The best tattoo shops in Lisbon are:
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A.R.T. Tattoo School
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Alla Prima
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Amor de Madre
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Carlos Amorim Tattoo Shop
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Cobra Negra Tattoo
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El Diablo Tattoo Club
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Iron Wizard Tattoo
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Lisboa Ink
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Nobre Tattoo Shop
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Oitavo Arte Tattoo Shop
Hey there! Have you ever thought about getting a tattoo while traveling? Well, I did, and guess what? It was in the beautiful city of Lisbon, Portugal.
From the historic streets of Alfama to the vibrant nightlife of Bairro Alto, Lisbon is not just rich in culture and good food, but it's also a paradise for tattoo lovers, and you can have an ultimate tattoo experience in the city.
I'm here to share my incredible journey through the top tattoo shops in Lisbon and provide you with all the details you need if you're considering getting tattooed in this stunning city. Let's dive in!
Top tattoo shops in Lisbon, Portugal:
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A.R.T. Tattoo School
Man, when I first walked into the A.R.T. Tattoo School, I was knocked out by how cool it looked. Shiny glass cases were filled with all kinds of art supplies, like inks, needles, and stencils.
The walls in this business were covered in rad tattoo designs, each one more awesome than the last, adding to the positive aspects of the shop.
But what really stood out was how everyone was learning. They were all so busy, drawing, inking, and practicing.
The place was buzzing! You could see people with different skill levels, some beginners and some advanced, all trying out new stuff.
The best part? They even offered a tattoo course that's just five days long!
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Alla Prima Lisboa
Oh, you've gotta check out Alla Prima on Rua Conde. This place? It's like stepping into a private art studio.
You'll see:
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Paintings and sketches all over the place
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Artists working hard on some very cool designs
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Tons of photo albums filled with their past work.
The artists here are real pros. I mean, these guys can make any idea come to life in ink! I got a rose tattoo here and it was a perfect piece of art.
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Amor de Madre
I was pretty nervous when I walked into Amor de Madre. But guess what? They were so friendly! The atmosphere was super chilled out.
They had:
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Soft music playing
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Comfy couches to relax on
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A huge range of colorful inks.
These guys really know their stuff. They spent a lot of time making sure my design was just right before they started.
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Carlos Amorim Tattoo Shop
I'll never forget my visit to Carlos Amorim Tattoo Shop in Cais Do Sobre. It felt like stepping into a movie set.
The shop was:
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Decked out in retro style
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Full of vintage tattoo machines and old school artwork.
Carlos himself? He's a master. He's been tattooing for over 30 years.
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Cobra Negra Tattoo
What a place! Cobra Negra Tattoo had a really unique vibe. It was like a cool, underground hangout spot.
They had:
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Dark walls covered in amazing art
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Funky lights setting the mood
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Loads of tattoo books to check out.
The artists were really talented and super cool.
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El Diablo Tattoo Club
El Diablo Tattoo Club in Chiado was a real find. It was like walking into a secret club.
They had:
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A secret doorway behind a bookshelf
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Dim lights making it feel mysterious
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Walls filled with awesome flash designs.
My friend got a snake and dagger tattoo that was out of this world!
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Iron Wizard Tattoo
You've got to visit Iron Wizard Tattoo. It felt like an old-timey workshop.
You'd see:
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Metal sculptures and vintage items all around
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Artists hard at work on some amazing tattoos.
The whole experience was magic. I saw someone get a wizard tattoo, and it was detailed like you wouldn't believe!
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Lisboa Ink
My trip to Lisboa Ink in Príncipe Real was such a treat. The moment I walked in, I felt a wave of creativity.
The shop had:
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Vibrant artwork everywhere you looked
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Artists meticulously working on detailed designs
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A peaceful, laid-back vibe.
The line work they did on tattoos was incredible! Every fine line on tattoos looked extremely exquisite.
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Minimal Ink
Minimal Ink. is a hidden gem. It's this neat little shop where less is more.
You'd see:
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Simple, elegant tattoo designs on display
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Clean, minimalist decor
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Bright, inviting space.
Their work was so clean and precise. My minimalist moon tattoo looked simply perfect!
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Nobre Tattoo Shop
Visiting Nobre Tattoo Shop in Alfama y Castillo was like walking into an art gallery.
The place was:
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Decorated with beautiful murals and paintings
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Full of friendly, passionate artists
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Offering a wide range of bold, vibrant inks.
The colors they used in tattoos were so vivid!
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Oitavo Arte Tattoo Shop
Oitavo Arte Tattoo Shop is a must-visit. It felt like a friendly, local hangout.
They had:
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Artists chatting and laughing with customers
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Wall art that was quirky and fun
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Plenty of sketchbooks to flip through.
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Old Bastards Tattoo Parlor
Old Bastards Tattoo Parlor was something else!
