Discovering Lisbon through Bordalo II’s street art gave me a fun challenge. You start looking at the city differently and end up in different streets and neighborhoods than usual. I stumbled upon some of them by chance and then I really started searching for Bordalo II’s Lisbon street art locations. Because let’s be honest, those artworks made from plastic waste are absolutely beautiful, aren’t they?
In this blog, I’ll also give you the GPS locations of all Bordalo II Lisbon street art pieces – how convenient!
Through Bordalo II’s street art, I ended up in different neighborhoods of Lisbon. I really enjoyed that! Now I discovered places where I definitely wouldn’t have gone otherwise. Since I do ‘almost’ everything on foot, I also came across many other beautiful and interesting places along the way, which I’ll mention by neighborhood.
I say almost everything because I really did take the metro to the Oriente district – that was just too far to walk. I had passed through there by bus when I went to the starting point for the Fishermen’s Trail and my attention was caught. So on my second-to-last day in Lisbon, I went there anyway.
Lisbon – Portugal
Lisbon is the capital and largest city of Portugal and is located on the Iberian Peninsula along the Tagus River. The Atlantic Ocean is easily accessible from the coast if you want to go to a beach. The city of Lisbon is built on various hills and is therefore known for its many miradouros (viewpoints). Check the map on your phone and walk to one of those beautiful spots!
Who is Bordalo II?
Bordalo II is the grandson of the famous painter Real Bordalo. He became known for his artworks made from plastic waste to make a statement about excessive consumption in the world we live in. The resulting continuous stream of waste as a result of the consumer society and its destructive impact on the world are central themes in his productions.
Baixa de Lisboa – Lisbon
This is the neighborhood where every tourist comes. It’s the heart of the old city and there’s an enormous amount to see and experience in Baixa de Lisboa. Walking kilometers is the best way to discover this neighborhood. Walk through the streets, find yourself on the immense squares with large statues of old celebrities, read who they were and walk on again. Enjoy the white/black streets that simply give the whole city a pleasant atmosphere.
The Pelicans
Right behind the famous Elevador de Santa Justa lift, you’ll find these two pelicans. You can rarely get them in a photo without people in front of them, of course. Either the queue for the lift is there or there are just many people walking around in this busy part of the city.
And while you’re there – Baixa de Lisboa
All the little streets offer many terraces where you can sit nicely for a coffee with Pastel de Nata or your evening meal. But if you want sun, you’ll have to go to the large squares.
Elevador de Santa Justa
I already mentioned this one, of course, with this first artwork. Make sure you get in line early. I walked past it several times and there was always a long queue. So I haven’t been up in this lift yet. It naturally gives you a great view over the city and I hear from many people that it was a very nice experience. I believe it immediately and it stays on my list for next time.
Praca do Commercio
The immense square by the coast in Lisbon. Around it you’ll find lovely terraces and you can always sit somewhere in the sun. Also take a nice walk along the quay/boulevard along the Rio Tejo and dream away. Rua Augusta is the large, busiest street, and it leads to Praca do Commercio.
Praca da Figueira
This square also has the Rossio metro station and was right around the corner from me. A nice square with some small supermarkets but also the necessary terraces where you can get plenty of good food.
Fonte Sul do Rossio
The square that’s a bit further up with a beautiful fountain in the middle. It’s a long square with shops and restaurants on both sides. Squares are always a gathering place for people and therefore pleasant to sit for a while.
The Alfama District, Lisbon
The Alfama district is truly a beautiful little area to visit. Probably also close to where you have your hostel or hotel. It’s right next to the previous district Baixa de Lisboa. It’s an old fishing quarter and one of the few parts of Lisbon that survived the 1755 earthquake. The old streets have therefore retained their authentic atmosphere well. Tram line 28 also naturally goes through this part of the city, which can provide a beautiful photo.
The Half Young Panda
The first neighborhood I wandered around was Alfama. A beautiful district very close to the part of Lisbon that we all naturally visit. I was wandering around in the morning and suddenly I saw a Bordalo artwork on the wall near a small terrace out of the corner of my eye.
Because Bordalo II Lisbon street art locations were quite difficult to find, I decided to dedicate a blog to them and share Bordalo’s street art locations in Lisbon.
And while you’re there – Alfama
Take in the most beautiful miradouros – viewpoints
Look up the most beautiful miradouros to enjoy the view. Maybe buy a cup of coffee and pastel de nata there. Wonderful to enjoy your time in Lisbon. This view in the photo was taken at Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Enormous tree along Rua Limouiro
I see that many people just walk past it… They have to step aside for it but this centuries-old tree often doesn’t get much attention. That always surprises me. I stood by it for a while and then the moment came when I could take this beautiful next picture!
This spot is just before you go to the miradouro mentioned above.
