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Newcomers to Lisbon often hit the bars around 9 pm and head home at midnight thinking that the bar scene is rather quiet. In fact, Lisbon bars don't get going until after midnight, clubs even later. On weekends, lively groups spill out of bars and stand shoulder to shoulder in the streets, especially in the lively Bairro Alto and the revamped Cais do Sodré. Many places are rather quiet from Sunday through Wednesday although, in the summer high season, bars fill every night of the week with holidaymakers who don't need to rise early the next day.
Some dance clubs charge a cover of €15 (more on weekends), which includes one drink; if you come early you may get in free. Clubs are open from about 10 or 11 pm (but only start filling up well after midnight) until 4 or 5 am; a few stay open until 8 am. Be aware that some unscrupulous door staff will try to overcharge out-of-towners; if the price seems way over the odds, walk away.
For a less boisterous evening out, visit a café-bar or a casa de fado, where professional or amateur performers sing the city’s world-renowned, beautifully mournful style of music.
Lisbon has a well-established gay and lesbian scene, concentrated primarily in and around the Bairro Alto and the neighboring Príncipe Real area, on the way to Rato.
Open since 1976, the city's oldest gay club remains a popular hangout, thanks in no small part to the wonderfully flamboyant drag shows. The biggest star is Deborah Kristall, who regularly calls on audience members to join in the onstage singing and dancing. In addition to its famously packed dance floor, the club now has a restaurant and table service. Book in advance if you want to catch the show.
On Friday and Saturday nights, DJs pack the dance floor at this local favorite, a tiny space that's nevertheless more of a club than a bar. It's usually quite crowded, so many patrons grab a drink and enjoy it on the street.
One of Lisbon's most iconic gay clubs has attracted trendy crowds since it opened in the early 1980s. Two dance floors pack with partiers dancing to everything from reggaeton and Brazilian funk to pop hits, EDM, and house.
Lisbon's most famous club has two dance floors favored by big-name local and foreign DJs—plus a rooftop terrace with great river views. A young stylish crowd comes to dance until dawn. The doormen are selective and there can be a long line, so be prepared.
Baixa's only full-blown dance club, housed in a former government ministry office, showcases leading electronic music DJs as well as rising talent, with raves most Fridays and Saturdays, and sometimes Thursdays, too. Doors usually open at midnight, with three or four DJs taking revelers through to breakfast.
Dress to impress (no sneakers) if you want to get past the door staff at this fancy rooftop hangout, which caters to a well-heeled crowd. The terrace offers Lisbon panoramas, and glass walls mean that even those who make a reservation to drink and dine indoors can appreciate stunning vistas in all directions.