The shop was:
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Decked out in rock 'n roll decor
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Filled with talented artists jamming to cool music
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Offering a wide variety of styles and designs.
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Queen of Hearts Tattoos
Queen of Hearts Tattoos in Bairro Alto was a fairytale experience.
They had:
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A charming, feminine decor
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A great team of artists working on some beautiful designs
Wall art that looked like it was straight out of a storybook.
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Route Lisbon Tattoo Shop
When I entered this shop in Bairro Alto, it felt like a road tripper's dream.
They had:
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Map-themed artwork all around
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A relaxed, travel-themed decor
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Artists who loved to chat about their travel stories.
Things to know before getting a tattoo in Lisbon
Here are a few things to know before getting a tattoo in Lisbon:
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Language: Most of the tattoo artists in Lisbon speak English, but it never hurts to learn a few Portuguese phrases. It's nice to chat and say "obrigado" - that's "thank you".
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Booking: Lots of these tattoo shops are super popular. So, it's a good idea to book your appointment in advance. For example, I had to book my session at El Diablo Tattoo Club two weeks before.
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Pricing: Prices for tattoos can vary a lot. Some shops have a minimum price, like Cobra Negra Tattoo where the minimum was 50 euros. Remember to check the price before you start!
How to choose a tattoo studio
Here's how to pick a tattoo studio:
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Check out their style: Every shop and artist has their own style. For instance, Minimal Ink. specializes in, well, minimal designs. Make sure their style matches what you want.
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Look at their work: Always check their previous work. Most shops, like Nobre Tattoo Shop, have photo albums or social media where you can see their tattoos.
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Review their cleanliness: This is super important. Make sure the shop is clean and they use new needles for each client.
Is Lisbon a good place to get a tattoo?
Yes, Lisbon is a good place to get a tattoo. It's packed with talented artists and cool shops. If you want to know more about Lisbon and the places to visit here, checkout the interesting blogs on Lisbon and other cities of Portugal!
Each shop I visited had its own unique vibe. Plus, you get to take home a permanent souvenir from your trip!
How old do you have to be to get a tattoo in Portugal?
You have to be at least 18 years old to get a tattoo in Portugal, or you need to have your parent with you.
That's the law. Some places might ask you for an ID, so be sure to carry one.
If you're under 18, you'll need your parents with you. But hey, it's always better to wait till you're sure about your tattoo, right?
Remember, getting a tattoo is a big deal. It's something that's going to stay with you. So take your time, do your homework, and make sure you're getting the right tattoo at the right place!
How much do tattoos cost in Lisbon?
Tattoos cost anywhere between 50 and 300+ euros in Lisbon.
So, let's talk money. How much does a tattoo cost in Lisbon?
Well, it can vary a lot. For small and simple tattoos, you might pay as little as 50 euros. For example, my small minimalist moon tattoo at Minimal Ink. was around that price.
But for bigger, detailed pieces, you could be looking at a few hundred euros. Like my friend's detailed wizard tattoo at Iron Wizard Tattoo? That one cost 300 euros.
Always check the pricing before you get started. And remember, a good tattoo isn't cheap and a cheap tattoo isn't good!
Conclusion
So, that's a journey through Lisbon's tattoo scene. From the ultra-cool A.R.T. Tattoo School to the hidden gem of Route Lisbon Tattoo Shop, there's a little something for everyone.
Whether you're looking for your first tattoo or your fiftieth, Lisbon is the place to go. Apart from the above, you can also check out shops like the Bad Bones tattoo shop.
The city is bursting with talented artists, unique tattoo shops, and an amazing culture that's sure to inspire you. So, why not take a trip and get some unforgettable ink? Trust me, it's an adventure you won't regret.
FAQs
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Do all tattoo shops in Lisbon accept walk-ins?
No, not all tattoo shops in Lisbon accept walk ins. Some popular shops are often fully booked and might require an appointment.
It's always a good idea to call ahead or visit their website to check.
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Is it customary to tip tattoo artists in Lisbon?
Yes, it is customary to tip tattoo artists in Lisbon! Tipping isn't mandatory, but it's a great way to show your appreciation for their work.
A tip of around 10-20% is considered pretty good.
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Can I get a tattoo if I don't speak Portuguese?
Yes, you can get a tattoo if you don't speak Portuguese. Most of the tattoo artists in Lisbon speak English.
But it's always nice to learn a few Portuguese phrases. "Obrigado" (thank you) is a good start!
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What should I do if I want a custom design?
If you want a custom design, it's best to book a consultation with the tattoo artist. You can discuss your ideas, and they can sketch out a design for you.
Remember to bring any reference images that can help.
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Can I get a tattoo if I'm under 18?
In Portugal, you must be 18 years old to get a tattoo. If you're under 18, you'll need your parents' consent.
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What if I have a skin condition?
If you have a skin condition, it's best to discuss it with the tattoo artist before booking your appointment. Some conditions can affect how well the tattoo heals.