If you're new to Lisbon, you'll be intrigued by the Portuguese guitar, a beautiful "alaúde"-style guitar that resembles a sitar on the first strumming. It's delicate and magical but will make a room vibrate with it's old, melodic, Arabian-like sound. If you're a musician like me, this is heaven: one of the oldest musical instrument shop in town, my favourite playground!
I could easily spend half a day inside testing new instruments while smiling like a kid with cotton candy. If you're not a musician? Don’t worry - you’ll become one! There are instruments out of this world: check a Portuguese Fado guitar, with a very unique orientalish sound with a kind of natural delay that will echo in the streets. There are also other Portuguese traditional instruments like Cavaquinhos, a small 4-string guitar that was born in the North and travelled the world and the seven seas, to distant places like Cape Verde, Brazil, and ended up in Hawaii when it changed his name to Ukulele.
Ask Carolina, the grand-daughter of the founder, what you’re looking for, and she’ll help you in no time. Besides the Portuguese traditional instruments, there are electric guitars and basses from the major brands, flutes, drums and all sorts of accessories.
If you want to try something rare and exclusive, forget about the mandolins; get your hands on the Campaniças and Amarantinas traditional guitars and you’ll easily lose your head for a new sound and a perfect souvenir of your loving stay in Lisbon.
Find your way with 199 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
A stylish Lisbon café meets a cozy bookstore. Sip Olisipo coffee, enjoy pastries, work until 17:00, then unwind with wine, cocktails, and live music.
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"Lisb'On Rollers" is the quintessential inline skating community in Lisbon. Come here to make new friends and share your passion for this exciting hobby!
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"Largo do Carmo" is a very charismatic square in downtown Lisbon. Its history stretches from before 1755 to the more recent Carnation Revolution...
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"Mondego" is a restaurant in Lisbon in a hidden corner behind Rossio that's a true breath of fresh air, despite being wholly traditional & Portuguese...
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"Stage Center Maiolle" in Lisbon will change your opinion about ballet dancing. I had a trauma surrounding ballet, and when I came, I didn't want to leave.
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"Fábrica Braço de Prata" in Lisbon is a cultural venue located where there used to be an armaments factory. Swords to ploughshares, you might say!
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Ferries make public transport an adventure! Ride from Trafaria to Caparica for a relaxed beach day or enjoy views of Belém before a fresh seafood feast.
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In Lisbon’s city center, Jardim Braancamp Freire is a park full of birds; ducks, geese, roosters. In spring, cute ducklings appear.
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Discover Lisbon’s a hidden miradouro with sun, shade, and Simo’s quiosque serving drinks, tostas, and good vibes — sometimes even live music!
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Jardim do Caracol da Penha is a wonderful spot for sunbathing. It has a community garden, a slide, and stunning views for a peaceful break.
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Lero Lero is a cozy wine bar and pizzeria with a soulful soundtrack, rotating wines, and unique flavors like grelos pizza. A special choice for a night out!
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199 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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✓ 199 Insider Tips