The getLISBON project, besides allowing us to fulfil our wish to share this magnificent city, also gives us the opportunity to meet people who share the same passion as we do — which makes us feel particularly grateful.
In Lisbon in Us by Defne Kayacik, the author tells us how this city captivated her and what led her to bring from Istanbul her project Beam me Up To. Through her words, we sense the curious gaze of someone who discovers Lisbon in every detail and the desire to build bridges between cultures, histories and people.
The first time I came to Lisbon was in 2017, and I was instantly stunned by the sunset and the colors of the city. I was born and raised in Istanbul, a city that has been home to countless empires, millions of people, and diverse cultures for thousands of years. Does it remind you of another city? Yes-Lisbon. So familiar, something deeply personal. It was no coincidence that I felt immediately at home, sensing that same warmth in my soul.
I moved here three years ago with my project, Beam me Up To, which creates multisensory experiences that invite everyone to step beyond conventional tourism. We craft journeys that engage travelers through local culture, design, music, stories, and flavors connecting people to the heart of a place rather than just its surface.
When my business merged with my passion, it created a powerful impulse. From the day I landed in this city to today, my urge to discover more, to find the hidden paths and untold stories, has never ended. Surprisingly and quite wonderfully I’m still amazed by how much this city has to share with all her visitors and residents. I’m still surprised by a view discovered after a wrong turn, still enchanted by a building I pass on my regular route, and always finding a new flavor every corner..
Like many of us, I’m fascinated by food, not only for its taste and the joy it brings, but for how it connects us, how it binds us together. I grew up around those long tables where everyone brought all their emotions and found unity through feasting. For me, eating is a way to connect with traditions and feelings, to understand each other and create dialogue. I am very lucky to be in a city where I can find an immersive culinary scene, from small family restaurants to new-wave chefs and Michelin-starred establishments. But more importantly, there’s diversity. You can find Portugal’s history in today’s culinary landscape, Cape Verdean to Goan food, Brazilian to Lebanese, Mozambican to Chinese. You can find all these cuisines in high-end settings or modest small family businesses. I have a big list of restaurants to try in Lisbon, and I’m attempting to visit at least one new place regularly, but I’m not sure I’ll ever finish my wish list.
Lisbon is my city, my home, a place where I can find and trace the footsteps of past cultures and history living in harmony with the present. What amazes me most is how this city embraces everyone who arrives at its shores, just as it has for centuries. Lisbon is a beautiful mosaic of diversity. Like Istanbul, it’s a city that doesn’t just tolerate difference; it celebrates it, creating something richer and more vibrant in the process. Here, old and new coexist, traditions blend, and cultures dance together. In Lisbon, I’ve found a city that mirrors my own journey, proof that we can all find our place in the same pot, simmering together in perfect harmony.
| Lisbon in Us by Defne Kayacik | |
|---|---|
| Mini introduction | An Istanbul-born, Turkish-oriented experience creator and storyteller, has been living in Lisbon for the past three years. Passionate about tracing the echoes of the Mediterranean basin; its shared histories, flavors, and traditions. She explores the connections between cultures and brings them to life through her experiences, guided tours, and writings. In her free time, she loves discovering hidden spots and immersing herself in the culinary world. 👉Learn more about her project Beam me Up To 👉Follow her on Instagram |
| An inspiring place | I love the vibrant energy of Beato, large industrial space that you discover any form of art. Brewers, classic but also new restaurants, for me Fábrica Braço de Prata is one of the must see/enjoy the night spaces of Lisbon. |
| An unmissable visit | The most spectacular thing to do in Lisbon is always sunsets, and we have plenty of miradouro’s my favorite Jardim do Torel. |
| Her mouth waters with… | Anything comes from the sea, choco frito, polvo à lagareiro, percebes, carabineiro, conquilha. |
| A song… | A garota não by Dilúvio |
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