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Alfama
The quality of both the food and the singing is dependably good at this family-run establishment, and the setting---which calls to mind the dining room of a well-traveled older relative---is always welcoming. It's a fado vadio ("vagabond") spot, meaning the night often ends with amateur singers lined up outside, raring to perform.
Rua de São Miguel 20, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1100-544, Portugal
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Cais do Sodré
This under-the-radar spot draws an extremely enthusiastic crowd for live Brazilian music. The excellent caipirinhas help get the party spirit flowing, and traditional snacks from Brazil keep energy levels from flagging.
R. Poiais de São Bento 73, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-346, Portugal
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Cais do Sodré
Playing African beats for more than 20 years, B.Leza really packs them in at this riverfront warehouse. It has a strong Angolan influence, with kizomba dance workshops and regular live music and dance shows.
Cais da Ribeira Nova, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-109, Portugal
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Chiado
Occupying three stylish terraces beneath the ruins of the Convento do Carmo, this bar is in a prime location next to the Santa Justa elevator. The cocktails and views are the main attraction, but there’s also a tempting array of light meals like salads and homemade burgers, and a fashion market takes place here until 9 pm each Saturday. Regular open-air cinema screenings take place in the warmer months.
Travessa D. Pedro De Menezes, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-874, Portugal
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Príncipe Real
With moody lighting, rococo furnishings, and creations that look (almost) too good to drink, this spot is frequently cited as Lisbon’s best cocktail bar. It's an intimate space, so book in advance. CINCO Lounge also runs cocktail workshops for those who want to learn how to shake and stir their own boozy showstoppers at home.
Rua Ruben Leitão 17A, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-329, Portugal
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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Cais do Sodré
On Lisbon’s famously rowdy Pink Street, Collect is a space for those who take their music as seriously as their eating and drinking. With an on-site vinyl store and its own radio station, the spacious bar attracts a hip crowd of partiers keen to discuss their latest film and music obsessions over a craft beer, hard seltzer, or cocktail. The burgers are crowd pleasers, too.
Rua Nova do Carvalho 60-62, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-371, Portugal
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Graça
A former bakery, this cool restaurant, bar, and concert venue is one of the best spots in Lisbon for live music. Local and international bands and DJs take the stage around 11 pm every night of the week.
Rua da Voz do Operário 60, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1100-621, Portugal
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Príncipe Real
Open since 1976, the city's oldest gay club remains a hugely popular hangout, thanks in no small part to the wonderfully flamboyant drag shows. The biggest star is Deborah Kristall, who regularly calls on audience members to join in the onstage singing and dancing. In addition to its famously packed dance floor, the club now has a restaurant and table service. Book in advance if you want to catch the show.
Rua da Palmeira 38, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-316, Portugal
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Avenida da Liberdade
Europe’s oldest jazz club started in a tiny basement in 1948, and all these decades later Hot Clube de Portugal remains the place for live jazz performances. It features local and international acts and has almost daily performances.
Praça da Alegria 48, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1250-004, Portugal
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Cais do Sodré
This hip joint is where twenty- and thirtysomething vinyl lovers gather to chat (or shout) to the pumping sound of dance music. Some of the hottest DJs in the city take turns on the decks, and live music performances (think hip hop, punk, and Brazilian funk) draw big crowds at weekends.
Rua da Moeda 1, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-275, Portugal
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Bairro Alto
For a sophisticated sundowner before a night out in Bairro Alto, head to this leafy roof terrace with sweeping city views. The cocktails are excellent across the board, whether you order a classic margarita or a signature drink like the Lumi Negroni (made with infused gin, Portuguese vermouth, and Madeira wine). Soak up the alcohol with light meals and snacks, which are prepared with seasonal ingredients by Chef João Silva.
Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara 35, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1250-237, Portugal
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Mouraria
This small restaurant is one of the most authentic venues in Lisbon for listening to mournful and soulful fado music. On the site of the former house of famous fadista Maria Severa, the venue hosts regular concerts, sometimes luring big-name singers to perform. You can dine in the restaurant, which serves traditional Portuguese dishes, while you listen, or try your luck arriving just for the concert, but tables may be sold out.
Largo Severa 2B, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1100-246, Portugal
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Santos
An upmarket cocktail bar whose decor is inspired by the Pombaline architecture of downtown Lisbon, Matiz Pombalina feels like the living room of an exceptionally stylish friend. The main focus is on gin but every cocktail on the extensive list can be customized to your tastes, and live jazz provides the perfect soundtrack to your sipping. The space is quite small, so it's worth reserving a table in advance.
Rua das Trinas 25, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-855, Portugal
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Alfama
All the rage among local fado lovers, this performance space is housed in a tiny, azulejo-lined former chapel. The traditional Portuguese food is perfectly palatable, and the music and atmosphere are always top rate. You can slip in at the end of the night, order a drink or two, and enjoy the show.
Rua dos Remédios 139A, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1100-445, Portugal
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Cais do Sodré
Under the arches on the famous Pink Street---you can find it by the enormous mural overhead---MusicBox is one of the best spots in Lisbon to catch well-known bands and popular DJs. The musical menu is quite eclectic, so check listings in advance, and be prepared to dance until dawn.
Rua Nova do Carvalho 24, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-292, Portugal
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Cais do Sodré
This film-themed bar (the name comes from the Portuguese title of The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) attracts an artsy young crowd thanks to its lengthy cocktail list and vintage-chic decor. DJs spin vinyl while patrons loaf in comfy armchairs or prop up the bar.
Rua Do Alecrim 21, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-014, Portugal
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Alfama
This little club has been owned by fado legend Argentina Santos since the 1960s, and although she no longer sings, she sits by the door most nights greeting newcomers and listening to other highly rated singers. Chef Jaqueline Silva ensures the food, which includes rich seafood stews and other traditional dishes, is as appealing as the music.
Beco do Espírito Santo 1, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1100-222, Portugal
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Príncipe Real
For a quiet drink in an intriguing setting, you can't beat this speakeasy-style lounge. Its five rooms are filled to the brim with fascinating junk collected over the years—from old toys to miniature statues—and it has two snooker tables where locals just might challenge you to a game. Cocktails and service are spot-on, and you may be reluctant to leave once you've settled into one of the comfy chairs.
Rua Dom Pedro V 89, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-093, Portugal
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Cais do Sodré
Housed in a former bordello, this offbeat hangout recalls its decadent past with velvet armchairs, tassled curtains, and a huge mural across the ceiling. Its warren of rooms houses an erotic bookshop, a bar, a café, and a dance floor. Burlesque shows add to the racy appeal, but it's more suggestive than sordid.
Rua do Alecrim 19, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1200-292, Portugal
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Avenida da Liberdade
Reservations are essential at this intimate speakeasy bar, which is famed for its inventive cocktails and its air of secrecy. Post-pandemic, Red Frog made the puddle jump from its previous spot on Rua da Salitre to a new home within the confines of hipster hangout Monkey Mash (they're both under the same ownership). Alongside inventive small plates for sharing, the signature drink is the Spiced Rusty Cherry, ranked among the best cocktails in the world.
Praça da Alegria 66b, Lisbon, Lisbon, 1250-004, Portugal
