Lisboa Nightlife

Bairro Alto is the first place to go for nightlife, especially before 2am. R. do Norte, R. do Diário de Notícias, R. da Rosa, and R. Atalaia , which run parallel to each other, pack many small bars and clubs into three short blocks, making bar-hopping as easy as crossing the street. Several gay and lesbian establishments lie in this area, as well as in Rato near the edge of Bairro Alto, past Pr. Príncipe Real. The options near the water are larger, flashier, and generally more diverse. The Docas de Santo Amaro host a strip of waterfront bars, clubs, and restaurants, while the Av. 24 de Julho and the parallel R. das Janelas Verdes (Street of Green Windows), in the Santos area, have some of the most popular clubs and discotecas. Newer expansions include the area along the river across from the Santa Apolónia train station, home to glitzy club Lux. The Bairro Alto bar scene is very casual, but at clubs, jeans, sandals, and sneakers are generally not allowed—some places have uptight fashion police at the door. Inside, beer runs €3-5, and it gets more expensive as the night goes by. Some clubs also charge a cover (generally €5-13), which usually gets you two to four free drinks. Usually, entrance is free for girls. There’s no reason to show up before midnight; crowds flow in around 2am and stay past dawn.

Bairro Alto

From tiny bars to punk clubs to posh fado restaurants, the Bairro Alto and nearby districts can’t be beat for nightlife and entertainment. A Tasca Tequila Bar, Tr. da Queimada, 13-15 (☎ 919 40 ...more

Alfama

Restô, R. Costa do Castelo, 7 (☎ 218 86 73 34). Don’t be surprised to see a flying trapeze or tightrope act—Restô is on the grounds of a government-funded clown school, Chapitô. Upstairs serves ...more

Graça

Lux/Frágil, Av. Infante D. Henrique A, Cais da Pedra a Sta. Apolonia (☎ 218 82 08 90). Take a taxi (€5 from Chiado) to the area across from the Sta. Apolónia train station to get to this enormous ...more