The People’s Guide to Lisbon
The People’s Guide to Lisbon
Featured Articles
Rainy days in Lisbon can feel like a real drag, but they don't have to be. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the rain from the inside — and some good reasons not to.
What to Do in Lisbon When it’s Raining
From an animation festival to concerts by rock's oldest and newest talents, and plenty of art spanning centuries, March in Lisbon this year promises to be a nice spring blast.
What's On in Lisbon in May
If you've ever wondered how Gulliver felt in Lilliput, or you want a crash course in portuguese architecture, Portugal dos Pequenitos is for you.
Living Large: A Walk Through Portugal dos Pequenitos
By 1863, Eça had become a member of a local Boheme and, influenced by new friendships, discovered the pleasures of exotic food and sophisticated clothing, started wearing a monocle, ceased to believe in God, and declared himself a romantic.
Defeated by Life: José Maria Eça de Quieróz
Finding books in English in Lisbon isn’t too difficult, and the number of stores selling English-language books keep growing.
Where to Find English-Language Books in Lisbon
This four-hour walk between Sintra and Cabo da Roca lets you see many of Sintra’s famed landmarks and includes plenty of forest-walking, sea-gazing, and cliff-scrambling. And you don't need a car to reach it.
Do it All in a Day: Walking from Sintra to Cabo da Roca
You aren't exactly ready for what's in store at the miniature world of Jose Franco, but you won't regret the stopover.
Aldeia José Franco: The Eccentric Pastime of a Ceramic Artisan
There are dozens of museums in Portugal’s capital and within a short drive, and almost all charge admission. Here are a few tips to do it on the cheap - or for free.
Lisbon Culture on the Cheap, Part 2: Museums
If a Lisboeta tells you to go to a certain place whose name you've never heard — and you're not quite sure where to find it — here's what they mean.
Lisbon Implied, or How to Talk About Locations Like a Local
A graphic designer by trade, Sooma has turned the forgotten ruins of Quinta das Aguias into his own private art gallery and talks to Atlas about what the beautiful palace could become. As in, not another hotel...
Painting Quinta das Águias: A Q&A With Sooma
Jofre Correia and his team run some of the most successful — and, from personal experience, the most worthwhile — walking tours in Lisbon. Read what he has to say about tourist traps, employing the unemployed, and wearing chainmail.
The Chap Behind the Chainmail: A Q&A With Jofre Correia
Like many things, the Pirates' Code was invented by a Portuguese.
Bartolomeu Português: Father of the Pirates' Code
Like any good Lisbon story, this one starts in Cais do Sodré. But this one ends with flamingos.
Urban Animals: Finding the Flamingos
2 for 1 drinks and dishes means your dining just got that much cheaper. Here are our tips for using the Zomato Gold membership in Portugal to its fullest.
How to Use Zomato Gold for 2 for 1 Food and Drinks in Portugal
Cale Atkinson is an artist, author, and animator who's worked for the likes of Disney Hyperion and Marvel. His travels through Portugal prompted a series on the country, so we decided to get in touch.
Kidding Around in Portugal: A Q&A with Children's Book Artist Cale Atkinson
Things to Do
Events Calendar
There’s a lot going on in Lisbon, but we curate what’s up so you know…
Museums
What are the top places for art, history, puppets, and more? We’ve done the legwork.…
Parks and Gardens
Lisbon’s top outdoor spaces range from miradouros, to green parks and gardens, and yes, cemeteries.…
Shopping
We love Lisbon because it’s a small town wrapped up inside a big city. Prices…
Restaurants
Restaurants, cafes, kiosks, and more, Lisbon's got all kinds of kitchens, and we've reviewed them…
Bars
With incredible vinho and cheap beer everywhere, you'll need a guide to get your drink…
Clubs
Put on your dancing sapatos! Party ’til sunrise like a Lisboeta at one of these…
Golfing
If you judge a course by its par threes, these two courses near Lisbon won’t disappoint…
Biking
It may be hilly and bumpy, but bike lanes are popping up in LX and…
Surfing
Here’s some info on the top three spots to grab a wave and get maps of dozens more surf…
Rock Climbing
There’s tons of climbing around Lisbon, even multi-pitch trad if you…
Featured May Events
Essentials for Visitors
Portugal is technically a Catholic country, but the 6000-tons worth of Buddha statues sitting just an hour outside of Lisbon would suggest otherwise.
