After being closed for four years for works, the trains stopped at Arroios station back in 2021.
There are many reasons to visit this part of the city and, for that matter, the “giant” Avenida Almirante Reis, but now, with the reopening of the mythical Arroios station, we’ve gone in search of places that deserve a longer visit.
Now you have no excuse not to come to Arroios, do you?
10 must-see places in Arroios:
1 – Street Art by the Arroios
Market
The Arroios Market was the place chosen by the Boa Hora Estúdio Artistic Collective to present one of their latest works.
These artists were the winners of the competition launched by the Arroios Parish Council, with the support of Lisbon City Council, to redevelop the entire area around the Arroios Market, allowing spaces here to be more for people and less for cars.
Address: Rua Ângela Pinto 40D
2 – Miradouro da Penha de França, near Arroios
This is one of Lisbon’s most unknown viewpoints, and one of our favorites for watching the planes land and take off from the city’s airport.
It ‘s next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França (in the square of the same name) and allows you to see not only the Tagus and the historic area, but also another side of the city, such as the neighborhoods of Chelas, Marvila or Olivais.
The view is quite unobstructed, even if it’s not 360°, which will still allow you to see this phenomenon without too much trouble.
Address: Rua Marques da Silva
3 – Middle Eastern cuisine at Mezze
Baba Ganoush, Tabbouleh, Fatoush and Baklava are dishes and flavors from far away that will forever find a place in the roof of your mouth.
Mezze is the perfect restaurant to come and learn how to snack as if you were in the Middle East, without having to leave the heart of Lisbon.
The delicacies come from the hands of Syrian refugees who share with us the riches they have brought with them.
Address: Rua Ângela Pinto 40D
4 – Stroll down Rua Morais Soares
The mythical, story-telling Rua Morais Soares is one of the streets in Lisbon that you really must walk down, stroll along and smell.
“Embedded in one of the city’s most multicultural neighborhoods, this street is where you’ll find all kinds of businesses and meet people from different cultures.
It’s undoubtedly one of the best experiences we’ve ever had. It’s really worth it, from morning until night.
Address: Rua Morais Soares
5 – Cervejaria Portugália
Portugália on Almirante Reis, in Arroios, was the first in the city and, at first, it was just a place that sold single beers.
It became so successful that the concept quickly spread to the rest of the country and all areas began to enjoy the steaks and seafood.
We recommend stopping at Portugália at the counter with a croquette and a cold imperial – alternatively, the Portugália Steak with Sauce is always a good choice.
Address: Avenida Almirante Reis 117
6 – Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile – Azevedo e Vidal
If you’ve never had a cake at dawn at Fábrica dos Bolos do Chile, you ‘re not a real Lisboner yet.
Founded in 1978, Fábrica de Bolos do Chile specializes in the sale and manufacture of traditional pastries and here you can have a warm pastel de nata or a Berlin ball in the middle of the night.
Sometimes there’s a queue, but the wait is worth it!
Address: Avenida Almirante Reis 149A
7 – Annapurna Restaurant
Before the boom in exotic restaurants in the city, Annapurna was already bringing the best of Nepalese cuisine to Arroios.
In the capital since 1997, it was the first restaurant of its kind and was one of the places responsible for our huge passion for the world of spices.
It still offers delicious meals, from traditional curries to tandoori grills.
Address: Avenida Almirante Reis 179A
8 – Café Império
Opened in 1955, Café Império is one of the city’s most iconic spaces and a restaurant that has spanned generations.
The classic steaks are still the main reason to visit and the Bife Império, whose recipe has remained unchanged for 65 years, is the ex-libris.
The service is attentive and the space is really welcoming and charming, being considered an Architectural Heritage Site.
Address: Avenida Almirante Reis 205A
9 – Humana
If you love finding a good bargain, you really have to go to the Humanas stores, dedicated to selling second-hand and vintage clothes and accessories .
On specific days, the stores sell everything for €3 or €5, for example. If you’re patient, you can find brand-name pieces that are still in good condition or an out-of-the-ordinary leather jacket!
There are three stores in Almirante Reis, and the one at number 104, in Arroios, is our favorite.
Address: Avenida Almirante Reis 104
10 – O Rei da Cachupa
It’s called “O Rei da Cachupa” and it’s one of the newest specialty restaurants in Lisbon.
In this sense, it’s also the most pleasing restaurant to the eye, with a very modern and comfortable appearance.
It doesn’t have the typical look of Cape Verdean cuisine , admittedly, but you can tell that this is where the best cachupa is served.
Address: Rua António Pedro 177
