Queer Lisbon - A Treasure Hunt in LGBT History
At a glance
Queer Lisbon - A Treasure Hunt in LGBT History is a 3h 30m small-group experience in Lisbon, Portugal, operated by Queer Lisbon: a Treasure Hunt in LGBTQ History. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 93 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $57.26 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Discover the modern gay scene as you stroll from one stop to the next, Hear fun stories, scandals and anecdotes of Lisbon's fascinating queer history, Meet new friends in the group and we finish in a gay hotel lounge.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 15 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 24 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 15 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
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
What's included
What's included
- Discover the modern gay scene as you stroll from one stop to the next
- Hear fun stories, scandals and anecdotes of Lisbon's fascinating queer history
- Meet new friends in the group and we finish in a gay hotel lounge
- Get your PDF copy of ‘Alex’s LONG LIST' updated guide to LGBTQ Lisbon (Normally 15 Euros)
Not included
- Private transportation
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 6m
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!
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Stop 2 · 6m
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!
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Stop 3 · 6m
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!
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Stop 4 · 6m
Managing the HIV pandemic. Hear about Lisbon's success in managing HIV/AIDS - and get essential health service info for queer men - and women.
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Stop 5 · 6m
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.
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Stop 6 · 6m
Stories from cruising in the 1950s parks, that 'thing' in the Botanical Gardens, 'offending morals' and how men dodged the (hopeless! :-) ) police!
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Stop 7 · 6m
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 · 6m
Stories from Lisbon's first lesbian bar - 'O Gato Verde' (The Green Cat) - a Lisbon institution with heaps of history!
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Stop 9 · 6m
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. -
Stop 10 · 6m
Leave a message for friends at Bar 106 - A great place to know.
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Stop 11 · 6m
Where the Bears are (part 1)!
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Stop 12 · 6m
The best (and oldest) drag in town - 'Finally!' Essential to know the different shows and different times.
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Stop 13 · 6m
Where the Bears are (part 2).
Bear Pride, beach clubs, party nights, a sauna and sports sponsorship... -
Stop 14 · 6m
Legal Challenges at the Constitutional Courts!
Hear about Portugal's long journey from dictatorship values to Constitutional Protection for LGBTQ rights. -
Stop 15 · 6m
'Long Live Homosexuality'.
The first 'homosexual manifesto' - early steps suppressed, and eventual success. -
Stop 16 · 6m
From love-nests to luxury apartments and modern saunas.
The steamy story of the ‘Two Fernandes’ - 19Century scandal and saunas! -
Stop 17 · 6m
A dance floor for everyone, run by women - plus vagina jewellery!
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Stop 18 · 6m
The right woman to kill your ox!
Who was this amazing women who confounded conventions and dismissed nosey journalists in the 1940s. -
Stop 19 · 6m
19th Century scandal! The Marquis of Valada naked in the arms of a common soldier! Disgraced politicians, political blackmail and ultimate survival.
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Stop 20 · 6m
Secrets inside my bra!
Bisexual jazz-legend Josephine Baker dodges the secret police and spying in wartime Lisbon. -
Stop 21 · 6m
'Women in love - but not with men'!
Queer fiction, censorship and compromised censors. -
Stop 22 · 15m
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!
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Stop 23 · 6m
“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 · 6m
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
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.
Good to know
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Age who can book this experience: 16+
- Legal drinking age: 18+
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Queer Lisbon - A Treasure Hunt in LGBT History take?
The experience lasts about 3h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $57.26 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Discover the modern gay scene as you stroll from one stop to the next; Hear fun stories, scandals and anecdotes of Lisbon's fascinating queer history; Meet new friends in the group and we finish in a gay hotel lounge; Get your PDF copy of ‘Alex’s LONG LIST' updated guide to LGBTQ Lisbon (Normally 15 Euros).
Where does it start?
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.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 93 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Lisbon.
