Discover Authentic Lisbon: A Local Travel Guide by Mercure

At Mercure, we believe you shouldn't need a guidebook to feel like you belong somewhere. That's the idea behind Discover Local: since 1973, every Mercure hotel has been built around its neighbourhood, not just dropped into it — from the décor on the walls to the flavours on the menu. Step into any Mercure and our teams are on hand with the kind of tips you won't find in a guidebook: the market stall locals queue for, the bar where nobody speaks English, the walk that skips the crowds. They live here. They know. Discover Local isn't a generic city guide — it's a short, honest list of the restaurants, markets and neighbourhoods our own hotel teams actually recommend to guests, updated as the city changes around us. Below, you'll find our picks for Lisbon, an interactive map to help you find your way, and answers to the questions travellers ask us most. So — where will Discover Local take you?

Top 5 Things to Do in Lisbon

Mercado de Campo de Ourique

Serving the neighbourhood since 1934, with a food hall added in 2013. The crowd here is overwhelmingly local — it feels like a living room, not a tourist stop.

Campo de Ourique\u2019s grid streets

Built on a grid that survived the 1755 earthquake, this neighbourhood feels distinct from Alfama\u2019s medieval alleys or Bairro Alto\u2019s steep party streets.

Tram 28 to Prazeres

The easiest way to reach Campo de Ourique market without the uphill walk from Rato — hop off at Prazeres.

Jardim Zoológico area

Right by the hotel — a useful landmark and green space if you need a break from the city centre.

Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation gardens

Also next to the hotel, with peaceful gardens worth a wander even if you skip the museum.

Explore Lisbon's Best Local Spots with Our Interactive Map

Where to eat

Mercado de Campo de Ourique mixes traditional fruit and vegetable stalls with modern food counters — fresh juice, Portuguese wine bars, and everything from traditional tascas to Japanese food. Perimeter vendors close by 2pm, so go at lunchtime for the full contrast between produce and plates.

Getting to Campo de Ourique

Take Tram 28 to the Prazeres stop to skip the uphill walk from Rato — a scenic way to reach one of Lisbon\u2019s most residential, least touristy neighbourhoods.

Right outside your hotel

Mercure Lisboa sits in Campolide, next to Lisbon Zoo and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, a 5-minute walk from Sete Rios station on the blue metro line. It\u2019s honestly not in the historic centre — expect about 10-15 minutes by metro into downtown Lisbon — but it\u2019s quiet, well connected, and has a rooftop pool over the Águas Livres Aqueduct.

FAQ

Not quite — it\u2019s in Campolide, about 10-15 minutes from downtown by metro via the nearby Sete Rios station.

Take Tram 28 to the Prazeres stop, which avoids the uphill walk from Rato.

Lisbon Zoo and the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and its gardens are both right next door.

Where to Sleep in Lisbon

See Mercure hotels in Lisbon, all within reach of these picks.

View hotels

Where to sleep

See Mercure hotels in Lisbon, all within reach of these picks

View hotels