Insider tips: Enjoy late night drinks in the Barrio Alto in the fabulous Lisbon

Meet Filipe! Born and raised in Lisbon, he's Living with his italian husband between his native city and Rome. After 20 years working in the performing arts world as a performer and then a producer, he decided to welcome people who want to discover his beautiful city.

What makes Lisbon a favorite gay destination?
The Portuguese people have always minded their own business. They might be curious but rarely intervene in a violent way. Never in my life I had any homophobic reaction in the streets since I came out when I was 16, and I never had problem showing my affects to my boyfriends, or gay friends. Showing love and affection does not offend.

What is the best gay event that takes place Lisbon?
Lisbon is new to big gay events. I would say that the Pride is a very important event. It’s non commercial, more about activism than muscle bodies, shier than other marches in other capitals, but with no doubt an important event.

What is your favorite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch? a nice dinner?
For a bite after 17:00 the Vizinha in Elevador da Bica is a quiet spot, relaxed and not crowded.
In the area of Madragoa there are some really nice “lesbian owned” restaurants, open for dinner. My favorite one is the Pratinho Feio. If you want to add some Fado in a cool envoirement (during weekdays) while having dinner or a drink then the place is Mascote da Atalaia in Bairro Alto. I also like a lot the Taberna da Rua das Flores next to Praça do Camões.

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?
The 41 bar is very well located. In Rua Diário de Notícias number 41, next to the crossing with Travessa da Espera. where these 2 streets meet is a gay meeting place while having drinks outside in the street and 41 has the best prices.

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?
Lisbon is not a cocktail city. There is not that habit. But the most known one is Cinco Lounge near other gay bars in the Principe Real area.

Which famous gay person is from Lisbon?
Apart from my friend Marta, known by all gay Lisbon men, I would say none. The Portuguese “closet” is full of gay people. Plus we don’t have world known famous people… Besides Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?
I would say LUX-Fragil is something special. LUX is a mixed club but with great DJs, so in terms of music and venue is the best place. Yes it is not only gay, but nobody is caring who you are kissing.
Then there are two main regular parties. The Conga that changes venue and Spit meets Polish in the Ministerium club. The music is good and fun but the guys could be more relaxed. Sexy guys guaranteed… but unfortunately maybe just for watching.

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?
Prices are cheap in Portugal so there was never needed the necessity for a happy hour. Every hour is a happy one!

Where to start a gay tour in Lisbon?
Probably the gayest thing is in Sintra, outside Lisbon connect by 30 minutes train ride. It’s like a 1800’s Disney World with Prince and Princesses castles and palaces… Or directly to the Beach 19 for great outdoors and action in the bushes. It depends on the tour you like most.

Best place to socialize with the local gay community?
Purex is the bar where the gay artists, performers, designers and other creative people meet. Is a super relaxed bar, sometimes dancing, where friends meet their friends, and where is very easy to make new friends

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?
Being a very mixed city there isn’t a gay area full of local gays, like in other capitals. But in the area of Chiado and Bairro Alto are the gayest areas of Lisbon

How gay-friendly is Lisbon?
Very gay friendly. Even if some people don’t accept it, most of them respect it.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?
Bica do Sapato is the most trendiest and best restaurant in Lisbon and it’s in a great spot by the river. It’s not the cheapest spot but for sure one of the best quality.

What is gay life like in Lisbon? 
No so different from the straight life, I guess. I would have to say, very normal.

What are your favorite gay venues in Lisbon?
I love Finalmente. It’s a Lisbon classic. It is the first drag queen club in Lisbon. It’s a small place with every kind of gay people, tacky music, but where you can have lots of fun. Then there is Construction. The music is also not so sophisticated but usually is full of men, just beware of pick pockets in the dark room.