Nightlife in Lisbon: 10 best places you should not miss

The 10 must-see spots for nightlife in Lisbon

Lisbon is a very festive city and many neighborhoods are lively at night. In other words, to go out at night in Lisbon, you will be spoiled for choice ! Thanks to my many stays in Lisbon during the last 15 years, I have identified for you the best ones. Here is a list of 10 nightlife trips to make during your weekend or trip to Lisbon :

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1. THE BARS IN BAIRRO ALTO – Conviviality first

The district of Bairro Alto is where the parties begin in Lisbon. You will find a multitude of restaurants, bars and shops with various concepts. At night the streets are crowded, people sympathize with their drink in the narrow streets of the neighborhood. The balance between real Lisboans and tourists creates a very pleasant melting pot. In general, Lisbon residents frequent Bairro Alto between 10pm and 2am to dine and / or have a drink before heading to other areas to extend the night. Most establishments in Bairro Alto close between 2 and 4am.

But Bairro Alto at night is not only bars and discos but also shops, concept stores and even hairdressers who stay open until the early hours.

Place to see : Clube da Esquina (located Rua da Barroca 30-32, Lisboa) serves the best mojitos of Bairro Alto and Lisbon

District : Bairro Alto

Facebook page of Clube da Esquina : https://www.facebook.com/clubedaesquina.bairroalto/

2. THE SILK CLUB – The chic and glamorous « bling bling »

The Silk Club has already been introduced in the article about the most beautiful terraces of Lisbon, but the Silk is more than a beautiful terrace with a superb view of Lisbon. It is one of the most “select” and “hype” clubs in the Portuguese capital. Located in the very “chic” area of Chiado, this 6th floor of a completely renovated building will provide you a 360 ° panoramic view of Lisbon.

Note : if you want to go there, do not forget to book several days in advance.

Opening hours : Tuesday to Thursday from 7 pm to 1:30 am / Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to 4 am (last admission at 2:30 am)

Adress : Rua da Misericórdia 14 – Edifício Espaço Chiado, Lisboa

Area : Chiado

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/silkclub/

Website : www.silk-club.com

3. LUX FRAGIL – « THE » nightclub in Lisbon

Lux Frágil is the most famous nightclub in Lisbon, and is known all over the world. One of its owners is a famous Lisbon lover, Mr John Malkovich. It is often at Lux Frágil that the most advanced Dj’s, the future big international stars of the night-clubbing and sometimes even the most “bankable” alternative musicians of the moment happen. The programming is very eclectic following the evenings but the electro remains the dominant Lux Frágil. The disco is housed in a 4-storey building near Santa Apolónia Station. Its terrace overlooking the Tagus is superb, not to be missed.

Note : the Lux is very select and a physiognomist at the en-trance will tell you if you have the right to return to Lux Frágil or not …

Opening hours : from 23h to 6h – Closed on Mondays

Address : avenida Infante Dom Henrique, Armazém A – Cais da Pedra a Santa Apolónia, Lisboa

Area : Santa Apolónia

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/luxfragil/

Website : www.luxfragil.com

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4. BARS OF CAIS DO SODRE – They compete with Bairro Alto

Cais do Sodré is a central area of Lisbon, near the Tagus, not far from Praça do Comércio and Bairro Alto. This area also gives its name to a maritime terminal (to cross the Tagus to Almada), a subway station, a train station and to the terminus of many bus lines. Originally, sailors landed in this area filled with poorly attended bars and brothels. Attendance that has remained so for many decades. Today, Cais do Sodré is one of Lisbon’s nightlife hot spots.

Personally, I find that in recent years this area is more lively than the Bairro Alto. The clientele is a little younger, the establishments are a little less chic and a little cheaper, it may be the reason for success. And do not forget that Bairro Alto is a district that has been repopulated and gentrified as the years go by. The complaints of local residents began to get louder with the Lisbon City Council, which had no alternative but to regulate the bars of Bairro Alto. Cais do Sodré is a much less inhabited area, for the moment, bars and discotheques have more freedom.

Indeed, in Cais do Sodré, one feels more transgressions and will to brave the forbidden than in Bairro Alto. The establishments are all more unusual and original than the others : burlesque shows, cocktails with provocative names, shows of alternative music etc.

Not to miss : Pensão Amor, an old hotel used for prostituion, converted in an disparate location with an erotic bookshop, sexy linge-rie shop, hairdresser and bar

Address : Rua Nova do Carvalho – the Pink Street, is the busiest street of Cais do Sodré at night, the asphalt of this street is painted in a bright pink

District : Cais do Sodré

5. LUST IN RIO – The knife-Swiss place

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Lust in Rio is a pretty new place in the Santos district, an area that counts in Lisbon’s nightlife. This place has many vocations : beautiful terrace during the day to have a drink, Sushi restaurant but also disco in the open when the weather is mild. A real “swiss knife” of the nightlife. During summertime, “Lust in Rio” evenings with a R’n’B – Hip Hop theme are a real success.

