——The taste of Portugal’s night starts with a glass of wine
In Portugal, no city is like Lisbon, which turns history, art and life into a glass of layered drinks. Every bar here seems to be an extension of the city’s memory. It is not only a place to drink, but also a place to taste the temperament of Lisbon.
From the taverns beside the ancient walls left over from the Moorish era to the Ribeira market where hipsters gather, from the mysterious underground wine cellars converted from monasteries to the open-air bar overlooking the sparkling Tagus River, every drinking space is full of surprises.
Lisbon’s bar culture is deep and free, warm and sophisticated. It knows how to preserve traditions and is willing to explore innovations, making people not only tipsy in the night, but also intoxicated in the soul of this city.
1. Pavilhão Chinês: Drinking is as fun as entering a museum
Bar Overview and History
Pavilhão Chinês (Chinese Pavilion) is located in a 19th-century old house in the Principe Real district of Lisbon. It was originally a serious grocery store and was later transformed into a bar in the 1990s. The interior of the bar retains antique display windows, from toy soldiers to retro flight helmets, full of nostalgia.
Location and transportation conditions
The address is located on Rua Dom Pedro V, close to Avenida subway station, with convenient transportation and walking distance to the charming gardens and observation deck nearby.
Recommended booking platform
Seat reservations can be made through TheFork, and some drinks can also be viewed and prepaid in advance on the platform.
Cost
The average price of a cocktail is about 10 euros, while local Portuguese beer and port wine are between 6 and 8 euros, which are moderately priced and have a full atmosphere.
Pub characteristics and taste of drinks
The signature cocktail “Lisbon Vintage” combines port wine, gin and orange bitters, with a sweet and fruity taste, which is very suitable for tourists who are new to Portuguese spirits. There are also a large number of aged port wines to choose from in the store, which are suitable for slow tasting.
Recommended crowd
Recommended for tourists who like retro decorations, love taking photos and checking in, and are interested in traditional Portuguese spirits, especially for mature travelers over 40 who want to avoid noisy bars.
2. Foxtrot: Lisbon’s retro secret base
Bar Overview and History
Foxtrot is a retro-style bar hidden underground. It has been in business since 1978 and is low-key but popular. The entire bar is modeled after an old British house. The wooden wall panels, old-fashioned fireplaces and dim chandeliers make people feel like they are in London in the early 20th century.
Location and Transportation Conditions
Located on Rua da Santa Marta, not far from Marquês de Pombal Square, it is within walking distance. Metro Marquês de Pombal Station is about a 7-minute walk.
Booking Platform
You can jump to the cooperative booking platform through the TimeOut Portugal recommendation page, or use the local booking app “Zomato” to make a table reservation.
Cost
Cocktails cost between 9 and 12 euros. Classic models such as the old-fashioned “Negroni” have a strong taste and stable quality. The bar also provides snack platters, which are suitable for drinking with wine.
Pub Features and Drinks Taste
In addition to “Negroni” and “Espresso Martini”, Foxtrot’s signature Portuguese blend “Porto Tonic” is also very popular. It is made of white port and bitter tonic water, and is sweet and sour, refreshing, and very summer night style.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for couples, young and middle-aged tourists who like the retro bar atmosphere or are interested in British pub culture. It is also suitable for middle-aged and elderly people to enjoy a night of quiet conversation and comfortable service.
3. PARK Bar: The rooftop bar with the best view
Bar Overview and History
PARK Bar is a secret bar hidden on the top floor of a parking lot. It became famous overnight because of its 360-degree view of Lisbon city and Tagus River, and gradually became a gathering place for Internet celebrities. But it does not only rely on the scenery to attract fans, the quality of the drinks is also online.
Location and traffic conditions
Located on the roof of a multi-storey parking lot on Calçada do Combro, it is about a 5-minute walk from Bairro Alto. The entrance of the staircase passage is low-key but safe.
Booking platform
Online booking is not supported, and you need to queue up on site to enter. Some VIP seats can purchase viewing experience tickets with drink packages through GetYourGuide.
