It seems like you can’t go more than a few blocks without running into another one of Lisbon’s hexagonal ‘Quiosques’ (Kiosks). While they may look like standard, though inviting, spots to grab a drink around the city, there is much more history to the Lisbon ‘quiosque’ than first meets the eye.
A Rich History Reborn
In fact, the first Lisbon quiosque opened all the back in 1869 in Rossio Square. Originally, they served wine and beer and later expanded to include traditional snacks like fried fish, which brought together everyone from dock workers to the Lisbon elite.
The quiosques’ distinctive designs feature characteristics of the Art Nouveau movement, while the domes sitting atop them, called ‘muqarnas,’ reflect the influence of the Moorish invasion of Portugal in 711. These beautiful gathering spots provided community and a place for everyone until the 1930s.
When Salazar came into power in the 1930s, the quiosque culture quickly faded. His fascist regime, known as ‘the Estado Novo,’ aimed to promote corporatism while discouraging public socialization. As a result, quiosques, being centers of social gathering, were neglected and ultimately abandoned.
However, in 2009, Catarina Portas, a local businesswoman, took it upon herself to restore these antiquated structures. Partnering with architect João Regal, she revived quiosque culture. The first to be recovered were in some of Lisbon’s most affluent areas, which included Praça das Flores, Largo Camões, and Príncipe Real. These were not only restored but adapted to fit Lisbon’s now chic society, advertising traditional inexpensive food and drinks as their selling point.
It is now estimated that approximately 70 kiosks now dot the city of Lisbon. Today, these quiosques serve coffee, beer, quick pre-work snacks, or even sit-down lunches, and they help keep the community spirit alive in the Portuguese capital.
What to Order at a Quiosque
Every quiosque offers staple items including coffee, wine, beer, sangria, cocktails, and fruit juices. Standard food options typically include sandwiches, sweet and savory pastries, and sometimes pizzas. The revival of the kiosks has also brought back certain traditional recipes.
For an authentic Lisboeta experience, look out for these local specialties:
- Pastel de Nata: Lisbon’s world-famous custard tart – of course!
- Beer (“imperial” (20 cl), “caneca” (50 cl), and “girafa” (1 liter)
- Ginja/ginjinha: A sour cherry liqueur popular in the Lisbon area, sometimes served in dark chocolate cups
- Poncha: A sweet punch-like drink from Madeira made from distilled sugar cane and fruit juice
- Capilé: A cordial made from maidenhair syrup and orange blossom essence mixed with water
- Carioca de Limão: A tea/infusion made with lemon peel
- Empada: Snack-sized pies with chicken or beef filling
- Groselha: A refreshing red currant drink
- Leite perfumado: Milk flavored with cinnamon, lemon, and sugar
- Licor Beirão: Portugal’s famous aromatic liqueur made from a secret herb blend, best enjoyed with ice
- Limonada Fresca: Homemade lemonade
- Mazagrã: A cold, sweetened coffee drink with North African origins
- Orchata: A soft drink made from almonds, sugar, and water
Notable Quiosques to Visit
1. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara terrace offers one of the best panoramas over Lisbon, overlooking the Baixa district. On the opposite hill, you can see Alfama and Lisbon’s castle. The terrace features a wonderfully manicured garden complete with a water fountain and busts of heroes and gods from antiquity including Minerva and Ulysses. Located close to the top of the Gloria Funicular, it’s one of Lisbon’s most frequented viewpoints.
The kiosk café here is ideal for sitting back, enjoying a cold drink, and taking in the breathtaking view. As the sun sets, it becomes a romantic destination for couples, and after dark, especially on weekends, the kiosk embraces a party atmosphere.
