Maps | The Lisbon Connection

February 16, 2015August 10, 2020

‘Bike A Wish’ rental (E)-bike shop Mouraria Lisbon: top biking expercience & owners Ana & Rui

Lisbon becomes more and more attractive for tourists! The nearby Atlantic beaches and fairytale palaces (like in Sintra ) are famous attractions, also easy to reach by (e)-bike.

‘Bike A Wish’ store Lisbon: owner Rui Gomes & trainee Diego Sarasola (18 year old Erasmus student from Spain) Mouraria Lisbon, near square Praça Martim Moniz (background)

Eco-friendly e-bike & breathtaking views

If you visit Lisbon during a few days (the city of seven hills or in Portuguese ‘a cidade das sete colinas), an e-bike is a great way to explore the city and to discover Lisbon’s breathtaking views.

Lisbon ‘Bike A Wish’ store, owner Ana Nascimento & amazing Lisbon graffity wall design (the 25 April bridge, the Castle of Saint George above the city, the hills…). Artist: Diogo

More and more Lisbon is changing: impoverished old buildings and/or neighborhoods with a long history are to be restored. Creative young people start their own business, like Ana Nascimento and Rui Gomes recently did in historic Mouraria, one of the oldest areas of the city.

Beautiful view old town Lisbon & river Tagus

‘Bike A Wish’ store in Lisbon: ‘A dream came true”

Owner ‘Bike A Wish’ store in Lisbon Rui Gomes: “Ana and myself started to think opening our own business about 2 years ago. Our passion for bicycles was crucial, when deciding which business to start.
We had already visited Amsterdam several times in the past, and it marked us, in such way, that in result, today we´re the proud owners of ‘Bike A Wish’ (also partners are Frederico and Joana from Vilamoura , Bike a Wish Algarve store)”.

‘Bike a Wish’ store in historic area Mouraria Lisbon & owners Ana and Rui

Rui: “Ana (marketeer) and Joana (designer) were both unemployed and me and Frederico were working in a foreign bank, in Lisbon, and quit, in order to give 200% of ourselves to this project. So, I´m happy to say that, first of all, ‘Bike A Wish’ is based on friendship and trust!”

‘Bike A Wish’ store in Mouraria Lisbon & owner Rui Gomes. Rua das Fontainhas a São Lourenço 29, Martim Moniz

The location – historic Mouraria Lisbon

Rui Gomes, owner: ‘ Mouraria is one of the most unique places we know. There´s a certain magic in it, the streets, the light (or the lack of it ), the religions, the mixture of people from all over the world, gathered in a peaceful combination.
The shop is located very central, close to square Martim Moniz ( 1st stop for the 28 tram) as well to the Castelo de S. Jorge ( Castle of Saint George, the most visited monument in Lisbon)”.

Lisbon, Mouraria, close to ‘Bike a Wish’ shop: a maze of narrow streets & beautiful light

My 3 bedroom apartment with a lovely patio is for rent in this area

‘Bike A Wish’ concept: Portuguese pure cycle-chic, extreme comfort & 2 models of e-bikes

Rui Gomes, owner: ‘Our bicycles were thought to give extreme comfort to the users. Soft, old fashioned seats and handles, will allow clients a top biking experience in our 7-hills capital.
Our concept is pure cycle-chic: all bicycles are a Portuguese product, produced by “ÓRBITA“.

‘Bike A Wish’ store & extreme comfort: ‘California dream’, a soft old fashioned bike seat 🙂

E-Bikes: Lisbon becomes “flat” for your legs!
Rui Gomes: “the 2 models of e-bikes have an autonomy around 60kms (depending of individual biking experience), allowing visitors to enjoy Lisbon in a comfortable, fast and effortless way. Ride everywhere: Mouraria, Alfama, Bairro Alto, Riverside etc. Our bike tours allow people to visit the capital’s highlights and explore alternative and picturesque routes. We recommend the West Lisbon Tour, by the river, heading Belém ”

Rui Gomes: “We provide a service with so many flexible options that will certainly suit all your travel plans.

