Lisbon from the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, in the Bairro Alto
For some, Lisbon is already "the San Francisco of Europe", the new unavoidable destination of the gay community . For our tour of the "other" Lisbon we have had an exceptional guide, Bruno Horta , editor of the gay section of the magazine ** 'Time Out' ** in the Portuguese capital, who has told us all the ins and outs of this new phenomenon. Yesterday, a discreet and excessively demure city, today modern and proud of its many identities, Lisbon witnesses a true "gay" boil.
But, "What has been the "turn of the screw" of this radical change?" For Bruno Horta the answer is very clear, approval of gay marriage in 2010 marks a before and after, "until then the Portuguese had no pride in being gay, it was difficult for them to come out of the closet". Legislative change, Bruno points out, has also helped change the way in which Portugal it is perceived abroad, in short, "as a modern country, not homophobic and that does not discriminate against homosexuals."
Lisbon begins, therefore, to emerge as a top destination for gay tourism from all over the world and with this a vibrant offer of restaurants, bars and cafes dedicated to this segment is beginning to emerge in the Portuguese capital. In order not to miss anything of this “boom”, Bruno Horta has told us all there is to know about gay Lisbon.
1- The gay map of Lisbon
The Principe Real area is the new scene of the homosexual movement in the capital and the place where a greater number of premises have been inaugurated in recent times. One of the streets adjacent to the square, the Rua Cecilio De Sousa It has been baptized, as Bruno tells us, "the Chueca of Lisbon". the area of Bairro Alto (right next door) is another of the epicenters of Lisbon's gay scene.
2- To have a coffee Brazilian Coffee , a classic among classics and one of the favorites by the gay community in Lisbon. The great writer Fernando Pessoa used to come here to write or read, who by the way was homosexual, simple coincidence?
Orpheu Café, in the heart of Principe Real
3- The three experiences that a gay tourist should not miss on his visit to Lisbon?
Let yourself be enveloped in the unique atmosphere of the Baroque Street (High neighborhood). This cobbled street in the middle of this traditional Lisbon neighborhood is home to several bars for the gay crowd. Here tradition rules ask for a caipirinha or a caipirosca and drink it in the middle of the street taking advantage of the mild temperatures and the relaxed atmosphere. The favorites: Purex (Rua das Salgadeiras 28, next to Rua da Barroca; delightfully kitsch decor and more female than male clientele), Maria Caxua (Rua da Barroca 6-12, an old bakery has become the "trendiest" space in Bairro Alto, animated by DJs whose sounds vary between lounge and electronic music) , Corner Club (Rua da Barroca 30-32, here, they say, They serve the best mojitos in the entire neighborhood and in different sizes -yes the bucket size exists too-), Bardot (Travessa Da Espera 54, opened just a few months ago, this bar is quite a tribute to Brigitte Bardot , another of the gay icons par excellence and has become another of the hot spots of the gay night in the Bairro Alto.
Discover the impressive panoramic view of the city from the BA Terrace of the Bairro Alto Hotel . This terrace has been awarded with the 4th best view in the world from a hotel terrace . Its unparalleled views of the Tagus River and the city's old rooftops have made it a gay favourite. We would stay here forever.
Take a dip in one of the best gay beaches in Europe, Beach 19, on the Costa de Caparica . Located within a nature reserve and surrounded by dunes and vegetation, this beach is a true paradise for both gays and lesbians. originally called Bela Vista Beach , began to be called with its current name because the train that runs through the Costa de Caparica in summer, has its stop number 19 precisely on this beach.
BA Terrace of the Bairro Alto Hotel, the best views of Lisbon
4- Gay-friendly restaurants?
There are many options, Bruno gives us three suggestions: ** Pap'Açorda **, (Rua da Atalaia 57), a classic among classics, in the heart of Bairro Alto, a heterogeneous public but also a favorite of the gay public; Happy Frei (Rua de São Marçal, 94. Mercês) , a romantic restaurant that serves typical Portuguese cuisine.
5- What is the latest of the latest and the usual in Lisbon's gay night scene?
Recently opened, the disco Construction is one of the new _hits”_of the Lisbon night. This club is mainly aimed at sub-segment of “Bears” (The so-called “bears” are those gays with a stocky body and a masculine attitude who generally avoid the stereotype of the effeminate homosexual). The place has had great acceptance throughout the gay community and is currently frequented by a very heterogeneous public.
From the same owners the openings of the bars Wof XL and Wof X have come to enrich the offer of bars for this type of public in the Príncipe Real area. Originally conceived for the "bear" sub-segment, they are very popular with the entire gay community.
And of course the well-known nightclub cannot be missing from the roadmap lux considered one of the best nightclubs in all of Europe and among whose partners is John Malkovich himself and the disco trumps, another of the great classics of the gay night, to dance to the rhythm of Madonna or Lady Gaga until I'm out of joint.
Lux, one of the best clubs in Europe (if not, ask John Malkovich)
6- And also, the best kept secret We ask Bruno to tell us your little secret , that one that we can hardly find in any guide or magazine. And after “slacking off” a bit, he tells us about the shows of drag queens that take place in the disco located, of course! in Finally, Prince royal. For Bruno “the Drag Queens” are one of the most perfect artistic constructions of homosexuality ”, which is why he does not hesitate to recommend the shows that take place in this club every Friday and Saturday from 3:30 in the morning (officially it is at 3, but Bruno, who has very well controlled the issue, warns us they never start before 3.30).
The show is hosted by Deborah Kristal and frequented by actors, television presenters and various personalities. Until Katy Perry On her last visit to the Portuguese capital, according to what Bruno tells us, she attended one of these shows in Finally.
7-Is it true that gays from Lisbon are very handsome?
Bruno laughs. “Yes, well the truth is that for Northern Europeans, Portuguese men are very attractive. In addition, the new generation takes care of itself much more and has more style. ”. (I attest that it is absolutely true).
Well, there it is, beautiful men and women, a vibrant night scene , dreamlike beaches and a more than evident air of San Francisco…what more do you want?
* Bruno Horta is a journalist and editor of the gay section of “Time Out” Lisbon. He also collaborates with newspapers such as “O Público” and “Diario de Noticias”.
Frei Contente Restaurant, Lisbon dishes with a romantic touch