Web Summit Lisbon’s where to go for nights out: as recommended by local insiders

Between the Fortune 500 companies, start-ups and investors of the tech industry attending, whether this is your first time in Lisbon or your annual meet-up, you absolutely can’t get bored in Portugal’s capital city.

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If you’re looking for the best bars, clubs and nightlife to explore during your time in Lisbon after the daily Web Summit events or to discover beloved hotspots that have made this city well-known - look no further. In this round-up, we share the must-visit nightlife spots of Lisbon as recommended by locals living in the city for a Web Summit to remember.

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After all, you can’t just come to Lisbon for its day life - to experience this Portuguese cosmopolitan is to experience its nightlife too. Curious? Follow me on Instagram and YouTube for more adventures!

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But before you go, here's top picks in Lisbon:

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Rooftop bars of Lisbon

This is a city that is incomparable when it comes to panoramic views. And Lisboetas (the name for Lisbon residents) know it too - as seen from the plethora of rooftop hangouts and bars dotted all over the city. Depending on the weather of course, but the rooftop bars of Lisbon are open year-round too.

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The ones with the best views as recommended by our Lisbon insiders are:

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Seen Bar

Is that a tree growing right in the middle of the bar? Yep, and to top it off, there are 360 views of the whole city from all sides too. Come for a cocktail or a Brazillian bite.

Address: Av. da Liberdade 185, 1250-147 Lisboa, Portugal

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Topo Martim Moniz

Have an unforgettable night at this trendy yet come-as-you-are spot. Simply referred to as Topo by the locals, they definitely make top-notch premium cocktails here.

Address: Centro Comercial Martim Moniz 6 Esq, Praça Martim Moniz, 1100-341 Lisboa, Portugal

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Java Rooftop

You can go for brunch here or go for the people-watching, as their open-air rooftop bar is the best place to swing into the evening. This place adds to the competition of one of the best sunset spots in Lisbon.

Address: Praça Dom Luís I 30, 1200-275 Lisboa, Portugal

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Entretanto Rooftop

With attentive service and creatively crafted drinks - this spot serves up the flavours with the sights. They have a selection of wine if you want to switch it up from the cocktails too.

Address: R. Nova do Almada 114, 1100-184 Lisboa, Portugal

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Park Rooftop

This urban rooftop bar, refashioned from the top 7th floor of a parking garage is where you can see the bell towers of Santa Catarina Church, Lisbon’s rivers and historical housetops, all in one. This is a popular spot for also Web Summit attendees.

Address: Calçada do Combro 58, 1200-123 Lisboa, Portugal

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Check out #20 on our list of Non-touristy things to do in Lisbon for more sunset sights.

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Bairro Alto

The neighbourhood of Bairro Alto is the main scene for the nightlife. Be it Lisboetas, expats or travellers - people tend to go into the affordable bars here and hang out outside, spilling onto the streets and talking with one another.

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Majong

While Bairro Alto is certainly affordable, a lot of more decadent places are popping up that leave an unforgettable mark. One such place is Majong, a bohemian meets rustic spot where you’ll feel like you have teleported back to a forgotten era.

Address: 1200 106, R. da Atalaia 3, Lisboa, Portugal

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Pavilhão Chinês

Speakeasy are next level in Lisbon - case in point, Pavilhão Chinês is inside an old run-down grocery store that opens up to an elegant otherworldly bar. Filled with World War 2 relics and other memorabilia, there are multiple rooms you can wander through to explore.

Address: R. Dom Pedro V 89, 1250-093 Lisboa, Portugal

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Maria Caxuxa

This is one of my favourite bars to come and hang out - like a second living room in Lisbon, but in this case, that living room is like in a squatter house. The couches are comfy to catch up with friends and to laid back in. A lot of Web Summit attendees will be spoted over the days lounging here too.

Address: R. da Barroca 12, 1200-050 Lisboa, Portugal

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The Old Pharmacy

What Lisbon does best is refashioned old spots into hangout spaces and bars for those in the know. This spot is a former pharmacy. All of the pharmacy's former cabinets where they hold medicine are still well preserved, now stocked to the brim with alcohol.