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden: A Little Peace For Everyone
Rainy days in Lisbon can feel like a real drag, but they don't have to be. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the rain from the inside — and some good reasons not to.
What to Do in Lisbon When it’s Raining
Our favorite crag has been getting crowded so we’d like to reveal a few more places you can climb outdoors within just an hour's drive from Lisbon.
Rock Climbing Around Lisbon — and Beyond, a Part II of Sorts
June can be brutal in Lisbon. Luckily, it's also the month that the city celebrates itself, which means street parties, sardines, and pimba music. But if you're more of an indoor person, we got you covered as well.
What's On in Lisbon in June
From an animation festival to concerts by rock's oldest and newest talents, and plenty of art spanning centuries, March in Lisbon this year promises to be a nice spring blast.
What's On in Lisbon in May
From an animation festival to concerts by rock's oldest and newest talents, and plenty of art spanning centuries, March in Lisbon this year promises to be a nice spring blast.
What's On in Lisbon in March
Are you planning a trip to Lisbon? Do you have questions? We have answers!
The No-Nonsense FAQ for the Visitor to Lisbon
This is the last leg of your 50-city tour, so throw your vehicle into high hear and get ready to get a little dirty.
Driving Through Portugal: See it All in 50 Stops (Part 3)
Bairro Alto is the party neighborhood of Lisbon, and if you’re visiting, it is a “must-go” spot. But please, do it in style and find the best bars.
Bairro Alto Alternativo
2 for 1 drinks and dishes means your dining just got that much cheaper. Here are our tips for using the Zomato Gold membership in Portugal to its fullest.
How to Use Zomato Gold for 2 for 1 Food and Drinks in Portugal
There are many travel guides for Lisbon, and each tends to suit a certain traveler. Luckily, we've had a look at the best to save you the legwork.
The Best Travel Guides to Lisbon
For fans of full-body tans, Portugal has a plethora of nude beaches to choose from, with something for everyone. What’s more, all Portuguese clothing-optional beaches are great for those who like to keep their swimsuits on, because they’re typically located in more secluded — and, as a result, often cleaner and more beautiful — areas.
Nudist Beaches in Portugal, Or How To Stop Paying for Swimwear
Going to a concert in Lisbon often means getting there early, but it is possible to book online for big-name bands and festivals — and even some of the smaller ones.
Planning Ahead: How to Buy Lisbon Concert Tickets Online
Lisbon is known for long wait times, but only if you don't plan ahead. The locals know a few tricks to make life move just a little faster here. Avoid long lines, avoid frustration, do more stuff with these tips.
How to Avoid Queues, Lines, and Waiting in General in Lisbon
Lisbon DJ Van Der suggests the baddest music venues around the city for you to get that techno-fix.
Techno in Lisbon: An Insider’s Guide
Living in Lisboa
In Lisbon you can visit one of the many swimming pools in sports halls, gyms, and rooftops year-round to get more deeply in touch with its favorite of the four elements.
The Waterworld of Lisboa
A few Lisbon hotels offer their saunas and steam rooms, and sometimes their swimming pools, to non-guests, but it will cost you.
Lisbon's Public Steamrooms and Saunas
Nights out in Lisbon can be rough. Take the edge off with a hearty brunch from one of these 11 cafes around Lisboa.
Brunch in Lisbon: a Date with Debauchery
June can be brutal in Lisbon. Luckily, it's also the month that the city celebrates itself, which means street parties, sardines, and pimba music. But if you're more of an indoor person, we got you covered as well.
What's On in Lisbon in June
From an animation festival to concerts by rock's oldest and newest talents, and plenty of art spanning centuries, March in Lisbon this year promises to be a nice spring blast.
What's On in Lisbon in May
Finding books in English in Lisbon isn’t too difficult, and the number of stores selling English-language books keep growing.
Where to Find English-Language Books in Lisbon
From an animation festival to concerts by rock's oldest and newest talents, and plenty of art spanning centuries, March in Lisbon this year promises to be a nice spring blast.
What's On in Lisbon in March
There are dozens of museums in Portugal’s capital and within a short drive, and almost all charge admission. Here are a few tips to do it on the cheap - or for free.
