The Best Bars in Belém, Lisbon

While known more for its historical monuments than its nightlife, Belém has a nice range of bars – if you know where to look. For those who prefer a tranquil riverside patio to a buzzy street, here are the best bars in this easygoing Lisbon neighbourhood.
Sud
Bar, Cocktails

Close to Lisbon’s Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, an architectural tour de force covered in pristine white tiles, unashamedly posh Sud is where Lisbon’s rich and beautiful go for mutual recognition. The sophisticated decor calls for equally sophisticated dress and manners. The waterfront, just a few steps away and aided by a generous array of drinks and cocktails, washes away any possible stiffness, creating a relaxed ambience in this two-storey pavilion. The bar is also equipped with an Italian restaurant and panoramic pool.
The View Rooftop by Frize
Bar, Cocktails
While Belém tends to have a more low-key nightlife than Lisbon’s city centre, the exception is The View Rooftop. It’s a nightclub and bar that – you guessed it – offers a rooftop view of the Tagus. It’s not a club for wallflowers; the bar hosts weekly events with DJs and musicians from all over the world that are guaranteed to get you kicking up your heels. One of their recurring events, SHINE Half Week Sunset (yes, their English translations are slightly off, but it’s all part of the charm), features DJ sets with dance music from all over the globe, from bachata from the Dominican Republic to Afro-Latin beats from Angola.
Restaurante Rio Maravilha
Bar, Restaurant, Portuguese

Bar 38º 41'
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Portuguese
Bananacafé
Bar, Cocktails

Bananacafé is a trendy, affordable option for lunch and is part of a larger chain of locations around the city. It serves cheap drinks and accessibly priced small plates. Each location has its own flair, with site-specific design concepts, contemporary music and, at some locations, an in-house DJ in the evenings. In Belém the café/bar is run out of a vintage cable car and has outdoor seating that is situated right in between the Botanical Garden and the Vasco da Gama Garden. Plan your next adventure while you people-watch and sip on a ginjinha, a Portuguese cherry wine.
Cafe Do Forte
Restaurant, Portuguese
Located on an outdoor terrace near the Belém Tower and fortress (hence the name), this café boasts river views and a comprehensive casual dining menu with something for everyone. Your options are seemingly endless, with a diverse drink menu that includes caipirinhas, four different kinds of sangria and morangoscas, a Portuguese cocktail made of crushed strawberries, sugar and vodka. This is a great spot to watch the sunset on a budget, so order one of their Portuguese beers for under €3 (£2.60), sit back and watch the sky change colour over the Tagus.
Bar à Margem
Bar, Wine Bar, Wine

The first thing you will notice about Bar à Margem (or ‘The Margin’), is its unique architecture created by local architects João Pedro Falcão de Campos and José Ricardo Vaz. It mimics the inside of a ship’s hull, in a nod to the bar’s location on the Tagus. From there, every aspect of the bar has been carefully considered by the owners, from its Portuguese wines to its light tapas menu. Craft-beer enthusiasts will love the selection of Bolina beers, one of the first craft-beer brands to hit the Portuguese market.
Bar at TOPO Belém
Bar, Cocktails
This is the newest addition to the TOPO restaurant family, whose trademark mix of Portuguese fusion food and trendy atmosphere has made it a big success. The first iteration, TOPO Chiado, caters to the lively crowd in the Chiado neighbourhood, with a rooftop terrace, lounge chairs and a partnership with Cine Society, a film-screening series hosted at different outdoor venues around Lisbon. TOPO Belém is located on the top floor of the Belém Cultural Centre and has a more sophisticated feel. Its menu offers a prix fixe executive menu for corporate lunches, but the focus shifts to an elegant bar with small plates and speciality cocktails after hours. If the weather is nice, try to snag a seat on the outdoor terrace to catch the views. Design enthusiasts will appreciate TOPO Belém’s look and feel, which was conceived as an extension of the Belém Cultural Centre by interior design firm Daciano da Costa, who also created the furniture for the museum.
Wine Room Lisboa
Wine Bar, Wine

If you’re feeling adventurous, take a brisk walk up the hill to the neighbouring Ajuda district to get a personalised wine tasting from the Wine Room Lisboa’s knowledgeable staff. The sommeliers here will work with your price point to find a flight of Portuguese wines that suits your palate. Enjoy the cosy atmosphere, nibble on tapas and don’t forget to sample a vinho verde, or green wine, the signature Portuguese wine with a light, effervescent taste.
Enoteca De Belém
Restaurant, Wine
The Enoteca de Belém, founded in November 2009, is a space dedicated to experimentation, to the meeting of people and flavours in a cosy atmosphere. At the Enoteca, you’ll get a wine list with approximately 80 wines, priced at €4.50 (£3.90) per glass and €22 (£18.80) for a bottle. Enoteca was chosen as one of the 10 best hotspots for wining and dining in Lisbon in 2015 by Wine Spectator, received two forks from the Lisboa à Prova contest in 2015 and 2014 and was selected as best wine-by-the-glass bar by Boa Cama Boa Mesa. The space also serves delicious food by chef Ricardo Gonçalves.
This article is an updated version of a story created by Milan Carter.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.