Wander through the many little streets
Wander through the many old streets, let those muscles in your legs work. They go from steep to steeper with occasional stairs in between. Every so often you see another pastry shop that still looks just like it did in your grandmother’s time. Isn’t it wonderful?
You get beautiful glimpses in all sorts of ways in the Alfama district. It’s not only the miradouros that offer you that. What about this old gate that also gives a beautiful view over a part of Lisbon? You can find this near Patio de Dom Fradique.
Castelo de S. Jorge
And who knows, maybe you’ll also visit Castelo de S. Jorge. From there you get beautiful views over Lisbon, I’ve been told. I visited the castle in 2016. Every time I’m in the area now it’s busy, so planning your visit at the end of the afternoon or early in the morning is smart to do.
The Cais do Sodre / Barrio Alto District, Lisbon
Cais de Sodre is the neighborhood that lies below Barrio Alto and along the Tagus. Barrio Alto is really Lisbon’s nightlife district. Everywhere in the little streets there are restaurants and bars and everywhere I read that there’s live Fado in the evenings. That’s Lisbon’s music and they’re proud of it. I wandered around there in the afternoon and even then saw a lot of liveliness in the narrow long streets.
The Raposa / Fox
I was walking along the coast on my way to Belem to see Torre de Belem. When suddenly a beautiful wall appeared in my peripheral vision. From the coast it’s not clearly visible so I had to walk the return route on the other side of the railway tracks, as there are only a few railway crossings.
The fox on an old wall that almost seems to be falling down. You can see right through the wall in many places. It’s a wonder that it’s still standing, you’d think. Every time you stand in front of it from a different angle, they seem to become more alive. I find it truly surprising how beautifully everything falls together and forms a whole so that it looks like a real animal looking at you. Bordalo does that well!
And while you’re there – Barrio Alto
Igreja de Sao Roque
I went inside here briefly and was amazed by a wall behind which I saw all kinds of bones. I wasn’t immediately prepared for that. From leg bones to skulls and something that looked like a brain I saw lying there. The Igreja de Sao Roque is one of the first Jesuit churches built in the 16th century.
And while you’re there – Cais do Sodre
Time Out Market / Mercado da Ribeira
This is an old market hall where on one side there’s still the market but on the other side it’s the Time Out. A large hall where you have all kinds of food stalls on the side and where there are tables in the middle. So you can each get your tasty snack from whatever you find delicious and eat it together at a table in the middle. I love such concepts, I see it more in Asia than in Europe. But something for everyone and yet together at the table.
Eating near Jardim Dom Luis
I ate at Honest Greens on the other side of Jardim Dom Luis park. I had the delicious blueberry chia pudding and I loved it! And the next day I came back because I saw an Asian street food restaurant on the other side. There I ate a delicious bun. I’m really more of an Asian food person. That same evening I ate a street further at Hanoi Green, a Pho, a delicious soup.
The Santo Amaro District, Lisbon
Santo Amaro was historically a harbor area and therefore there’s a lot of industry along the Tagus River. The road from the Ponte de 25 abril goes over the district. This bridge is visible in almost every photo. I found the district nice to walk through and surprising what I saw there.
The Bumblebee
By chance I walked past this nice green bumblebee. I was walking along a busy street and a small dark alley caught my attention. It was a dark alley but behind it was very lively. I think this is the nicest way to get to the LX factory. Halfway down that street I suddenly saw the beautiful Bumblebee on my left.
So nice that you’re always surprised by such fun colorful and lively art! And I’m happy that I can also add this Bordalo II Lisbon street art location.
And while you’re there – Santo Amaro
LX Factory
If you’re standing there enjoying the bumblebee, you can also do that while enjoying a snack or drink. I don’t know what time you’ll be there but when I was there the terraces were just starting to fill up. Music was playing everywhere and people were chatting.
Capela de Santo Amaro
The Santo Amaro chapel was truly a gem that I stumbled upon by chance… Well, I saw a beautiful staircase going up and only a small cross in the distance. I gambled that it would either be a beautiful church or give me a good view.
What a beautiful round church. And especially the covered gallery on the outside is truly beautiful. Beautiful tiles on the wall with old stories.
The Belem / Restelo District, Lisbon
The Belem district is known for its monuments commemorating Portugal’s seafaring past but also the many fish restaurants. And if you visit Belem, a visit to the Pasteis de Nata shop cannot be missed, of course.
The Big Raccoon
I hadn’t expected to see the Big Raccoon. I was walking back from Belem to the city and not along the coast like the way there, but I was on my way to the Fox. Suddenly I see colors on a wall in my peripheral vision and I see this Raccoon. How cool?
And then I found another one by chance. Really fun!
