Gay Local Tips in Lisbon

Lisboa Good Vibes

Corporate by day, hipster by night, Daniel loves traveling and sharing his passions with the international LGBTQ community. That's why he is one of misterb&b's super hosts in Lisbon. The alternative gay scene of this city is the reason why gay guys from all over swarm to Lisbon every year. No attitude, a cool vibe, and the perfect place to explore your pride.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Lisbon is a very gay-friendly city in a laid-back way. There's a great balance between the casual hipster scene, to the late-night club parties that go until early morning. The street scene in Bairro Alto is open and friendly, and you'll enjoy walking from bar to bar whether you're traveling solo or with friends. The gay beach, Praia 19, is just a quick ride away from the center of Lisbon, where you can work on your tan in a clothing-optional nature setting.

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

If you're looking for a relaxed and non-commercialized Pride, Lisbon is the place to be. The Pride march kicks off in late June, and starts at Principe Real Park where everyone gathers in the street to march to the scenic waterfront. The week ends with a fun celebration in Terreiro do Paço, a main square in Lisbon with music, cultural events, and of course food and drinks. Smaller events throughout the year such as Queer Lisboa in mid-September is the sole Portuguese Film Festival dedicated exclusively to screening gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and transsexual themed films. Lisbon Bear Pride at the end of May brings together bears and their friends for a weekend of events. While not officially a gay event, Santos Populares is the biggest event in Lisbon, and takes place in early June. It includes huge street parties in many of the city's neighborhoods that go until the early hours of the morning.

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

Lisbon is special, and you can feel the charm and romance when you walk down the old streets of the Alfama neighborhood or drink a beer in Bairro Alto. We enjoy life outdoors at the many kiosks throughout the city which serve coffee, snacks, wine, beer, and other drinks to enjoy on the outdoor patios. Start your day with a traditional pastel de nata at Manteigaria - a small bakery in Bairro Alto - and then make your way down to the Baixa area. Set sights on the Praça Dom Pedro IV, and head towards the water for a scenic view of the Tejo river, Christ the Redeemer statue, and the April 25th bridge. Next, get your exercise in by walking up the winding narrow hills of Alfama to reach the São Jorge castle which has 870 years of history.

Relax with some sangria at Topo Chiado rooftop bar and admire the views of Castelo De São Jorge, Elevador de Santa Justa, and the Carmo Convent ruins. Avoid the mass-tourist shops and buy authentic Portuguese goods at Embaixada in Principe Real - a 19th century palace restored into a beautiful shopping area. End your night with the unique party style in Bairro Alto. Because of the small bars, most people buy their drinks and socialize on the streets. Try the 'gay corner' at Rua da Barroca and Travessa da Espera. Day two, you must visit Sintra - a 40-minute train ride from the center of Lisbon. The entire city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth spending at least half a day at. For the perfect Instagram shots, don't miss Quinta da Regaleria, Pena Palace, and the Castle of the Moors.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

My favorite restaurant for dinner is Estrela da Bica in the Bica neighborhood. This cozy Portuguese restaurant is the perfect blend of traditional and world-inspired cuisine. The owners spend time curating new menus each week and I've never had a bad meal there. The staff are so friendly and you feel like family there. For lunch, Time Out Lisboa is a vast food market with options curated from the best chefs in Lisbon, so whatever your mood is, you're sure to find something you'll like.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

I love eating brunch at The Mill, an Australian-Portuguese Café that serves specialty coffee and the best Portuguese produce, all plated-up with a fresh, Australian twist.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

The great thing about Lisbon is that the beer is cheap wherever you go! For a casual happy hour, Tr3s bar in Principe Real has friendly staff and outdoor seating. Most gay bars may not even open until later in the night because the real drinking starts after midnight where a pint of beer usually won't cost you over 3€!

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

The Bairro Alto neighborhood really gets crazy on the weekends, but not until around midnight. Since the bars are so small, we usually go inside, grab our beer, and then drink outside on the streets. The 'gay corner' is on Rua da Barocca & Travessa de Espera. On Fridays and Saturdays, we usually drink from midnight to 3am at the bars in Bairro Alto or Principe Real, then we go to the clubs either Trumps or Construction and stay out until around 6am. So the unwritten rule of going out in Lisbon is not to get started until midnight. If you go out before then, it will be dead.

Trumps - this is the largest gay club in Lisbon and one of the most popular. There are two separate dance floors - one plays house while the other pop. All ages and types go and everyone is welcome, but it tends to trend on the younger side. It’s super fun if you want to get down to Beyoncé and Britney, and it's open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until 6am. Don’t go before 2am or it’ll be dead. Construction - If you're looking for more of the circuit scene, you'll definitely get your fix of muscle boys here. Music is house/dance and you’ll find a shirts-off moderate-sized dance floor with a top level balcony.

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Finalmente - it’s a small club in Princípe Real and the only one that is open during the week, so if you need a late night place to go to outside of the weekend, this is really your only option. Also, if you want to get your drag queen fix, this is the place to be. Purex - mixed alternative crowd. It’s a great spot in Lisbon to go for a few drinks and perhaps a dance on the small dance floor. The interior is cozy and laid-back.

Friends Bairro Alto - if you want to find a small table, friendly staff, and casual seating, head up to this place. Mainly a younger crowd, but if you’re going out on a weeknight, this place usually has a decent crowd where the other Bairro Alto bars will be dead. Shelter Bar - a non-smoking bar that’s popular with the non-twinky crowd. It’s right across the street from other gay bar, Woof LX and just a block around the corner from Tr3s. Definitely worth a stop for a drink if you’re in the area, and there’s plenty of space to mingle and you won’t smell like cigarette smoke.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

The cafe at Teatro da Garagem isn't really on the tourist radar (yet) and you can enjoy the nice view, especially at sunset, in this bohemian atmosphere above the city with a coffee or a glass of wine.

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill out?

The gay beach is Praia 19 in Costa da Caparica about 10 kilometers south of the city. Lisbon has many viewpoint parks (Miradouros) to relax and enjoy the vistas. Try Miradouro da Graça and Miradouro São Pedro de Alcantâra. ●

Thinking of visiting Lisbon? Check out our Travel Guide and Local Tips for this great gay city!

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