Gay Lisbon Lisbon City Guide

Overlooking the seemingly endless Tagus River and framed by a string of panoramic hills, urban beauty Lisbon also happens to be blessed with year-round sunshine, allowing full appreciation of her contrasting virtues. Cobblestone streets feature canary-coloured trams that putter up and down beside majestic squares that neighbour gritty, graffiti-ed streets. The traditional serenading sounds of authentic Fado performers meanwhile merge with more modern tunes emerging from Bairro Alto, the city’s bohemian party district. A liberal city that embraces its deep-rooted heritage, Lisbon is a diverse city break where you can wine and dine in sophistication on the fancy tree-lined Avenida da Liberdade, or savour a casual street beer in LGBT hub Príncipe Real. And just outside the city limits, an equally eye-catching experience awaits; storybook castles, seaside towns, surf-happy beaches and miles of nature’s splendour. Wondering what to do in Lisbon? Our Lisbon gay guide will show you that whatever your wants and tastes, this ancient city knows how to please.

The best hotels in Lisbon

Let’s start this gay Lisbon travel guide with a roundup of the best hotels in Lisbon. Housed in the former Ministry of Affairs building, the newly minted Pousada de Lisboa overlooks the Praça do Comércio, arguably the most beautiful square in Lisbon, and the Tagus River. Perfect for classic art lovers, the columned, custard-yellow 18^th-century marvel is stocked with certified museum artwork from around the country. Rooms are decidedly modern with stunning views of the celebrated square or the Sao Jorge Castle in the distance. The fashionable adjoining restaurant, Lisboeta and the sunny atrium breakfast room are run by Chef Tiago Bonito, the first culinary whiz kid to win the coveted National Chef of the Year award while representing the Algarve.

Located on the elegant Avenida da Liberdade, the Valverde Hotel is a perfectly preserved 19^th-century edifice that is now a tony six-level boutique stay featuring 25 rooms and two ample suites. Each room is individually styled with vintage 50’s style furnishings, parquet flooring, patterned rugs and a touch of Moorish influence. The bathroom boasts dramatic cast iron tubs matched with a black marble basin. The public sitting room is fetching but equally eclectic with its striped purple walls, marble slab tables and comfy veneered sofas – the perfect choice for 5’oclock tea or a late afternoon cocktail.

Stay amongst the action at Fontecruz Lisboa, Autograph Collection, a leading boutique hotel situated right of Avenida da Liberdade, offering up playful class with its vibrant design, open terrace patio and chic lounge bar. The rustic monochrome styling of AlmaLusa Baixa/Chiado meanwhile is more than just aesthetics. Located in one of the most emblematic squares in Lisbon, the Praça do Minicípio, the hotel is imbued with the spirit of the city, an informal boutique which oozes Portuguese culture as well hosting its own stellar Mediterranean restaurant.