Lisbon is not necessarily the first city you think of visiting when planning a trip to Europe. It’s no London, Paris or Rome with world class monuments or famous museums. Lisbon has never claimed to be this type of European capital city but it doesn’t mean it has any less to offer. In fact, Lisbon has so much to offer, it’s surprising it hasn’t been popular for longer. Located on the western edge of southern Europe, this Portuguese capital sits just off the Atlantic Ocean and offers amazing landscapes, architecture, culture, beaches and more. The weather is mild year round and it’s easily the least expensive capital city in Western Europe. While the gay scene is smaller than other major cities, it’s still very developed and has a lot to offer for any LGBTQ+ traveler.
Table of Contents
1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Lisbon
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Lisbon
5. Gay Tours in Lisbon
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Lisbon Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Lisbon Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Beaches in Lisbon
10. Gay Events in Lisbon
11. Day Trips from Lisbon
General Tips
The best area to stay in Lisbon is in one of the central neighborhoods like Baixa, Chiado, Principe Real, Bairro Alto or the Alfama. Bairro Alto is where most of the nightlife is located including the popular gay street Rua Barroca. Nightlife in Lisbon starts very late with people starting to go out to the gay bars in Lisbon around midnight and clubs around 2 to 3am. The popular gay nightlife spots in Lisbon are locatd in both Principe Real and Bairro Alto. You can still drink on the streets in Lisbon and many locals crowd the streets in this popular area. Rua Barraco is the gay street, or rather “gay corner” in the Bairro Alto. This stretch is full of bars with people spilling out onto the street with drinks from local bars or cheap beers from nearby kiosks. Just the southern portion of the street is the gay hangout, near a collection of small gay bars between Rua das Salgadeiras and Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus.
You’ll also find many other gay owned businesses in Principle Real, just to the north. The Alfama is the oldest part of Lisbon with great views and entertainment options including fado, but it’s a 10 minute trolley ride, or a 20 minute walk down and back up the hill to Barrio Alto area. Depending on the time of day, there are many great restaurants in Lisbon worth a visit where you can sample delicious food and inexpensive wines from the various Portuguese wine regions. Breakfast in Portugal is light usually including just a pastry and coffee. Lunch is around 1 or 2pm and dinner time is around 9pm.
Lisbon is a fantastic destination and has enough attractions in and around the city to keep you busy for days. You could easily spend a week or two in Lisbon visiting the numerous monuments, lookout points, historic plazas, museums, beaches and parks. You should probably spend at least 3 days in and perhaps more if you plan to make any day trips outside of the city, which is definitely recommended! Peak travel season is March through November but even winters are mild with average temps between 10-15C – much warmer than most European destinations this time of year.
Citizens from the USA interested in moving to Lisbon will find the city a wonderful and welcoming place to live within Europe, especially for the LGBTQ+ community. There are a number of different types of residence permits US foreign citizens can apply for depending on whether they’re moving for employment, business, or retirement purposes. Digital nomads can apply for a Portuguese Nomad Visa, for example. Talking to a team of immigration experts before such a move is always advisable.
You can download the Gay Lisbon guide for free. Just provide your email address and we’ll email you a PDF.
Transportation & Airport transfer
Lisbon and its surrounding areas are very easy to get around. The public transport system consists of a metro, trains, trolleys, buses and funiculars. If you’re staying in Lisbon for at least three days it’s definitely worth buying the Lisboa Card, which gives you unlimited access on all public transport routes. The card also gives you free entry to many of the popular museums, monuments and attractions throughout the city and costs just 39€ for 72 hours. A single trip on the metro only costs 1.40€ but riding the popular trolleys throughout the city are rather expensive at 2.85€ for each ride.
The airport is located 7 kilometers (8 miles) from the city center and takes about 45 minutes via public transport. The most economical route is to take the metro red line and then transfer to the green line at stop Alameda. A one way ticket costs just 1.40€. Taxis are extremely cheap in Lisbon and should only cost you about 15€ from the airport to the city center.
Gay Hotels in Lisbon
Luxury
Altis Avenida Hotel – a boutique hotel in Lisbon perfectly located in the city centre on the Praça dos Restauradores. The architecture and decoration is inspired by the Portuguese '40s and revolves around the concept of retro urban chic, where past and future meld in a unique atmosphere of charm and glamour. The property includes 70 rooms, with two suites and the panoramic Restaurant Rossio. Rooms start at 138€ per night.