We rent several types of bikes, from the classic ones to folding, tandems and electric bikes. They can be rented by the hour, half-day, day, week or month “.

Lisbon ‘Bike A Wish’ store Mouraria, Square Martim Moniz

Bike A Wish website: prices & more possibilities, like a tandem bike or guided tours.

Rua das Fontainhas a São Lourenço 29, Martim Moniz, Lisbon

Phone (00351) 211329949, Facebook,

Lisboa@bikeawish.com . Business hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 19:00pm GMT |Sundays on the call to deliver or booked tours. Free deliver at hotels in Lisbon.

January 27, 2015August 9, 2021

Amateur Fado Lisbon: cafe/bar ‘Tasca do Jaime’ & Dutch (!) Fado singer Henriquinha

Fado is a part of the culture in Portugal and many Portuguese have the idea they can sing just as wonderful as Carlos do Carmo or like the legendary Amália Rodrigues, Queen of fado, Lady of Lisbon..

Café/bar ‘Tasca do Jaime’ Lisbon & very talented Dutch Fado singer Henriquinha; Guitarra Portuguesa: Custódio Magalhaes; Viola do Fado: Duarte Nunes

Fadista (fado singer) Henriquinha Maria (Hendriktje Ruiter, born and professionally trained in Holland) is a very talented singer living in Lisbon. She really loves it to sing the fado; now she’s becoming famous in Portugal due to a Fado song contest on Portuguese TV.

YouTube Hendriktje ‘Amor de mel, amor de fel’

Dutch singer Henriquinha Maria & host Herman José on Portuguese TV, ‘Grande Premio do Fado’

Dutch singer Hendriktje Ruiter participated in a Fado talent show on Portuguese TV. After two rounds she won enough points to perform in the semi-final of this song contest in May 2015.

Interested to know where this Dutch fadista will sing in Lisbon? Mail to: hendriktje@gmail.com ; more pictures: facebook ; phone: 00351 917 035 578

Lisbon, cafe/bar ‘Tasca do Jaime’ December 2014 & Fado Vadio (amateur fado)

Amateur setting of Portuguese Fado is called FADO VADIO

In the old neighborhoods of Lisbon there are local bars or tascas where everybody can sing fado (max. 2 songs). Even you, if you might like it! 😉 …. In this setting only the guitarists are paid to accompany the singers.

Café/bar ‘Tasca do Jaime’ Lisbon December 2014

Silêncio que se vai cantar o fado (Silence)

In case you don’t understand the Portuguese language: when the light is dimmed, it means that ‘silence is asked because fado is going to be singed” …

Tasca do Jaime Graca area Lisbon, FADO VADIO December 2014: fadista Fernanda Proença. (YouTube). This lady has a wonderful voice! 🙂

Fado Vadio: ‘Dying cats or divine song’

The Portuguese have a lot of respect for the performers who like to express their emotions. You can enjoy a fado singer who sings so beautiful it will give you goosebumps, followed by someone who think he or she is a really good singer…..

Or, as Tasca do Jaime’s neighbors Mike and Alice described on their blog: ‘ It’s a very authentic little cafe bar in our neighborhood. The fado heard there can sound like dying cats or divine song..’ 😉

Lisbon at Christmas time: X-mas kitsch, a giant tree & sexy X-mas lingerie

In December, thousands of colorful lights decorate Lisbon. Portuguese people love ‘the most wonderful time of the year’, celebrating Christmas with a lot of X-mas kitsch. Everywhere you look you see blinking neon lights, Christmas markets and decorated shops.

Lisbon Christmas 2009 Rua da Prata

Rua da Prata, in December…….

If you are a Christmas hater, maybe it’s a better idea to visit this fascinating city some other time of the year 😉

Movie Christmas decoration

Lisbon Christmas 2009 Theatre Dona Maria

National Theatre Teatro Nacional Doña Maria II.

