Portugal was such a nice surprise for us. As virgins to the country, we landed in Lisbon not knowing what to expect. We knew we would have a lot of things in common like the same language for example, which helped us to dive deeper into the culture. What we didn’t realize until we arrived is that visiting Portugal was a way cooler experience than we thought it would be. Besides having the most delicious food, we felt very safe and welcomed by the Portuguese people during Gay Pride Lisbon. Also I think it is fair to give credit to Portugal for becoming one of the first countries in the world to win the battle against drugs. If you’ve never been to Lisbon, there has never been a better time to go.
There are a lot of exciting things happening in Portugal, for that reason we interviewed Nelson Farrim to learn more in depth about gay Lisbon lifestyle. Nelson is the founder of the LGBT news and entertainment portal Pois. He shared with us his favorite spots in the city from a gay local perspective.
Here is what Nelson shared with us:
WHERE TO STAY
The best neighborhood for a LGBTQ to stay in Lisbon is Principe Real, known as the main gay area in town. It is the most gay-friendly neighborhood. Another option to consider is the district of Baixa-chiado which is also a good choice of places to stay.
WHERE TO PARTY
There are three main neighborhoods that offer great nightlife: Principe Real, Baixa-chiado, Bairro Alto: Travessa Fieis de Deus.
Here are three nightlife options in no specific order selected by Josh and Fernando.
FBA – Situated in the heart of Bairro Alto, Friends Bairro Alto Bar is a great option to start exploring Lisbon’s gay night life. Open 7 days a week from 6pm-2am
Trumps – One of the biggest gay clubs in Lisbon. They entitle themselves as “the best gay and straight friendly club in Lisbon”. Open on Thursdays – Saturdays from 11:45pm – 6am
Construction – It’s a popular weekend gay club in the district of Principe Real.
WHERE TO EAT
The food in Lisbon was one of the highlights of the trip. We were really surprised how much we enjoyed the traditional Portuguese dishes. Time Out Market is a good place to go and have a little bite of many different tastes of the Portuguese culinary. Don’t miss sunset dinner on the top of the mountain watching breathtaking views at Pharmacia restaurant.
Nelson’s favorite restaurant in Lisbon are Cocheira Alentejana, Buffet de Bacalhaus and Taverna Portuguesa. His top menu recommendations are: sardinhas assadas, cozido à portuguesa, açorda and feijoada. There are also great vegan options in town: Ao26 and Botanista.
Also don’t forget to try the traditional pastry, pasteis de nata and tortas de azeitao.
THINGS TO DO lisbon
Find here what to do in Lisbon. Once in Lisbon you can’t miss the Fado restaurants where you can eat traditional Portuguese food and listen to Fado music at the same time. It’s a must do experience in Lisbon! Also don’t forget to visit the museum MAAT in Belem.
Don’t miss Lisbon’s Old Town District Alfama.
Visit the gay naturist beach called Praia do Meco.
Go to Arrabida where you can prove the Portuguese wines.
Try the delicious torta de azeitão and Portuguese wines like José Maria da Fonseca in Azeitão.
Go to Setubal where you can drink Muscatel de Setubal and taste the best fish.
I think Lisbon is a very safe place! Although in the country side people are more conservative, Portugal is a very gay friendly country.
Two amazing day trips just a few hours from Lisbon: Visit Sintra (palácio da pena, quinta da regaleira, and eat Travesseiros de Sintra which are delicious pastry) . Go to Beach 19 in Costa da Caparica.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to visit Lisboa (Lisbon) is during Summer from June to September. On this time of the year there are a lot of Pride events bringing many tourists in town.
Lisbon Gay Pride happens during the month of June. During the month of September the International Queer Film Festival dedicated exclusively to the genre called Queer Cinema takes place.
