•

If you're planning to experience Lisbon’s night scene during your trip, you’re in for a treat. The city gets a whole new energy after the sun sets with historical districts lit up by street-lamps, rooftop terraces overlooking the river, and bustling bar streets where locals and tourists mingle until the early hours.

Whether you’re a fan of hitting the club or if your vibe is a more relaxed end of the day, we’ve put together 19 things you can do to make the most of your night in Lisbon, with a mix of suggestions that feel local, lively, and totally memorable.

Start by leaving your luggage with LUGGit

If your flight arrives early or your Airbnb check-out is hours before your flight, you’ll want to explore without dragging your bags across the city’s famously steep hills. That’s where LUGGit comes in - a luggage pick-up and delivery service that collects your bags wherever you are (airport, hotel, or apartment) and delivers them later, right where you need them.

Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit booking in Lisbon

1. Watch the sunset from a Miradouro

Lisbon’s iconic viewpoints (miradouros) are the perfect way to ease into the night. As the sun dips, the entire city glows in gold and pink tones, and locals gather for an after-work drink. Try to arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot. Here are some recommendations:

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara - the classic spot, overlooking Alfama and São Jorge Castle. It can get crowded with tourists.
Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte - one of the highest points in Lisbon, offering panoramic views and a calm vibe. Take Tram 28 to get there.
Miradouro do Jardim do Torel - a quieter, more local hideaway with a little café and fewer crowds.

2. Have dinner at a tasco in Alfama

Alfama is Lisbon’s oldest and most charming neighborhood. Wandering through its narrow streets is an experience in itself, and the area is filled with cozy tascos - small, traditional Portuguese restaurants where locals gather to enjoy hearty food and good wine.

Expect dishes like grilled sardines, bacalhau à brás (shredded cod with eggs and potatoes), or bifana (pork sandwich). Pair it with a glass of Vinho Verde or local red, and you’ve got yourself an authentic Lisbon dinner. If you’re looking for recommendations, try Sardinha, Maçã verde, or Tasca do Jaime.

👉 If you’re looking for more recommendations on where to eat, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Lisbon.

3. Watch a live Fado music show

You can’t experience Lisbon at night without listening to fado, Portugal’s soulful traditional music. It tells stories of love, longing, and life by the sea. And there’s no better place to hear it than in Alfama, where it was born.

Many restaurants combine dinner and music, so you can enjoy the full experience. Some great spots include:

A Baiuca: very tiny and full of heart. Make a reservation ahead because it quickly gets full.
Casa de Linhares: a more refined setting for dinner with top-tier fado singers.
Tasca do Chico: it has two locations (Alfama and Bairro Alto), and it’s a place where amateur fado singers take turns performing.

4. Take a boat ride on the Tagus

When the city lights reflect off the Tagus River, the vibe is magical. Night cruises are a romantic and peaceful way to see landmarks like the 25 de Abril Bridge, Christ the King statue, and Belém Tower from the water. Several night cruises depart from the docks, and some include wine tasting or live music, or just a quiet drift as Lisbon glows on the horizon.

5. Explore the bars of Bairro Alto

No guide to Lisbon nightlife would be complete without Bairro Alto, with narrow lanes filled with bars, people spilling out, live music in some, and DJ sets in others. The bars are typically tiny, so people get their drinks inside and take them outside to drink and socialize. Don’t forget to grab a shot of Ginjinha, Lisbon’s famous sour cherry liqueur.

Bairro Alto starts to come alive around 9 PM. When the bars close around 2 AM, most people head downhill to Cais do Sodré to keep the night going.

6. Visit the iconic Pink Street in Cais do Sodré

Once a red-light district catering to sailors, now one of Lisbon’s hottest after-hours spots. Its pink-painted pavement and glowing neon signs make it instantly recognizable, and it features clubs and bars that stay open much later than those in Bairro Alto (often until 4 AM to 6 AM). While the atmosphere is completely modern, some bars (like Pensão Amor, a former brothel) lean into the street's historical and slightly risqué past with their decor.