Christmas time in Lisbon is similar to everywhere else in the world, except that the decorations has a higher kitsch factor.

Lisbon Christmas 2009 sexy window dressing

Rua da Palma,

lingerie shop close to one of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon, RAMIRO

Lisbon Christmas 2009 Hermes window dressing

Hermes, Largo do Chiado 9.

In Portugal people really love Christmas window dressing with animals!

Lisbon Chirstmas window dressing 2009

Of course, children love it!

Feira da Ladra alternativa recycled Nespresso cups

Creative Christmas decoration 🙂

Christmas decoration made from recycled Nespresso caps

Lisbon December 2009 Christmas and baggers

A creative idea to make some money at Christmas time……

Lisbon Christmas 2009 united colours shrinked Benetton pullovers

Benetton shop Lisbon, window dressing, Rua Garrett

The shrinked sweaters of Benetton 😉

Lisbon Restaurant the Temptations of Goa Jesus Maria2

Restaurant “Tentações (Temptations) de Goa”.

Tentações de Goa”, Rua S. Pedro Mártir, nº 23. Open for lunch from 12:00, dinner from 19:00 – 00:00. Closed on Sundays and Holidays. Vegetarian friendly.

Lisbon giant Christmas tree Praça do Comércio

NEW YEAR: on the night of December 31, Lisbon is one big street party! Live music and a fantastic fireworks display at the famous square Praça do Comércio will be filled on the night of December 31st with concerts by Portuguese bands . Cultural agenda Lisbon

According to the Portuguese tradition, twelve wishes are made to the sound of the twelve bell tolls, toasting with champaign to the new year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! FELIZ ANO NOVO!

December 1, 2014June 10, 2021

Dogs in Lisbon, help homeless dogs & BIANCA Association Sesimbra

There are lots of dogs in Lisbon, and a lot of them are quite happy…except the abandoned ones… they deserve a better life! You can help…read more about ‘BIANCA’ , Association for the protection of homeless Portuguese cats and dogs.

Poster near Miradouro da Graca Lisbon

“” Passeio o seu cão de saquinho na mão!” ‘Take your dog for a walk with a poop bag in your hand!”

I saw this funny poster near one of my favorite places in Lisbon, Miradouro da Graça, a splendid viewpoint offering a panoramic view over Lisbon.

Dogs in wintertime at flea market Feira da Ladra home made dog dresses

Home made coats… Feira da Ladra,

Lisbons’ legendary flea market in wintertime (about 18 degrees C…..)

Little dog church Rossio

This one has very sad eyes….

Near the church in Rosssio, close to Palácio da Independência (Palace of Independece) and the famous small ‘A Ginjinha’ cafe.

Rua da Costa do Castelo

Rua da Costa do Castelo,

Walking up to the old castelo São Jorge (Castle of Saint George), located on the highest of the seven hills of the historic center of Lisbon.

doggy in the window Alfama

Alfama, at lunch time (almoço).

Alfama: famous historic old neighborhood in Lisbon.

I manage to get lost every time I walk there…! It’s a labyrinth of lanes (becos) paved with pebbles, tiny alleys, steps, arches, courtyards and small squares. Houses, shouldering each other, with tiles (azulejos) and wrought iron balconies with lazy cats, birds in cages and sometimes a sleeping dog…. 🙂

Cafe Noo bai Santa Catarina Lisbon

Cafe Noobai near the river Tagus

The entrance of Cafe Noobai is located on Miradoura de Santa Catarina, also known as Adamastor. This bar and restaurant is certainly worth a visit because of the wonderful view over the Tejo river side.

Lisbon beggars using dogs Baixa

🙁 Beggar with his small dog in Lisbon city center 🙁

Beggars & dogs

In Lisbon there are many beggars on the streets. Sadly enough some of them use animals, many tourists give money to this boy. The dog doesn’t look very happy on the street in the heat of the summer……you’ll find him ‘working’ in the city center Baixa.

