Earlier we wrote that in Lisbon the streets are littered with art. We were referring, of course, to the beautiful mosaics all over the streets and squares. But in Lisbon, art can also be found on the walls. Welcome to the world of Street Art and graffiti in Lisbon!
Street art is more than just some paint on the wall; for artists and enthusiasts, it is a movement, an expression of feeling, politics, society, and in the case of Lisbon, an absolute must-see. From colorful portraits to political slogans, Lisbon’s street art is not only impressive but also enormously diverse. Believe us, you won’t find much more spectacular than in Lisbon anytime soon.
More than just colorful walls
Street art in Lisbon has deep roots. Its origins can be traced to the period after the Carnation Revolution in 1974. Artists were looking for a way to proclaim political and social messages, to get their message to as many people as possible. Street art was the democratic canvas of choice, available to anyone who wanted to say or show something.
Waarom street art zo groot is in Lissabon
Lisbon is a city of contrasts, where the old and the new merge seamlessly. You can clearly see this reflected in the streetscape since the turn of the century: new construction and classical buildings side by side. Street art flourishes in this dynamic mix. In fact, the municipality is so pro-street art that they have launched a project called “Galeria de Arte Urbana” to allow artists to legally create their work. This not only encourages local artists but also attracts international names.
Famous and infamous street artists
If you dive into the world of Lisbon’s street art, there are some names you can’t miss. Vhils, born Alexandre Farto in 1987, is known for his impressive relief works. Bordalo II (Artur Bordalo, 1987) creates artworks from recycled materials. But there are plenty of still-unknown anonymous artists whose tags secretly brighten the city.
Street Art hotspots van Lissabon
No visit to Lisbon is complete without a trip through the neighborhoods of Mouraria and Bairro Alto. These are the undisputed epicenters of street art in Lisbon. But also streets such as Calçada da Glória through which the streetcar runs, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo in the middle of the financial district, the sprawling murals on the south bank of the Tagus River in Cacilhas (on the route to restaurant Ponto Final) and, of course, the world-famous Escadinhas de São Cristóvão with its beautiful tribute to Fado offer visual spectacle for the adventurous soul.
Time to hit the streets!
Now that you’ve gotten a little insight into Lisbon’s vibrant street art scene, it’s time to put on your sneakers and explore the city for yourself. If you want to see a world beyond touristy photos of Tram 28 and Pastéis de Nata, Lisbon’s street art is just what you’re looking for. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for some Instagrammable moments, Lisbon’s walls tell stories worth exploring!