The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Guide to Lisbon: Pride Month Edition

• Start your day wandering through Príncipe Real, Lisbon's vibrant gayborhood, where trendy concept stores and cute cafes line the streets under a canopy of trees. Don't miss the garden's lovely kiosk cafe for your morning coffee fix.

• Head to the iconic Time Out Market for lunch, but skip the tourist-packed main hall and go straight to Manteigaria for the best pastel de nata in town. Watch them make these heavenly custard tarts right in front of you.

• Take the historic Tram 28 through Lisbon's most picturesque neighborhoods, but go early morning or late evening to avoid crowds. Pro tip: hop on at Martim Moniz for the best chance at a window seat.

• Explore the LX Factory, an industrial complex turned creative hub. The weekend markets here are full of local designers and artists. Ler Devagar bookstore has a total vibe with its flying bicycle installation.

• Catch sunset at Park Bar, a converted parking garage rooftop in Bairro Alto. The secret entrance through a parking lot adds to its charm. Order a porto tonico and watch the sky turn pink over the 25 de Abril Bridge.

• Join a Fado night at Tasca do Chico in Bairro Alto. It's tiny and no-frills but incredibly authentic. Get there by 9 pm to grab a spot.

• Visit São Jorge Castle early morning for the best photo ops without crowds. The peacocks roaming the grounds add extra drama to your shots.

• Take a street art tour through Graça and learn about Lisbon's vibrant urban art scene. The neighborhood's steep hills reward you with stunning city views.

• Check out MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) for both the exhibits and the wavy architectural masterpiece itself. The rooftop at sunset is magical.

• Join a food tour through Baixa and Chiado. The combo of traditional tascas and modern restaurants tells the story of Lisbon's evolving food scene.

Day trips

Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, Cascais blends a charming historic center with gorgeous coastal views. Grab lunch at one of the seafood restaurants along the marina, then stroll through the cobblestone streets to find artisan gelato and local boutiques. The coastal walk from Cascais to Estoril is stunning, especially at sunset.

Beach 19 (Praia naturista 19) is the popular naturist gay beach located in Costa da Caparica, about 20 minutes from central Lisbon. The vibe gets more clothing-optional as you walk further down the beach, with the gay section marked by rainbow flags. Plan to spend three to five hours here and come prepared — there are no shops nearby, so bring plenty of water, snacks and cash for the beach bars. The scene is most lively June through September, especially on weekends when locals and tourists mix on the golden sand.

Make time to visit the fairytale-like Pena Palace in nearby Sintra, a colorful 19th-century castle perched high in the mountains. Go early to beat both crowds and fog — the palace often gets shrouded in mist by late morning. A tuk-tuk from Sintra's train station makes the steep climb more manageable than the public bus.

• Breakfast at Copenhagen Coffee Lab in Príncipe Real. Their avo toast and specialty coffee will fuel your morning wanderings.

• Dear Breakfast in Santos serves the prettiest brunch in town. The pancakes are Instagram gold but actually taste amazing too.

• Ramiro for the ultimate seafood feast. Skip dinner time and go for lunch to avoid the lines. Order the garlic shrimp and grab bread to soak up the sauce.

• Bairro do Avillez is celebrity chef José Avillez's fun multi-concept spot. The patio at Páteo is perfect for long lunches.

• Caso Sério in Príncipe Real for creative Portuguese dishes in a gorgeous setting. The tasting menu is worth the splurge.

• Construction Lisboa, a queer-owned cocktail bar with killer drinks and weekend drag shows. The pride month programming here is next level.

• Trumps is Lisbon's longest-running gay club. Pride month brings special performances and parties that go till sunrise.

• Bar 106 in Bairro Alto for casual drinks and meeting locals. The street outside becomes one big party on weekend nights.

• Red Frog Speakeasy is a hidden 1920s-style bar with creative seasonal cocktails, accessed through a secret door after ringing a doorbell.

• Toca da Raposa serves innovative cocktails using foraged ingredients and house-made infusions in an intimate Príncipe Real setting.