This café across from Santa Apolónia Train Station has unobstructed view of the Tagus River. Here you can feel close to the sky and the river, and take advantage of an unusual menu of wine by the glass

Open: Tuesday to Friday 12am to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 8pm.

Tel: +351 218 862 070

Have a coffee under some ancient banyan trees, in one of the more traditional, beautiful parks of the city. This esplanada is a good meeting spot, but also good for reading and people watching

Open: Every day from 9am to 11pm

The most classic place to meet late in the afternoon, accessible from the 28 streetcar, where people come to see the sunset or feel the afternoon breeze. Not to be missed

Open: Every day from 11am to: 2am winter and 3am summer

One of our favorites, at this café you can contemplate the ruins of the Carmo Convent. The square is well illuminated at night, making it a good launching-off point to Bairro Alto. The service is friendly and hospitable

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 7am to mid-night, Sunday 7am to 1pm.

Tel: +351 213469092.

If green is what you crave, head to the top of Eduardo VII Park, and make your way to the self-service modern café settled around a reflecting pond. There is always a breeze, the horizon is pure green, and you’ll see animal life here, including dogs playing and wild ducks

Open: Every day 9am to mid-night.

Tel:213814327

In Rossio, this landmark café has a modernist interior dating from 1938 and speedy, professional service. It harkens back to another day, while remaining a reference in Lisbon life

Open: Monday to Friday 8am to 10pm, Saturday 9am to 10pm and Sunday 10am to 7pm.

Tel: 213429172

Just out of the downtown, this café has an amazing early-sixties interior, with unmatched tile work, and a Hitchcock-esque parakeet enclosure in the tea room. People don’t come just for the kitsch and nostalgia, it has an excellent pastry and ice cream selection

Open: Every day 8am to mid-night.

Tel: 218486117

New on the Lisbon scene, this café is the creation of Austrians, who correctly believed their “cozy” cafe would be of great appeal. Nestled at the back of the Cathedral, Lisboetas and tourists mix here over a great selection of newspapers and board games. Great cake selection and vegetarian-friendly, light café menu

Open: Tuesday to Sunday 11am to 8pm.

Tel: 218862497

Located centrally in the Baixa, this café is an institution, setting the standard in pastry and baked confections. Beautiful wooden interior dating from 1829. Proof is the constant stream of local customers, with demanding standards. Highly recommended for breakfast, late morning or afternoon snacking

Open: Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm.

Tel: 213424470

Just above the Carmo, Vertigo is proud of its café menu, with salads, sandwiches and snacks. It’s unique interior mixes the old and the new. Vertigo stays open til midnight, which makes it a notable evening hangout

Open: Monday to Saturday 10am to 2am, Saturday 10am to mid-night.

Tel: 213433112

Just past the Bica neighborhood and Bairro Alto, this café, situated on the rooftop of a small building, offers sweeping panoramas of the River Tagus, the 25 April Bridge, and the ocean. They have a nice café menu and a full bar

Open: Every day noon to mid-night.

Tel: 213465014