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.
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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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"Barbearia Campos" in Lisbon is one of Europe's oldest barber shops. Come here, get freshened up like the famous and start feeling the pulse of the city!
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"Caza das Vellas Loreto" Lisbon was founded on the same day of the French Revolution. They light their candles for all sorts of events and is beautiful...
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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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"Pastelaria Mexicana" Lisbon is a Portugese family run fine pastry shop near Londes square. I'd suggest going for cake with a cup of cold milk- heavenly!
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The "Campo de Ourique Market" was recently reborn; it's no longer a market: now 30-40-somethings go there to enjoy themselves at the bars & restaurants.
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"Tapada das Necessidades" is one of Lisbon's parks that are hidden in plain sight. It's a great place for a walk or picnic with great views over the city.
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"O Careca" Lisbon is a place where I'd highly recommend to drop by if you like yourself a delicious freshly baked croissant! A cozy spot to start the day
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"Bairro Alto" Lisbon is a neighborhood located on one of the hills, a trendy and pleasant quarter where designers and intellectuals reside
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"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...
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186 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 186 Insider Tips from our local Spotters