Raise your glass and celebrate life in Lisbon, Portugal

Unlike some bustling capitals, Lisbon's nights strike a balance between liveliness and serenity. Streets come alive with the buzz of bars and cafés, yet there's an air of sophistication that adds to the ambiance. The sounds of Fado melodies drift from taverns, beckoning those who seek to experience Lisbon's soulful musical heritage.

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Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré are invaded with revelers, creating a mix of cultures and languages under the city lights. Evenings are embraced with an unhurried pace, with dinners stretching into the night as lively conversations and laughter fill the air. Lisbon’s liberal alcohol laws contribute to the convivial atmosphere, allowing drinks to flow seamlessly.

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Though Lisbon isn't the birthplace of iconic Portuguese wines, it is a gateway to these treasures. The city stands at the crossroads of regions like Douro, Alentejo, and Dão, allowing tourists to explore Portugal's rich vinicultural heritage.

Vinho Verde, a light and crispy white wine, hails from nearby vineyards. Its taste mirrors the city's lively atmosphere, making it a favored choice for those seeking refreshment. Ginjinha, another Lisbon's pride, captures the sweet essence of sour cherries in a delightful liqueur. It's common to spot tourists walking around with small plastic cups in hand savoring this drink.

As for aguardente, which is a type of Portuguese brandy, it is often used as a base for various liqueurs and aperitifs. Among the iconic cocktails, Lisbon Mule stands out, combining the zest of local citrus with a hint of spice. Sip the city’s signature drinks at the numerous taverns and alleyway bars, dotted across the map.

A Brasileira, the oldest and most famous venue in Lisbon, started back in 1905 when Adrian Telles decided to open a shop selling coffee from Brazil. Inside, you'll find Art Deco style, featuring mosaic floors, brass fixtures on the walls, with a lot of red and gold accents.

This spot was a beloved hangout for the artistic and intellectual elite, including Fernando Pessoa, a highly respected Portuguese poet and philosopher. He used to spend his days here, savoring copious amounts of absinthe and strong espresso known as bica. Many of his greatest literary works were penned in this setting. Even now, the bronze statue of Pessoa still occupies one of the tables on the open terrace, drawing crowds of tourists to this legendary place.

If you find absinthe a bit strong for your liking, don't worry – they also offer a range of excellent local wines. For instance, Esmero Branco D.O.C. Douro is a safe choice due to its unique smell with strong hints of fruit mixed with the nice scents of white flowers.

At Pavilhão Chinês, one of Lisbon's oldest bars in the Bairro Alto district, you'll feel transported through space and time. Its five rooms, made of dark wood with gilded accents, are decorated with thousands of items dating from the 18th to the 20th centuries. It all began about 100 years ago with a need to showcase a private collection of museum-worthy treasures. Today, you can see numerous visitors sitting on striped benches with cocktails in hand and gazing around in admiration.

Look up and spot miniature airplanes hanging from the ceiling, or explore the cabinets overflowing with antique trains, toy soldiers, and unique exhibits by Bordallo Pinheiro. It's impossible not to be moved by this place, and many come back here again and again to keep discovering the collection.

As for drinks, we recommend trying the classics like daiquiri, Rob Roy, and sidecar, although it's difficult to make a wrong choice here. If you're lucky, you might even catch a Fado performance in this amazing setting that resembles a flea market backdrop.

A Ginjinha bar was established back in 1840 and has been run by the same family for five generations in a row. Despite its small size – just one room with standing spots – it is one of Lisbon's most emblematic places, selling the popular liqueur of the same name. Before the owners serve your shot, they will ask if you'd like it "com elas" (with them) or "sem elas" (without them), referring to cherries, which are the base for this beverage. For an extra burst of flavor, we recommend going for Ginjinha com elas – this way, you not only enjoy the drink's taste but also savor the fruit itself.

Under the name Francisco Espinhera, their family factory started producing and selling wines and liqueurs 183 years ago, which now are recognized as the predecessors of Ginjinha. Among these, there are gems like Anis Escarchado, Aguardente Aniz Superior, the after-dinner drink Granito, Licor de Cardomomo Superior, and the Jartinho Espinheira apéritif.

Today, after five generations, the Espinhera’s family continues to nurture the tradition of producing authentic Ginjinha liqueur. Despite the rapidly changing world, they persistently ask visitors an eternal signature question: with or without them?

To really experience Lisbon's craft beer culture, head to Fábrica Musa – one of the breweries that has set up in Marvila. This is an industrial district of the city, which is gradually turning into a trendy spot with coffee shops, art studios, and showrooms.

Inside Fábrica Musa is also quite fascinating – the spacious area with trendy decor, neon lighting, and places for co-working transforms into a lively gathering with DJ music and a crowd of stylishly dressed people in the evenings. The beer selection here is astonishing, and that's what sets craft beers apart from mass market ones.

Thanks to places like Musa, you can savor a diverse range of beers, including zesty IPAs, rich coffee-infused stouts, as well as Porters, Saisons, Sours, with salt, with fruit, with custard tarts ("pasteis de nata"), or even codfish cakes ("bolinhos de bacalhau"). In craft beer production, everything depends on the consumer's taste, and Fábrica Musa definitely knows how to surprise its loyal customers.

Not far from the tranquil park Praça da Alegria sits another much-beloved spot in Lisbon – Red Frog Speakeasy, one of the most concealed bars in the city. Yet, this doesn't stop it from receiving numerous prestigious awards, including being ranked No. 40 on The World's 50 Best Bars list in 2022. There are no signs on the façade indicating that there's a fun place nearby; only those in the know understand that you need to ring the bell beneath the red frog attached to the wall.

Once inside, you'll discover a luxurious bohemian-style lounge with imaginative details, low-slung tables bathed in the soft glow of candlelight, and cocktails served in a most unique manner, along with a delicate ceramic red frog. Here, professional bartenders, the cream of the crop, team up with guests to create complex concoctions based on the classics.

A top-notch recommendation is the American Gangster, a robust fusion comprising Bulleit Bourbon, Madeira, amaro, maple syrup, coffee, cocoa, and tobacco leaves. Another standout option is Los Misterios, skillfully created with Siete Misterios mezcal, gentian mead, melon, watercress, avocado leaves, and a hint of smoky Naga chilli.

In the captivating world of Lisbon's bars and nightlife, we've only just scratched the surface of what this incredible city has in store. There's a whole array of hidden treasures and unexplored spots waiting for those who love discovering the latest and most exciting experiences. Feel free to share with us which of the local bars and drinks have already blown your mind away?