A brief guide to one of Lisbon's hidden gems
As I meander through my life in Lisbon, there is one highlight that stood out: Quiosque's. These Lisboeta charms offer a perfect pitstop as you climb the 7 hills, or even a place to start the night on the right foot.
Praça das Flores
@bellabiggart
My favourite Quiosque. Nestled in one of the the city's most beautiful neighbourhoods, 'São Bento', the Quiosque is found in the hidden square of Praça das Flores. A short (downhill) walk from Príncipe Real and the impressive Assemblea Republica.
Insider's Tip: Make sure you try their cheap Caipirinha but they come with a strength warning! €5.95
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Quiosque Alegria
@bellabiggart
Just off Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon's most famous shopping street, this Quiosque offers a sense of tranquility.
Insider Tip: Grab yourself a freshly squeezed Sumo de Laranja (orange juice) before you hit the hustle and bustle.
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Quiosque das Portas do Sol
@bellabiggart
No real explanation needed due to the majestic view of the Tejo estuary and crimson sunset.
Insider Tip: Listen to the buskers as you stare into the sunset for some true culture.
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Welcome to my Life
I frequently find myself at a Quiosque most weeks, days even. With a vast menu of drinks, such as the quintessential Portuguese cordial drinks, like a bica, or my personal favourite a Brazilian cocktail “Caipirinha” and their modest pricing, they are easily inviting and have a leg up on English pubs or French boulangeries. There is honestly nothing I like more than having a cocktail in the glorious sunshine with either a book or a friend, although it can be rather dangerous when the 5th Caipirinha kicks in…
History of the Quiosque
This outdoor living platform really does put Lisbon in its own league. Lisbon, pre-Salazar in the early 1900s boasted outside culture and street life in the form of these Quiosque's”. Quiosque's claim an amalgamation of both “Art Noveau” and Moorish architectural influence. The designs are characteristics of the Art Noveau movement and the dome that sits on the top of the Quiosques, called ‘muqarnas’ are distinctive from the Morrish invasion of Portugal in 711. These beautiful Quiosques provided community and a place for everyone but when Salazar came into power in the 1930s the Quiosque Culture was quickly forgotten. Salazar’s fascist regime, ‘The Estado Novo’ aimed to promote corporatism and discouraged public socialisation, Quiosque's, being exactly that, were abandoned and lost their beauty. However, as quickly as they were forgotten, they were restored and better then ever.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
@bellabiggart
Another iconic Quiosque, located in the between Principe Real & Chiado. Whether you are wondering around Lisbon's streets and just want a sit down or you want somewhere with a drink and breathtaking view, this is the Quiosque for you.
Insiders Tips : On a summers evening bring a pack of cards, backgammon or even a book and some crisps (my favourite are the Lay's Camponesa's or Ruffles Ketchup crisps)and order a drink of choice and watch the day turn to night.
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Quiosque do Carmo
@bellabiggart
Located in the 'Chiado' neighbourhood, a perfect place for a pre-dinner 'caneca' to start the night as you take in the ruins of the Convento de Carmo.
Insiders Tip: Locals always choose an 'Imperial' over a Caneca as the beer is served ice cold and doesn't warm before you reach the end.
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In 2009, Caterina Portas, a local businesswomen, imposed it upon herself to restore these antiquated Quiosques. Portas teamed up with an architect Joao Regal and revived Quiosque Culture. The Quiosques in Largo Camões, Príncipe Real and Praça das Flores, probably the most affluent areas of Lisbon were the first to be recovered as well as adapted to fit Lisbon’s now chic society. They cleverly advertised the old traditional cheap food and drinks as the selling point- they defiantly were right. Today, Quiosque's populate the Capital being a venue for coffee, drinks a quick snack before work or even a sit-down lunch.
Cultural Regeneration - A Symbol of Lisbon's Rebirth
Quiosque da Ribeira das Naus
@bellabiggart
On the riverside, this quiosque is the perfect place to watch the city go by.
Insider Tip: This is one of the busier areas of Lisbon so make sure you do not fall into the tourist traps that surround this beautiful quiosque.
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