7 Best Bars in Sintra, the Estoril Coast, and the Setúbal Peninsula, Portugal

Downstairs, Clube Sesimbrense is a social club for locals keen to learn new dance steps or musical skills but upstairs has been transformed into a funky bar and exhibition space with regular live DJ sessions spinning everything from jazz to obscure Brazilian tropicalia tracks. Grab an outdoor table for light meals and drinks on a scenic village square, then head indoors to dance.

This soulful little bar presents live jazz, blues, and bossa nova jams and performances. Its diminutive size belies the quality of the musicians that it features.

Part of a food, drink, and wellness concept launched by French surf enthusiast Gregory Bernard, this colorful beachfront bar-restaurant attracts a sporty, sun-kissed crowd. There are decent tacos and other light meals on the menu, but the real reason to come is to linger over cocktails as the sun sets over Caparica. Live music, karaoke nights, and DJ sessions keep things lively after dark.

Right on the sand at Praia da Conceição, this is one of the most emblematic beach bars in town. The perfect spot for a sundowner while nibbling on petiscos and watching beach life go by. Shake off a heavy head in the morning with a late breakfast, followed by a nap on the lounge chairs.

Just a few steps from Cascais’ town hall is this cozy bar dedicated to natural wines. The Russian owners opened the original branch in Lisbon, but this one is much more spacious, so you can hunker down for a drink and nibble on anything from pulled-pork sandwiches to creamy Basque cheesecake (classic and chocolate-based).

On hot summer nights, patrons of this English-style restaurant-pub spill out into the square. A log fire in the lounge keeps things cozy when the weather turns chilly.

The biggest and busiest nightspot in the area, at least during high season, Tamariz Summer Club attracts a young dressed-up crowd keen to dance until dawn. This place is strictly for night owls: it only opens at midnight.