Is Lisbon gay friendly? The 2019 Spartacus International Gay Guide Index states that Portugal was voted the most gay friendly destination in the world. So it’s no surprise that its capital city is a popular LGBT vacation destination. Gay hotels in Lisbon receive visitors from near and far. They come to enjoy the many attractions that the city offers. Gay life in Lisbon never sleeps. During the day, there are LGBT beaches for sunning and swimming. Then, there are historic sites for exploring, and vibrant markets for shopping. Once the sun sets, the Lisbon gay nightlife takes center stage in the pulsating bars and clubs.
When it comes to accommodation, there’s no shortage of options for LGBT travelers. much like beautiful Porto up north. From reasonably priced guest houses to ultra-chic 5-star properties, there’s something to fit a variety of budgets. Thinking of staying in a gay area of Lisbon, Portugal? You’ll be spoilt for choice as there’s a surfeit of excellent gay Lisbon hotels in LGBT neighborhoods such as Príncipe Real, Bairro Alto, and Bairro das Colónias. Here you’ll also find the 11 Best Hotels in Lisbon.
But no matter where you decide to park your suitcase during your Portuguese gaycation, you don’t have to worry about getting around. Lisbon has a good public transit system that includes the metro, trams, and buses. Thus, the city’s myriad attractions are never too far away. And if you grab yourself a Lisbon Card, you’ll enjoy not only unlimited free access to public transit but also free admission to some of the city’s top attractions.
Lisboa Carmo Hotel
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This gay-friendly boutique hotel in Lisbon knows how to spoil its guests. At the Lisboa Carmo Hotel, you can expect impeccable service, from personalized welcome letters and delicious treats to ever-helpful multilingual staff. Housed in a beautifully restored landmark building are 45 elegant guest rooms. You can choose from double, deluxe, and premium rooms as well as spacious suites, some of which offer sweeping views of the Tagus River and the skyline. All accommodation is soundproof and comes with air-conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bar, and free toiletries in the private bathroom.
The cozy Maria do Como Restaurant recalls traditional Portuguese taverns with its warm and inviting decor and atmosphere. Delectable dishes using local and regional ingredients are served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Also available is a wide selection of fine Portuguese wines.
This 4-star hotel is located in downtown Lisbon, within easy reach of many attractions. Just a few steps away are the ruins of the Carmo Church and Convent, which used to be Lisbon’s largest church before being destroyed in a 1755 earthquake. Likewise close by is the magnificent Baroque historical landmark, the Foz Palace. And just a 5-minute walk away is a well-known gay area of Lisbon: the Bairro Alto, whose steep, cobbled streets are lined with lively bars.
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Casa Do Principe
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Named after the 19th-century Portuguese monarch King Pedro V, Casa Do Principe provides facilities and services fit for royalty. This unique B&B is located in a wonderfully restored historic building and features authentic decoration from the 19th century. The establishment’s 9 suites and rooms, some with a private balcony, reflect important parts of the king’s life. For instance, the Voyages Room pays tribute to his early travels as a Royal Prince while the Sintra Mountains Room is an homage to the village where he lived as a child. All rooms are air-conditioned, have free Wi-Fi, and come with premium bathroom amenities.
This is not one of the gay hotels in Lisbon, but it is a gay-friendly B&B. It sits in the Principe Real Square, facing the Lisbon Botanical Garden and the Principe Real Garden. The bustling Mercado da Ribeira food market is within easy reach. Just a short walk away is the Avenida da Liberdade, part of the Pride Parade route. Also, you’ll find that close by are popular gay bars and clubs in Lisbon such as Bar Cru, TR3S, and Trumps.
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H10 Duque De Loule
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Opened in 2015, the elegant H10 Duque De Loule is one of the gay friendly hotels in Lisbon that exudes an unmistakable charm. The 18th-century facade of this historic building gives a hint as to the charms that lie within, including traditional Portuguese tiles. These were hand-painted exclusively for the hotel. Blue and white tones predominate in all the elegant rooms and suites, some of which have a cozy reading corner beside the window.
The Azul e Branco restaurant serves up tantalizing fusions of Portuguese and Spanish cuisines while the Equestre Bar is the perfect place for a cup of coffee. And at the Limão Rooftop Bar, you and your significant other can enjoy a romantic drink under the light of the moon. For an even more memorable way to end the day, we recommend the 2-Hour Sunset Cruise on the Tagus River, just 2 km (1.25 miles) from this 4-star hotel.
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Sete Colinas
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Comfortable stays at reasonable prices are what’s in store for you at this lovely LGBT-friendly hotel in Lisbon. You can choose from twin standard, double standard, and double superior rooms, all of which are air-conditioned, undergo daily housekeeping and come with a TV and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms have lovely little balconies. Automatic wake-up calls and laundry facilities are available. The friendly and helpful staff is composed of multilingual members.
