Jun 3, 2025

Lisbon’s Retro Typography Lisbon

Front-shop signage

""Lisbon’s Retro Typography" is in danger, so I invite you to take pictures of the colorful kitsch lettering & nonsense names before they're gone forever..."

Recently, Lisbon started to suffer the consequences of overtourism and gentrification. Some historical shops have closed and soon, new places opened with clean, welcoming, “Nordic” design... the same one you get, let’s say, everywhere. What happened to the old ceramic tiles, the beautiful iron doors and the retro outdated neons? They're all gone.

Although I have lots of photos from Lisboan retro typography, in order to make sure that we have a good photo archive, I wanted to invite you to explore the unexpected beauty of this form of decaying advertising.

Welcome to a world of kitsch lettering and colourful nonsense names. It’s a world in danger and although the town hall is taking measures to protect the historical shops, some will be gone as you’re reading this article, and the same will happen to the old retro writing that makes our shops so beautifully kitsch.

Explore the downtown, take a good look at some of these pearls, and enjoy a good dive in retro typing. They’re everywhere downtown close to the main squares of Rossio or Figueira.

Amsterdam
Antwerp
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture
002-building
Art & culture

About this spot

Rua 1º de Dezembro

free

Find your way with 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Lisbon guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Lisbon

Origem

100% healthy good food

"Origem" is a restaurant in Lisbon with food that doesn't leave you feeling guilty - I love their organic, delicious soup and 'at first sight' desserts!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cláudio

Carneiro

Jun 5, 2025

Cemitério dos Prazeres

Strange attraction

"Cemitério dos Prazeres" in Lisbon means 'the cemetery of pleasures' (great start-off point). It's aristocratic and very big; I'm just attracted to it...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cláudio

Carneiro

Jun 5, 2025

Loja da Laurinda

Historical shop

"Loja da Laurinda" in Lisbon is a traditional old shop that has everyday household articles (that also make perfect gifts). It's from another era...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Alexandre

Cotovio

Jun 4, 2025

Taste of Punjab

Tandori restaurant

"Taste of Punjab" in Lisbon has great Indian food for a reasonable price. It's not modern, crowded or touristic. Here you can just take your time & enjoy!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Alexandre

Cotovio

Jun 4, 2025

Lavra Funicular

A lift with a destination

"Lavra Funicular" in Lisbon may not be as fun to ride as others, but it's the most charming and quiet public transport in the city. It's my favorite...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cláudio

Carneiro

Jun 3, 2025

Pastelaria Aloma

World's best "natas"

"Pastelaria Aloma" is a place where you get find the best pastéis de nata I'd argue! This spot has an interesting story to tell in regards to their recipe.

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nuno

Lopes de Paula

Jun 3, 2025

Carvoaria Jacto

Perfectly cooked meat

"Carvoaria Jacto" Lisbon is where I loved to go to back then when I was a meat-lover. This nice restaurant perfectly cooks meat to satisfy your meat crave.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Nuno

Lopes de Paula

Jun 3, 2025

Muro Azul

The Outcasts

"Muro Azul" in Lisbon, or the 'Blue Wall', is a hidden mural commissioned by a partnership between the Psychiatric hospital and the Urban Art Gallery...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Nuno

Lopes de Paula

Jun 3, 2025

Festas Lisboa 2025

Santo Antonio's Feast

Lisbon glows for Santo António! With music, parades, grilled sardines, and love in the air, the city celebrates its beloved matchmaker saint in style.

002-building
Art & culture
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Nuno

Lopes de Paula

Jun 3, 2025

A LOBA'MA

The Bad Female Wolf

The staff is super nice. Service is fast. Ambient music is pleasant. And most important of all - it delivers a variety of delicious brunch packs.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cláudio

Carneiro

Jun 2, 2025

Magokoro Ramen

Tokyo's "Uprightness" in Lisbon

Magokoro translates to "sincerity, pure heart, uprightness", and deliver a variety of very delicious ramen. For dessert, Mochi. And to drink - Asahi beer.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Cláudio

Carneiro

Jun 2, 2025

Mãe D'Água Amoreiras Reservoir

Water Temple

"Mãe D'Água Amoreiras Reservoir"" a jewel unknown to tourists. It's Lisbon's old reservoir - noawadays, it's a Water Temple. I always almost jump inside...

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Cláudio

Carneiro

Jun 2, 2025

Heading to Lisbon?

208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

208 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Lisbon

Get to know our other Spotters from Lisbon

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
22
Filters