Gay Local Tips in Lisbon

Enjoy the Sounds of Fado in Lisbon

Achilleas and João are tremendous hosts from Lisbon. They invite you to discover the Portuguese capital that they know so well. They share insightful descriptions of life in Lisboa that will leave you wanting to snack on a pastéis de nata and listen to a beautifully tragic Fado singer tell of a lost lover. Today, Lisboa is one of the most open and diverse cities in Europe. Portugal has had marriage equality since 2010, and it continues to be a very open destination for LGBTQ travelers. Through hosting with misterb&b, Achilleas and João are making friends and memories that they are thrilled to share with us. Explore Lisbon. Experience your pride.

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

Lisbon is very multicultural and open-minded. You can walk around the city anytime of the day holding hands with your partner, and people won’t even look at you because it is just a regular and normal act. I have traveled around the world, and if I am being very honest, I have never felt so embraced as in my own country/city. No wonder why we featured in the list of the first countries which accepted gay marriage.

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

My absolute favourite is Queer Lisboa, which is the gay cinema festival that happens in Lisbon every September. This year’s festival runs from September 20 to 28. The Bear Gay Pride is also an event that attracts a lot of people, and it will run from May 28 to June 3 this year! Unfortunately there aren’t any dates as yet for Lisbon Gay Pride for 2019, but it always happens towards the end of June. It is split over two weekends, one for the activist march in downtown Lisbon, and the other for a big party at Praça do Comércio. The square gets closed, and the city hall assembles a huge stage with queer artists and music. There are also lots of shacks representing gay businesses in the city, from bars to shops and more. Drinks are really cheap and the fun goes until the early hours of the morning!

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

Well... that’s easy and difficult! Easy because I can just tell you what I do when I have friends around for that amount of time and want them to make the most out of the city. The difficult part is that 48 hours isn't enough time to truly experience all that this amazing city has to offer! So, for the first day I would just walk, walk, walk, and walk! Everything in Lisbon is within walking distance, and there is no better way to appreciate the real feeling of the city than by getting lost through its charming and picturesque neighborhoods. From the Basilica da Estrela, you can follow the tram line until downtown - you will see just how amazing that walk will prove to be. Then you can always take the tram back to where you started.

Make sure you go up to Castelo de São Jorge and discover Alfama, the medieval part of the city. Take advantage of being there, and watch the sunset from one of the many viewpoints that the area has to offer. Graça’s viewpoint is my favorite! Then have dinner around Alfama and experience some Fado, the traditional music from Lisbon, recognized by UNESCO as world heritage. Then, return home and get ready to PARTY!!! Lisbon is the city for parties! Make sure you start your night in Bairro Alto. We only move to the clubs after 3am. Yes, we party quite late! Bairro is a neighborhood with about 300 bars and no cars. You can just socialize and drink here until it’s time to go to the clubs. For clubbing, there are plenty of options depending on your taste in music. For house music: Construction, for pop music: Trump's, and if you are looking for a trendy place to go out, definitely Lux is the place to go.

If you aren’t too hungover, the next day should be dedicated to Beach 19 on Lisbon’s South Coast, COSTA DA CAPARICA. It’s a nudist gay beach, but you can decide if you want to get naked or not. It is an amazing, unspoiled beach that I would definitely recommend! On the way back to Lisbon, after passing the 25 de Abril Bridge, just turn to your left and make a pit stop in Belém! Belém is a monumental part of Lisbon. In this area you will see Maat, the Tower of Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery, the President’s Palace, and the Discovery Monument! You can end your day having an espresso and a Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém! For those who don't know, Pastel de Nata is our version of a custard tart.

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

My favorite place for either brunch or lunch is Pão de Canela at Praça das Flores. It is an amazing brunch, with plenty of choices. You can eat till you drop here! It is located in a beautiful, typical Lisbon square, offering amazing scenery. For dinner, my choices would be Trivial in Príncipe Real, this is a fantastic, family-run restaurant, with outstanding food, and even better service! Prices are good too! And it’s very gay-friendly. Actually I would say 95% of the clientele is gay. My second option would be Palacio do Chiado, a XVII century palace converted into the most amazing food court with seven different kitchens. You will most definitely find one that suits your palate! Be ready to be wowed by this place!

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Amelia would be my choice! It’s located on Avenida Ferreira de Borges in the picturesque Campo de Ourique neighborhood. It's trendy, and offers really good food and amazing service! Be patient as there's always a line to go in on weekends. When I said it was trendy and popular, I wasn’t joking!

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

Tr3s Bar would be my choice if you want to just relax and have a cheap beer during the day. You will find very nice staff who will take care of you. They have happy hour every late afternoon of the week!

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

I would say Lux! It’s not 100% gay but very, very friendly! It is also considered one of the top three clubs in Europe! We have three gay clubs in Lisbon! Construction is the place to go if you are into house music and shirtless muscular men! Trumps offers more POP music and is frequented by twinks. Posh is very similar to Construction in terms of music, and is mostly frequented by Brazilian crowds. Then you have Trombeta, the gay sauna that everyone talks about! It is very well frequented, and also works as an after-hours on Sunday mornings.

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

Finalmente in Principe Real! It’s mostly famous for its drag shows and it’s the oldest club in Lisbon. It's open every night of the week, and their Monday nights are known around town for the 'New Be’s' night! Guys doing their first drag queen shows! It’s hilarious!

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

Lisbon is a place of secrets around every corner! Get lost in the typical neighborhoods and visit the local shops! You will get the best feel for the the city this way.

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

Praia 19 in Costa da Caparica and Estrela Park are my favorites!

Where you can we get the best view of Lisbon?

Graça’s viewpoint is definitely the best place to get an amazing look over Lisbon!

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

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