Sete Colinas sits just a few steps away from the Anjos metro station and a 10-minute drive from Lisbon Airport. It’s located in an old building on Avenida Almirante Reis, one of the city’s longest avenues. In the area are many other historic buildings such as the Igreja dos Anjos as well as other structures from the Art Deco and Art Nouveau periods.
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Anjo Azul
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The 4-story Anjo Azul is an attractive blend of the old and the new. Situated in a beautifully restored structure dating from the 18th century, it offers spacious double, twin, triple, and family rooms. Each unit comes with a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a safety deposit box. Some have a kitchenette or a separate seating area.
Once again, not exclusively one of the gay hotels in Lison, this is gay friendly accommodation’s one of Lisbon’s top draws. You can expect the staff to extend every kind of help possible for an enjoyable stay, from recommending the best bars and restaurants to booking a cab for you.
Anjo Azul is in the Chiado district, a gay neighborhood in Lisbon, Portugal. There are plenty of cafes here that are popular with both gay and straight crowds. Meanwhile, the gay bars and clubs of the Bairro Alto are just a short walk away. Also within walking distance are the Bica Funicular railway line, the statue of the 16th-century poet Luís de Camões in the eponymous city square, and the landscaped garden of the scenic Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.
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My Story Hotel Ouro
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Like many other LGBT-friendly hotels in Lisbon, My Story Hotel Ouro is in a charming 18th-century building. Each of the 51 rooms spread across 4 floors features a music system, a laptop safe, and smoke detectors. A jacuzzi and premium toiletries are in the private bathroom. Some rooms offer stunning views of the city and the fortifications of St. George’s Castle. At the restaurant, you can enjoy traditional Portuguese dishes.
This charming 3-star hotel is in the Baixa district, Lisbon’s historic core. Close by is the Rossio, a public square that dates from the Middle Ages that’s also the site of an enticing Christmas market. Also worth a visit is the Lisbon Cathedral. Called the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa or simple the Sé de Lisboa, it was built in 1147 and exhibits a mixture of different architectural styles. Meanwhile, the oldest parts of nearby St. George’s Castle go way back to the 6th century. It sits on a hilltop, affording sweeping views of the city. And if you’re jonesing for Lisbon gay nightlife, you’ll be glad to know that the Bairro Alto is within walking distance.
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Flores Guest House
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Take your pick from 23 stylish and comfortable rooms, suites, and apartments at this lovely property in central Lisbon. Flores Guest House offers cozy rooms, some with a private balcony, kitchenette, or garden view. There are one-bedroom apartments on the top and ground floor, as well as a well-equipped penthouse apartment. Each type of accommodation is air-conditioned, has a private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and satellite TV.
Start the day off with one of the guest house’s popular breakfast baskets or grab the seasonal fruits available at the reception. The property’s private garden with its tall, leafy trees is a great place to unwind.
The guest house is located just a stone’s throw from the Praça das Flores public square where shops, restaurants, and cafes abound. The ebullient gay Lisbon area of Bairro Alto is a mere 800 meters (half a mile) away. For a unique and fun experience, check out the Drag Queen Brunch at LX Factory. It’s an eat-all-you-can extravaganza of Portuguese and international dishes prepared by a colorful crew of drag chefs and catering queens.
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Hello Lisbon Bairro Alto Apartments
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Feel right at home in any of the chic and spacious units at Hello Lisbon Bairro Alto Apartments. This 4-star property boasts 11 studio apartments, each of which has a full kitchen, satellite TV, and high-speed wireless Internet. The private bathrooms feature rainfall showerheads and deep soaking tubs. Daily housekeeping is provided, and a 24-hour front desk is ready to assist you at all hours of the day and night.
Book a room here and you’ll be just steps from the enigmatic Fado in Chiado concert hall, the earliest Jesuit church in the Portuguese world (Igreja de São Roque) and the historic Luís de Camões Square. And, since this establishment sits in the heart of Bairro Alto, the city’s most popular gay bars and clubs are just a short stroll away.
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Bairro Alto Hotel
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In search of a gay friendly luxury hotel in Lisbon? Look no further than the Bairro Alto Hotel. This 5-star boutique hotel, occupying an 18th-century building, underwent a refurbishment that saw it rise to the top of its class. It features opulent suites that epitomize comfort and sophistication as well as colorful rooms that evoke classic Portuguese features. The restaurant offers mouthwatering cuisine from renowned chefs Nuno Mendes and Bruno Rocha. Meanwhile, a drink or a meal at the Terrace means dining with a stunning view of the city’s rooftops and the Tagus River.
Situated between the hip Bairro Alto and the genteel Chiado neighborhoods, the hotel is centrally located and conveniently close to the best of gay life in Lisbon. Culture vultures will also appreciate the hotel’s proximity to the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Dona Maria II National Theatre.
