This month’s gay and lesbian travel destination: Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and according to the travel experts of the Gay and Lesbian Community, “it’s come a long way, baby.”

As Europe’s long-time travel destination underdog it has had to reinvent itself from disasters of the past. Whether it is the tsunami of 1755 that devastated the entire city or the fire of 1988 that destroyed the trendy Chiado neighborhood, this city comprised by a series of seven hills is the Portuguese boot that is kicking Barcelona to the curb.

For years now, the Iberian Peninsula gay and lesbian audience has constantly been stolen by Barcelona. This isn’t the case anymore and Lisbon is efficiently paving its way as the hotspot of Europe for gay and lesbian travelers. Whether it’s a leisurely stroll after dinner, along a cobblestone street that is lined by buildings accented with the decorative tiles of years past, Lisbon has a tantalizing assortment of venues to excite and satisfy any tourist.

You will have no doubts when you’re approaching the bustling Bairro Alto district because the cacophony of bantering imbibers grows louder with every step. Most of the bars and pubs in the city are only a tad larger than a freight elevator’s interior, so both locals and tourists move out into the streets armed with their beers and cocktails just as they party in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras and socialize until 2 am or even later. Here then, is a list of the gay and lesbian destinations in Lisbon. Enjoy!

• Alfama

Known as an area filled with narrow, windy streets and the popular fado bars, Alfama is a small neighborhood and one of Lisbon’s seven hills that affords the visitor spectacular panoramas when visiting the historic Castelo de Sao Jorge.

• Sintra

When you catch the smell of eucalyptus, and catch a glimpse of this quaint yet romantic neighborhood and its lush landscapes, you’ll quickly discover why this is a must-see destination while visiting Lisbon.

• NH Liberdade Hotel

Granted, the bulk of the more visited hotels are on the main drag of Avenida da Liberdade, the NH Hotel is the best price for the money anywhere off the main drag.

• Pap’ acorda (rua da Atalaia)

This hot spot caters to the fashionistas and hipsters when it comes to good eats and people-watching. Traditional Portuguese cuisine takes on a more modern flair in this restaurant.

• Clube de Fado

The Fado experience of traditional Portuguese singers who lament about heartbreak and longing is featured here along with the traditional cuisine that will make your palate leap for joy.

Panoramic view of Lisbon, Portugal by Fr Antunes

Topic:  Tips and Ideas | 0 Comments
Tags:  gay travel, Lisbon, nightlife

About the author

Anita Choudhary is a freelance writer and travel blogger based in New Delhi, India. She loves to travel and has traveled extensively in India. Exploring new places, reading and writing are her hobbies.