Lisbon: Hand in hand in Lisbon

Portugal is definitely known for being one of the most openminded and tolerant countries in Europe. Even more so in its capital, Lisbon. This week Helder's tips will tease your craving for Portugese vitamin D and nights out in Lisbon. He is a committed host on misterb&b and his insight will be helpful to plan your next trip in one of the most gay-friendly capitals. Gay life Lisbon is the best. It's not a legend, it's a fact!

What makes your city a favourite gay destination?

Lisbon is a dynamic multicultural city. The gay life is very intensive, restaurants, bars, parties, nightclubs, special events. Also, people in Lisbon are really open-minded, you will often see guys walking hand-to-hand in the street and here it is perfectly OK!

On top of that, the city enjoys 300 sunny days per year, the perfect occasion to go to the gay beach and enjoy some D vitamins from the sun :)

What is the best gay event that takes place in your city?

You have a lot of them, Arrail Gay (Gay Pride Party), the Bear Pride, Queer film festival as well. Also, every month, you have different international gay parties in Lisbon's gay clubs.  

What is your favourite gay establishment to grab a bite for lunch? a nice dinner?

There is a lot of them but I should say: Gayola and Põe-te na Bicha.

Best gay bar for a cheap beer?

The 40 e 1, best place to start the night out, it’s in the middle of the gay area of Bairro Alto. Waiters are amazing, you can grab a beer and party Portuguese style meaning outside right in front of the bar. Indeed, in Bairro Alto it is allowed to drink in the streets and the atmosphere is phenomenal!!!

Best gay bar for a refreshing cocktail?

Bar da Esquina for sure, or Purex. 

Which famous gay person is from your city?

I don't think we have a lot of worldwide famous gay people in Lisbon, but we definitely have our local stars, from singers to actors and models. 

Ready to go dancing--what is the best gay dance club?

If you like pop/commercial music you can't miss the Trumps pop balls every friday, if you like more electronica/house music, you can try Lux-Fragil or Construction. And if you like Drag-Shows, you definitely need to go to Finalmente, open everyday from 1:00 am until 06:00 am, the drag show takes place at 4:00 am :)

Which gay bar offers the best happy hour on a Wednesday?

Definitely go to LeMarais bar, nice cocktails and drink menus. Prices are so fair, you will enjoy your time fore sure there :)

Where to start a gay tour in your home city?

Best way to start a gay tour in the city is definitely to go to Beach 19, Lisbon gay beach. Then coming back to the city head for a gay restaurant to have some dinner until midnight. Afterwards, head to Bairro Alto to warm up for the night, finally head to the nightclubs and why not going to the after-parties that last until 10:00 am :)

Best place to socialise with the local gay community?

Bairro Alto is definitely the place to go to meet local gay people. The gay corner of this neighbourhood is huge, a lot of gay bars, and most people ordering in the bar and having a drink in the street. This is the best place to meet people for sure!

Best place to be surrounded by the local gays?

Bairro Alto, Principe Real, Lisbon Gay beach

How gay-friendly is your home city?

Portuguese people are known for being very tolerant towards the LGBT community: this is not a legend this is a fact! Portugal is one of the first European countries that authorised gay marriage, a lot of same sex couples walking hand in hand in the street, a lot of gay spots. My city is one of the most gay-friendly places I have ever been to!

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

There is not a specific gay brunch in Lisbon, but my favourite venue for brunch in the city is definitely Pao de Canela in Principe Real neighborhood (gay area as well ;)

What is gay life like in Lisbon?

Vivid, colourful, multicultural, exciting, there are so many adjectives that could describe gay life in Lisbon. My city has so much to offer, gay people from all over the world who came here all agree: Life in Lisbon is the best gay life ever!

What are your favourite gay venues in Lisbon?

My favourite gay venue in Lisbon is definitely the Clube da Esquina, a great gay bar that serves great cocktails!