It may not be widely known but Lisbon is an excellent city for chilling out to a variety of tunes, and The Culture Trip even named it Europe’s underrated capital of music. If reggae or jazz are among your preferred genres, follow their melodies to one of these local bars.
For an entertaining night out in Lisbon, few (if any) neighborhoods deliver quite like Bairro Alto and the Groove Bar is one of the locals’ favorite drinking holes that also provides a soothing blanket of reggae beats. Having opened 12 years ago in 2006, it also developed a reputation as a great spot to dance to other musical styles such as funk, soul, and rock, and it’s a well-known venue for inexpensive drinks.
R. da Rosa 148, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 346 1417
Located off Lisbon’s popular Pink Street in Cais do Sodré, Jamaica Bar is in a prime spot to welcome night owls after other bars have closed, but heading over earlier in the night can help ensure a little extra breathing room and space to sway to the music. As for music, the bar/club’s name is a good indication of the venue’s theme.
R. Nova do Carvalho 6, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 342 1859
Páginas Tantas is one of the top bars for listening to live music in Bairro Alto, and the music of choice is jazz. Comfortable and welcoming with dim lighting and colorful decor, it’s a chill place to spend a few hours with good company, cool drinks and, of course, relaxed tunes. This is also one of the older jazz bars in the city and clientele is a nice mix of locals and tourists.
Páginas Tantas, R. do Diário de Notícias 85, Lisbon, Portugal +351 966 249 005
Just a one-minute stroll from Páginas Tantas is Bairro Alto’s other popular jazz bar, Alface Hall. This is another location where it’s common to see locals and tourists mingling, especially since the bar is attached to a hostel. If you choose to visit, take a look at the different posters wallpapering the walls and enjoy the cozy ambience.
Alface Hall, R. do Norte 96, Lisbon, Portugal +351 213 433 293
Do you like vintage bars that specialize in Art Nouveau decor? Anyone who answers ‘yes’ should add the Bar Foxtrot to their list of visit-worthy venues. In addition to the artistic surroundings and serenading jazz, guests can expect delicious cocktails served within a speakeasy-like bar. Take a look at the late-night food menu if you have the munchies and don’t forget your dancing shoes because the foxtrot is also a place to dance.
Travessa de Santa Teresa, 28, Príncipe Real, Lisbon, Portugal +351 213 952 697
Who knew that a hangout spot for railway workers would now be a hangout spot for everyone? Located down the road from the Santa Apolónia train station, the Clube Ferroviário invites visitors to sit in rustic railway chairs while sipping cool cocktails, listening to music and enjoying a spectacular view of the Tagus River. During the late night hours this spot turns into a club, hence the name, so go prepared for a long night out.
Rua de Santa Apolónia 59, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 765 7821
