Casa Independente Lisbon
Cultural palace
There's an area in Lisbon where once the streets were packed with drug dealers, prostitutes and other creatures of the night. One day, Lisbon's Mayor moved here, and everything changed for the better. Policemen started patrolling the streets! Wow! I'm glad I pay my taxes. The area was renewed, and soon a creative spontaneous movement started in the decrepit quarter: small bars and cosy restaurants popped up and people started occupying old houses that were falling apart in the Intendente area.
This is a artistic project by Ironia Tropical, an original idea by three girls: Patrícia, Inês and Joana. They organized concerts but needed a place to settle, a starting point. They established themselves in an old palace near Martim Moniz and things started to get into shape. Old furniture, vintage decoration and a great cultural agenda with different kinds of music, good food and a relaxing terrace perfect to read a book. They wanted to bring back the "Grémios": cultural cooperatives places where people gathered to chat, dance and drink back in the old days. There was a "Grémio" here before, but that was closed in 1938 by the dictatorship.
When you step inside, it looks like you're in some old movie scenario, everything has come back to life. The old rooms beautifully decorated, outside, the terrace is excellent for a cold beer or a hot chocolate. This is a place where you can find everything and easily spend the whole afternoon, and maybe stay for dinner and live music!
About this spot
Find your way with 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Lisbon
Cortiço & Netos
A historical collection of tiles
"Cortiço & Netos" in Lisbon is a place of recent Portuguese history - it could be a museum instead of a shop with the best tiles from the last 50 years...
by
Alexandre
Cotovio
Bairro de Alfama
Old and picturesque
"Bairro de Alfama" is a spot that offers a picture-perfect view of the city of Lisbon, putting its beauty into perspective...
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Bairro Alto
Bohemiam Rhapsody
"Bairro Alto" Lisbon is a neighborhood located on one of the hills, a trendy and pleasant quarter where designers and intellectuals reside
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
A Padaria do Povo
Tradition restored
"A Padaria do Povo" Lisbon is a cosy resturant that serves delicious traditional food, perfect for a dinner with a loved one. I love this place very much!
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Restaurante Tico-Tico
Grandma's favourite
"Restaurante Tico-Tico" is an old Alvalade favourite for as long as I can remember. This restaurant probably serves the best meat croquettes in Lisbon.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Cantina das Freiras
Secret Spot #1
"Cantina das Freiras" in Lisbon is a truly secret cantina/restaurant, with a stunning view and amazing prices. You must promise not to tell. I'm serious.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Pho Pu
Fresh Vietnamese food
Pho Pu is a small and busy Vietnamese restaurant in Lisbon. It's cheap and serves generous portions. Oh, how much I'd missed vibrant Vietnamese food...
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
LX Factory
Under the bridge
"LX Factory" Lisbon is a creative mini-city that has everything from interesting architecture to music, home to design companies, galleries and studios.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Miradouro Keil do Amaral
Magical nature
"Miradouro Keil do Amaral" in Lisbon goes completely unnoticed in the middle of Monsanto forest... I think it's a magical place where I go to just relax.
by
Sandra
Lopes
Jorge D'Amália
A steak with a horseback egg?
"Jorge D'Amália" is a tasca in Lisbon that serves amazing bitoques, steaks with a horseback fried egg. In my opinion it doesn't get more Lisboan than this.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Heading to Lisbon?
208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Lisbon?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 208 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Lisbon
Get to know our other Spotters from Lisbon
As featured on:
