently, Mango opened a new flagship store on Praça dos Restauradores to much fanfare. With the likes of Camille Charriere, Lucy Williams, Joanna Halpin, Jeanne Damas, Natalie Joos, Yasmin Sewell, and Bambi Northwood Blyth flocking to the store, it’s packed to the nines with on-trend collections in a stunning setting.
For quirky souvenirs, check out A Vida Portuguesa or Embaixada for memorable Portuguese gifts and souvenirs that are artfully presented and beautifully wrapped. Gourmet sardines, ceramics, soaps, Ginja sweets, preserves and honey, cocoa-butter lotion, chic leather satchels from Porto-based Ideal & Co., and cozy wool scarves made in Serra da Estrela can all be found here.
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
D’orey is ideal for those after something truly Portuguese – the 17th and 18th century tiles are truly covetable.
If all that shopping gets you hungry, stop at Mu or Santini for gelato to die for.
Catch the sunset
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
Escape the bustling city and head to the port for a walk by the river and an unobstructed view of the sunset. Another great spot is the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint in Bairro Alto, where you can see a unique perspective of the Castelo São Jorge.
If you like to eat early, head to the fabulous Restaurante Eleven which overlooks manicured gardens and the distant Tagus River and is a splendid spot for sunset. With an elegant interior and mouth-watering scallops and pumpkin soup, this is a Vogue favorite.
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
The streets come to life after dark and as Lisbon is the birthplace of Fado music, a visit to a Fado House is a must. For a quintessentially Lisbon night out, Clube do Fado remains one of the best places to discover the melancholic folk sound of Fado.
For the night owls, check out Pink Street near Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto for a buzzing nightlife vibe. The revived Mouraria Quarter is the trendiest zone with hotspots like Anos 60 and Casa Independente.
Nour Arida wearing Mango capsule collection AW2017
Photo Credits
Model: Nour Arida
Stylist : Joyce Doret
Photographer: Ricardo Santos
Make-up: Cristina Gomes
Hair: Helena Vaz Pereira
All clothes by MANGO
Related Read: Your Exclusive Look at O! Nour by Nour Arida X Nada Le Cavelier
