Editorial note: This piece on Black-owned Lisbon, Portugal, was originally written on August 29, 2019, and updated to reflect current information.
Lisbon is often described as a vibrant city with scenery that’s unlike any other place you will find. The views of the city’s colorful houses combined with its iconic seven hills as the yellow and red trams roll through neighborhoods are simply iconic and make the perfect postcard.
One thing that isn’t talked about enough is Lisbon’s rich diversity in culture, especially within the black community.
Like many European countries, Portugal played a horrific role in the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. Portuguese and Brazilian ships transported close to six million slaves over a 400-year period.
As a direct result of colonization, Lisbon is a city full of influence from Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe. From the music, food, and culture, here’s how you can spend a day in Black-owned Lisbon.
Start Your Day With A Walking Tour
Togolese native Naky Gaglo is the creator of the Africa Lisbon Tour. Gaglo will guide you on a journey to explore Lisbon’s African Roots.
Participants will learn about the influence that the Portuguese Expeditions had in the history of Africa, and Europe, alongside the inheritance that still remains in the lifestyle of the Portuguese people, according to Gaglo.
A Rua Do Poco Dos negros Street
Located in the Santa Catarina neighborhood is Rua do Poço dos Negros. When translated it means “Street of the Blacks’ Pit,” which turned out to be a mass burial pit of enslaved Africans in what used to be Mocambo.
The street is not black-owned, but it’s a landmark of significance to honor those enslaved.
3 Calçada do Garcia
In the Largo de São Domingos area, there is a black-owned corner store located at Calçada do Garcia 3 where you will find drinks, spices, snacks, and more.
Lunch At Cantinho do Aziz
One of the best restaurants in Lisbon is black-owned and it’s indeed worth the hype. Cantinho do Aziz has been serving traditional Mozambique dishes for over 35 years.
The Sounds Of Africa In Lisbon
Tito is a professional guitarist from Cape Verde. With his expertise in afro-beat and traditional music from Cape Verde, Tito will guide you through the styles of Morna, Batuku, and Funana.
Restaurante Moçambicano Roda Viva For Dinner
For dinner, head to Restaurante Moçambicano Roda Viva where you can try some explosive flavors from Mozambique. The food is amazing and so it is the atmosphere.
Not Ready For The Night To End?
The head to Bar Djairsound to end the night with drinks and live music from Cape Verde.