And while you’re there – Belem / Restelo
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Just after I passed the MAAK museum I saw this monument standing in the distance. On the boulevard, looking over the water stands the monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos – monument to the discoveries. A large and impressive artwork that really stands on the edge of the boulevard. The statue was built in 1940 and commemorates Henry the Navigator who led many missions and voyages of discovery.
Torre de Belem
Walk a bit further and you’re at Torre de Belem. It can be very busy there if you want to go inside. I, just like the previous time, didn’t go inside but sat there for a while and enjoyed the view. Dreaming away at the idea that this used to be the defense network for Lisbon. On the other side there would also have been a castle/fortress and together they were responsible for ensuring that no one could go further up the Tagus.
Mosteiro dos Jeronimos
Closer to the Big Raccoon you’ll find this enormous monastery. Also a beautiful monastery complex to visit and wander around through that old history and admire the splendor of that time.
Pasteis de Belem
If you want to have the tastiest Pasteis de Nata, you have to go here. I did that years ago. I was quite early in the morning then and could get inside fairly quickly and eat 3 pastels there at a table with a cup of coffee.
Do you want to learn to make Pastel de Nata yourself? Book a Pastel de Nata cooking class! I’m definitely going to do that next time!
The Oriente District, Lisbon
This district is located quite far from the tourist area so I took the metro here. In half an hour I walked out of the metro station and stood in front of the modern Vasco da Gama shopping center. The district gives a completely different picture of Lisbon. This is more the daily life for most people in Lisbon, not the beautiful streets of the center but also high-rise buildings/apartments and functional roads.
The Cat
The Cat is the largest artwork by Bordalo II that I’ve seen. The Cat really shouldn’t be missed in Bordalo II Lisbon street art locations. It’s truly an enormous cat that stands on a square by the water at Parque des Nações (Park of Nations) Oriente. Also very nice are the large apartments behind it with the same points as the cat’s ears.
When I had just arrived there was still a homeless woman under the cat, she had probably slept there. She was still sitting there with her belongings. It didn’t take long before she walked away and disappeared behind the white wall… came back a little later, took her things and left. Her day had also begun…
The Dragonfly & Tigers
At the Martinhal hotel stands the Dragonfly. When I read the sign there, I read that there’s an artwork with tigers hanging inside. So I go inside for a moment and there I indeed find another artwork. Behind a glass plate, an artwork is visible made from different waste material than the artworks that stand outside. It’s a beautiful painting.
And while you’re there – Oriente
Vasco da Gama Shopping Center
When you walk out of the metro station, you walk straight into the Vasco da Gama shopping center. A super modern shopping center where you’ll find all kinds of shops. Here you’ll also find, near the C&A, a public clean toilet. Still convenient sometimes…
Parque des Nações
The park that lies behind the shopping center along the water is the Parque des Nações. Behind the cat I also see all the flags of the different nations of the world. I walk towards the cable car over Rua di Pimenta and seem to walk through an old industrial area. It’s been renovated with many nice restaurants from all corners of the world. I couldn’t resist and ate a delicious Chinese tofu bun.
The Jardim Garcia de Orta that lie along the water make the whole area beautifully green and super livable. Various colored concrete benches stand there and the Portuguese take their lunch break here.
Cable Car Expo 1998
Here you’ll also find the cable car that has been operating since the 1998 expo. For 9.50 euros you can go back and forth on the cable car. Meanwhile, you naturally get a wonderful view over the area.
Oceanario de Lisboa
Lisbon’s aquarium can also be found here. I read that it’s a modern aquarium where large fish such as sharks, rays, penguins and tropical fish can be seen. A ticket for the aquarium in Lisbon costs 25 euros.
Before I went back to the city, I also walked on the other side of the metro and bus station through some parts of a neighborhood where I saw some street art. It’s a poorer area and you get to walk into daily Lisbon life there.
The Mouraria District – Lisbon
I think this Moorish district, despite not finding any Bordalo II artwork there, deserves a place in this list. What an interesting district I found Mouraria to be. Like Alfama, an old district where the authentic atmosphere can still be felt and seen well. I also read that this is called Lisbon’s hippest district lately.
I noticed that there was a lot of attention for the old residents of this district. Everywhere on the walls of the houses I saw black/white photos of old residents and their influence on Mouraria. Many nice sunny little squares, narrow streets and of course many stairs.
The different cultures also visibly come together in this district – Asia, Africa but also the Arabic influences can be seen in the street scene. I walked down a street and imagined myself in India/Nepal for a moment. Quite strange!
Discovering Lisbon through the art of O Gringo
Looking for other street art in Lisbon? There’s enough to see and find. I also kept coming across ogringo75 with strikingly beautiful art pieces on the wall. What we call Delft blue is called Portuguese ceramics here. He combines the old blue with beautiful modern themes. I saw quite a few and found them very beautiful too. Most have an explanation and give the whole thing a beautiful message.