Dogs in Lisbon Praca Dom Pedro IV Chistmas time

Praça Dom Pedro IV at Christmas time 2009

Portugeuse waterdog Bo Obama

Portuguese Water Dog (picture: Chicago Tribune)

Obama’s daughter Malia walks the First Family’s new puppy, Bo, on the grounds of the White House.

So far, I never saw a Portuguese ‘Water Dog’ in Lisbon…… But maybe Obama bought him because these very smart dogs were often taken with sailors during the overseas Portuguese discoveries ? 😉

You can help Portuguese homeless dogs and cats…read more about ‘BIANCA’ , Association

April 26, 2014March 7, 2018

Estrela Garden Lisbon: tranquility, exotic, tram 28 stop & great children place

One of my favorites (of course the famous botanical garden Jardim Botanico is also worth a visit!) is J ardim da Estrela (Estrela Garden), one of the biggest gardens in Lisbon with a pleasant café and a huge variety of unique trees and plants.

Estrela Garden Lisbon & beautiful bandstand

It’s a great place to walk around and kids have fun here! It has small lakes, a library kiosk and a beautiful bandstand. In summer months, you may occasionally find musicians giving live concerts inside the park.

Estrela Garden exotical unique Lisbon 2

Estrela Garden Lisbon

Enjoy great moments of nature in the center of a big city…

Estrela Garden exotical unique Lisbon 3

Estrela Garden Lisbon

An oasis of peace and tranquility…..

Estrela Garden exotical unique Lisbon 4

Estrela Garden Lisbon

Wonderful exotic trees

This magnificent garden (founded in 1852) is a must-see in Lisbon. These pictures were taken at the end of November. In summertime flowers are beautifully scattered throughout the entire garden.

Lisbon Estrela Garden children

Estrela Garden Lisbon

The garden has everything that children seek: a well-equipped children’s playground.

Estrela Garden exotical unique Lisbon 5

Jardim da Estrela, Praça da Estrela,

Open daily from 07:00 – 24:00

Free entrance. Metro: Rato. Tram: 25 and 28

Lisbon Estrela Park children dogs

Estrela Garden Lisbon

Dogs have fun here. There are lots of dogs in Lisbon, and most of them are quite happy..

Lisbon Estrela Park church entrance

Estrela Garden Lisbon

Opposite the park: Basilica da Estrela church , one of the most brilliant constructions of late Baroque, with already neoclassical elements

April 18, 2014August 10, 2020

Museum of Decorative Arts Fress Lisbon: Portuguese 17th-18th C. nobility collection & arts and crafts ateliers

Would you like to see how the Portuguese nobility lived in their luxury palaces during the 17th and 18th Century? If you are planning to visit Lisbon take the opportunity to visit the Museum of Decorative Arts, the former city palace.

Museum of Decorative Arts Fress Lisbon (Museu Artes Decorativas Fress) 2014: visitors from Holland Ans de Graaf and Loek Polack & tour guide Margarida Serra

The Portuguese nobility, during the 17th and 18th Century among the world’s wealthiest, embraced the sumptuous style of ‘Versailles’ and acquired lavishly decorated items throughout the continent. “While everyone else in Europe was leveraged in that period, the Portuguese were fully financed.” More….

But there’s much more to see in this Museum, like the beautiful Portuguese tiles (azulejos). And a visit to the ateliers next to the museum is a wonderful experience!

Museum of Decorative Arts Lisbon: King Jose room (1714 – 1777): exuberantly carved furnishings in ‘Rococo’ style. Remarkable rosewood table (movie)

An example of a noble house in the 17th and 18th centuries. Portuguese aristocrats loved shopping, also in other countries: beautiful decorative arts including textiles, furniture, paintings, jewelry, collections of silverware, woven fabrics, China crockery and ceramics.

Entrance Museum of Decorative Arts Lisbon: ‘Coupé Berlin, 18th Century.

