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
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!
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!
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!
Managing the HIV pandemic. Hear about Lisbon's success in managing HIV/AIDS - and get essential health service info for queer men - and women.
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.
Stories from cruising in the 1950s parks, that 'thing' in the Botanical Gardens, 'offending morals' and how men dodged the (hopeless! :-) ) police!
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!
Stories from Lisbon's first lesbian bar - 'O Gato Verde' (The Green Cat) - a Lisbon institution with heaps of history!
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.
Leave a message for friends at Bar 106 - A great place to know.
Where the Bears are (part 1)!
The best (and oldest) drag in town - 'Finally!' Essential to know the different shows and different times.
Where the Bears are (part 2). Bear Pride, beach clubs, party nights, a sauna and sports sponsorship...
Legal Challenges at the Constitutional Courts! Hear about Portugal's long journey from dictatorship values to Constitutional Protection for LGBTQ rights.
'Long Live Homosexuality'. The first 'homosexual manifesto' - early steps suppressed, and eventual success.
From love-nests to luxury apartments and modern saunas. The steamy story of the ‘Two Fernandes’ - 19Century scandal and saunas!
A dance floor for everyone, run by women - plus vagina jewellery!
The right woman to kill your ox! Who was this amazing women who confounded conventions and dismissed nosey journalists in the 1940s.
19th Century scandal! The Marquis of Valada naked in the arms of a common soldier! Disgraced politicians, political blackmail and ultimate survival.
Secrets inside my bra! Bisexual jazz-legend Josephine Baker dodges the secret police and spying in wartime Lisbon.
'Women in love - but not with men'! Queer fiction, censorship and compromised censors.
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!
“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.
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: 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.
Meet at departure 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).
This experience may be offered in different versions. Live availability above shows the options available for your date and traveler mix.
Booking size: 1–15 travelers per reservation.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.