The Graça neighborhood is one of the most traditional and picturesque in Lisbon and, also for this reason, one of the best known and most visited by the city’s people and, of course, tourists.
Vibrant and full of history, situated on the city’s highest hill, the Colina de Santo André, Graça offers one of the most breathtaking views of Lisbon. But no! We’re not going to talk about viewpoints in this article.
There are places in the Graça neighborhood that are full of energy and are a must for lovers of culture, gastronomy and leisure.
In recent years, this picturesque historic neighborhood has welcomed a new generation of residents and initiatives and is now a place of balance between old and new.
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Botequim
Founded in 1968 by the writer Natália Correia, Botequim was one of Lisbon’s most cultural and political hotspots in the 1970s and 1980s.
In 2010, it was reborn as a bar and snack bar, combining a relaxed family atmosphere with a cosmopolitan outlook.
There is no shortage of objects related to art and literature on the walls, so that we don’t forget that history was made here in the bohemian life of the capital.
It’s still a must for lovers of a glass of wine, good conversation and Portuguese-inspired delicacies cooked with local products.
Address: Largo da Graça 79-80
DAMAS
It’s a restaurant, it’s a bar, it’s a concert hall, it’s counter-culture and it’s special. It’s DAMAS – Bar and here there are no limits to the cultural offer and all artistic forms are welcome.
It’s the ideal place in the Graça neighborhood for dancing, but also for just having a drink and catching up, either inside or on the outdoor promenade that welcomes so many groups of friends every day.
The restaurant serves meals and snacks during the day, with a varied menu full of creative touches.
Dine, have a drink, dance and don’t forget the motto: “there are no dramas at Damas”.
Address: Rua da Voz do Operário 60
Pastelaria Saga
Saga is the typical neighborhood pastry shop where you’re greeted with a smile on your face.
The shop windows are filled with tempting-looking cakes and savouries, all made in-house .
It also offers meals, so it ‘s the ideal café for lunch, a snack or just relaxing in front of a bica and a pastel de nata.
It also has a small terrace facing Travessa do Monte and an interior room, great for those who want to read or work in peace.
Address: Rua da Graça 134
Delicioso – Sangria Bar
What used to be an ice cream parlor is now a sangria bar serving delicious homemade empanadas.
The natural, creamy and top quality ice creams have given way to queues for the famous Argentinian delicacies.
Address: Travessa do Monte 1
Let’s take a short break here to watch this video, in which we once again visit Alfacinha Viajante’s favorite places.
Má Língua
More than just a restaurant or a bar, Má Língua is a space for artistic promotion.
Exhibitions, performances, concerts, DJ sets and film cycles are all part of the regular program of what is undoubtedly one of the neighborhood’s cultural centers.
It also offers mouth-watering snacks and meals, with various vegetarian options and a clear focus on healthy food.
There’s also a generous wine cellar, or this wouldn’t be the ideal place to have a drink and relax with friends.
Address: Rua da Senhora do Monte 1C
Maria Pia Sport Club
Founded in 1922, Maria Pia is one of the city’s centenary clubs that has distinguished itself with its basketball club.
So it’s not surprising that when you enter, you’re greeted by a basketball court that doubles as a terrace and concert venue.
Afternoons packed with samba or fado matinees are some of the musical events that liven up the space.
In the evenings, Maria Pia operates in “neighborhood café” mode and here you can catch up with friends or newcomers.
In between, there’s a snack menu with a focus on the Portuguese canning industry.
Address: Rua de São Gens 11
GIRO – Flavors of the World
GIRO has a menu inspired by the gastronomy of the four corners of the globe, but the star of this restaurant is the sushi.
With options that focus on traditional pieces and others more focused on fusion sushi, all the dishes here are beautifully decorated, making them visually mesmerizing – and yes, the taste matches, it’s wonderful!
The highlight is the lunch menu, which costs around €10 and is valid from Monday to Friday.
At the end, walk up the street and you’ll remember the view from the Senhora do Monte viewpoint, the most popular neighbor of this place.
Address: Calçada do Monte 96-100
Jardim da Cerca da Graça
Right in the middle of Graça, this garden is the largest in the historic area, with almost two hectares of green space that have brought new life to the area.
It also acts as a shortcut between Graça and Mouraria, as it has three entrances: one next to the Convent of Graça, another on Calçada do Monte and finally at Olarias, in Mouraria.
Here, you can enjoy the shade or the sun on the lawn, in the picnic area, in the orchard or in the children’s playground. It’s ideal for picnics, reading on the blanket or lazy Sunday get-togethers!
Address: Calçada do Monte/Rua Damasceno Monteiro
Oitava Colina
You could say that Oitava Colina beer is typical of Graça: the factory is in Travessa do Pereira, near Vila Berta; the kiosk in Largo da Graça was the brand’s first space; and, in 2018, it opened a tap room in the neighborhood as well.
The mission is, admittedly, “the search for the perfect craft beer”.
In the tap room, the ten taps regularly bring new products from the brand or from partner brands.
There is also a very interesting gastronomic menu in this space, which also doubles as a gastro pub and has regular collaborations with chefs.
Address: Rua Damasceno Monteiro 8A
Urban art!
Another proof that Graça really is a neighborhood on the rise is the urban art pieces that have invaded it.
Check out our video on the subject, where we take a walk from Santa Apolónia to Graça to discover the colorful murals.