In 2009 I also wrote about this museum, at that time you were not allowed to take pictures. Now you can wander freely from room to room and take time to make photos. The Museum has suffered several changes and it is really worth a visit.

Museum of Decorative Arts Fress Lisbon: a beautilful tile panel & guided tour for children

Besides preservation, exhibition and research of the peaces in display, the Museum also promotes information throughout different audiences, converging the guided tours, as well as carrying out conferences and thematic arts- and craft workshops.

Museum of Decorative Arts Lisbon: new is a room with beautiful antique Portuguese chairs

The Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva (1900 – 1955) Foundation

Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva was the third son of a Portuguese banker with a remarkable name, because Espírito Santo means ‘Holy Ghost’. This business man, art lover and Maecenas, and besides famous as one of the most renowned Portuguese bankers, donated to Portugal the wonderful Azura Palace and a decorative art collection.

Ana Sim-Sim, our guide to the traditional Art & Crafts Ateliers and mr. Artur Sousa

Make a visit to the ateliers: an extraordinary experience!

In the former Palace there are 18 traditional Arts & Craft ateliers. Besides restoration of ancient pieces, new ones are manufactured with high technique and artistic quality, incorporating traditional techniques and methodes. A wonderful combination of modernity and tradition! Very creative people are at work here, dedicated to traditional breeding and restoration of old pieces (cabinet-making, inlays, wood carving, chiselling, book decoration, trimings and upholstery)

Museum of Decorative Arts Lisbon: romantic and quiet patio to enjoy lunch, but today it’s raining 🙁

The Museum’s Cafetaria (there’s also a space inside for rainy days): from 12:30 to 14:30 you can enjoy soup, dish, vegetarian pie, salad, bread and olives, dessert, fruit, cold tea / juice, water, coffee (€ 10.00). The buffet changes every day.

Museum of Decorative Arts Lisbon, Largo das Porta do Sol 2 & entrance to Arts & Crafts Ateliers

The Foundation Ateliers are open to guided tours without pre-booking on Monday (11 am + 3 pm), Wednesday (11 am + 3 pm) and Thursday (3 pm). In English or Portuguese (in other languages according availability). Pre-booked guided tours are available from Monday to Friday. Call (00351) 21 881 46 39/00

View from one of the Museum’s windows February 2014: popular tourist viewpoint Portas do Sol

Museum of Decorative Arts, Largo das Portas do Sol, 2 , located in the historic area Alfama, one step away from one of Lisbon’s most popular tourist attractions: viewpoint (miradouro) Portas do Sol: stunning river Tagus views!

Mr. Artur Sousa at work in one of the Museum’s ateliers. Website (FRESS) with presentation: (several Movies)

Museum of Decorative Arts, Largo das Portas do Sol Alfama , easy to reach by legendary tram 28.

Facebook Closed: New year’s Day, Easter, May 1st and Christmas (December 25). Adults 4.00 euro, free entrance children aged 12 or under. Open: 10:00 to 17:00.

March 23, 2013August 25, 2021

Bar ‘da Velha Senhora’ Lisbon: burlesque, revue & the day Cesária Évora died

If you like burlesque performances, glittering revue shows and cabaret a must-go place is bar “da Velha Senhora” (Old lady’s bar) in Lisbon! Video:

‘Hallooooooooooooooooooo!” 2 beautiful ladies invite you to enjoy the show

Bar ”da Velha Senhora” Cais do Sodré, Lisbon

While eating traditional Portuguese snacks (“petiscos“) you can enjoy various artistic performances. This bar is in the same typical Portuguese 18th-century building as “Pensão Amor” (a former ‘love’ guesthouse), with a wonderful unique décor . Also really worth a visit!

Stage Bar ”da Velha Senhora” Cais do Sodré, Lisbon

Inside, almost everything complies with the burlesque theme and imagery of Lisbon in the early twentieth century. The building itself – a cultural and artistic project – witnesses the time that thirsty sailors docked in the harbor and spent their free time drinking booze and have fun with women.