Bairro Alto Hotel – a 5-star boutique hotel in the heart of the historic downtown just between the bohemian Bairro Alto and the chic and cultural Chiado neighborhoods. The property is cosmopolitan and trendy with a blend of old and new. The hotel is within walking distance to major shops, theaters, museums, restaurants and bars. Rooms start at 215€ per night.
Hotel Do Chiado – located in Chiado, one of Lisbon's historic districts and near Bairro Alto. Chiado is the trendiest, elegant and chic meeting point of Lisbon. The property offers rooms with private terraces and panoramic views of the Castle and the Tagus River. The onsite bar Entretanto, located on the 7th floor is well-known for having the best view of Lisbon and it’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or having drinks with friends. Rooms start at 146€ per night.
Mid Range
H10 Duque de Loule – this property just opened in March 2015 and is an exclusive and charming hotel, located in one of central Lisbon’s historical buildings. It’s been renovated maintaining the 18th-century architecture but its interior design blends traditional Portuguese features with modern and functional facilities. The hotel offers 89 rooms, free wi-fi, business center, Equestre library bar, 10th floor Limão Chill-Out Terrace and a gym. Room rates start at 80€ per night.
Inspira Santa Marta Hotel –a 4-star boutique hotel and an oasis in the center of Lisbon. All services and rooms are designed based on the principles of feng shui. The onsite restaurant, Open Brasserie Mediterrânica, offers Mediterranean cuisine and has gluten-free options on a daily basis. Sustainability is part of the Inspira identity and the hotel prides itself on its policy of focusing on the environment. Room rates start at 122€ per night.
Internacional Design Hotel – this superior 4-star boutique hotel is located on one of Lisbon’s main squares, the plaza D. Pedro IV. It’s unique, trendy and cosmopolitan. It’s a very comfortable hotel with personalized service. Just a few minutes away from the traditional districts of Bairro Alto, Chiado and St. George’s Castle. Room rates start at 130€ per night.
Lx Boutique Hotel – a 4-star boutique hotel in the heart of historical Lisbon. The property is a renovated century-old hotel overlooking the Tagus River with elegant and contemporary style. Room rates start at 150€ per night.
Villa 3 Caparica – gay beach resort which consists of 13 rooms. Villa 3 offers a generous breakfast served inside or outside, bar and snacks available from 9am to midnight, friendly staff, heated swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, massage services, weekly parties (high season) and inside and outside lounge areas.
Guest Houses
The Late Birds Lisbon – this is easily our favorite place in Lisbon and one of the only gay hotels in the city. It’s a relatively new property that just opened in the spring of 2015. This old building was recently gutted and converted into a small, 12-room hotel with an awesome staff and incredibly intimate feeling. The outdoor backyard is a social area and has a nice pool, grassy area for laying out and a lounging area where you can order snacks and cocktails. The breakfast buffet is delicious and slightly different each morning. The rooms are simple, clean and modern. It’s located in the Bairro Alto in one of the best locations in the city. Room rates start at 150€ per night.
Budget
Hotel Anjo Azul – a small gay hotel right at the center of Bairro Alto. The location is quite good and the staff are very friendly, however the rooms are a bit old and dated. Room rates start at 40€ per night.
Chiado Open World Hostel – if you’re on a budget but still want to visit Lisbon, you can stay for less than 20€ per night in a dorm room in one of the nicest hostels in town. Ideally located in the Chiado neighborhood, it’s walking distance to the nightlife area in Bairro Alto and many of the sites around town. The property is new and is actually owned by a gay couple. The hostel is not necessarily gay in any way, but it is gay friendly like most of the properties in town.
We’ve partnered with misterb&b to help curate the most LGBT+ friendly homestays. misterb&b is not a hotel or chain, but rather a booking platform for rooms, apartments and homes and it allows you to book from gay and gay-friendly hosts around the world. They have hosts in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 1 million total listings. Understanding the gay scene is much more easily done with the help of a local and home-sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone living in the city who knows how things work, where and when are the best nights to go out, and what places to eat at and which to avoid. misterb&b is our top choice if your priority is exploring the local gay scene.
Special Offer! Sign up with misterb&b and you will receive a free $10 credit to use on your first booking!Sightseeing & Activities in Lisbon
Fashion and Design Museum – one of the world's leading museums of 20th century design. One of the highlights includes Portuguese businessman Francisco Capelo's fashion collection made up of 1,200 couture pieces. The collection also includes works by more than 230 designers representing trends in design from around the world. Many pieces are on display by famous names such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood and Yves Saint Laurent.
