Secrets Itinerary: Where To See Lisbon’s Best Street Art ♦ Lisbon is a city full of character. With medieval infrastructures scattered in the middle of 19th-century and contemporary buildings and many steep hills that you have to climb in order to get the full view of the city, walking really us the best mean of transportation in the Portuguese capital. That also means you can fully appreciate the amazing street art that’s all over town. Secrets From Portugal brings you the top spots where you can enjoy these urban pieces of art.
♦ Discover All About Lisbon’s Best Street Art & Subscribe to Our Newsletter ♦
Mouraria
In Mouraria, for example, some street art is dedicated to fado, a musical style that was originally developed in this part of Lisbon. The Escadinhas de São Cristovão are lined in a mural that was created by different artists. The more professional displays of street art have been created to beautify run-down, vacant buildings and add extra brightness to Lisbon’s trendy neighbourhoods. One group of artists, in particular, is Cargo Collective, who are responsible for amazing displays of street art between Alcântara, Avenida Almirante Reis (a long street that runs from Martim Moniz to the airport), and fashion-focused Avenida da Liberdade. The whole city, however, has become a canvas, especially the following areas.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is one of Lisbon’s most colourful neighbourhoods in every way. It has a very strong nightlife since it is full of bars, clubs, small restaurants and tascas (a typical Portuguese restaurant where you can get small bites to eat), tattoo parlours, and…street art. A couple of areas where you will find a few amazing examples include Travessa dos Fiéis de Deus, Rua da Vinha, and Rua de São Boaventura. The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is one of the best places near Bairro Alto for a view, and the elevator tram (pictured below) is covered in colourful displays.
Alfama, São Vicente, Graça
On the other side of Lisbon’s downtown, Alfama, São Vicente and Graça are full of narrower roads that are lined in eclectic artwork. While riding on the tram 28 through Graça, you may see the street art pictured above, which was created by artist João Maurício. Not all of the art is based on paints though. Quite a few are masterpieces by street artist Alexandre Manuel Dias Farto (aka. Vhils), whose artwork is the product of drilling and carving.
Alcântara
From the buildings off the highways to the narrow streets and quiet neighbourhoods, Alcântara is another great place to view these truly spectacular images. In Alcântara, in particular, is the LX Factory, a hotspot for entrepreneurs, freelancers and artists. This neighbourhood of restaurants, bars, stores, and offices was converted from old factory buildings that had been abandoned for decades. The street art certainly adds a bit of colour to this social hub near the centre of Lisbon.