Bar ”da Velha Senhora” Cais do Sodré, Lisbon

Former Lisbon’s red light district

The stories of prostitutes and sailors are inseparable from Cais do Sodré, formerly known as Lisbon’s red light district with bars named after northern European capitals (like Copenhagen, or Roterdão, Rotterdam) to attract their sailors who stepped off their boats here.

But times have changed: nowaydays it is a great area to go out at night! Musicbox is a trendy hotspot for live bands and DJ’s, disco clubs Tokyo and Jamaica became two of the most loved alternative clubs in Lisbon.

Bar ”da Velha Senhora” & DJ Rycardo Lisbon, December 17, 2011

The day Cesária Évora died

I will never forget the day Cesária Évora died, December 17, 2011. Early in the evening we went to Bar da Velha Senhora. When DJ Rycardo started to play the famous and wonderful songs of Cesária, suddenly all the people in the bar started spontaneously clapping their hands and some began to cry … I still get goosebumps thinking about that day…!

Bar ”da Velha Senhora” & DJ Rycardo Lisbon: the day Cesária Évora died

A woman jumped on the table and started to dance……. Amazing!

Popular singer Cesária Évora, “the Barefoot Diva’, has made Cape (Cabo) Verde famous all over the world. She generally performed in bare feet, as a sign of solidarity for the large number of women and children back home in the Cape Verdean Islands who cannot afford shoes.

Cesária Évora: ‘Miss Perfumado (youtube). More about former Portuguese colony Cape Verde (from 1456-1975)

Bar ”da Velha Senhora” Cais do Sodré, Lisbon

Rua Nova do Carvalho 38, Cais do Sodré, Lisbon, tel. (00351)351 213 468 479. Open: Tuesday to Sunday 6pm to 4am . FACEBOOK

Metro: Cais do Sodré. Facebook.com/bardavelhasenhora

March 5, 2013August 10, 2020

Bistro Edelweiss Lisbon: Swiss cheese fondue, 70s retro & owners Marc and Sindi

Cheese fondue in Lisbon!? Yes! In area Príncipe Real there´s bistro Edelweiss with flavors of the Swiss Alps in a warm retro decor, inspired by the ’70s. Swiss specialties such as cherry brandy cheese fondue are always on the menu and of course the famous Swiss chocolates.

Bistro Edelweiss in neighborhood Príncipe Real Lisbon & cow Greta

The cheese fondue (€ 25 for two people) is classic: bread or potatoes, dipped in a fondue made with various Swiss cheeses and a “secret ingredient” which is a Portuguese cheese. Of course accompanied by cherry brandy (schwarzwälder kirschwasser), lit. black forest cherry water…

Bistro Edelweiss in Lisbon: cheese fondue (€ 25 for two people)

They keep changing the menu, but some specialties are always available, like Scharzwälder Schinken (Black Forest ham) with cornichons and onions, Suure Mocke (a starter: beef braised in vinegar and cream sauce) and Bratwurst mit Zwiebelsauce und Rösti (Sausage with onion sauce and Rösti).

You can find the daily menu on their facebook page.

Bistro Edelweiss in Lisbon & very sympathetic owners Marc and Sindi

Marc discovered this space a few years ago, the perfect place for the restaurant he and Sindi (Swiss origin) had in mind to open. With a background in architecture, Marc, born in Canada but emigrated to Switzerland, designed the decoration of the bistro.

The retro furniture is remarkable and the space is filled with funny 70s details, like the television with a crackling fireplace and a cuckoo clock.

The famous song Edelweiss (Youtube) , written in 1959 😉

Bistro Edelweiss Lisbon

This Bistro recreates the ambience of the Swiss Alps (painted on the windows) in Lisbon. The atmosphere is a mix of 70s retro and a ski resort. Sindi studied at the Hotel School in Switzerland and worked in several hotels in the country.

