Mouraria district is part of ancient Lisbon from the time Portugal wasn't even a country. Lisbon's history goes back more than 2000 years combining Moorish and Roman occupation, battles, fight for power and influence, intrigue and treachery until the foundation of Portugal with king Dom Afonso Henriques (12th century).
As the city grew and expanded its limits, Mouraria stood behind, forgotten, unaware of the changes and closed in on itself; it ended up being a place of refugees, poverty, a cultural mix of people from many origins and a bohemian nightlife of prostitutes and alcohol. On the hill to the castle, people gathered here to trade, do business or sell things outside the city's walls; incredibly, it remains so until today – except that the city walls are long gone. I often heard its inhabitants, my neighbors, talk about those times and feel the difference between "high" and "low" Mouraria as if the wall was still there, separating them.
Renovar a Mouraria is an association working toward minorities' integration, cultural activities and guided tours with the intent of showing and bringing people to Mouraria. At their headquarters you can eat, drink, dance, watch exhibitions, learn several languages and more.
Find your way with 206 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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...
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"LX Factory" Lisbon is a creative mini-city that has everything from interesting architecture to music, home to design companies, galleries and studios.
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"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!
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"Gelados Conchanata" Lisbon is a original gelato bar opened by the Tarlattini's in 1948, offering a rich selection of the Italian favorites. My favorite!
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"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.
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"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.
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You can find the "Lisbon Irish Sessions" every Monday at 21:30 at O'Gillins Irish pub. Cause Portuguese folk has a lot in common with Celtic music!
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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!
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"Marvila & Beato" are two neighborhoods in Lisbon going through beautiful and well-thought out gentrification which when done bad has spoilt other places.
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"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!
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"Dalí Cozinha Surreal" in Lisbon is a restaurant whose whole concept is serving surreally creative, good food, also inspired by world cuisine!
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"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!
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206 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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