Banksy Museum – Lisbon
You can of course also visit the Banksy museum. I spoke to someone who had been there. She found it interesting and indicated that there were many pieces to see. Are you a Banksy fan? Then go to the Banksy museum in Lisbon. Book your entrance ticket for the Banksy Museum right away.
Haven’t seen enough art yet? Go to MAAT Gallery, this can be found on the way to Belem along the coast. If you’re also going on foot, that is.
GPS Street Art Locations Bordalo II Lisbon
I’ll share the exact GPS locations of Bordalo II Lisbon artworks that I visited with you.
How to get around in the city of Lisbon
To search for all Bordalo II Lisbon street art locations, I understand that you don’t want to do everything on foot. I did do many on foot but as mentioned, I went to Oriente by metro.
Metro – The metro is very easy to use. I could simply check in with my phone and check out again when you leave the metro. You don’t need to buy tickets anymore or anything, really ideal.
I always take a photo of the metro map so I can see well which stops there are and which lines. Where are the transfer points and which neighborhoods in Lisbon can I easily reach by metro.
Bike / Scooter – In addition, there are bikes or scooters for rent on the street itself. Very handy to discover the different Bordalo II Lisbon street art locations, of course. I tried to rent a bike but the app didn’t really cooperate so I just walked to Torre de Belem. I find a scooter a bit scary because suppose you suddenly have to swerve or something. With shorts on, you’d scrape your knees in no time. It’ll probably be fine, I never see anyone fall but I don’t feel like it.
Tuktuk or Vintage car – You see them everywhere in the streets, the many tuktuks but also those vintage cars (classic cars). You can drive them yourself it seems or have a guide drive you. I think it would be really fun to do for an afternoon or a few hours. You see the city of Lisbon from a completely different position.
Tram 28 – Or will you take that beautiful tram 28 to make a round trip through the beautiful city of Lisbon?
Book your Tuktuk / Vintage Car tour in Lisbon or Tram 28 with audio guide.
How many days do you need for Lisbon?
You can easily entertain yourself for 3 to 4 days in the city of Lisbon. If you visit a different district each time and visit a museum or something, a day passes quickly. And then you haven’t even been to Sintra and the fairytale-like surroundings. That remains on my list for next time, after 3 times in Lisbon!
Are you also going to visit all Bordalo II Lisbon street art locations?
Where to stay in Lisbon?
The Central House Hostel (€45)
I found this hostel really great. It has a large quiet space downstairs where you can sit comfortably to work. The rooms aren’t very large but your bed is spacious and has storage space under the bed which is very roomy. My backpack fit easily and various other things could still be stored. You can close the bed with a curtain.
Per room, I always took a women’s room with 4 beds, you have your own bathroom. That’s very nice. You don’t have to go into the hallway to go to the toilet or brush your teeth in your nightwear.
This hostel is 5 minutes walking from Rossio metro station.
Room 00 Lisboa Hostel (€40)
I had this hostel a few years ago. I also found this very nice, just like the other one, your bed can be closed with a curtain. You also have storage space under the bed, a bit smaller but still fitting for the backpack. I think we didn’t have our own bathroom in the room itself here but in the hallway. In terms of location, this one is somewhat further from the center so I can recommend The Central Hostel more.
This hostel is 5 minutes walking from Avenida metro station.
Want to sleep in a hotel in Lisbon?
There are of course plenty of those in Lisbon too!
Solar dos Poetas (€90)
This hotel is located on the beautiful Praça Luís de Camões square and therefore really in the center. Everything within walking distance and a super starting point to explore the city.
This hotel is really one minute walking from Baixa-Chiado metro station.
Getting to and from Lisbon
You can easily travel by bus within Portugal. Lisbon’s large bus stations are Rede Expressos or Oriente. The long-distance buses depart from here. Both bus stations are easily accessible by metro.
You can travel with Flixbus or Rede Expressos buses. Tickets are easy to book on site or online. Via Google maps you can quickly see how often the bus runs and you’re also directed to the relevant site to buy your ticket.
Lisbon airport (Aeroporto Internacional de Lisboa Humberto Delgado) is also easily accessible by metro. Make sure you get on the red line and this will take you to Lisbon’s airport.
Final Thoughts on Lisboa
What a cool and pleasant city I find Lisbon to be. Portugal’s capital definitely deserves several days of your time!
Have you ever been to Lisbon? What were your favorite spots?
After my days in Lisbon I walked the Fishermen’s Trail. I had done that once before but now to put together a trip that I now offer on this website. Do you want to join? It’s a wonderful coastal walk to the southernmost point of Europe!
Want to discover other cities?
- Travel Guide for your trip to Porto
- Viana do Castelo Travel Guide: Hidden Gem on Portugal’s Camino Portuguese Route
- Visit the port city of Gijon & surroundings – Spain