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 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"Gelados Conchanata" Lisbon is a original gelato bar opened by the Tarlattini's in 1948, offering a rich selection of the Italian favorites. My favorite!
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"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.
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"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.
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You can find the "Lisbon Irish Sessions" every Monday at 21:30 at O'Gillins Irish pub. Cause Portuguese folk has a lot in common with Celtic music!
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The "Carmo Archaeological Museum", built at an old church that barely survived the 1755 earthquake, enchants me every time I visit. Open-air concerts, too!
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"Marvila & Beato" are two neighborhoods in Lisbon going through beautiful and well-thought out gentrification which when done bad has spoilt other places.
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"Jardim do Cerco da Graça" is the biggest green area inside the historical zone in Lisbon. I'm very proud about writing and enjoying this spot!
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"Dalí Cozinha Surreal" in Lisbon is a restaurant whose whole concept is serving surreally creative, good food, also inspired by world cuisine!
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"Livraria Ler Devagar" Lisbon is inside a giant factory that was once abandoned. What I love about the bookstore/cafe? The 'Gepeto meets industrial' vibe.
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"Museu do Oriente" Lisbon has the best brunch in town. I like to book the 14:30 - 17:00 slot and skip lunch....
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"Mercearia do Páteo Alfacinha" Lisbon is a old restaurant that's been around since 1981 which has a piece of history attached to it and a delicious menu!
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"Casa do Lago" is a bar/restaurant in Lisbon in Jardin do Campo Grande. I love combining a boat trip with a passage from the terrace and having a coffee!
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208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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