The Best Clubs and Nightlife Spots in Bairro Alto, Lisbon
While hip areas have come and gone in Lisbon, the Bairro Alto remains the city’s perennially best destination for a good night out. From live jazzat the Páginas Tantas to DJ sets in a former palace at the Galeria Zé dos Bois, Culture Trip have picked the best spots to go for a night out in the area.
A tight grid of cobbled streets sloping down towards the river, the ‘high district’ is packed with bars and clubs, mostly smallish venues on the ground floor of historic townhouses. It’s relatively sedate before midnight, then the bars eventually start to fill up. People drink and dance into the early hours, with many revellers spilling out onto the narrow streets. There is no shortage of places to try.
Maria Caxuxa, Lisboa
Cocktail Bar, European, Portuguese, Mediterranean, Pub Grub
Named after the building’s original cake-making owner, this bar has a cool, alternative vibe and displays some of the machinery from its 1940s’ role as a bakery. There’s a long list of cocktails from around €7 (£6.35), shots and very generous measures of spirits. You might even feel like watching the world go by sitting at its outdoor tables.
Portas Largas, Lisboa
Bar, Portuguese, Beer
Páginas Tantas
Nightclub, Bar, Cocktails
One of the larger venues in the Bairro Alto is the area’s main jazz bar. Páginas Tantas hosts live music sessions most evenings, accompanied by an equally exciting selection of cocktails and snacks. The eye-catching decor and soothing jazz makes this one of the coolest places to go on a night out in Lisbon.
INCÓGNITO, Lisbon
Nightclub, Beer, Wine, Cocktails
Tasca do Chico, Alfama
Bar, Wine Bar, Portuguese
This alluring bar is a cosy space draped in soccer scarves serving good wines and a range of petiscos (snacks). The bar really comes into its own for twice-weekly live fado sessions. Forget the big venue fado clubs nearby – this is the best place to get up close and personal to singers of the traditional Portuguese music. Get there early to secure a seat though, as it’s very popular.
Pavilhão Chinês, Lisbon
Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub
Alface Hall
Bar, Cafe, Pub Grub, Portuguese
CINCO Lounge, Lisbon
Cocktail Bar, European, Contemporary, Mediterranean, Portuguese
Sophisticated CINCO Lounge is credited with kickstarting the popularity of cocktails in Lisbon. Its British owner has certainly ensured that it remains the cocktail king, with regular new additions on the menu to sample. Each is made with aplomb by its fleet of bartenders and mixologists. Expect some unusual ingredients – think Earl Grey tea with Cointreau and others mixed with beetroot and bell peppers.
Galeria Zé dos Bois
Nightclub, Cocktails
You’re never sure quite what to expect at this amazing arts cooperative, home to various innovative spaces inside an old palace. Regular events include dance performances, live indie bands, films, theatrical plays and DJ sets. It even has its own hidden terrace bar. Check out the website for upcoming acts.
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