After exploring Alfama and Castelo neighbourhoods, try to end at the Sé. Then, descent to the Rua dos Bacalhoeiros. Clube Bacalhoeiro (= cod fisher club) at no. 125-2, is a hidden treassure on the second floor of a typical Pombalino building at the edge of the Baixa with Alfama.

It is a club with an incredibly varied offer of cultural activities. From tango lessons to films with dinner, from live jazz to bicycle repair workshops, from DJs to acrobats, everything is possible. They even have special children’s activities on Sunday afternoon and are closed on Mondays.

As it is a cultural association, for legal reasons you have to become a member paying €1,- at the door. At any given time there are at least 5 different nationalities in the house. The place feels ecclectic and funky at the same time.

While there, try their tosta mixta, a cheese-tomato toasted sandwich topped with olive oil and oregano, € 2,50, or a vegetarian dinner on Tuesdays and Sundays, €3,50.

The club has free wireless internet and is currently one of Lisbon’s hip hotspots.

Another spiffy place for a drink, a talk and a simple vegetarian meal, is Crew Hassan (pronounced ‘croissant’) in the Rua Portas de Santo Antão at no. 159-1. They have a varied cultural programme as well and a counter for fair trade products.

Check out their backroom art exhibitions and enjoy the view to the theatre district from one of the many balconies.

(The photo is taken around the corner from the Roman remains on the way to the Sé.)

Yve

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