A night out in Lisbon?
Lisbon nights start early in bars and end late at after parties, especially on Fridays and Saturdays. In high season and weekends it's best to make reservations in the hip &/or posh places.
Classic
Start at the viewpoint Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Youngsters hang around making music while you can enjoy an incredible view on the river. Go to Park for a long drink with excellent view (at the top of a parking lot). Then head towards Barrio Alto for a dinner at Taberna Portuguesa ( Calçada do Combro 115 ) or Sinal Vermelho ( R. das Gáveas 89 ). Then have a drink in a bar in Bairro Alto or have a dance at the small dancefloor of 49ZDB, or check if the terrace of ZDB next door is open or they might even have a night on. All places close at 3:00 at Barrio Alto.
Crowded
Have a cocktail or Amarguinha Citron (almond liquor similar to Amaretto) at Pensao D'Amor ( Rua do Alecrim ) (this is temporarily closed so try Collect in R. Nova do Carvalho 60 62 ). You can eat at Time Out Market with lots of food stands. Then jump into the bustle of the bars around Cais do Sodre. Streets can fill up quickly so pick any place, including at the "Pink Street". Check the program of Musicbox, a venue with a daring program or head for Lounge with good music and warm vibes, between a bar and mini club till 4:00.
Alternative
Hang around in nice bars at the Intendente square first or immediately go up a couple of floor to Topo, a rooftop bar on Martim Maniz. Or go chiquer to the rooftop of Hotel Mundial ( Praça Martim Moniz 2 ). Plenty of cheap food in those neighbourhoods, Portuguese but also Asian. Type "illegal chinese" on Google Maps. Go for typical Portuguese at Zé da Mouraria ( R. João do Outeiro 24) or cheap veggie at the association RDA 69 ( Regueirão Anjos 69 ), go for vegan at The Food Temple or go for one of the sea food restaurants on Almirante Reis like Cervejaria Ramiro (big queue) or A Marisqueira do Lis. You can also end up at Casa Independente, between bar and club and with laid back vibe. If you feel like going further, grab a taxi to Arroz Estudios ( Av. Infante Dom Henrique ).
Contemporary
Start with a delicious dinner at Prado ( Travessa das Pedras Negras, 2, make a reservation on their site quite some time in advance ), stylish and modern with fine twists on traditional Portuguese food. If unavailable try Alma ( R. Anchieta 15 ) or Oficina do Duque ( Calçada do Duque 43 A ). Enjoy the nightview of the viewpoints Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol. Have a glass of wine at Botequim da Graça ( Largo Graça 79 ) and end at Damas ( R. da Voz do Operário 60 ) especially when there is concerts or dj sets. When it closes at 3 or 4, go down that street to see the church "Igreja de São Vicente de Fora" by night.
Gay
Do a gay tour in Principe Real, there is bars and clubs with commercial music. Go for fancy dinner at A Cevicheria ( R. Dom Pedro V 129 ) or go to Flores da Pampa ( Praça das Flores 18 ). Have a cocktail at Foxtrot ( Tv. Santa Teresa 28 ). Then go to bars like Tr3s or Woof. Afterwards: Construction is a cruising club, Finalmente (our favorite) is a drag queen club, and Trumps" is a typical gay-night-out with 2 dancefloors. You're good till 7:00. New initiatives are added regularly so you might want to check out 5A Club.
Further away
Check if there is a party at LX factory. Hang out in one of the bars, check the rooftop. Order a Porto Tonico ( white port and tonic water ) and enjoy the view. Plenty of food at LX Factory.
Luxurious
Start your evening at Gin Lovers (unless you don't like gin), inside an incredible 19th century palace, the Embaxaida ( Praça do Príncipe Real 26 ). Hold some space for more drinks at to the bar of Memmo Principe Real Hotel with a mini pool and a view. Go for fancy dinner at Restaurante 100 Maneiras. Have a cocktail at the bar of 9 Hotel Mercy ( R. da Misericórdia 76 ) and by 1 or 2, take a cab to the river to Lux Fragil, a must visit club. 3 floors with quality music. Make sure you check the basement. Expect an impressive sound system and breath taking views over the river. Take sunglasses if you intend to stay late, it often goes till 8:30 :) Take more cash, these tips come at North-European prices.
Oldfashioned
Enjoy an antique collection moment at Pavilhão Chines ( R. Dom Pedro V 89 ). Check the sunset at the viewpoint Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara and dine with an 18th century palace-feel at Tavares ( R. da Misericórdia 37 R/C ) . Sit at the square Praça Luís de Camões to see the bustle of the city go by.
Oldfashioned II
Go for a cherry liquor at A Ginjinha or go for the most local down to earth version Ginjinha Rubi (Google got the pictures mixed up). You can even get a 2nd of 3rd one at Ginjinha Sem Rival, there all close to one another. Dine at Gambrinus ( R. das Portas de Santo Antão 23 ) or Casa do Alentejo ( R. das Portas de Santo Antão 58 ). These are in a touristic street but are the true Portuguese classics to discover. The interiors are fabulous. Go for drink at O Bar da Odete ( R. do Jardim do Regedor 47B ) and end the night at the Praça dos Restauradores admiring the "Eden Aparthotel" Art Deco building, the chique "Hotel Avenida Palace" and the incredible facade of the Rossio station.
Stay in with delicacies
Lisbon is a paradise for small specialty stores. Hit for Baixa with lots them: quality pastries at Confeitaria Nacional ( Praça da Figueira 18B ), wine at Charcutaria ( Rua da Betesga 1A ), best porto at Casa Mcario ( R. Augusta 272 ) and fine meat and cheese at Manteigaria Silva ( Rua D. Antão de Almada 1 C e D ). These stores are all on or next to the "Praça da Figueira" where you can also find the best bigger store for all the rest: Mercado da Figueira ( Praça da Figueira 10 ).
If you stay in Vasconcelos you can check the small stores in and around the street Tv. do Monte.
Fado
Fado appeared during the early 19th century in Lisbon, and is believed to have its origins in the port districts such as Alfama, Mouraria and Bairro Alto. Fado is a form of music characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor, and infused with a sentiment of resignation, fate and melancholy. On 27 November 2011, fado was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
Two good addresses
Mesa de Frades, R. dos Remédios 139, Lisboa
A Baiuca, R. de São Miguel nr 20, Lisboa