Baixa District and Principe Real – Popular shopping areas in Lisbon include the Baixa district in central Lisbon and The Principe Real neighborhood is where you’ll find designer shops and antiques and you can find luxury brands and shops along Avenida Liberdada. If you’re looking for men-only gay-oriented shops in Lisbon – or somewhere to buy sexy underwear – check out some of these locations with popular men's and gay fashion brands.
Photo via Much Underwear
Fado – this is the folk music of Lisbon’s old neighborhoods with the most popular places located in the Alfama and Bairro Alto. This is one of the typical touristic activities where you can find gimmicky places full of foreigners or stumble into a locals only place featuring amazing performers somewhat off the tourist path. Two good restaurants to see fado in Lisbon are Tasca da Bela in Alfama and Mascote da Atalaia in Bairro Alto. You can even buy tickets in advance for a live Fado show in Chiado. Buy Tickets →
The Fado Museum – is an option to learn the history and stories behind fado. The museum is located at the base of the Alfama, the oldest and most colorful neighborhood in Lisbon. Buy Tickets →
Miradouros – one of the most unique aspects of the city is the geographic location and topography. Lisbon is located at the mouth of the Tagus River which opens up to the Atlantic Ocean, just outside of the Lisbon city limits. The landscape is incredibly hilly which makes for some of the most stunning viewpoints of any European city. There are a series of “miradouros” or lookout points across the city on various hilltops that give you different views of the city and surrounding areas. Some of the best and most popular (for good reason!) lookout points worth visiting are Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara and Miradouro da Graca. Book Tour →
Mercado Ribeira – this market features some of Lisbon’s finest restaurants, best chocolatiers, wines, liqueurs and some of the best seafood in the country. It’s the perfect place for foodies to get a feel for Lisbon’s food culture and to grab a quick, gourmet bite and experience more than 30 establishments with nice terrace seating in an excellent location by the river.
St. George Castle – this landmark can be seen from almost everywhere in Lisbon and dates back to 6th century. It was originally a Moorish royal residence until the Portuguese captured it in the 12th century. The castle sits on top of one of the 7 hills in Lisbon overlooking the historic center and the Tagus River. Book Tour →
Gay Tours and Activities in Lisbon
Queer Lisbon – A Treasure Hunt in LGBT History – this fun Treasure/Scavenger Hunt tour brings Lisbon’s queer history to life through a team adventure around the main gay-scene neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Principe Real. Hear the stories that bring history alive as we visit the sights of Lisbon’s fascinating, scandalous and sometimes bizarre queer history and the modern gay scene. Then we all come together in the lounge, bar, garden, and pool of Lisbon’s biggest gay hotel for a ‘pub-quiz' and prizes! (Bring your swimming suit if it's hot!). Book Tour →
Lisbon Food Tour – if you really want to experience the food culture of Lisbon with a knowledgeable guide, we highly recommend taking a Lisbon Food Tour. The tour comes highly recommended. It's not an LGBTQ+ tour but it's one of the best ways to enjoy the local gastronomy. Book Tour →
Restaurants and Cafes
Comida de Santo – here you’ll find Brazilian food, specifically from the state of Bahia. Some of their traditional dishes include vatapá, feijoada, and picanha. The menu is quite diverse with plenty of meat, fish, and vegetarian options and the portions will surely fill you up.
Grapes & Bites – this wine bar and restaurant is a great choice for wine lovers as they’ve got a large selection from various Portuguese wine regions. The food is also fantastic with meat, seafood, and vegetarian options. There’s live music every night at 8 pm to add to the experience. The venue is small and popular so reservations are highly recommended. Visit their website to make your reservation.
Bota Alta – a cute little authentic restaurant up in the center of Bairro Alto, which serves the best in Portuguese delicacies. Exquisite seafood can be found at affordable prices. The busy decor, small tables and ornamented walls give it a homely vibe that makes you feel you are seated in a Portuguese living room.
Sea Me Peixaria Moderna – a modern Portuguese/Japanese fusion restaurant focusing on seafood. If you’re in the mood for oysters, sushi, grilled octopus, and/or ceviche this is your place. Reservations are recommended as it gets quite busy.
Zé da Mouraria – a traditional Portuguese restaurant serving up dishes large enough to share. The codfish and cuttlefish are both quite popular. There are two locations, one for lunch and one for dinner. Reservations are recommended.
Manteigaria – small bakery and café in Camões Square that only sells pastéis de nata, a classic Portuguese custard tart. These are some of the best you’ll find in all of Lisbon . The tarts are continuously made in front of you throughout the day and the guy behind the counter is deliciously handsome. Standing room only.
