Queer Lisbon - A Treasure Hunt in LGBT History

5.0 (95 reviews) 3 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

95 reviews

5.0

Queer Lisbon - A Treasure Hunt in LGBT History — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Queer Lisbon - A Treasure Hunt in LGBT History, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Every Tuesday and Saturday (contact me for other days/dates) this fun tour brings Lisbon’s queer history to life through an adventure (in English) around the main gay-scene neighbourhoods of Bairro Alto and Principe Real. Hear fascinating stories of love and drama that bring queer history to life as we visit the sights of Lisbon’s fascinating, scandalous (sometimes bizarre!) queer history and the modern gay scene. And we finish with a drink at a gay hotel.

Plus, you get a copy of 'Alex's LONG LIST - guide to LGBTQ Lisbon & Portugal' - over 150 pages of essential information, written by locals & updated every month. 'Alex's LONG LIST' features venues, maps, queer events, gay beach guide (and how to get there), nightclubs, bars, saunas, Women's venues and events, relaxed bars, crazy cabaret venues, Lisbon on a budget, Trans/non-binary spaces, community/sports/social groups, health services, etc

Half-day Tours Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate Short term availability

At a glance

Duration: 3 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 15 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Written guide: English
Operated by: Queer Lisbon: a Treasure Hunt in LGBTQ History

Ages: Adults (16–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Discover the modern gay scene as you stroll from one stop to the next
Included: Hear fun stories, scandals and anecdotes of Lisbon's fascinating queer history
Included: Meet new friends in the group and we finish in a gay hotel lounge
Included: Get your PDF copy of ‘Alex’s LONG LIST' updated guide to LGBTQ Lisbon (Normally 15 Euros)

Not included

Not included: Private transportation

Itinerary

Jardim do Principe Real

6 min

We start with introductions in the gardens of in Jardim Principe Real and then begin touring the historic sites of Lisbon weird and wonderful queer history!
Jardim do Principe Real

6 min

The Monument to the victims of homophobia. A sober stop on our tour, which acknowledges the past (which we will learn more about) but also celebrates the progress to Lisbon's thriving queer scene today!
Praca do Principe Real

6 min

Lisbon Pride and 'EuroPride'. This square is the starting point for Lisbon Pride (and will be for 'EuroPride' 2025!)- Find out how Lisbon Pride is unique and why it matters; and how EuroPride is coming to Lisbon!
Stop 4

6 min

Managing the HIV pandemic. Hear about Lisbon's success in managing HIV/AIDS - and get essential health service info for queer men - and women.
Construction Lisbon Club

6 min

Everyone should know this long-standing dance venue for a queer night out in Lisbon. This place, and the neighbouring lesbian venues, have stories to tell about queer nights out in Lisbon.
Stop 6

6 min

Stories from cruising in the 1950s parks, that 'thing' in the Botanical Gardens, 'offending morals' and how men dodged the (hopeless! :-) ) police!
Stop 7

6 min

You need to know about Lisbon's largest queer nightclub - Two floors with two different vibes. Since 1980!

Lisbon knows - this place can make you gay!
Stop 8

6 min

Stories from Lisbon's first lesbian bar - 'O Gato Verde' (The Green Cat) - a Lisbon institution with heaps of history!
Stop 9

6 min

The first drag bar in Lisbon!

The 1974 revolution liberated enthusiasm for drag - Until it didn't...! Hear the rise and fall story of Lisbon's first drag queen.
Bar 106

6 min

Leave a message for friends at Bar 106 - A great place to know.
Shelter Bar Lisboa

6 min

Where the Bears are (part 1)!
Finalmente Club

6 min

The best (and oldest) drag in town - 'Finally!' Essential to know the different shows and different times.
Bar TR3S Lisboa

6 min

Where the Bears are (part 2).

Bear Pride, beach clubs, party nights, a sauna and sports sponsorship...
Stop 14

6 min

Legal Challenges at the Constitutional Courts!

Hear about Portugal's long journey from dictatorship values to Constitutional Protection for LGBTQ rights.
Stop 15

6 min

'Long Live Homosexuality'.

The first 'homosexual manifesto' - early steps suppressed, and eventual success.
Stop 16

6 min

From love-nests to luxury apartments and modern saunas.

The steamy story of the ‘Two Fernandes’ - 19Century scandal and saunas!
Stop 17

6 min

A dance floor for everyone, run by women - plus vagina jewellery!
Stop 18

6 min

The right woman to kill your ox!

Who was this amazing women who confounded conventions and dismissed nosey journalists in the 1940s.
Stop 19

6 min

19th Century scandal! The Marquis of Valada naked in the arms of a common soldier! Disgraced politicians, political blackmail and ultimate survival.
Teatro da Trindade

6 min

Secrets inside my bra!

Bisexual jazz-legend Josephine Baker dodges the secret police and spying in wartime Lisbon.
Stop 21

6 min

'Women in love - but not with men'!

Queer fiction, censorship and compromised censors.
Igreja de Sao Roque

15 min

The Portuguese Inquisition provides a window into queer history - Sex in church! Lesbian nuns, a ‘demonic penis’ and a Trans love story - four stories of bold determination that have survived from the 16th, 17th & 18th Centuries!
Stop 23

6 min

“I love you because I love you"

Fernand Pessoa - a great writer who didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but is now recognised for his gay writing and is reclaimed.
Stop 24

6 min

Late Birds Hotel - our final stop in the lounge/ bar/ garden/ pool of Lisbon's largest gay hotel. (Did you bring your swimming costume!?).

Pub-quiz and prizes.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meeting point: On the corner of the garden square of Principe Real; outside number 18, Praça do Príncipe Real; by the children's play corner.

We are easy to find – just look for the Rainbow Umbrella.

End point

We finish in the lounge/ bar/ garden/ pool of Late Birds Hotel - Lisbon's largest gay hotel (bring your swimming costume if the weather's good).

Using your ticket

Meeting point: In the garden square of Principe Real; outside number 18, Praça do Príncipe Real; by the children's play corner. Googlemaps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XAp899ch94EuBksA6

We are easy to find – just look for the Rainbow Umbrella.