-
Majong
Scruffy, with school chairs, deep-red walls and drowsy cabbage-leaf lamps, this is a choice hangout that gathers a somewhat boho crowd. It gets superpacked on weekends.
-
Max
Attracting a somewhat older gay crowd, Max hosts strip shows, a leather night and other weekly fests.
-
Memorial
Mainly lesbian, this laid-back place attracts a mixed crowd, often men looking for women.
-
Miradouro da Graça
There are brilliant views from this terrace, with soothing music during the day that gets heavier the later it gets.
-
Op Art Café
On the water's edge, this slightly hidden spot attracts a better crowd than other Docas joints. Highly recommended for those long summer party nights, this combo bar/club/restaurant plays some pretty decent music, especially on Saturday nights when the DJs keep spinning until dawn.
-
Pavilhão Chines
After being greeted by a waistcoated waiter apparently hired from a different era, you soon realise that this is no ordinary bar. There are fabulous, kitsch knick-knacks in cabinets, on the walls and anywhere else there's a spare piece of real estate. Locals head straight to the back bar, as visitors get sideways on the lethal cocktails.
-
Portas Largas
Portas Largas is the warm and woolly jumper of Lisbon's drinking scene - it's well worn and well loved - and everyone gets a warm welcome, especially the gay crowd. The building is a converted old tasca (tavern) in the heart of the Bairro Alto. It's hard to pass a night out in the Bairro without dropping into this casual and friendly bar.
-
Sétimo Ceu
An old-school bar that's still one of the most popular gay drinking spots in town.
-
Side Bar
Next door to Sétimo Ceu, this fun, tiny place is also worth checking out. It's a mixed gay-friendly bar, run by the same owner as Sétimo Ceu.
-
Solar do Vinho do Porto
In a suitably awed atmosphere, here is an excellent opportunity to taste over 200 varieties of port - dark and red or light and tangy - either upstairs, which does a genteel-tearoom impression, or downstairs in a cosy cavern. Bottles cost around €7 to around €1200 . Top tip: taste here and buy at the supermarket later.
-
Advertisement
-
Taborda
Taborda is an alternative theatre with a bar that offers fantastic views; an excellent choice for a sundowner or a late-night drink overlooking the city. Also check out Chapitô, on the same street.
-
Teatro Nacional de Dona Maria II
Underfunding means the impressive national theatre has a somewhat hit-and-miss schedule. There's a charming café on site.
-
Trumps
Lisbon's premier gay club boasts two bars and a sizable dance floor. This is the place to dance.
-
Tuareg
Throw pillows, flickering candles and Arabian music set the mood at this atmospheric drinking den. In addition to cocktails and ambience, Tuareg serves up several dozen teas, waterpipes and Saturday-night belly dancers.
