Keep up to date with Lisbon's trendiest nightlife activities.
In this guide, read all you need to know about bars, clubs, shows and general tips for a buzzing night out in Lisbon's nightlife scene.
What do I need to know about Lisbon's nightlife?
When it comes to nightlife, the Portuguese capital may not be quite up to par with Berlin or Istanbul, but it's on the rise and certainly captivates with its vibrant and diverse scene.
As soon as dusk falls, Lisbon comes to life! The calm and peaceful energy during the day is a strong contrast to the vibrant and crowded after-dark ambience.
There are nightlife options for every budget, from cheap, laid-back pubs and hip bars to stylish rooftops and trendy nightclubs.
However, you shouldn’t expect many large clubs in the city. In fact, the real charm of Lisbon's nightlife lies in the intimate, small bars in old buildings in the central neighborhoods, which have their own unique atmospheres. And the rooftops! Lisbon's great weather makes it an ideal city for rooftop parties and dining!
A word of advice for the ladies: Opt for pretty sandals, sneakers or wedges rather than heels. They are much more suitable on the cobblestone streets and the many hills of the city.
Nightlife Tips
- Nightlife Districts: Bairro Alto, Cais do Sodré, Santos, Príncipe Real, Intendente, Alfama
- Dress code: Lisbon is a very casual city. You don't have to worry about dressing up to go out for the evening. You will only have to deal with a dress code in fancy nightclubs, such as Lux.
- Prices: In general, you can expect lower prices than elsewhere in Europe. For example, a beer is normally less than 2 Euro.
- Vibe: The vibe in Lisbon relaxed, and perfect for people in their mid to late 20s to early 40s.
Nightlife Hours
Nightlife in Lisbon starts relatively late, as the Portuguese do not eat dinner until between 20:00 and 21:30 - on weekends it can even be later. Therefore, the bars fill up at 23:00 at the earliest and are usually open until 3:00 or 4:00. Clubbing starts not before 2:00. For night owls looking to get their fill of nightlife, hit up a nightclub in Cais do Sodré or one of the clubs down on the riverfront that stay up longer.
Best Nightlife Experiences in Lisbon
With its diverse nightlife scene, Lisbon promises plenty of excitement.
See here the best the Portuguese capital has to offer!
1. Bar hopping in Bairro Alto
Lisbon’s party district is unquestionably Bairro Alto. It is the perfect place to experience an unforgettable night out. As soon as the sun sets, the quiet streets of the hilltop neighborhood come to life and fill with people and music. People like to get together here to meet for petiscos (Portugal’s take on tapas) and some early beers, cocktails or wine, continuing into the night.
From cheap beers on the street to a fusion cuisine dinner to live band or DJ for dancing, there are all kinds of night spots, no matter what you're in the mood for. Just wander the maze-like, graffiti-strewn historic streets and hop from venue to venue. The bars in Bairro Alto typically close at 2:00.
→ Find our more about the best bars in Lisbon and Bairro Alto this related article!
2. Cais do Sodré and Pink Street
Once the red light district of Lisbon, the riverside district Cais do Sodré is now one of the most trendy nightlife areas of the city. Whether you want an elegant dinner, drinks at the riverfront or to party all night, Cais do Sodré has you covered. The district is where most partygoers move on to after the bars in Bairro Alto close.
The neighborhood is also home to one of the hippest nightlife hotspots of the city: Pink Street (officially: Rua Nova do Carvalho). The pedestrian street is packed with some of the most popular bars and dance clubs which overflow into the open spaces outfront with little tables placed under rainbow umbrellas. Pink Street, famous for its street parties, owes its nickname to the bubblegum pink-painted floor, and is the best place to party until the wee hours of the night.
3. Drink Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar
Lisbon is probably one of the best cities in the world when it comes to rooftop bars and terraces. With the year-round ideal weather that makes you want to sit outside day and night, it's no wonder why. Enjoy drinks, dinner or treats with dreamy vistas over the Lisbon skyline, the Tagus River and the sea of terracotta roofs. Many venues feature live music and DJ performances as well. From luxurious and fancy to relaxed and cozy rooftop bars, there is something for everyone, all listed in this article.
While the rooftop bars are dotted all over Lisbon, you can find a lot of them in the Baixa and Chiado neighborhoods, many of them on top of a hotel. Our favorites include the fancy Sky Bar SEEN, the trendy Javá Rooftop, Topo Chiado and the urban rooftop bar Park.
Many of the best hotels in Lisbon with pools also include rooftop bars. Check them out and discover which appeal to you!
4. Attend an authentic Fado Show
A totally different kind of nightlife, which attracts mainly tourists who are not looking for wild nights, but rather an authentic local experience, are the fado shows. Fado is the traditional Portuguese music that tells stories of heartbreak, which women sang in the 19th century for the men who went on sea voyages with no certainty of return.
The best way to experience this nostalgic, emotional Portuguese music is during a dinner in a historic fado performing restaurant. Fado shows typically starts around 19:00 or 20:00. You will find many taverns where fado flows from the windows, in the Alfama neighborhood. Bairro Alto is also a good option, for example Tasca Do Chico.
5. Have a Craft Beer in Lisbon’s New Beer Districts
Beato and Marvila are the up-and-coming neighborhoods of Lisbon. Located in the east of the city, these industrial areas are currently turned into a beer district. Old buildings, abandoned factories and warehouses have been (and are being) transformed into hip microbreweries and are now attracting a young crowd and the creative scene.
The heart of the action is currently on Rua do Açúcar in downtown Marvila, but the trend is spreading. Here you'll find several craft breweries, trendy restaurants and art galleries that exude a cool artsy and industrial vibe. Top addresses include Fábrica Musa and Dois Corvos, both of which offer a good selection of craft beer on tap.
6. Visit a Performance, Concert, Event or Show
Feel like diving into the creative pulse of Lisbon? Then why not visit a cultural event or a show! With a great location in the heart of the city, Coliseu dos Recreios offers entertainment of all kind. The historical multipurpose venue, built in 1888, hosts dance shows, circus performances, theatre plays, ballet, music concerts and even award ceremonies. For operas, ballets and other musical and artistic performances, visit the 18th century opera house Teatro Nacional de São Carlos in the Chiado district.
Another venue not to be missed is Belém Cultural Center, the biggest cultural center in Portugal. The cultural hub has events and shows running all the time, from exhibitions, cultural events and performances. As a bonus, you can enter the Berardo Collection Museum with its more than 1,800 pieces of art on display for free.
Tourist Traps
Overall, Lisbon is a totally safe city to go out at night.
As in other major cities, you should be wary of pickpockets in the tourist center, especially in high season. Apart from that, you don't have to worry much about tourist traps or a high risk of a violent crime or a crime happening. Just be mindful and aware of your surroundings.
Lisbon Nightlife FAQ
Yes, definitely! The Portuguese capital has a very lively and diverse nightlife, offering everything from cheap, laid-back pubs and hip bars to stylish rooftop bars and trendy nightclubs.
The ultimate party district is Bairro Alto. But Cais do Sodre and Alfama are also popular neighborhoods for partying. Don't miss one of the hottest nightlife hotspots in Lisbon: Pink Street, an open-air party spot that is home to some of the most popular bars and dance clubs.
When it comes to nightlife, the Lisbon may not be match Lisbon or Istanbul, but it's definetly a place where you can experience nightlife to the fullest. The city attracts people from all over the world with its vibrant and diverse nightlife scene that captivates with its intimate bars, trendy clubs, stylish rooftop bars and Fado houses.