In My Hood: Out and About in Arroios, Lisbon

In Arroios, you can really feel how open and multicultural Lisbon is. People here – as in the rest of the city – get along well. Tourists, locals, and young students from all over the world are no longer just gathering in Lisbon’s downtown area but are increasingly exploring neighborhoods like Arroios, which are slightly off the beaten path. Perhaps it’s the abundance of art galleries and amazing street art that draws them here.

Arroios also shines when it comes to food, with places like doBeco Bakery, where you can smell freshly baked bread from afar. Owner António decided during the pandemic to explore the world of slow fermentation. The result: the best yeast and sourdough products in the whole neighborhood. Although Arroios isn’t by the water, you can still taste and smell the Atlantic on Avenida Almirante Reis: Cervejaria Ramiro is one of the most famous spots for fresh seafood and is also a favorite among locals. From grilled shrimp to stuffed crab, the chefs use fresh ingredients sourced from local fishermen.

Before dinner, I love to catch the sunset at Miradouro do Monte Agudo, a lesser-known viewpoint in Lisbon. Drinks, snacks, and good music in a laid-back atmosphere are on offer at Simo’s Quiosque, a kiosk typical of the city’s miradouros – but this one is a bit better.

Arroios is especially popular with younger crowds for shopping unique second-hand (or even third-hand) items. Personally, I love shopping at Retro City Lisboa. As the name suggests, it’s a paradise for vintage and retro fans.

Vasco Mónica is from Lisbon, where he still lives. In 2020, the former professional surfer traded water for air and is now training to become a pilot.