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My Rainbow Rooms Gay Men’s Guest House
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Comfortable rooms, sophisticated amenities, and excellent service. These are some of the things that make My Rainbow Rooms Gay Men’s Guest House one of the best gay Lisbon hotels. It’s a luxurious complex designed exclusively for gay male visitors and no holds are barred in terms of seeing to guests’ comfort.
The rooms are made extra spacious with lofty ceilings. Egyptian cotton linen plus fluffy pillows and comforters help ensure a good night’s sleep. Every room also has a flat-screen TV. Guests can also enjoy free access to thousands of TV shows and movies from the on-demand entertainment library. The doors and the in-room safe are secured with electronic combination locks. The bathrooms feature heated floors and two-person showers, and free coffee and tea are available 24/7.
The guest house lies in a peaceful residential area, a 2-minute walk from the Saldanha subway station. Restaurants, cafes, bars, and supermarkets are all within walking distance.
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The Late Birds Lisbon – Gay Urban Resort
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Occupying a fully restored 18th-century building, the Late Birds Lisbon – Gay Urban Resort welcomes gay men from near and far. Come in the summer and luxuriate in the chemical-free, UV-treated pool or stroll under palm and orange trees in the aromatic garden. If you visit in the winter, you can chill to relaxing music in the lounge and sample a great selection of cocktails and Portuguese wine and beer at one of the nicest gay friendly hotels in Lisbon.
The selection of accommodations here includes rooms and suites with views of the garden. Some have terraces too. All rooms feature climate control, high-speed Internet, and a widescreen iMac. A free buffet breakfast is likewise available to guests. Floor-to-ceiling windows and Riga hardwood floors add a touch of elegant modernity.
The most popular gay bars and venues of the Bairro Alto are just a 10-minute walk from the guest house. Yet, because of its location along a quiet street, guests can expect a peaceful stay. And, for a tasty experience in Lisbon, head to the Lisbon Winery just a 9-minute walk to the east. Join a 2-Hour Wine and Tapas Tasting Session, where various Portuguese wines accompany traditional food.
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Just So You Know:
- Unlike many of the world’s biggest pride parades, Lisbon’s Pride Parade marks the start of the Pride Festival, not the end. Also called the Marcha do Orgulho LGBT, the parade happens on the first Saturday of the Pride festival each June.
- Portugal legalized same-sex marriage in 2010. In 2015, it did the same thing for same-sex adoption.
- The annual Lisbon Bear Pride gathers bears, admirers, and allies from all over the world for a week of bar tours, circuit parties, dinners, and boat cruises.
- Beach 19 or Praia de Bela Vista is among Portugal’s most popular gay nude beaches. It’s also one of the largest in Europe. This beach sits at the southern end of the Costa da Caparica district, roughly 15 minutes by car from downtown Lisbon.
Get Some Culture in Lisbon:
- Old Lisbon Half-Day LGBT Walking Tour – Join other LGBT travelers from all over the world on a 4-hour stroll through charming neighborhoods. You’ll get a free map of Lisbon’s gay scene as well as a shot of the Portuguese liqueur called ginginha.
- Queer Lisboa International Queer Film Festival – Created in 1997, this is Lisbon’s oldest film festival. It features exclusively films with LGBT themes. The festival also gives awards for the Best Feature Film, Queer Art, School Film, Short Film, and Documentary.
Best Gay Bars / Clubs in Lisbon:
- Bar Cru – This intimate cruising bar and fetish store in Principe Real holds naked, underwear, and fetish parties 365 days a year.
- Bar TR3S Lisboa – Also in the Principe Real gay neighborhood, this is a well-known bears bar that’s famous for its friendly service, great selection of food and drinks, and fun-filled theme parties.
- Burlesque Club Lisbon – Part of the Bairro Alto neighborhood, this gay club is popular for its funky decor, drink specials, live performances, and DJ sets. Visitors can dance the night away under a chandelier!
Best Gay Saunas in Lisbon:
- SaunApolo56 – Kiki Pais de Sousa opened this establishment in 2011 and it’s become a vital part of gay life in Lisbon. It’s touted as Portugal’s sole mixed LGBT sauna. Here, the services and facilities include spa treatments, a bar and buffet, a movie theater, and glory holes.
- Trombeta Bath – Offering the gay community top-notch well-being experiences is what this gay sauna in Lisbon is all about. In addition to massages, a dry sauna, and jacuzzi, guests can also enjoy the bar and movie area. In addition, Trombeta Bath offers live sex shows, a sex lounge, cabins and glory holes, a dark-room labyrinth. Free condoms and STD tests are likewise available.
- 3 Sauna – A 19-minute drive south of central Lisbon, this gay sauna in Charneca de Caparica is a popular spot for relaxation. It features a dry sauna, a large steam bath, and a jacuzzi big enough to fit 12 bears or 20 twinks. Guests can take a dip in the heated swimming pool or relax on sunbeds in the garden. Condoms and lubes are provided for free.