Lisbon Gay Bars and Clubs
Purex – mixed crowd with both gays and lesbians and the occasional straight couples or friends. It’s a great spot in Lisbon to go for a few drinks and perhaps a quick dance on the small dance floor. The interior has an edgy decor, yet still very cosy and laid-back. It’s technically a gay-friendly bar and very popular with the artistic, alternative and fashionable crowd. Probably the most popular bar for lesbians.
Tr3s – probably the most popular bear bar in Lisbon with happy hour from 4pm to 10pm. They offer a variety of drinks including both Portuguese and Belgian beers. There's outdoor seating and it opens as early as 4pm.
Side Bar – a classic meeting point bar up in Bairro Alto. It´s a bit cosey but every weekend you´ll find all the gays drinking outside anyway – crammed into the streets because Bairro Alto is the place to be. Rua Barraco is the gay street, or rather “gay corner” in the Bairro Alto and this bar is in the center of it all. It also has a great range of cocktails to kick start the night while rubbing shoulders with the international crowd.
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 are welcome but it tends to trend on the younger side. Trumps is the creator of Hot Season and the Hot Season Festival, the first international gay festival in Portugal. Entrance costs 10€ which includes one drink ticket. Open Fridays, Saturdays and any night before a bank holiday from 11:45pm until 6am.
Construction – a large club located in the Principe Real neighborhood. This space is very popular with bears, masculine guys and older crowds. You’ll find three different floors with the top floor occupied by a very cruisy dark room. It gets busy around 2 or 3am and plays house music. Open Friday and Saturdays – midnight to 06:00am.
Finalmente Club – one of the most popular and classic clubs in Lisbon and the only one open during the week. It’s a small dance club and institution in town open for more than 35 years featuring popular drag shows. Open every day starting at 12:30am until 6am with shows starting at 3am.
Lisbon Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
Trombeta Bath – this is by far the most popular gay sauna in Lisbon. It’s located in Bairro Alto near many of the other gay bars. Clean place, newly expanded and comes highly recommended by locals. Entrance costs 14€ and 9€ for students.
Gay Beaches in Lisbon
Beach 19 – this is a large, clothing optional gay beach just outside of Lisbon. It’s 30 km south of Lisbon so you’ll need to drive or take a bus. If you don’t have a car, taking the bus is long and you need to transfer to the small beach train to get there. It will easily take you almost two hours, but the hot Portugese guys make it worth the trip.
Gay Events in Lisbon
Lisbon Gay Pride – each year Lisbon hosts a gay pride march during the summer. This event is definitely more of a march than it is a parade. On a separate weekend from the march, the city hosts a pride village or festival, generally within two weeks of the pride march, with food, drinks, various booths and concerts.
Queer Lisboa – a Portuguese Film Festival dedicated exclusively to screening gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and transsexual themed films. Held each year in September.
Day Trips from Lisbon
Belem – this is one of Lisbon's most historical areas with plenty of monuments, landmarks and impressive buildings. It’s located just alongside the Tagus River at the mouth where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Popular attractions in Belem include the Tower of Belem, the Monument of Discoveries and Jeronimos Monastery just to name a few. And be sure to try the area's famous dessert tarts ‘Pasteis de Belem'. Belem is located just outside of Lisbon so it’s easily reachable by taking Lisbon’s public transport. The most enjoyable route is to take the tram 15 or 127 from Figueira Square or Comercio Square along the coast, roughly 25 minutes. Since it's not far, you might consider taking a bike tour from central Lisbon to Belem. Book Tour →
Cascais – formerly a quaint fishing village that has now become a popular resort town. It’s a colorful little coastal town with elegant pedestrian streets, luxurious villas, fashionable shops, restaurants and bars. The historic center has lots of great architecture, museums and monuments as well as a beautiful sandy beach. To reach Cascais, take the train from the Cais do Sodre train station in Lisbon which takes about 35 minutes and costs 4€ for a round trip. You can also take Bus 403 from Sintra to Cascais and visit both places on the same day, if you have the energy. Book Tour →
Sintra – the entire city is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth spending at least half a day. If you’re adventurous, you could easily spend a couple days exploring this little town with all the sites and attractions they offer. While it’s a small town, many of the sites are spread out and far apart or on the top of giant hills. They offer a bus service in town for just 5€ that offers you a return journey to several of the most popular attractions in the area. To reach Sintra, take the train from the Rossio train station in Lisbon which takes about 40 minutes and costs 5€ for a round trip. Book Tour →
What interests you most about Lisbon? Would you consider visiting? Let us know in the comments below!
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