Portuguese historical figures, their favorite places in Lisbon

Lisbon is a city with many centuries of history, full of hidden corners that hold many memories. To truly experience the city, set off to discover it through its streets and alleys, explore squares, museum houses, iconic cafes, and take the opportunity to learn the stories that made them places of worship for some of Lisbon’s most illustrious personalities. At Luzeiros Suites, we want our guests to discover the true essence of the Portuguese capital, so that, beyond the must-see tourist attractions, they are impacted by all its charms as they stroll through the city.

If you’re looking for unique experiences during your stay in Lisbon, discover these iconic places frequented by figures who have shaped Portuguese history. From poets and writers to fado singers and football legends, these are some of the must-see spots that will allow you to enjoy the city and discover some of the places they loved most: Fernando Pessoa, Amália Rodrigues, Eça de Queiroz, José Saramago, and Eusébio, and experience Lisbon in a unique and inspiring way.

Fernando Pessoa (1888–1935)

Considered one of the greatest Portuguese poets and a central figure of literary modernism. Known for his use of heteronyms and the philosophical depth of his work, Pessoa left a mark on world literature.

The Casa Fernando Pessoa, where he lived during the last 15 years of his life, has been transformed into a museum and preserves the author’s literary legacy, including manuscripts, books, and personal objects.

©Tripadvisor

Address: Rua Coelho da Rocha 18, 1250-088 Lisboa

Address: Rua de S. Bento 193, 1250-219 Lisboa

Café A Brasileira, in Chiado, once a meeting point for intellectuals and writers, celebrates the poet, who held so many gatherings there, with his statue on the terrace.

© Tripadvisor

Inside, be sure to admire the paintings that adorn the walls of this emblematic café, transforming it into a true informal museum and a reference point for Portuguese art since the 1920s.

Address: Rua Garrett 120 122, 1200-205 Lisboa

Opening hours: Every day, from 8 AM to 12 AM.

For those who are more curious, there is also a tourist guide by Fernando Pessoa, entitled “Lisboa – What The Tourist Should See” , in which the writer presents the city from his own perspective. The book is also available in English and can be purchased in bookstores.

©Livros Horizonte

Amália Rodrigues (1920–1999)

© Silva Nogueira

Her charisma and unique voice marked the 20th century. Still considered the greatest Portuguese fado singer, Amália spread fado and Portuguese culture internationally. Her talent won admirers beyond borders and made her, alongside Eusébio, known and admired throughout the world.

The Amália Rodrigues House-Museum, located in Lisbon, is the house where Amália lived for over four decades. The space preserves personal belongings, stage costumes and mementos from the artist’s career, allowing visitors to experience the intimacy and passion Amália had for fado.

©Fundação Amália Rodrigues

At the Amália Rodrigues House-Museum shop you will find hand-painted silk shawls and fans, Portugal Jewels jewelry inspired by the pieces the fado singer wore, and a special selection of CDs, books and postcards that celebrate her voice and legacy.

Address: Rua de S. Bento 193, 1250-219 Lisboa

Address: Rua de S. Bento 193, 1250-219 Lisboa

After exploring the house, it’s worth strolling through the garden, with its café and terrace. peaceful retreat where you can sample wines and typical Portuguese snacks, such as cheeses or pastéis de bacalhau (portuguese salt cod fritters), and spend time with with Chico, Amália’s last parrot, who greets visitors with his cheerful “GOOD MORNING”.

© Lisboa Secreta

Between March and October, every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in the late afternoon, the venue hosts live Fado sessions, making the visit even more memorable.

José Saramago (1922–2010)

© Bertrand

Winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1998, he stood out for his unique writing style. With a controversial personality, marked by questioning society and the human condition, the writer created the José Saramago Foundation in 2007. This foundation’s mission is to promote culture, defend human rights, and protect the environment. Since 2012, its headquarters have been located in the historic Casa dos Bicos, in Campo das Cebolas, where you can find a permanent exhibition, “The seed and the fruits,” dedicated to Saramago’s life and work, as well as other cultural activities such as book presentations and theatrical performances.

©Fundação José Saramago

Address: Rua dos Bacalhoeiros, 10, 1100-135, Lisboa

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, from 10 am to 6 pm

Eça de Queiroz (1845–1900)

© Renascença

He is one of the greatest writers of Portuguese realism, known for his novels that portray, in an exemplary way, 19th-century Lisbon society.

Rossio Square is a place intimately linked to the life and work of Eça de Queirós. The writer’s parents lived on the fourth floor of the Café Nicola building, and it was near the window of this apartment that Eça wrote part of “The Mystery of the Sintra Road”. A plaque on the building’s facade commemorates the author’s time there, immortalizing his connection to the city’s historic center.

© Inês Leote
©Lojas Com História

Address: Praça Dom Pedro IV 24, 1100-200 Lisboa

Eusébio (1942–2014)

Considered one of the greatest football players in Portugal and the world, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, he became famous as a player for Sport Lisboa e Benfica, and to this day is remembered for his talent, speed and sportsmanship.

Adega Tia Matilde, a classic Portuguese restaurant, became an emblematic place for being regularly frequented by Eusébio. It was there that the player had his last lunch before passing away in 2014, earning him a bust in the bar that honors the legend. His table remains eternally reserved for his family, perpetuating the memory of the “Black Panther” in Lisbon.

©Expresso

Address: Rua da Beneficência 77, 1600-017 Lisboa

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, from 12 PM to 4 PM and from 7:30 PM to 12 AM; Saturday, from 12 PM to 4:30 PM

At the Estádio da Luz, it is possible to visit the statue of Eusébio da Silva Ferreira next to the main entrance, inaugurated during his 50th birthday, offering fans the opportunity to pay homage to the legend of Portuguese football.

©Mário Cruz, Lusa

Address: Av. Eusébio da Silva Ferreira, 1500-313 Lisboa