7. Take an evening walk by the river

If loud music and crowds aren’t your thing, head to the Ribeira das Naus promenade between Cais do Sodré and Praça do Comércio. The sound of water, the soft glow from the bridge, and locals chatting on benches make this one of Lisbon’s most romantic night walks. Grab a gelado or a drink from one of the small kiosks nearby, and simply enjoy the breeze.

8. Experience a rooftop bar

Few cities do rooftop bars quite like Lisbon. Thanks to its seven hills, almost every neighborhood has a viewpoint with a bar attached. Whether you’re in the mood for something chic or casual, there’s a view waiting for you:

Park bar - hidden atop a parking garage in Bairro Alto, it’s young, cool, and has a fantastic sunset view.
Topo Martim Moniz - located on top of the Centro Comercial Martim Moniz, offers views of the castle and a cool atmosphere, often with live music.
Hotel Mundial Rooftop Bar - a more sophisticated option, great for couples.

9. Discover LX Factory after hours

LX Factory is a creative hub set in a converted industrial complex, right beneath Lisbon’s 25th of April Bridge. Once a 19th-century textile factory, it was revitalized in 2008 and features unique bars, restaurants, and boutique shops. It’s known for its edgy atmosphere and art-covered walls, and even if it’s become a bit touristy, it’s still one of Lisbon’s most photogenic and inspiring nighttime spots.

10. Join a guided walking tour of Lisbon

If you like a bit of storytelling with your stroll, consider a night guided walking tour of Lisbon. A lot of the night tours focus on “haunted” tales or hidden streets, like this one from Shadowing Tours. It’s a great way to get oriented, especially when you’re a tourist. You can even find some free tours (usually with a tip expected).

11. Spend the night at the Lisbon Oceanarium

If you’re travelling with children, the Lisbon Oceanarium (Oceanário de Lisboa) offers something truly special. Located in the modern district of Parque das Nações, this world-class aquarium occasionally hosts sleepovers. Walking through softly lit aquariums while sharks and rays glide past you is surprisingly peaceful, and completely different from the usual nightlife options.

Before visiting, check the Oceanarium’s calendar online for updated schedules and availability. Events like night tours and sleepovers require advance booking.

12. Explore Príncipe Real’s sophisticated nightlife

If Bairro Alto’s energy feels a bit too loud or chaotic, Príncipe Real offers a more refined version of Lisbon’s nightlife. Located just north of Bairro Alto, this neighborhood is known for its trendy cocktail bars, wine lounges, and LGBTQ+ friendly venues. It’s also home to several concept stores and boutique restaurants that stay open late.

We recommend you visit Cinco Lounge, famous for its creative cocktails, and Pavilhão Chinês, one of Lisbon’s most unique bars, decorated with antiques, vintage toys, and curiosities from all over the world.

13. Visit Time Out Market

If you’re unsure about what to eat, there’s no better solution than Time Out Market in Cais do Sodré. This massive gourmet food hall gathers some of Lisbon’s best chefs and eateries under one roof, with everything from traditional Portuguese dishes to international flavors.

Beyond food, Time Out Market often hosts live DJ sets, cultural events, and pop-up stands. It’s perfect for starting your night before heading out to Pink Street or the nearby waterfront.

14. Go on a pub crawl

If you’re traveling solo or simply want to meet people from around the world, joining a pub crawl is a fun and social way to explore Lisbon’s nightlife. These organized tours lead groups through the city’s best bars and clubs, often including free shots, drink discounts, and skip-the-line entry.

Two of the most popular options are the Wild Pub Crawl Lisbon and the Discover Lisbon Pub Crawl. Both combine local favorites and hidden bars, often ending in one of Lisbon’s major clubs. Guides keep the energy high and ensure everyone has a great (and safe) night out.

15. Ride Tram 28 at night

Few things are more iconic in Lisbon than the yellow Tram 28. During the day, it’s crowded with tourists, but at night it becomes a much calmer and more enchanting ride. The tram passes through some of Lisbon’s most scenic neighborhoods (Graça, Alfama, Baixa, and Estrela), revealing a quieter side of the city.

The full route takes about 45 minutes. Try boarding at Martim Moniz, the starting point, to get a seat and enjoy the entire journey without interruptions.

