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Alternative Lisbon Free Tour

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Alternative Lisbon Free Tour

An Original Take Lisboa Tour

Alternative Lisbon Free Tour. Experience Lisbon’s diversity and stunning street art. Visit Mouraria & Graça. Expert local guides show you our hidden gems.

During Alternative Lisbon Free Walking Tour the vibrant street art of Lisbon unfolds and connects you to the heart and soul of one of Europe’s most enchanting cities.

At the Nossa Senhora da Saúde Chapel, where the walking tour begins you learn how Lisbon’s street art scene transformed from a fringe expression an integral, celebrated part of its culture.

This guided walk takes you through out-of-the way alleys and squares, adorned with murals that are both visually stunning and rich in meaning. They speak volumes about pressing social issues and reflect the struggles and triumphs of the city.

In São Cristóvão Square, the traditional Portuguese Fado music comes alive through vibrant murals, connecting the city’s past and present.

The tour also unveils Lisbon’s lesser known gems, such as the tactile ‘Urban Knitting” at Largo dos Trigueiros and the striking collaboration between world-renowned artists Shepard Fairey -aka OBEY and VHILS.

The Alternative Lisbon Free Tour, goes beyond typical sightseeing. It’s an opportunity to see Lisbon through the eyes of its artists and to understand the stories and emotions that shape its character.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who loves to explore, this tour offers a rich, multifaceted experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation of Lisbon and its vibrant street art scene.

Your Alternative Lisbon Free Tour meets at:

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Lisbon's Alternative Free Tour

Experience Lisbon's Urban Canvas

The Alternative Lisbon Free Tour interweaves the vibrant street art with the hidden narratives of one of Europe’s most charismatic cities. What began as a rebellious form of expression has now become an integral part of Lisbon’s cultural fabric.

We begin at Nossa Senhora da Saúde Chapel on the edge of the historic Mouraria district. You’ll learn about the long history of street art in Lisbon and the GUA, setting the tone for our journey.

The guided walk makes its way through the historic Mouraria neighborhood, and at Beco dos Surradores we see works by artists like Gagosh and Losk. We discuss the finer details of what makes some works legal and others not.

Your tour then takes a cozy turn at Largo dos Trigueiros with the unique charm of “Urban Knitting”. The work here adds warmth and texture to the cityscape, showcasing a softer, more tactile side of street art sometimes referred to as “Yarn Bombing”.

In Beco das Farinhas, a moving tribute by Camila Watson opens up a poignant discussion about gentrification in Lisbon. The artwork here is a reminder of the importance of maintaining the local spirit amidst the rapid changes sweeping through the city.

São Cristóvão Square brings a harmonious blend of street art and Fado, Lisbon's traditional music. The murals, particularly 'Fado Vazio', are visual portrayals of the deep connection between art and culture.

At Achada Square we see Andrea Tarli’s “Smile!”, a mural that critiques the impact of mass tourism and commentents on the responsibilities that come with exploring and experiencing a city.

Powerful murals “Mourinho” and “Coexist” by TB Boy at Rosa Square, comment peace and understanding. Coexist which shows an Israeli and Palestinian child in conversation is a moving symbol of peace and hope.

Down on Lagares Street, VHILS’ “Anonymous gazes” captures the essence of Mouraria’s history. His unique technique of carving into walls reveals the layered stories embedded in the neighborhood’s past.

Graça Garden then showcases how public spaces can transform into artistic havens, fostering community engagement and creative expression in a tranquil environment.

On Damasceno Monteiro Street, Mário Belém’s “Saudade” reflects the city's resilience during the lockdowns with a hopeful outlook on the future, while Bordalo II's “Ferryboat” on Sol à Graça Street is a creative departure from his usual style, capturing Lisbon’s nautical spirit. The tour reaches a powerful moment on Senhora da Glória Street with a striking collaboration between Obey and VHILS, merging faces and themes to create a visual narrative that transcends race, religion, and gender. Add Fuel’s “Adapta” nearby depicts the modern adaptation of the historic Graça district.

