Mouraria district is part of ancient Lisbon from the time Portugal wasn't even a country. Lisbon's history goes back more than 2000 years combining Moorish and Roman occupation, battles, fight for power and influence, intrigue and treachery until the foundation of Portugal with king Dom Afonso Henriques (12th century).
As the city grew and expanded its limits, Mouraria stood behind, forgotten, unaware of the changes and closed in on itself; it ended up being a place of refugees, poverty, a cultural mix of people from many origins and a bohemian nightlife of prostitutes and alcohol. On the hill to the castle, people gathered here to trade, do business or sell things outside the city's walls; incredibly, it remains so until today – except that the city walls are long gone. I often heard its inhabitants, my neighbors, talk about those times and feel the difference between "high" and "low" Mouraria as if the wall was still there, separating them.
Renovar a Mouraria is an association working toward minorities' integration, cultural activities and guided tours with the intent of showing and bringing people to Mouraria. At their headquarters you can eat, drink, dance, watch exhibitions, learn several languages and more.
Find your way with 206 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"Royal Café" is a nice, almost hidden place to have breakfast, lunch or an afternoon snack in Lisbon. Their main specialties are natural, organic products.
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"RD's Restaurante" is THE Nepalese restaurant in the city. I love their momos in every version. Very tasty and great if you're on a budget!
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MAAT, a stunning modern building in Lisbon, offers a permanent exhibition on electricity and rotating art shows. Enjoy the river views and café afterward!
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Lisbon was sleeping while some of the new urban artists and graffiti artists were painting and drawing over vacant buildings in town...
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"Conserveira de Lisboa" Lisbon is a traditional grocery shop located in the city centre offering an excellent selection of local products and fresh stock.
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"Mercado de Alvalade Norte" Lisbon is a local market offering a selection of fresh live stock and delicious bites, featuring anything from fish to fruits!
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"The Amoreiras Wall" is a huge mural, perhaps the biggest graffiti wall in the Iberian Peninsula, and most definitely in Lisbon, an open-air museum!
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