Lisbon Culture on the Cheap, Part 2: Museums
There have been some recent changes to Recibos Verdes (Green Receipts) that you’ll need to wrap your head around. This is for all the self-employed English-speakers battling their way through the Portuguese bureaucracy.
Public Service Announcement: Changes to Recibos Verdes / Green Receipts
Strangers do things that annoy us, make us laugh, and make us cry in the great city of Lisbon. Here is the place to share your stories anonymously.
The Page of Disquiet
If a Lisboeta tells you to go to a certain place whose name you've never heard — and you're not quite sure where to find it — here's what they mean.
Lisbon Implied, or How to Talk About Locations Like a Local
Vintage, up-cycled, second-hand, or just plain USED: whatever you call not-new clothes, here's where to find them in Lisbon, from bargain bins to boutiques.
Getting Thrifty: The Second-Hand Stores of Lisbon
Bairro Alto is the party neighborhood of Lisbon, and if you’re visiting, it is a “must-go” spot. But please, do it in style and find the best bars.
Bairro Alto Alternativo
2 for 1 drinks and dishes means your dining just got that much cheaper. Here are our tips for using the Zomato Gold membership in Portugal to its fullest.
How to Use Zomato Gold for 2 for 1 Food and Drinks in Portugal
There are many travel guides for Lisbon, and each tends to suit a certain traveler. Luckily, we've had a look at the best to save you the legwork.
The Best Travel Guides to Lisbon
For lovers of vinyl, Atlas has compiled a list of the best places to get records in Lisboa. Whether new releases, oldies, or anything in between.
Digging in Bins: The Record Shops of Lisbon
Latest Restaurant Reviews
Bairro Alto is the party neighborhood of Lisbon, and if you’re visiting, it is a “must-go” spot. But please, do it in style and find the best bars.
Bairro Alto Alternativo
2 for 1 drinks and dishes means your dining just got that much cheaper. Here are our tips for using the Zomato Gold membership in Portugal to its fullest.
How to Use Zomato Gold for 2 for 1 Food and Drinks in Portugal
One of Pessoa's favorite cafés for watching the world go by. Sure, there are cheaper coffee shops, but here you are on Praça do Comércio.
Martinho da Arcada
Authentic Turkish street food, traditionally prepared. This Restaurant ticks all the right boxes for an authentic Turkish meal in Anjos.
Ottoman's Bite: Pizza Tradicional Turca
Go for the grilled flavor and friendly staff and try to ignore the forgetful service.
Madragoa Vinho e Petiscos
Lisbon Events
May
25
Sat
22:00
LIVE MUSIC | Magnetic Strings: A...
LIVE MUSIC | Magnetic Strings: A...
May 25 @ 22:00 – May 26 @ 03:00
Magnetic Strings are three local musicians — two violinists and a cellist, to be exact — who have had many a muse over the years. One such muse has been the band Muse. So much[...]
May
26
Sun
05:00
to Sept 29 | MUSIC FESTIVAL | So...
to Sept 29 | MUSIC FESTIVAL | So...
May 26 @ 05:00 – 09:30
The 13th edition of Somersby Out Jazz is back in Lisbon, which means you have the option of spending any given Sunday afternoon trough the end of September enjoying jazz, soul, funk, hip-hop, rock, DJs,[...]
09:30
to Oct 31 | NATURE | Visits to t...
to Oct 31 | NATURE | Visits to t...
May 26 @ 09:30 – 17:00
Psst. Hey you. You like giraffes? Of course you do. Who doesn’t? The Badoca Safari Park down in Alentejo has giraffes. And a bunch of other cool animals. And guided tours and stuff. Basically, some[...]
10:00
to Dec 31 | EXHIBIT | “Among Din...
to Dec 31 | EXHIBIT | “Among Din...
May 26 @ 10:00 – 17:00
As you probably already know, dinosaurs once roamed the Earth— but did you know that they roamed around Portugal? The Museum of Natural History is taking an intensive look at different types of dinosaur fossils[...]
