Lisbon — Hills, Light and the Príncipe Real

Gay Lisbon revolves mainly around Príncipe Real, the neighborhood on the hill above the city center. This is the center of the gay scene, with bars, cafes and small shops that feel relaxed during the day and fill up after midnight. Right next door begins the Bairro Alto, the older nightlife district with narrow streets and a mixed crowd. If you're in the city for the first time, it's best to stay near these two neighborhoods or along Avenida da Liberdade. From there, almost everything can be reached on foot or by metro.

Portugal is one of the most open countries in Europe. Marriage for all has been around since 2010, and in everyday life the interaction with queer guests is calm. The nightlife starts late, often around midnight, and on weekends it lasts until the early morning. During the day, the viewpoints above the rooftops, the old trams and a trip to the water are worthwhile. In summer, the highlight is the Marcha do Orgulho, the pride parade along the Avenida da Liberdade. The best time to visit is in late spring and early autumn, when it is warm but not too hot. For a break on the beach, take the train to Cascais or the Costa da Caparica.