This post will help you decide on the best things to do in Lisbon in the evenings. The city is famous for her hills, lights, and view of the river.
We include our top 15 tips for free, cultural, and party-focused activities and points of attraction.
Don't forget to take a look at some of our other popular Lisbon posts:
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- Where to Store Your Luggage
- Things to Do in Alfama
- Free Things to Do in Lisbon
1) Enjoy Local Fado Traditions
First things first! If we are talking about Lisbon evenings, we need to start with going to a Fado Restaurant.
Fado is a traditional Portuguese genre of music that started in Lisbon, and finding live performances is one of the best ways to really experience the city.
You can find Fado all over the country, but the best place to find it is in Alfama - one of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhoods.
There you will find plenty of small, cozy restaurants that feature live music. If you want to have a table close to the singers, we suggest going early.
To really enjoy the experience, eat a delicious “Bacalhau” or “Sardinhas.”
If you want to go to one really famous and typical - go to Adega Machado.
2) Take a Ghost Tour
If you enjoy scary stories, go on a Ghost Tour to learn about the spooky side of Lisbon’s history.
One of the famous tours is Lisbon Mysteries - Untold Stories.
This walk explores places and landmarks with stories you probably haven’t heard - about serial killers, police stories, and local horror stories.
This photo is courtesy of Tripadvisor
The 2-hour tour will pass by Chiado, Praça do Comérico - where there have been punishments from past centuries - and will enter in the cursed Church of São Domingos.
You will also pass through places that have seen World War II events and been part of conspiracy theories.
3) Go on a Pub Crawl
We all know that the best way to get to know a city is through a tour. If you’re ready for a good party at the same time, a pub crawl is the perfect activity.
Lisbon’s locals and tourists both love a night out, so there will be no shortage of new friends to meet.
This photo is courtesy of Tripadvisor
In Portugal, the nights tend to start after midnight and end around 7:00 am with an amazing and fat breakfast right before bed.
4) Discover Bairro Alto Nightlife
Bairro Alto is known for being a nightlife hotspot in the city. It is full of shops, restaurants, and bars.
You’ll see the typical winding, narrow streets. They’re perfect for strolling down since the neighborhood has been pedestrian-only since 2003.
It seems that small bars, cafes, and restaurants are in every doorway throughout the district. This makes it easy to make your own pub crawl night, since most spots are full of locals and tourists.
Groups of friends stand outside with drinks as the evening starts. Live music in the restaurants transitions into lively club music that plays through the night.
5) Pink Street
Cais do Sodre has recently become one of Lisbon’s most popular spots. It has had some help from Pink Street’s transformation from the old Red Light District.
Pink Street is now a hub for energetic nightlife and draws in tourists for the modern bars and clubs.
In Portugal, we can drink on the streets, so locals spend the first part of their evenings in the open air.
If you want to embrace the spirit, you can be Portuguese for the night and drink some Super Bock on the street. Talking in the street is a popular pre-party event.
Also, you have the Pink Street bars and clubs that stay open a bit later than those you’ll find in Bairro Alto.
Choose one of them and enjoy a crazy fun night - the list includes Viking, Europa, The Music Box, Toquio, and Rotterdam, all in the same street.
6) Sailing Tour on the River at Sunset
If you’re looking for a relaxing and luxurious way to spend an evening, gliding down the Tagus River at sunset is the perfect tour option.
And believe us, sunset on the river is one of the most beautiful things to see in Lisbon!
This photo is courtesy of Tripadvisor
The sky displays beautiful pink and red tones and makes the city views even prettier.
Some sunset cruise options come with drinks, while others focus on commentary from a local guide.
7) Ride the 28 Tram
Riding the 28 Tram on its steep tracks is a popular activity. The yellow cable car is a quintessentially Lisbon sight and will take you from one end of Lisbon to the other.
Considering the city is covered in steep streets, it is also a great way to rest at the end of the day.
Riding the 28 Tram at night means it could be a bit less crowded, and you’ll get a good view of the city lit up as the nightlife starts coming alive.
