The Best LGBTQ Clubs And Bars In Lisbon

Lisbon is emerging as one of Europe’s top destinations for LGBTQ travellers, with a variety of new ventures, including bars and clubs, expanding the scene beyond the realm of bubblegum pop and RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Shelter Bar

What used to be an old print shop is now a cosy bar where you can “meet your friends for drinks and make new ones,” or so the owners say – one of whom, Max Trovarelli, is still running the old business and selling prints online in between mixing cocktails. Located in the heart of gay-friendly Príncipe Real, Shelter is a fun, relaxed spot where you can sip a special cocktail or craft beer after work. Italian bar snacks and wine are on offer on Mondays and Wednesdays.

Corvo

Corvo stands out for its glass facade and black tiling, with a colourfully decorated countertop inviting patrons to savour its delicious cocktails, oysters and cheese plates. The narrow stairs leading down to the basement reveal a hidden dance floor, open until 3am.

Trumps

The longest-standing (and by far the largest) gay club in Lisbon has been around since 1981, carrying with it many legendary nights and stories to tell. Situated in Príncipe Real, the club has two dance floors and a resident DJ. It also hosts some of the best drag queens in Portugal, including Rebecca Bunny, Sylvia Koonz, Lexa Black and Marge Mellow. Trumps is simply a must-visit!

Finalmente Club

Finalmente’s modest entryway will lead you to a world of excited people gathered to see just one thing, and one thing only: drag shows. Since 1976, Finalmente has been charming the LGBTQ scene with lip-sync performances, with special nights dedicated to showcasing Lisbon’s up-and-coming drag talents. “You never know what to expect and anything can happen,” Miguel Rita, co-creator of Miss Drag Lisboa, tells Culture Trip. The shows happen at around 3am, so grab a few drinks beforehand.

Posh Lisbon

Posh Lisbon has recently taken Lisbon’s LGBTQ scene by storm with its luxurious, extravagant parties. According to Rita, you’ll find “the greatest drag talents in the city” here, lots of special effects and over-the-top lighting. Dance the night away to electronic music, world-class DJ sets and more – all for an incredibly inexpensive entry fee.

Trombeta Bath

Who’s up for hitting the steam rooms and then enjoying a cool drink? If so, head to Trombeta Bath. With its private saunas and Turkish bath, this venue is unlike any other. Fear not, though – there’s also a top-notch bar serving quality drinks and playing a range of tunes.

49 da ZDB

Nestled in the maze-like streets of Bairro Alto, 49 da ZD is the place to go for raucous parties featuring DJ sets and live bands. Aside from being very LGBTQ-friendly, one of the best things about this bar is that it has its own intimate rooftop – setting the stage for those long, hazy summer nights.

This article is an updated version of a story created by Nina Santos.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

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.