The best things to do in Monte Estoril

In the 1950s and 60s, this spot hosted royalty, Portuguese politicians, intellectuals, and spies. The aristocratic atmosphere remains intact, as does the menu, featuring French and Galician cuisine staples. Expect classics like the seafood cocktail among the starters, steak tartare as a main, and flambéed banana for dessert. The game dishes are particularly noteworthy — think partridge in Madeira sauce, hare with beans, or woodcock English Bar style, one of the house specialities. The wine list is encyclopaedic, boasting over 20,000 references, so asking for guidance is highly recommended.

Better known as the Jardim dos Passarinhos (Bird Garden), this charming spot still features a large birdcage filled with chirping birds, much to the delight of children. Located in the heart of Monte Estoril, Jardim Carlos Anjos was inaugurated on 4 October 1889. Designed by architect Jorge Segurado, a key figure in introducing modernist architecture to Portugal, the garden even housed a meteorological station for several decades in the early 20th century. This was to showcase its reputation as an “excellent winter retreat,” far superior to fashionable destinations of the time like Biarritz, Cannes, or Nice. What the garden lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm, making it an ideal spot for a post-school stroll with the kids or a weekend brunch at the newly renovated Pirouette kiosk (more on that later). On Thursdays, there’s an antiques market to explore.

Located in Jardim Carlos Anjos, better known as Jardim dos Passarinhos, this café/terrace/meeting place has been the driving force behind the social life of perhaps the most beautiful neighbourhood in the municipality of Cascais for decades. Now renovated, it has options for all hours of the day. They serve brunches, pokes, bruschettas, cheese and sausage boards, juices, wines, sangrias and cocktails.

As soon as you arrive, the smell leaves no doubt: cheese is the star here. While the shop also stocks wine, olive oil, and crackers — perfect pairings for the main attraction — the spotlight is firmly on the more than 60 types of cheese (mostly imported) displayed in two cases. These cheeses come in all sizes, colours, and shapes, with a central table for weighing, cutting, and sampling. Yes, any cheese sold by weight and prepared on the spot can be tasted (pre-packaged ones are the exception). If you’d rather savour your selection on-site, grab a seat at one of the outdoor tables. You can enjoy a custom cheese board, alongside charcuterie and wine, for the ultimate indulgence.

The closest beach to Monte Estoril train station, Praia das Moitas is a favourite among local families. Just follow the Paredão path towards Cascais to find this small, rocky stretch of sand — watch your step and your head! Despite its unfortunate nickname, “Praia da Rata”, it has its charms. Early risers might even catch a yoga class at sunrise on the pier.

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Run by a mother-and-daughter team, Cura was founded in 2017 with a unique vision of creating timeless clothing. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, with production limited to a maximum of five units per model. This approach ensures not only the exclusivity but also attention to detail, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality and outstanding design. The pieces embody a passion for the sophistication of the 1940s and 1950s, updated with a fresh, modern perspective. Coats, in particular, are the brand’s signature pieces.

Viola micaelense, Portuguese ukulele, Portuguese mandolin, harmonium, castanets, timbrels ... we could stay here to debit a list of Portuguese instruments that, almost certainly, the Museum of Portuguese Music - Casa Verdades Faria would have a copy. It brings together the collections of Michel Giacometti and Fernando Lopes-Graça, in addition to the collection of conductor Álvaro Cassuto, in a house designed by Raul Lino. It has a beautiful garden, free of charge.

Aires proposes a trip through Argentina without leaving Monte Estoril. It has traditional (and very famous) Argentine meat cuts, as well as local wines, but it also serves regional specialties that you don't usually find in other places. With a sophisticated atmosphere and high-end service, an immersive experience of Argentine flavors is promised, from starters to desserts.

Healthy, colourful, and Instagrammable food is what you'll find at Caju, another must-visit spot on Avenida Sabóia. They serve salads, bagels, toasts, burgers, açaí bowls, and pancakes. If you're after something truly original, try one of the house specialties: tapioca with queijo coalho and cane syrup (€10); a cheese bread waffle with guava paste or cheese sauce (€9); or the tall toast with yogurt, fruits, and maple syrup (€8).

More than just a bar, Ray's Bar almost serves as a club for the locals of Monte Estoril. It's an old-school pub with an exotic atmosphere, acting as a meeting point for both locals and foreign residents or visitors. The unpretentious, lively vibe appeals to people of all ages. In addition to drinks, they also serve light meals.

The 43-year-old Israeli artist Vered Brett is one of many foreign residents in Monte Estoril. While her home studio — located in the spacious attic of her house — isn't fully open to the public, it can be visited by appointment. It's here that Brett creates her abstract art, heavily inspired by the natural tones found along the Cascais coastline: the colours of the rocks, the sandy terrain, and the ocean under a cloudy sky. Although the house has been completely renovated, it has an intriguing history. According to the artist, it was once the home of the famous Portuguese actress Rosa Damasceno, who passed away in 1904 and was known as a lover of King D. Luís I. "I feel that the creative energy still resides here", Vered Brett tells Time Out.

