Amigos da Severa Lisbon
Ginjinha, history and Fado
Fado is well known around the world as "world music", the song of Portugal and a unique music gender born on the streets of Lisbon, several hundred years ago. As the legend tells, this exact spot is actually the birth place of this song. So, for historical and cultural purposes you definitely should visit Amigos da Severa.
Far from the days of cultural and bohemian life of drinks, prostitutes and rude seamen gathering in the "tascas" populating this part of Lisbon, today we can only have a glimpse of it. And this is what this spot might let you imagine. It is said that Fado was born here, as a blend of cultural influences from all over the world and a strong Arabic heritage of the Portuguese nation.
The legend says that a young girl lived on this street and became famous not only for her beauty but also for her voice; her name was Maria Severa. And it is said that "Amigos da Severa" was her father's "tasca" – a place of men, drinks and prostitutes – where she served and sang. And it was not only the poor and drunk working men she charmed; a noble is said to have fallen in love with her and thus made her famous.
She died young but her story remains with us forever. With luck you might get to assist amateur fado live while Sr. António serves you a "ginjinha".
A smart choice over the "touristic" gijinhas in central square Rossio.
Find your way with 206 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Lisbon
Pho Pu
Fresh Vietnamese food
Pho Pu is a small and busy Vietnamese restaurant in Lisbon. It's cheap and serves generous portions. Oh, how much I'd missed vibrant Vietnamese food...
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
LX Factory
Under the bridge
"LX Factory" Lisbon is a creative mini-city that has everything from interesting architecture to music, home to design companies, galleries and studios.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Coral Coletivo
Pizza, pasta, music and art
"Coral Colection" in Lisbon is a pleasant collective that brings together handmade pasta and craft beer - and it's also an open space for performances!
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Jorge D'Amália
A steak with a horseback egg?
"Jorge D'Amália" is a tasca in Lisbon that serves amazing bitoques, steaks with a horseback fried egg. In my opinion it doesn't get more Lisboan than this.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Miradouro Keil do Amaral
Magical nature
"Miradouro Keil do Amaral" in Lisbon goes completely unnoticed in the middle of Monsanto forest... I think it's a magical place where I go to just relax.
by
Sandra
Lopes
Carmo Archaeological Museum
Heaven to Skies
The "Carmo Archaeological Museum", built at an old church that barely survived the 1755 earthquake, enchants me every time I visit. Open-air concerts, too!
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Marvila & Beato
Digital Nomads paradise
"Marvila & Beato" are two neighborhoods in Lisbon going through beautiful and well-thought out gentrification which when done bad has spoilt other places.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Jardim do Cerco da Graça
The hanging garden
"Jardim do Cerco da Graça" is the biggest green area inside the historical zone in Lisbon. I'm very proud about writing and enjoying this spot!
by
Cláudio
Carneiro
Dalí Cozinha Surreal
World cuisine
"Dalí Cozinha Surreal" in Lisbon is a restaurant whose whole concept is serving surreally creative, good food, also inspired by world cuisine!
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Mercearia do Páteo Alfacinha
Portuguese gourmet
"Mercearia do Páteo Alfacinha" Lisbon is a old restaurant that's been around since 1981 which has a piece of history attached to it and a delicious menu!
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Heading to Lisbon?
206 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Lisbon?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 206 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Lisbon
Get to know our other Spotters from Lisbon
As featured on:
