The 5 Best Lisbon Bars

The Solar do Vinho do Porto

If Port is your drink this is the place for you. Even if Port isn't really your thing, The Solar do Vinho do Porto is pretty much the holy grail of Lisbon bars. The Port Wine Institute, as it is known in English, offers more types of Port than you can shake a stick at. The atmosphere is laidback, the staff is friendly, and the low lighting makes it a top choice amongst lovers. You can choose a seat inside the Port wine cellar and learn all about the origins of port in Portugal.

Café Luso

Don't be put off that this place calls itself a café instead of a bar, you'll be served up more than coffee and cake at Café Luso. This place is considered to be the best of the best when it comes to fado bars in Lisbon. Drinkers come here to listen to the haunting tune of some of Lisbon's best fado singers who lament the loss of a lover, the heartache of a death, or a huge life lesson. If your Portuguese is not up to scratch though, they could be singing about anything, and beautiful it is.

Cinco Lounge

If top class cocktails and a young, hip crowd are more your bag, head to Cinco Lounge. This place was the first Lisbon bar to base its whole vibe and menu around international cocktails and has remained at the top of its game. Cinco Lounge offers a menu of more than 100 cocktails, all mixed by their beautiful and experienced bar staff. Shaken, stirred, dry, or with a cherry, it's up to you how your drink comes.

Santiago Alquimista: From blacksmith to drinksmith

This cavernous building which was formerly a blacksmiths work shop is hidden away and attracts Lisbon's most creative crop. Hidden up a small lane, Santiago Alquimista opens seven nights a week and hosts events from poetry recitals to karaoke nights. This is definitely one of the quirkiest Lisbon bars you'll find and it will be well worth the effort of searching for it. Prepare a performance piece or brush up on your literary skills, just in case.

Portas do Sol

If your idea of a perfect drinks including looking out onto a beautiful view, look no further than Portas do Sol. This water side, sun soaked bar is perfect for a spot of afternoon drinking. When things heat-up in the evening, there is a dance floor inside but be sure to catch the dusky orange sun set over the Moorish rooftops before you strap on your dancing shoes.

If you're gonna drink, you've got to eat. Dig into some authentic Portuguese delights at one of these restaurants beforehand.