Address: R. do Diário de Notícias 83, 1200-142 Lisboa, Portugal

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The Corner Irish Pub

I know what you’re thinking - alright, an Irish pub… In Portugal? Hear us out - one room has awesome live music, and one has karaoke. Jump back and forth to either one for a great boisterous time. It can get crazy busy though, so better to go earlier if you want a seat!

Address: Tv. da Queimada 9, 1200-285 Lisboa, Portugal

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Mojito Company

Our Lisbon local, Chloe O’Brien noted, “If you look inside like you’re interested to go in, they always offer a free shot if you go in haha!” Hey, that’s already a good enough reason to include it on your bar-hopping evening.

Address: Tr. da Queimada, 4 Lisboa, Portugal

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Pink Street

Near Bairro Alto is Lisbon’s most iconic playground - Pink Street. There are some bars up and down this pink-washed street that are worth checking out - even if it’s more crowded and tends to be a bit touristy than other areas. But hey, Pink Street is such an integral part of Lisbon that one shouldn’t miss out on it (even if it’s just for a drink).

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Lux Nightclub

Everyone has had a story here - or infamously has heard of stories from here. It’s the most famous nightclub in Lisbon, and use to even be owned by the American actor, John Malkovich. Under an array of flashing lights, the dance floor opens up for a go-to spot to rave.

Address: Av. Infante D. Henrique a Sta Apolónia Cais da Pedra, Armazém A, 1950-376 Lisboa, Portugal

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Pensão Amor

Housed in a former brothel - fun fact: the Pink Street use to be the equivalent to Amsterdam’s Red Light District (those sailors, am I right?), Pensão Amor is now an avant-garde, decadent all-out bar. Read more about this kitschy joint as #17 on our Non-touristy things to do in Lisbon roundup.

Address: R. do Alecrim 19, 1200-292 Lisboa, Portugal

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Bookstore Bar Girl and Girl

As a book lover, this drinking spot combines the best of both worlds with niche cool covers within a colourful bar. Come grab a book - and a drink with it, and sink into one of the plushy cushions to enjoy it.

Address: R. Nova do Carvalho 40-42, 1200-000 Lisboa, Portugal

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Bacchanal

This bar’s name is a noun that means “a wild and drunken celebration” - which basically sums up the hotspot. Seriously, the staff knows what good drinks are made of - and will passionately craft one to fit anything you have in mind.

Address: Rua do Corpo Santo 28, 1200-131 Lisboa, Portugal

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Pink Wine Point

This hole in the wall (literally, look for it underneath the bridge in the Pink Street) serves up an intimate setting with classic cocktails, wines and tapa pairing. Live music is guaranteed with free entry which adds to why Web Summit attendees flock to this joint.

Address: R. Nova do Carvalho 29, 1200-161 Lisboa, Portugal

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The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

On Sundays they have a really great live band that plays a lot of 90s rock, while throughout the week with different acts and music are being played.

Address: R. do Alecrim 21, 1200-014 Lisboa, Portugal

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K Urban Beach

“If you’re looking for clubs, it is usually the first one that is recommended to people visiting because of the international music, and it is really cool and big inside. However, there is a running joke around Lisbon that everyone there is 16 years old...” - says Chloe O’Brien, Live the World’s Lisbon local.

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Ginjinha Tasting

This traditional liqueur that’s been crafted by the Portuguese deserves its own list. It’s one of the things you can only do when you’re in Portugal - as Ginjinha, or ginja, is homebrewed Portgueuse nectar made out of ginja berries. The ruby red cherry colour of the drink is already enticing enough.

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You can pop in easily to these small yet authentic bars for over-the-counter shots. For our recommendations on the best Ginjinha places, check out #15 on our Non-Touristy things to do in Lisbon recommendation.

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Pair your drinks with yummy bites all over Lisbon

Before you go out, or even after the Web Summit - if you’re feeling peckish or want to know where to go for the best eats in Lisbon, we have the top local restaurants and traditional eateries recommended for you here.

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