Address – Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara
Opening Hours – Sunday – Thursday 10:00 am – 9:00 pm, Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 2:00 am
2. Jardim Dom Luis I – Quiosque do Cais
The Jardim Dom Luis is a green area outside the Time Out Market close to the Cais de Sodré train station. In the center stands the statue of the Marquis Sa da Bandeira, and to one side is a bright red kiosk. When tables and chairs around a kiosk are full of people on a sunny day, that’s a good sign. When they remain full on an overcast or rainy day, you can be sure the place is a real success story. That’s the case at this red kiosk, now named Quiosque do Cais, and it is a leading candidate for the city’s best. It’s particularly popular with families, as children can take full advantage of the adjoining playground.
What the food lacks in sophistication, it makes up for in choice and good value. There’s a full range of croissants, toasted sandwiches, pizzas, piadinas, and salads on the menu. For the early evening crowd who come before a night out, there’s a good selection of wines, spirits, sangria, and beer available too.
Address – Praça Dom Luís I
Opening Hours – Weekdays 1:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Weekends 10:30 am – 10:30 pm
3. Campo de Santa Clara – Quiosque Clara Clara
Located in the heart of Jardim Botto Machado park (also known as Campo de Santa Clara), this kiosk sits in a peaceful spot opposite the National Pantheon and a short stroll from Santa Apolónia station. It’s particularly popular with families thanks to the nearby playground. Quiosque Clara Clara offers a broad range of reasonably priced snacks, pastries, and beverages. On Saturdays and Tuesdays, you can also visit the Feira da Ladra flea market nearby.
Address – Campo de Santa Clara
Opening Hours – Daily 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
4. Jardim da Cerca da Graça – Quiosque Popular
Situated between the districts of Graça and Mouraria on a hillside terrace, this kiosk offers great views of the castle and city below. The garden, Jardim da Cerca Graça, was created in 2015 as part of a larger scheme to regenerate the area. There are areas for picnics and a playground for children. Since opening, this large kiosk has become an indispensable part of the area, serving cold soups, sandwiches, toast, beverages, and a daily cake selection.
Address – Calçada do Monte 46
Opening Hours – Daily 7:30 am – 10:00 pm
5. Ribeira das Naus Quiosque
Ribeira das Naus is the quayside area between Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré train station. The views over the river and bridge beyond make it an ideal spot to take a break, sip a lemonade, cocktail, or beer, and enjoy the atmosphere. Unsurprisingly, this kiosk can get crowded. There’s usually a hum of activity and live music during weekends and evenings. During the day, the terrace is a sunbather’s dream, while in the evening, it’s an excellent spot to watch the sunset. The menu includes a selection of pizzas, sandwiches, and sweet pastries.
Address – 5 Avenida Ribeira das Naus
Opening Hours – Weekdays 12:00 – 10:00 pm, Weekends 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
6. Praça de São Paulo – Quiosque Praça de São Paulo
This small, forgotten-looking square is home to the Igreja de São Paulo church, rebuilt in the 18th century following the 1755 earthquake and renowned for its 3D effect painted ceilings. The kiosk in the square is one of Lisbon’s original Art Nouveau constructions, which was restored and reopened in 2013. It’s a great place to sample traditional Lisbon gastronomy rarely found in restaurants or cafés, including tuna and pork sandwiches, fried squid sandwiches, lupin beans, octopus salad, coffee with ginjinha, capilé, and the red currant drink groselha.
Address – Praça de São Paulo
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
Lisbon Residents, Here Is How to Get Up to 60% Off at All Local Quiosques
To enjoy up to 60% off at any Quiosque Lisboa locations, you need to register as a client. Visit the Quiosque Lisboa website and enter your NIF (Portuguese tax number), date of birth, and email address. Remember to validate your registration within one day of signing up to activate your discount benefits across all Quiosque Lisboa and Quiosque Cais locations.
Lisbon’s quiosques offer a unique way for both residents and locals to experience the city’s culture, flavors, and community spirit. outdoor lifestyle. These charming kiosks provide the perfect setting to enjoy traditional Portuguese food while soaking in the atmosphere of this beautiful city.