Opening hours : from 12:30 to 3:00 – until 06:00 for Lust in Rio parties

Adress : Rua Cintura do Porto de Lisboa, Armazém 255, Lisboa

District : Santos

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Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/meninosdorio.sushirio/

Website : http://meninosdorio.com/

6. LX FACTORY – The new trendy spot

Opened in 2008, LX Factory (LX is the code name of Lisbon) has more than 23,000m2 located in the district of Alcântara, just under the 25 April bridge. Initially, this vast space is a collection of factories and warehouses from the 19th century. Abandoned, this industrial area has been rehabilitated to become the nerve center of the “bobos” of Lisbon. The spirit and the decoration of the whole place remains minimalist and very industrial. The place is multidisciplinary, with companies involved in sectors such as art, fashion, design or advertising. But also shops, cafes and restaurants. When night falls, you can discover the latest trends and the most avant-garde and alternative sounds.

Not to miss : The Bosq Club, open fridays and saturdays from 11PM to 6AM

Opening hours of the whole LX Factory : 06:00 to 04:00

Address : Rua Rodrigues de Faria 103, Lisboa

Area : Alcântara

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/lxfactory/

Website : www.lxfactory.com

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7. DOCK’S CLUB – The club that resists thanks to African rhythms

It is one of the last club well animated on the docks (former warehouses) on this side of Lisbon. With the emergence of the LX Factory under the 25th April bridge and the nightclubs of Cais do Sodré and Santos, the Dock’s Club district is less lively than it was a few years ago. However, this club resists, especially thanks to the client base of 20/30 year olds who like to dance on African rhythms such as afro-house (big trend of nightclubs in Lisbon), semba (traditional music Angolan, the ancestor of Brazilian samba) and kizomba (Angolan zouk and Cape Verde). The presence of young Angolan and people with Angolan origins contributes to the success of this club throughout the year. Going to Dock’s Club, you will see how Lisbon is a cosmopolitan and mixed city.

Note : every Tuesday is the Dock’s Club must be for the famous “Ladies Night” which is a reference for many years.

Opening hours : from 0h30 to 07h30 (see until the morning some summer evenings) – The Dock’s Club opens on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays

Adress : Rua de Cintura Porto de Lisboa 226, Lisboa

Area : Alcântara

Facebook page : https://pt-pt.facebook.com/pages/THE-DOCKS-CLUB/290382297647915

8. LE K URBAN BEACH – And if you meet Cristiano Ronaldo there ?

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K Urban Beach belongs to the group K which owns different nightclubs and restaurants in Lisbon. Urban Beach opens at 8pm for dinner with 2 restaurants (one serving sushi and the other serving rodizio – as much meats and grills as you want). After midnight, the establishment becomes a bar / disco until 4am. Themed evenings take often place there during the year with performances of national and international stars and DJs. The place is truly beautiful with its beach just across the Tagus, it’s a real holiday atmosphere in the heart of Lisbon. Next to Urban Beach is the Kais Restaurant, which also belongs to Group K, and serves delicious cocktails.

Indiscretion : the rumor says that Cristiano Ronaldo sometimes visits this club and that he loves to throw his friends in the water

Opening hours : from 8 pm to 4 am (later during special eve-nings and summer)

Adress : Cais da Viscondessa – Rua da Cintura do Porto de Lisboa, Lisboa

Area : Santos

Facebook page : https://pt-pt.facebook.com/Urban.Beach.K

Website : http://www.grupo-k.pt/

9. THE EUROPA CLUB – The discotheque that brought Cais do Sodré back to life

It is said in Lisbon that the rebirth of the Cais do Sodré district as a night spot is linked to the opening of this nightclub. The place was an former brothel which became a bar / disco in 2006. There remains a sexy and retro side. The atmosphere is relaxed and you can listen to various music such as hip hop or pop of the 80s.

Note : this is one of the must-see afters of Lisbon where the night can be extended until 10am to see noon

Opening hours : from midnight until 10 am or 12 pm the next day …

Address : Rua Nova do Carvalho 16-20, Lisboa

District : Cais do Sodré

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/clubeuropa/

Website : www.europabar.pt

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10. LUST LISBON – New, chic and “select”

IMPORTANT : THIS NIGHTCLUB IS CURRENTLY CLOSED

Lust Lisbon opened in June 2013 and I think it’s a place that will climb in this ranking in the years to come. This is the first club / disco to open in the heart of downtown Lisbon (Baixa), on Praça do Comércio. A daring but successful bet to transformed premises, previously occupied by the Portuguese Ministry of Finance, in a nightclub. Lust wants to become “THE” select Lisbon club by playing on chic and glamor and attracting celebrities and VIPs. Champagne and Grey Goose galore atmosphere. With 600m2 spread over 2 floors, the decoration is made up of vintage elements and Portuguese design, articulated around the concept of the 7 deadly sins. The club spreads its evenings between varied program, private parties and special events.

Note : the selection at the entrance is harsh, so try to be on the guest list or to dress up and be well accompanied

Opening hours : 23:00 to 05:00, Wednesday to Saturday / 12:00 to Midnight, Monday and Tuesday

Adress : Praça do Comércio 87, Lisboa

Disctrict : Baixa

Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/LustLisbon/

Website : www.lust-lisbon.com