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There are two major forces at play in Lisbon that make it a surprising contender as one of the world's more interesting coffee cities. First, Portugal's history as a colonial and maritime power have brought global influence to its relatively small capital for centuries—some cafés here are proud to exclusively stock beans from far-flung former colonies like São Tomé and Príncipe. Second, the influx of expats in recent years has given Lisbon more cosmopolitan influence than ever before, as well as freelancer-friendly spaces and a taste for third wave coffee. No matter what you're after, here is a cross-section of some of the best places to grab a cup next time you're in town. Read on for our editor's picks for where to get coffee in Lisbon.
Tease: Everything about Tease is sweet, from the mod furniture, to the baroque chandeliers to the rich aromas of coffee and sugar. This isn't really a grab-and-go kind of joint—here, it's less about fueling up and and more about savoring an indulgent drink.
Slow Coffee House: Charming doodles on the wall, origami chandeliers, and delightfully mod furniture—it's impossible not to smile when you pop into Wish Slow. Located in LX Factory, a converted textile warehouse that houses shops, co-working spaces, and public art installations, the cafe is at the heart of trendy post-industrial Lisbon.
La Petit Prince Culture Café: Le Petit Prince's antique wooden tables and stools are piled high with books, including several copies of the café's namesake novella by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, as well as papers and pencils for you to sketch some thoughts while waiting for your latte.
Heim Café: Heim lives and breathes with the pulse of Lisbon. On slow afternoons, you're likely to find an army of remote workers camped out with laptops and lattés, but the mornings get so busy with brunch-goers that you might have to wait for a table.
Café Boavida: Natural light streams into Boavida for most of the day, creating a comfortable atmosphere and relaxed environment with the soulful, homespun vibe that Lisbon does so well.
Café Jardim da Estrela: Tucked away in a serene corner of Lisbon's beautiful Jardim da Estrela, this cafe is the perfect place to sit outside on a beautiful day while watching ducks waddling around the pond and locals scurrying about their daily lives.
Hello, Kristof: When freelance graphic designer Ricardo Galésio tired of working alone at home, he decided to open a café where Lisboetas could come, enjoy a coffee, and pass time with a laptop or a book.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab: To step through the front door of Copenhagen Coffee Lab is to take a breath of fresh air; the cool, clean, Scandinavian aesthetic stands in stark contrast to the winding, colorful streets of Principe Real.
Bettina & Niccolò Corallo: There are few combinations more indulgent than coffee and chocolate—luckily, Bettina & Niccolò Corallo, a hole-in-the-wall shop in Príncipe Real, specializes in both.
The Mill: The Mill, an Australian-Portuguese café, is Lisbon's answer to the global Aussie brekkie movement. There's a long communal table with bar stools, a wall lined with wine bottles, and a gleaming espresso machine churning out rich specialty coffees
Fábrica Coffee Roasters: Located on a quiet block just behind the posh Agenda Liberdade shopping area is Fábrica, one of Lisbon's third-wave coffee pioneers.