When night falls, Portugal’s capital comes to life.

Lisbon is a city of contrasts. It’s one of the things we love about it. Streets that are quaint and sleepy during the day become buzzing and crowded once the sun goes down. And make no mistake: Lisbon nightlife is fast making a name for itself as one of the most exciting, innovative scenes in Europe. Whether you’re looking for cocktail bars or to dance till the sun comes up, there’s something for everyone.

Photo credit: Web Summit; Text overlay: Devour Lisbon Food Tours

Party like a Lisboeta: 3 Things You Need to Know About Lisbon Nightlife

Before we get into where to go, a few basic guidelines to get your bearings. Like much of Southern Europe, the Portuguese tend to eat late. With dinner on weekends sometimes only starting around 9 or 10 p.m.—or later—don’t expect to find the bars bustling until at least 11 p.m. or midnight. Bars in Lisbon tend to be free-entry and open until 3 or 4 a.m., with nightclubs will charge an entry free and close around 6 a.m.

Dress code and etiquette vary considerably from area to area. Pretty much anything goes in Bairro Alto, while you’ll want to dress up a bit for the fancier clubs to ensure you get past the doorman. Bear in mind that all-male or visibly drunk groups might have trouble getting in at some of the classier establishments (or might be asked to pay an extortionate entry fee). Keep it quiet in the queue to leave a good impression.

Insider’s tip: We’ve all been caught out by Lisbon’s hills at one point or another. Heels or flip-flops might not be the best option—you’ll thank us later!

Pick an Area, Any Area: 4 Options for Your Perfect Night Out

Lisbon is a deceptively large city. The rolling hills and winding alleys are part of the charm, but they can mean that a journey that seems a short hop on Google Maps might end up taking a lot longer than expected. That’s why we recommend sticking to one area. Each area has its own particular vibe.

Many nights start in Bairro Alto. Start the night with cocktails and great music at Suave before heading on to Lisbon institution A Capela for dancing. Part of the fun of this part of town is finding your own personal watering hole, so don’t be afraid to get a bit lost!

Principe Real tends to have a somewhat classier vibe. There’s nowhere in the world quite like Pavilhão Chinês. After ringing the doorbell to get in you’ll be greeted with out-there decoration, with a pool table to boot. Later, 5A matches some of the city’s top electronic DJs with excellent cocktails.

In recent years Cais do Sodre has transformed from Lisbon’s red light district to a nightlife hub. Rua Nova do Carvalho (also known as the “pink street”) is the heart of the action. Pensão Amor, itself a former brothel, is quiet during the day but is packed by nighttime. And if you want to dance the night away, Music Box has some of the most varied programming in the city, from hip-hop to techno.

If you want to enjoy the calmer atmosphere of Alfama but avoid the tourist traps, the area around the castle is your best bet. Chapitô is a working circus school hosting a bar with fantastic views across the river. If you’re looking for a quieter night, Winebar do Castelo closes at 10 p.m. but is the place to go in the area for excellent wines, cheese and charcuterie.

Dance ’til Dawn: Where to Go to Keep the Night Going

If you think you can keep up with the locals, Lisbon nights can stretch out almost indefinitely. When the bars close, it’s time to hit up a nightclub. Apart from Cais do Sodré, these days many of the best options are along the banks of the Tagus river. Perhaps most famous of all is LuxFragil, where the beautiful people enjoy cocktails on the roof terrace and others sweat it out in the basement club. Ministerium is a more central option, located directly on the Praça do Comércio. Parties here vary in style from night to night, so check beforehand to see if it’s up your street.

Insider’s tip: Expect to pay anything from €8–€15 for nightclub entry, generally including one or two drinks.