Things to do at night in Lisbon to experience the city like a local
The Portuguese capital may seem like a sunny travel destination filled with beach days or patio cocktails, but the fun hardly ends when the sun goes down. With narrow streets lined with intimate tavernas and wine bars, it's easy to put together a romantic evening. Lisbon's nightlife is worth checking out, whether you want to embark on a pub crawl through Lisbon’s many cool clubs or simply hit up a rooftop bar. Live music is certainly a factor, and seeing traditional Fado music is vital to experiencing Portuguese culture.
The city is generally a safe and welcoming place, but if you’re trying to organize an epic Lisbon night, you’ll want to make sure your belongings are taken care of. That’s where Bounce and our dozens of convenient Lisbon luggage storage locations can help!
What to do in Lisbon at night if you’re looking for…
Like many European cities, Lisbon is both modern and traditional in terms of its cultural offerings. You’ll be able to pop into a local tasca for no Portuguese food or a modern bistro offering Michelin-quality cuisine. There are Berlin-esque quality nightclubs next to wine bars that haven't changed in decades. The typically comfortable pace of Portuguese daily life makes it easy to recharge, or you can step on the gas by planning an epic evening out on the town with a Drunken History Tour that includes drinks. The choice is yours!
A glamorous night out
With some of Europe’s most interesting bars along with sweaty nightclubs featuring sets from premier DJs, Lisbon’s nightlife scene could not be more appealing. And with a lovely waterfront, you can really go all-out on a Friday or Saturday night in Lisbon. Here are a few ideas for how to get the party started:
Start the night with a river cruise
There is a night tour along the Tagus River that provides incredible views of the city as the sun sets and its lights reflect on the water. Your tour guide will point out incredible landmarks like the Belém Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the 25th of April Bridge as you pass by while telling the fascinating stories of each. Most boats don't allow luggage or larger items, so it's best to drop them off at a Bounce location that can accommodate larger items that lockers won't.
Hit Pink Street
Rua Nova do Carvalho is lined with rooftop bars and terraces that are perfect for enjoying the typically comfortable evening air. You can also hit up buzzy nightclubs for DJ sets. Even walking down this attractive street (it’s been painted a bright pink color and has a rainbow canopy) to people-watch and snap a few pictures is worth heading over to the Cais do Sodre neighborhood.
Lisbon’s club scene is underrated
Nightclubs are one of the most popular ways to spend an evening in Lisbon, and you can plan ahead by securing tickets to a nightclub like Lux Frágil or simply go to Pink Street to pop in without a line.
Pro tip: Keep in mind that most nightclubs will have a dress code and bag check policy or strictly prohibit bags. Plan ahead by booking 24-hour luggage storage with Bounce for your night out.
A relaxing night out
Some might argue that no one chills harder than the Portuguese. If you're heading out with a loved one or a small group of friends and want something a little more laidback, Lisbon is the perfect place. Not only is it a manageable place to get around, but there are plenty of options that offer relaxing vibes to cap off a day of surfing at the beach or sightseeing through the city center.
Catch amazing views
Lisbon’s location at the mouth of the Tagus River makes for absolutely breathtaking sunset views, as the attractive architecture clashes with the reflections off the water. Head to Bairro Alto (or take a night walking tour) to catch the sunset at the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara for the best views before grabbing dinner at a nearby tasca. You’ll catch glimpses of the Castelo de São Jorge and the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Your Instagram followers will thank you!
Live jazz and a cocktail will help you unwind
Lisbon has the best music scene in all of Portugal, and the city is home to numerous jazz clubs where you can catch an informal set from local artists while enjoying a glass of wine or cocktail. Hot Clube off of Praça de Alegria is one of the oldest and most popular in the city, and the trendy O Bom, O Mau e O Vilão offers live jazz along with DJ sets. These clubs are very comfortable, but they can get slammed on Friday or Saturday night, so it's advisable to leave your luggage with Bounce before heading out.
Or a night at the theatre
Chiado and downtown Lisbon are home to a few historic theaters where you can take in an opera or play. The performances are certainly appealing, but international travelers will enjoy walking around the stately São Luiz Municipal Theatre, the D. Maria II National Theatre, or the opulent São Carlos National Theatre to admire the architecture.
Pro tip: Instead of waiting in line for a cloakroom at the theater, you can stash your belongings at Bounce’s luggage storage locations in the Lisbon center.
A traditional night out
Portuguese culture is one of the most intriguing in Europe. Grabbing a traditional Portuguese meal and taking in a Fado performance might seem overly touristy in a city this large, but Lisbon has kept its traditions alive better than most major cities so it's a shame to skip out on these treasured rituals.
Catch a Fado performance
One of the most vital aspects of Portuguese culture is the hauntingly beautiful Fado music performed in traditional taverns and restaurants every evening. The Alfama neighborhood is the most popular destination for Fado houses, so you can plan an evening around a performance by grabbing dinner before heading out for drinks and a show. These bars can get crowded during sets, so it's best to leave your baggage with Bounce’s neighborhood locations.
Pro tip: Most Fado houses will be first come first serve as this is a fairly informal ritual, but it's best to do a little research before you head out.
Dinner can go late into the evening
Portuguese cuisine is best served slow. And in a similar fashion to Spanish dining culture, you shouldn't be surprised when you're finishing your dessert well past 10 PM. Lisbon’s Alfama, Chiado, Bairro Alto, and Príncipe Real neighborhoods should be your destination if you want to put together a romantic dinner or night out with your friends. These areas are popular with tourists, but they're also popular for a reason. Understandably, seafood and port wine are to look out for on menus. São Jorge and Alfama are the best areas to catch the sunset before dinner.
Pro tip: If you want something a little more local, find a traditional tasca in Graça or São Vicente.
Check out the Castle of San Jorge
One of the most important landmarks in Lisbon's history, the Castelo de São Jorge is situated right in line with the setting sun. So the perfect way to start the evening is by taking in the sunset along the estuary of the Tagus River, where you admire the beautifully eclectic architecture of the castle. if you're planning on visiting the castle, you'll want to stash the bags with Bounce so you can get around more easily and avoid having a check by security.
If you’re visiting the city and want to put together an epic evening, you'll have plenty of choices of great things to do at night in Lisbon. Whether you're heading here with a loved one or a group of friends, the city will be your oyster once the sun sets. Just make sure your bags aren't slowing you down! Download the Bounce mobile app to arrange convenient luggage storage for visiting Lisbon at night.