Bistro Edelweiss Lisbon: starter salad with chicory and beetroot € 5.50

My friend Erika enjoyed the cheese fondue, I tried the onion soup € 4.00: very good! Bottle of fine white Portuguese wine € 14.00. The biological apple mousse dessert (sobremesa) is one of the specialties of Sindi, the chef who runs the kitchen and creates new menus regularly. Fish and vegetarian dishes are also on the menu and of course German beer.

Bistro Edelweiss Lisbon: retro furniture & map of Switzerland on the wall

Three years ago Marc and Sindi opened the HEIDI bar in the legendary neighborhood Bairro Alto in Lisbon. The bar is closed because now they want to devote themselves exclusively to their Bistro. More info about the song:(wikipedia) Edelweiss

Bistro Edelweiss Lisbon

Bistro Edelweiss Lisbon : facebook

Dinners only (from 18h to 24h). Rua de São Marçal, 2, Lisbon. Phone 00351 21 346 5324.

July 24, 2012August 8, 2019

Lisbon: local priced restaurant Toma-Lá-dá-Cá: very popular & excellent food!

A very popular restaurant by Portuguese people is restaurant Toma-Lá-dá-Cá, a small place with traditional Portuguese cooking – excellent food and service!

Lisbon cheap restaurants Toma La Da Ca street

Restaurant Toma-Lá-dá-Cá, Travessa do Sequeiro 38, in June, when all the streets in the historical center are decorated with garlands and lights. June is the month of the ‘Festas dos Santos Populares’ (Feast Days of the Popular Saints).

Lisbon Bairro Alto cheap restaurants Toma La Da Ca

If you walk around in Bairro Alto, this is the place to go! The restaurant is near the miradouro (view spot) and terrace de Santa Catarina with a spectacular view across the River Tejo to the 25 de April Bridge.

Lisbon Restaurante Toma-La-Da-Ca kitchen

Price: less than 15 €. After 9pm it’s difficult to find a table. Traditional Portuguese cod and grilled hanger steak are the restaurant’s specialties.

If you are a bigger group or over the weekends it might be a problem. A reservation is not possible, they are always full!

Facebook

July 6, 2012May 3, 2018

Saint Anthony Lisbon party time in June: parades, sardines & Fado music

In June, the month of the Festas dos Santos Populares (Feast Days of the Popular Saints), the Lisbon nights are filled with lively festivities, parades and live music that take over the city’s historical center.

Lisbon Santo Antonio June garlands Mouraria

Mouraria

The main Saints’ days are for Santo Antonio (June 12-13), John (June 23-24) and Peter (June 28-29). Program ‘Festas de Lisboa’ (also in English)

All the streets in the historical center are decorated with garlands and lights.

Lisbon Santo Antonio 2 women Alfama

Historic Alfama, in June 2008.

Santo Antonio festivities & Portuguese flags (EFC) football

Lisbon craziest night of the year in area Alfama, nearby Mouraria (YouTube)

Lisbon Santo Antonio June restaurant A Tasquinha

Restaurant ‘A Tasquinha’,

Largo Contador Mor, Castelo area, really good sardines!

Lisbon Santo Antonio June Fado Restaurante A Tasquinha area Castelo

Eating sardines while listening to the fado singers.

Fado came long after Saint Anthony, but its major theme is nostalgia and longing-for what is lost and for what has never been gained. Anthony fits right into this scene!

Lisbn June Santo Antonio Faso Alfama

Live fado music in Alfama

The streets are filled with the delicious (strong) smell of sardines being grilled. It’s not a good time for the sardines 😉 though as everywhere in Lisbon you see people grilling sardines outside their homes and the narrow streets fill up people in party mood.

Lison Santo Antoinio June sardines

Sardines & Saint Anthony festivities belong together

On the night of June 12 you can enjoy the famous yearly Santo Antonio costume Parade. All the clubs and associations of Lisbons’ neighbourhoods descend on Avenida da Liberdade to compete for the best parade, music, costume and choreography.

Santo Antionio costume Parade Lisbon

More…..

Santo Antonio (Saint Anthony) Mouraria 2 girls