Creating spaces which make people happy for over 20 years, the Portuguese interior designer, recognised for the seventh time in the Andrew Martin Awards (considered the Oscars in this area) also knows how to design the paths to happiness in the city. Lígia Casanova was born in Lisbon 50 years ago, and even though she is always crossing borders, for the simple pleasure of travelling or searching for the colours and landscapes which inspire her, Lígia chooses her city as the one. Here she has her children, family and friends, but also that special light “only comparable to Venice or Ulan Bator”. Here she reencounters the viewpoints, the Pombalina architecture, gastronomy, the museums and the nooks and crannies she appreciates in the several quarters. Let’s follow her around the city which makes her happy.
Were you born in Lisbon? Yes.
In which neighbourhood? Campo Grande.
Where do you live now? Lisbon, in Lapa.
How do you present the city to those who don’t know it? As the white city, with light that only exists in Venice and Ulan Bator.
Which are the neighbourhoods the visitor can’t miss? Baixa, for the architecture; Chiado, Príncipe Real, Santos, Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré and Avenida da Liberdade, for shops, restaurants and the museums they offer; without forgetting Alfama, Castelo and the riverside area…
Complete the following sentences:
Only in Lisbon do I find… a city filled with corners, nooks and new things to discover.
A perfect day in Lisbon is… bruch at Chef Nino or Deli Delux, a stroll by the river, lunch in Chiado, walk in Príncipe Real, down to Avenida da Liberdade, up to the Castle, down again to Baixa, visit to Mude and a dinner near to the river.
We can’t leave Lisbon without… visiting all the viewpoints that show all the different vistas of the city.
Places that cannot be missed?
One monument: Castelo de São Jorge or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos.
One museum / cultural space: Mude, CCB and Gulbenkian.
One garden: Estrela, Jardim Botânico or Torel.
One city view: Sheraton hotel terrace, Park, and Hotel do Chiado.
Best hotels? Altis Belém Hotel or Memmo Alfama.
Best restaurants?
Author Cuisine: Belcanto or Travessa.
Fish and Seafood: Sea Me or Ramiro.
World Cuisine: Café Buenos Aires.
“Petiscar”: Mercado da Ribeira.
Good Price: Casa Nova.
Late Night: Mercado da Ribeira.
To enjoy the view: Bica do Sapato.
Best cafés and Ice Cream Parlours: Kaffeehaus, Royale Café, Tartine, Nannarella, Conchanata, A Veneziana, Chef Nino and Santini.
Mandatory nightlife places? Pavilhão Chinês, Park e Bar 38° 41′.
Best shopping adresses?
Fashion: Fashion Clinic, Nude, B Bazar, B. S Mamede e So Chic.
Portuguese Products: A Vida Portuguesa e a Loja da Burel.
Gourmet: Deli Delux, Moy , Club del Gourmet e a Loja Gourmet do Pão de Açúcar nas Amoreiras.
Wine Shops: Garrafeira Nacional.
Biological products: Amor Bio e Mercado do Príncipe Real.
Flowers: O Pequeno Jardim, no Chiado.
Magazines: Mag Kiosk na Lx Factory.