16. Catch a concert or live DJ set

Lisbon’s music scene is thriving, and there’s something for every taste:

For something unique and rooted in Lusophone culture, head to B.Leza (near Cais do Sodré). This club is known for its mix of live music and DJ sets, focusing on sounds from Africa, Brazil, and the Portuguese-speaking world.
For electronic music, LuxFrágil, Lisbon’s most famous nightclub, offers top international DJs and a rooftop terrace with stunning river views.
If you prefer jazz, Hot Clube de Portugal is one of Europe’s oldest jazz clubs and an intimate space that hosts live performances several nights a week.
For larger concerts, check the schedule at Coliseu dos Recreios, a 19th-century theater in the city center that welcomes major Portuguese and international acts.

17. See Lisbon from the riverbanks of Belém

For a peaceful escape from the city center, take a short tram or taxi ride west to Belém. This historic district, known for its maritime monuments, becomes particularly beautiful after dark. The Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries are illuminated against the river, creating postcard-perfect scenes that you can enjoy without the daytime crowds.

You can grab a pastel de Belém from the iconic Pastéis de Belém bakery (open until 9 PM), sit by the water, and listen to the sound of the river.

18. Try a traditional late-night snack

After a night of exploring (or partying), you’ll likely be craving something tasty. Locals love grabbing pão com chouriço, freshly baked bread stuffed with smoky Portuguese sausage, or a bifana, a juicy pork sandwich that tastes even better after midnight.

For the best late-night bites, head to A Merendeira, near Cais do Sodré, open until 6 AM and serving classic Portuguese comfort food. Whether you’ve been dancing all night or simply wandering, a warm snack here feels like the perfect Lisbon tradition.

19. Visit a speakeasy or hidden bar

Lisbon’s cocktail scene has a secretive side, with hidden bars tucked behind unmarked doors and secret passages. If you enjoy discovering unique spots, try Red Frog, one of Europe’s best speakeasies, where you’ll need to ring a doorbell to enter. Inside, you’ll find a sophisticated space serving inventive cocktails in vintage glassware.

Another gem is Badassery, a newer space hidden behind a knitting shop and spread across three floors. It combines dim sum, cocktails, and live performances.

Practical tips for a night out in Lisbon

Dress code: the nightlife in Lisbon is casual. Just skip flip-flops and tracksuits if heading to upscale bars or clubs. For footwear, choose comportable shoes as Lisbon’s streets are steep and cobbled.
Timing: the night in Portugal starts late. Dinner usually starts around 8–9 PM,, and clubs only get busy after 1 AM. It’s common to stay out clubbing until the sun rises.
Budget: compared with some European capitals, Lisbon offers very good value for going out. Beers and drinks at bars are relatively affordable.
Safety: the city is generally safe, but keep a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas and use official taxis or ride-hailing apps late at night.
Respect the locals: remember that Bairro Alto and Alfama are residential neighborhoods. Keep the area clean and the noise down after hours.

FAQs about things to do at night in Lisbon

Where to walk around Lisbon at night?

For an evening stroll, the riverfront promenade between Cais do Sodré and Praça do Comércio, for partying or drinking, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré.

Is Lisbon a late night city?

Yes. Lisbon’s nightlife starts late and goes until sunrise. Dinner is at 8 PM, bars fill up around 11 PM, and clubs only start to get lively after 1 AM.

What's open late in Lisbon?

Most bars stay open until 2 AM, while Pink Street clubs and Cais do Sodré venues often run until 5-6 AM.

Are there areas to avoid in Lisbon?

Lisbon is very safe, but as in any big city, be mindful in deserted alleys or near crowded tourist spots where pickpockets might operate.

Experience the night in Lisbon

Lisbon at night offers endless ways to experience the city’s warmth and personality. You can dance until sunrise in Cais do Sodré, listen to soulful Fado in Alfama, enjoy cocktails on a rooftop terrace, or simply watch the lights shimmer across the river. And with LUGGit taking care of your luggage, you’re free to enjoy it all hands-free and stress-free!

Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your LUGGit booking in Lisbon