The building that once housed the iconic Hotel Atlântico, which occupied the Chalet Barahona in the 1940s, was completely renovated to accommodate a unit of the international Intercontinental hotel chain. Don’t be deceived by the size of the place: only the first two floors are home to the 59 luxury rooms (the upper floors feature premium apartments). From every room — as well as from the balcony where breakfast is served when the weather is good and from the pool — the view is nothing but the sea, and more sea.

Bago du Vin Gourmet Bar & Terrace is the restaurant at this 5-star property. Focusing on Portuguese ingredients with a sophisticated twist and some external influences, it offers specialties such as slow-cooked lamb tenderloin with pimentón de la Vera, creamy potato and lemon, and crunchy pistachio; seared Atlantic halibut with pumpkin, shallot chutney, and shrimp; or, as a starter, kimchi salmon tartare with avocado cream and yuzuru tobiko roe. The restaurant also boasts an extensive wine selection — as the name would suggest — and serves refined platters of cured meats and cheeses.

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Don't be fooled by the beer-branded chairs and worn-out tiles at O Sinaleiro: despite the lack of focus on décor, here you can enjoy authentic Portuguese cuisine. Be sure to try the hake fillets with tomato rice or the sirloin steak bitoque, and finish off with the delicious homemade chocolate mousse.

It’s a long-held dream of actor Lourenço Ortigão, who decided to create a culinary YouTube channel and open a restaurant. The venue is a "sushi & gin bar" spread over two floors and three rooms. On the ground floor, lighter meals are served, and there’s a takeaway service. The upper floor is more sophisticated, offering sushi as well as a "Mediterranean kitchen" with a variety of fish and meat dishes.

It was the Edifício Cruzeiro, the first shopping centre in the country, but after its renovation in 2023, it was renamed the Estoril Academy of Arts. Home to several cultural entities, such as the Paulo Ribeiro Company, the Theatre School of Cascais Experimental Theatre, and the Cascais and Oeiras Chamber Orchestra, it has become a cultural hub that hosts performative shows of various genres, strengthening the artistic offering of the municipality and, in particular, the Monte Estoril area.

This tearoom in Monte Estoril, with a small terrace for summer days, is famous for its scones and desserts that make you want to lick the spoon. It also offers a lovely brunch, served daily at any time, with multiple options. The idea came from Joana Monteiro Grillo, who always dreamed of having her own business. Trained in hotel management, she made that dream a reality 15 years ago, at a time when she wanted more time for her children. The menu includes specialities typically served at hotel breakfasts — dishes Joana knew well from her professional experience. Pancakes, sandwiches, toasts, wraps, bruschettas, piadinas, and salads... There’s plenty to try. They also have a daily menu with a main dish or quiche, dessert, and coffee. The main dish is priced at €12.75, while the quiche costs €11.25. They also sell a range of products to take home, including jams, homemade cookies, and teas.

No plans for the kids this weekend? Monte Estoril has an answer: it's called Hide and Sip. Designed for children between zero and six years old, it features an indoor playground where they can have fun and burn off some energy. The space also hosts birthday parties and regularly organizes events. The best part? It also caters to parents, serving specialty coffees and teas, natural juices, smoothies, and some snacks and pastries. The idea is for parents to relax a little while their kids are entertained with games and activities. You can find out more about Hide and Sip's services on the project's website.

It offers a great selection of Portuguese products, prioritising organic and locally-sourced items whenever possible. Inside, you'll find various types of Peter Pão, handmade and baked in a wood-fired oven; a considerable variety of cheeses and cured meats; medronho, Port wine, or wine from the Island of Pico; craft beers such as Estoril Vida or Perfect Peaks; fruits and vegetables, as well as the usual items you'd expect in any neighbourhood grocery store.

One of the most emblematic entities of Monte Estoril is the Teatro Experimental de Cascais (TEC), the oldest active theatre company in Europe, founded in the 1960s. It calls the Teatro Municipal Mirita Casimiro its home. TEC has a regular theatre programme and has become a national (and international) reference, training actors and directors over the decades, and bringing renowned performances to Portugal.

After all the ups and downs along Avenida Sabóia, how about a moment to relax? That’s exactly what Thai Way Spa offers – a massage centre inspired by Thai culture, designed to help everyone unwind through therapeutic experiences. In addition to their location in Monte Estoril, they also have a branch in Cascais.

Tertúlia do Monte is a cosy neighbourhood restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The menu changes daily, offering a variety of dishes, while the fixed menu showcases traditional Portuguese cuisine. You can start with stuffed mushrooms in pesto sauce or a homemade gazpacho, followed by hearty meat dishes like roast suckling pig with pineapple purée and crispy potatoes, or pork belly with smashed potatoes and coriander. For fish lovers, there's fresh cod with roasted potatoes or the classic Portuguese octopus lagareiro with sweet potatoes.

Alegria Vadia, a tapas bar and restaurant, is located on Passeio Dr. José Dias Valente, one of the sides of Jardim dos Passarinhos. Don’t be fooled by the small, discreet door. Inside, you’ll find great food, friendly service, an intimate yet relaxed atmosphere, and an authentic experience. The menu is rich with international influences, evident in dishes like tuna tartare, mushroom risotto, and roast pork knuckle.