Natália Correia Street is adorned with various tributes, each mural weaving a unique thread into Lisbon’s cultural tapestry, from Obey’s “Peace Guard” to Daniel Eime’s “Sophia.” The journey culminates at the Nossa Senhora do Monte viewpoint, offering breathtaking views of Lisbon as we conclude our tour of the artistic spirit that flows through the city.

Join us on the Alternative Lisbon Free Tour to experience the city through its vibrant street art.

This tour connects you with Lisbon’s heart and soul, narrating its past, present, and aspirations through the vivid strokes of its street artists. Book your spot and immerse yourself in the captivating narrative painted on the walls of Lisbon.

Highlights of Your Alternative Lisbon Free Walking Tour

Each Alternative Lisbon Free Walking Tour Free Walking Tour is a unique experience. The stops listed in the highlights may change due to the guide leading the tour and other conditions such as weather and local events. If you are particularly interested about a specific item please ask your guide before the beginning of the tour to confirm it is on the agenda.

The Alternative Lisbon Free Walking Tour explores Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene, unique artistic expression and cultural identity. You’ll hear the stories, themes, and controversies that shape Lisbon’s urban landscape.

Nossa Senhora da Saúde Chapel

We begin at the charming Nossa Senhora da Saúde Chapel. This stop sets the tone for our tour. We introduce the multifaceted world of street art and ask the questions that define this art form: What is street art? Is it a social commentary, a commercial venture, or both?

Mouraria, Beco dos Surradores

We view works by artists like Gagosh, Losk, and Mário Dionísio. Their pieces are a starting point for discussing the fine distinctions between illegal and legal street art. The topic is complex and fascinating.

Largo dos Trigueiros

Here, we talk about Magda Sayeg, a pioneer of “Urban Knitting”. This “cozy” street art style, transforms urban spaces with yarn creations.

Beco das Farinhas

Through Camila Watson's heartfelt A Tribute, we have a poignant conversation about gentrification in Lisbon and the importance of preserving local life in this ever-changing cityscape.

São Cristóvão Square

The works here, especially Fado Vazio, represent the collective soul of Fado and Lisbon, encapsulating the city’s lyrical spirit.

Achada Square

Andrea Tarli's “Smile!” in Achada Square confronts us with a critical view of mass tourism. It's a spot that challenges us to ponder the impacts of our own travel footprints.

Rosa Square

TB Boy's “Mourinho” and “Coexist” in Rosa Square are particularly moving. The latter, showing an Israeli and Palestinian child speaking, resonates deeply with today’s global call for peace and understanding.

Lagares Street

“Anonymous gazes” by VHILS speaks to the complexity of Mouraria’s history, and its “problematic” nature.

Graça Garden

The Alternative Lisbon Free Walking Tour takes a tranquil turn as we explore the concept of public gardens as canvases for community expression.

Damasceno Monteiro Street

Mário Belém's “Saudade” is a colorful reflection on the lockdown experience, offering a hopeful perspective toward what lies ahead.

Sol à Graça Street

Bordalo II's “Ferryboat” on Sol à Graça Street is a departure from his usual style, showcasing his versatility and creativity beyond his famed 3D trash animals.

Senhora da Glória Street

This mural by Shepard Fairey aka OBEY and VHILS on Senhora da Glória Street might just be the tour's most powerful stop. Two faces merge, transcending race and religion, while also critiquing women's rights in Arabic countries. Add Fuel’s “Adapta” adds a contemporary layer, reflecting Graça's adaptation to the 21st century.

Natália Correia Street

Obey’s “Peace Guard” honors Celeste and the Carnation Revolution, Oze Arve’s pays homage to Pachamama, and Daniel Eime’s “Sophia,” celebrates the renowned Portuguese writer and poet.

Nossa Senhora do Monte Viewpoint

Panoramic vistas from the highest point in Graça. This chapel courtyard is the perfect place to round out your Alternative Lisbon Tour experience and discuss the spread of street art in Lisbon.