In recent years, Lisbon has been voted time and time again as one of the most recommended places on earth to visit. From the gorgeous colorful streets, the most gracious people in the world to the delicious and fresh food served up until late at night. What’s not to love?
But if you really want to be a part of the exciting local life, you should better stay in a vacation apartment in the Bairro Alto neighborhood, as this area at night becomes the “it” place to go and have a drink.
Here are our top 5 places to grab a drink, listen to good music and enjoy the Portuguese vibrant nightlife.
Pavilhão Chinês
Pavilhão Chinês is a classic choice for a glass of wine and a chit-chat. Luis Pinto Coelho, the owner, decorated his bar with vintage toys and decorations from the 20’s, 30’s and 40’s, all in mint condition; you really can’t stay nonchalant in face of this joyful display. It’s worth a visit just for taking unforgettable photos. If you’re up for it, try a game of pool on the extraordinary tables Luis has collected over the years.
Hot Clube de Portugal
Hot Clube de Portugal is over six decades old and is known as one of the world’s oldest jazz clubs, and the oldest continuously running one in Europe. It’s always been a mandatory stop in the city for jazz lovers and has welcomed big names such as Dexter Gordon and Quincy Jones. It has had several homes over the years finally but settled in a small space in Praça da Alegria in the 1950s, until a fire destroyed the building in 2009. Musicians then played at several temporary venues until the reopening in late 2011, in a new space next to the previous one.
Instituto dos vinhos do Douro e do Porto
This is a classic wine bar specializing in Port. The mission of IVDP is to promote and control the quality and quantity of Port wines, to regulate the production process and to protect the Douro and Port denomination and geographical indication of the Douro Region. Port Wine stands out from ordinary wines for its unique characteristics: An enormous variety of types that surprise with wealth and intensity of their incomparable aromas, an admiringly persistent flavor and a high alcohol percentage! This means, if you’re a wine lover like we are, you wouldn’t want to leave this exquisite place!
Cinco Lounge
Cinco Lounge is recognized as the best cocktail bar in Lisbon. You can find here original mixed drinks in a cool, sophisticated ambiance. The menu is full of innovative cocktails with new ones always being concocted. The owner used to work in bars around the world until he decided to settle down in Lisbon. This is without a doubt one of the best places to chill in Lisbon.
Insólito
Insólito is a fancy bar-restaurant. As much as we do appreciate the food, we recommend stopping here for a cocktail and the splendid view from the terrace over the rivers Tagus, Alfama and the Castle. Insólito is proud of a long list of original cocktails and an impressive wine list. Perfect for a romantic evening, where you can have amazing drinks, discuss what you’ve experienced throughout the day and seal it with a kiss.
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