If you’ve been at Sao Jorge Castle, you can make it all the way back to Bairro Alto. A great route to take is from R. Conceição to Bairro Alto.
If you’re taking advantage of the Lisboa Card, this also comes with a free travel pass that can be used on the trams!
8) Find Opera and Classical Music
While Opera is not Lisbon’s most widespread art form, there is a beautiful Opera company that performs at Teatro Nacional de São Carlos.
You can find various performances throughout the year in this Milan-inspired theatre.
The theatre is in the Chiado district, which is known for its live entertainment and bohemian style.
In the past, this theatre has hosted lyrical performances from Giuseppe Verdi, concerts with the National Symphony, and ballets with the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra.
No matter what time of year, there will be something beautiful to see or hear at the theatre.
9) Find Nice Views at Rooftop Bars
There are a lot of rooftop bars in the city to take advantage of the beautiful views looking toward the river.
Depending on the neighborhood you choose, the atmosphere and the sights will be different, but they are all enjoyable!
This photo is courtesy of Tripadvisor
We suggest hunting down a table at Topo, which is at the top of Martim Moniz shopping center. Most evenings feature DJ sets to accompany your drinks.
Rio Maravilha’s terrace is a perfect option if you’re looking for delicious appetizers and cocktails.
Since there are so many to choose from, we’ve also linked to Time Out’s favorite Lisbon rooftops.
10) Go to a Theatre Performance
The theatre is something you should see in Lisbon.
The Municipal Theater São Luiz at Praça do Rossio has beautiful architecture as well as a great schedule of plays, film and documentary screenings, book signings, and stand-up comedy performances.
The architecture and history of the building is a big draw for private events, but many of them will still be on the public calendar.
If you check the calendar for public showcases by local artists, some of them are free!
11) Miradouros Viewpoints
The light of Lisbon is iconic and so is the moonlight.
If you are not looking for rooftop food and drinks but prefer the views instead, you can take a tram ride or a walk to many different Miraduoros in the city.
If you are on a romantic trip you absolutely need to do this! If you are traveling solo or with friends, it is a perfect opportunity to relax, chat, or take some great pictures.
Since these terraces are free to access, you can visit as many as you like! Each lookout spot will have a slightly different angle looking out over Lisbon.
The Alfama neighborhood has multiple Miraduoros, listed in our Alfama post here.
12) Lux - The Most Iconic Disco
If you are a house and electro music fan, you absolutely must go to Lux Fragil. The crowd tends to party until morning.
If you’re there all night, we definitely suggest staying on the terrace to watch the sunrise over the river.
Keep in mind that it can be a bit difficult to get into Lux, as well as other big discos around. Be prepared for lines at the entrance, and that you cannot wear beachwear or flipflops inside.
13) Bike Night Tour
Looking to get your workout in while sightseeing? If you’re ready to tackle Lisbon’s seven hills and enjoy the views, take an evening electric bike tour.
The e-bikes will keep you from getting stuck going up the winding streets.
This 3-hour tour begins at 18:00 each evening and includes the e-bike, a reflective vest, and a helmet to keep you safe.
You will ride past the National Pantheon, Bel Monte Palace, and learn about your local tour guide’s favorite spots.
Find more information on the bike tour here.
14) Evening Tour of Belém
If you’re looking for a walking tour that starts in the late afternoon to early evening, Take Lisboa offers their Belém tour at 16:00 on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
It lasts 2.5 hours and takes you past the bright houses, National Palace, gardens, and important historical monuments like the Tower of Belem.
You’ll end up close to the River Tagus, which is perfect for finding a cafe or restaurant with open-air seating and enjoying the sunset as you rest after the walk.
Find pay-what-you-like Belém tours here.
15) Enjoy an Exploration Game
If you're interested in learning more about the history of Lisbon, this self-guided treasure hunt gives you the opportunity to explore the city while looking for clues to solve a mystery.
Over the course of 2 hours, you'll discover some of the most interesting and notable locations in the oldest districts of the city.
Book this Exploration Game or learn more.
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