Keep this map handy- it will guide you through the city, its hills, and everything else its characteristic neighbourhoods have to offer. In Lisbon you will find influences from literally everywhere; from Arabic influences of old, to the very modern Parque das Nações and of course all of the beneficial, cultural and architectural aspects (to name a few) of the expansion era, of which we are particu
larly proud. The main gay friendly areas are Chiado, Bairro Alto and Principe Real. During the day you can hang out and do a spot of shopping there but at night this is where it’s happening. Be careful who you’ll meet though, gay marriage is legal in Portugal since 2010 and as everybody knows: “Portuguese do it better!”
You will find fantastic beaches in the Greater Lisbon area, such as Linha do Estoril and Costa da Caparica, where the famous Praia 19, the main gay friendly beach of the country, is located. You can get there by public transport (Metro to Praça de Espanha, bus to Costa da Caparica and then get the beach train – Transpraia and alight at stop number 17) or hitch a ride with the LisbonBeach service. Sintra, Cascais and Estoril are other small villages that are in high demand. In Alcochete you will find the largest wholesale & retail park in Europe, which offers a free bus service. If you’re running out of time, get the river boat service from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas. It’s a beautifully scenic and inexpensive trip which is sure to give you a memorable view of Lisbon. Do not leave Lisbon before tasting Pastéis de Belem, riding the number 28 tram, visiting St. Jorge’s Castle, listening to fado (at least for a few minutes), flirt at a belvedere, go clubbing in Bairro Alto and Principe Real, take a leisurely walk by the Tagus River and meet the locals. If you ever feel lonely, turn on Manhunt and just enjoy the sun. Lisbon is the European Capital which enjoys the most sunshine every year! If you don’t have time to do everything we know you will be back, because everyone misses Lisbon once they’ve been!