Cost
Drinks are expensive, averaging about 12 to 15 euros, but include the rooftop viewing experience. The bar often has resident DJ performances, and the atmosphere is warm.
Pub characteristics and taste of drinks
Mainly innovative cocktails, such as “Sunset over Tagus”, which blends Portuguese gin with passion fruit, orange wine, and vanilla, with rich layers, sweet and sour and refreshing. Suitable for young tourists who like taking pictures and love nightlife.
Recommended groups
Young tourists, couples, travel photographers, and city exploration enthusiasts must check in, especially for summer evenings to watch the sunset and drink a night wine.
4. Red Frog Speakeasy: A taste adventure hidden behind a secret door
Bar overview and history
Red Frog is a representative pub in Lisbon that has been listed in the “World’s 50 Best Bars”. It adopts the “speakeasy” form of the Prohibition period in the 20th century. The entrance is a secret door, which must be entered by password or code, with a very mysterious atmosphere.
Location and transportation conditions
Located on Rua do Salitre near Avenida da Liberdade, the subway Avenida station is only a 3-minute walk away, with convenient transportation.
Booking platform
You can use the Portuguese local food platform TheFork and Zomato to make reservations.
Cost
The average price of alcoholic drinks is around 15 euros, and some specially prepared high-end cocktails are more than 20 euros, suitable for those who pursue the ultimate bartending experience.
Pub characteristics and taste of alcoholic drinks
Each cocktail can be called a work of art, such as the signature “Red Frog”, which uses raspberry liqueur, vermouth and vanilla port, with a long taste and full layers. There are also non-alcoholic options, and the flavor is still exquisite.
Recommended crowd
Suitable for senior alcohol lovers, tourists with high requirements for creative bartending, and couples or small groups who pursue a unique night experience. It is recommended to dress appropriately and abide by the appointment time.
5. A Ginjinha: The most authentic Portuguese sweet cherry wine experience
Bar Overview and History
A Ginjinha is located next to Rossio Square. It is a small stand-alone bar that has been in business for more than a hundred years and is famous for selling Portugal’s traditional sweet cherry wine “Ginjinha”.
Location and Transportation Conditions
No. 8, Rua de São Domingos, is close to Rossio Square and has extremely convenient transportation. It is the best stopover for tourists before going to Alfama or São Jorge Castle.
Booking Platform
No reservation is required, you can buy and taste the wine on site; if you need to know in advance or as part of the food route, you can buy a city guide ticket with “Ginjinha tasting” through GetYourGuide.
Cost
A glass of Ginjinha costs only 1.5 to 2 euros, and you can choose the version with or without fruit. It is the most cost-effective local wine experience.
Pub Features and Drink Taste
Ginjinha is a sweet cherry wine with a moderate alcohol content and a sweet and slightly sour taste. First-time drinkers are usually surprised by its friendly and delicious taste. It is very suitable for tourists who are not good at drinking but want to try the Portuguese wine culture.
Recommended groups
Tourists of all ages (legal drinking age) can try it, especially female tourists, middle-aged and elderly travelers, and backpackers who like to try new things. Because the alcohol content is not high, it is suitable as a relaxing drink during the trip.
Drinking a drink in Lisbon is not just about drinking, but more like tasting a piece of history, a neighborhood, and a culture. Every sip of wine seems to carry the story of the mottled walls of the old town and the rhythm of the tram ding. From the fine-tuned taverns hidden behind the secret door to the sweet cherry wine stalls on the square where everyone can drink, the bar is not only a microcosm of the city’s nightlife, but also a gateway for travelers to explore the soul of Lisbon.
Lisbon’s bars have their own characteristics, taking into account the needs of different groups of people. Whether it is drinking alone, dating a couple, or chatting with friends, you can find an ideal place. Choosing a suitable booking platform, avoiding the “minefield” where tourists gather, and rationally planning the night itinerary can not only enhance the experience, but also save time and budget.
You don’t have to drink a lot, but you must drink it worth it. In the night of Lisbon, leave a glass for yourself, and leave a memory in your heart.