Latest Posts
- What to Expect in June: Festas de Lisboa 2019 May 24, 2019
- Portugal’s Public Wi-Fi. Aka the White Elephants May 22, 2019
- What’s on at MAAT: A Review of the Summer Collections May 20, 2019
Blog Categories
Interviews
Food, Kittens, and Cuteness: Q & A with Abacaxi Lab - The duo behind Abacaxi Lab are two fabulous ladies: Aleksandra "Laura" Schedler and Vanda Aragão. As brave and colorful as their art, they talked with Atlas just before the opening of their first exhibition, sharing stories about their travels, inspirations, and hopes for the future. Let's start at the beginning. What's the origin story of […]
The Metronome to the Music: An Interview with Paulo Ventura of Metronomo - Paulo Ventura of Metronomo Management was acting stage manager of Coliseu for the weekend of Super Bock em Stock (previously Mexefest), and I managed to catch him in between soundchecks for a chat about the music industry in Portugal and his own journey.
MOTELX 2017: Nine Directors, Five Questions - Nine Portuguese directors are vying for the top short-film prize at the 2017 MOTELX and Atlas got the inside scoop on what makes them tremble.
History and Customs
Portuguese Traditions: An Overall Look at Gastronomy, Legends, Festivals, and Cat Burning - Portugal's cultural heritage is manifest in gastronomy, wine, music, handcrafts, legends and tales, fairs, and popular festivals: priceless gems that make the Portuguese, well, special. Gastronomy Portuguese traditions are revealed in rich cuisine with nods to Mediterranean and Atlantic flavors and ingredients. Influenced by the Age of Discovery, the use of spices, sugar, and other […]
Abandoned Lisbon: Teatro Variedades - Photographer Lorena Velasco takes us inside the abandoned Teatro Variedades for a glimpse at what's inside, opening up a time capsule that hasn't been touched for the last 25 years.
António Guterres: The Socialist UN Secretary General - António Guterres worked through academia, national politics, and the UN, becoming one of the most well known contemporary Portuguese politicians.
Lisbon Street Team
A Decade of Change: Lisbon’s Most Dangerous Neighborhoods Then and Now - It’s hard for many visitors and expats to imagine that Lisbon has a dangerous underbelly, with few venturing outside the progressively hip center. But in the 1970s, neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city started growing — and they quickly gained a reputation for being hotbeds of criminal activity.
The Robot Retrospective: A Review of MAAT’s New Exhibition - A small white robot in a glass case shook, seemingly in terror, at loud noises — and the crowd of young adults that stood shouting at it was a haunting vision into what the future could hold.
Alcântara: Former Industrial Bastion Reprocessed - The continuous gentrification of Alcântara follows the same trend as the rest of the city. However, it’s quite hard to predict the direction it will take in the future.
Trips outside Lisbon
This route won't necessarily show you everything, but it will surely guide you through way more than just the highlights. Start from the capital or jump in at any point in the loop: here's an idea of what not to miss in each of these stops, but how long you stay or what you skip is up to you.
Driving through Portugal: See it All in 50 Stops (Part 2)
This route won't necessarily show you everything, but it will surely guide you through way more than just the highlights. Start from the capital or jump in at any point in the loop: here's an idea of what not to miss in each of these stops, but how long you stay or what you skip is up to you.
Driving through Portugal: See it All in 50 Stops (Part 1)
Eighteen years ago, Portugal gave up its role in Macau, leaving practically no political or economic influence and very little saudade among most of the Chinese population.
Macau: Going Both Ways and Coming Out Again
Athens might look disorganized but it's delightfully chaotic. If you've only got 24 hours, here's how you can enjoy the highlights and feel the pulse of the cradle of Western civilization.
How to Spend 24 Hours in Athens
Flying to Scotland is cheap and easy thanks to budget airlines, so Atlas went exploring and have some tips for visiting Skye, the Highlands, and Edinburgh.
A Long Weekend in Scotland
If you're looking for a quick and inexpensive holiday, here's a look at the cheapest airlines in Europe — and what the ticket prices don't include.
Breaking Down Budget Airlines Flying In and Out of Lisbon
In Batalha, just 2km outside of Fátima, lies the Grutas da Moeda, a 45-meter-deep cave that spans over 350 meters in length, and it is magical.
Off the Beaten Path: Grutas da Moeda, an Alternative to Fátima
On the Rota, well-marked trails take you along the stunning coast and through towns large and small until Cabo São Vicente.
