Nightlife in Lisbon: A guide to the city’s best spots

Lisbon nightlife is full of opportunities for any taste or budget. Discover the best clubs and bars in the neighborhoods of Lisbon.

Jale

5 minute read

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27 Aug 2024

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Living

When the sun goes down, the Lisbon comes alive with an exciting and diverse nightlife Lisbon scene. From cozy wine bars in Lisbon in ancient neighborhoods to rooftop bars with breathtaking views, there’s something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best neighborhoods for nightlife in Lisbon, with recommendations for the top bars and clubs.

So, let’s dive in!

If you’re looking for a neighborhood that embodies the essence of Lisbon nightlife, Bairro Alto is the place to be. This area is a maze of narrow, cobblestone streets lined with bars that cater to all tastes. During the day, it’s quiet and chill, but when night falls, Bairro Alto becomes the bustling heart of the city’s social scene.

Best bars in Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is known for its casual vibe, where people often hop from bar to bar. Here are some of the best bars in Lisbon that you’ll find in Bairro Alto:

• Artis Wine Bar: A must-visit for wine lovers. This wine bar offers a fantastic selection of Portuguese wines in a cozy, intimate setting.

• Cinco Lounge: This is one of the top cocktail bars Lisbon. The menu is extensive, and the bartenders are masters at crafting both classic and innovative cocktails.

• Park: Located on top of a parking garage, Park is a trendy rooftop bar in Lisbon with stunning views of the city. It’s a great spot for sunset drinks or late-night cocktails with a view.

Best clubs in Bairro Alto

While Bairro Alto is more about bar-hopping, you can find some hidden gems if you’re looking to dance:

• The Bedroom: A stylish club with a modern vibe, The Bedroom offers a mix of pop and electronic music. It’s smaller than other clubs in Lisbon, but it’s perfect for a fun night out.

• Maria Caxuxa: While technically a bar, this place turns into a lively spot with a dance floor later in the evening. The eclectic decor and friendly crowd make it a favorite among locals.

Cais do Sodré has undergone a massive transformation over the years. Once known for its gritty vibe, it’s now one of the trendiest areas for nightlife in Lisbon. At the heart of Cais do Sodré is Pink Street Lisbon (or Pink Street Lisboa), a vibrant area that buzzes with energy every night.

Best bars in Cais do Sodré

Cais do Sodré is home to some of the most unique bars in Lisbon. Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:

• Pensão Amor: A former brothel turned into a bar, Pensão Amor is one of the quirkiest spots in the city. It’s a mix of vintage decor, dim lighting, and eccentric entertainment, making it a must-see.

• Sol e Pesca: This bar is dedicated to canned fish, a Portuguese delicacy. It’s quirky and fun, offering a range of canned snacks to go along with your drinks.

• Topo Chiado: While not directly in Cais do Sodré, Topo Chiado is close enough to include. It’s a fantastic rooftop bar Lisbon with great views of the city, perfect for a pre-night out drink.

Best clubs in Cais do Sodré

Cais do Sodré is known for its vibrant club scene, making it a hot spot for Lisbon nightclubs:

• Musicbox: Located under the arches of Cais do Sodré’s train tracks, Musicbox is an underground club with live music and DJ sets. It’s one of the best clubs in Lisbon for those who love a mix of genres, from indie rock to electronic.

• Rive-Rouge: This stylish club is located inside the Time Out Market. With a chic interior and a lineup of top DJs, it’s a great spot for a more upscale clubbing experience.

For a more traditional and cultural experience, head to Alfama. This is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, famous for its winding streets and Fado music. Nightlife Lisbon in Alfama is more about soaking in the local culture than partying till dawn.

Best bars in Alfama

While Alfama isn’t known for its wild nightlife, it has some of the most authentic bars in Lisbon:

• Clube de Fado: This venue offers a live Fado experience along with a delicious meal. It’s one of the best places to immerse yourself in traditional Portuguese music.

• Mesa de Frades: Another fantastic spot for Fado lovers, Mesa de Frades is housed in a former chapel. The setting is beautiful, and the music is hauntingly beautiful.

• Fábrica de Braço de Prata: This artsy venue is a mix between a bar, gallery, and live music venue. It’s a unique spot where you can enjoy a drink while exploring the local art scene.

Best clubs in Alfama

Alfama isn’t the place for typical Lisbon nightclubs, but you can find some interesting late-night spots:

• Lust in Rio: Just a short walk from Alfama, Lust in Rio offers a clubbing experience by the river. It’s an open-air club that’s perfect for summer nights, with a mix of pop, house, and hip-hop music.

• Silk Club: For a more upscale experience, Silk Club offers one of the best rooftop views in Lisbon. It’s a chic club where you can dance under the stars with a beautiful cityscape as your backdrop.

Príncipe Real is one of Lisbon’s most elegant neighborhoods, known for its upscale boutiques, charming gardens, and vibrant gay community. The Lisbon nightlife scene here is sophisticated, with a focus on chic cocktail bars Lisbon and stylish lounges.

best bars in Príncipe Real

If you’re looking for a more refined nightlife in Lisbon, Príncipe Real won’t disappoint:

• Cinco Lounge: Known for its creative cocktails, Cinco Lounge is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The bartenders here are true artists, crafting drinks that are as delicious as they are Instagram-worthy.

• Foxtrot: This speakeasy-style bar has been around since the 1970s and is one of the best-kept secrets in Lisbon. With its retro decor and cozy atmosphere, it’s a great spot for a relaxed night out.

• A Cevicheria: While more of a restaurant than a bar, _ Cevicheria is a trendy spot known for its excellent cocktails and ceviche. It’s perfect for a pre-dinner drink or a late-night snack.

Best clubs in Príncipe Real

Príncipe Real has less nightlife spots than other neighborhoods in Lisbon, but there're a few spots where you can dance the night away:

• Trumps: This is Lisbon’s most famous gay bar Lisbon, known for its vibrant atmosphere and fantastic drag shows. The music is a mix of pop, dance, and house, and the crowd is always ready to party.

• Incógnito: A legendary club in Lisbon, Incógnito is the place to go if you’re into alternative and indie music. It’s a small, intimate venue with a loyal following of music lovers.

To make the most of your Lisbon nightlife experience, here are a few tips:

• Public Transport: Lisbon’s metro runs until 1 AM, and after that, night buses and taxis are available. Ridesharing apps like Uber are also a convenient option.

• Safety: Lisbon is generally safe, but as with any major city, keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

• Dress Code: Most bars and clubs in Lisbon are casual, but some upscale venues in Príncipe Real and Cais do Sodré may have a smart-casual dress code.

• Timing: The nightlife in Lisbon starts late, with people typically heading out around 10 PM. Clubs get busy after midnight and stay open until 6 AM or later.

Lisbon’s nightlife is as diverse as the city itself, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to sip on a cocktail with a view, dance until dawn, or immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Fado, this city has it all. So, grab your friends, pick a neighborhood, and discover why Lisbon nightlife is among the best in Europe.