Plan Your Lisbon Holiday: Best of Lisbon
Explore Lisbon
Essential Lisbon
Things to do
Food & drink
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Trip ideas from our community
An LGBTQ+ guide to Lisbon
Pensão Amor1,029Housed in a former brothel, Pensaõ Amor is an erotic-themed speakeasy with frequent burlesque shows. Sailors may be the original patrons, but now members of the LGBTQ+ pack this historic watering hole every night. We stuck around after the show to check out the quirky decor—a hodgepodge of personal objects and messages left behind by patrons of the brothel—and I recommend you do the same. If you’re feeling especially frisky, you can even stay the night in one of the old rooms.
Finalmente Club47Every Tuesday through Saturday night at 10:30 p.m., Finalmente Club in Bairro Alto hosts a sexy variety show with a touch of drag, some burlesque, and a whole lot of feathers. We headed over right after dinner to snag a seat near the stage and were totally dazzled by the luxurious fantasy that played out on stage.
Friends Bairro Alto48Not every night in Lisbon is all about drag or burlesque. If you can pull yourself away from the performances, head to Friends—a small, indoor-outdoor bar in Bairro Alto. It’s a chill spot for affordable tapas and beers in the early evening and a great place for dancing late at night, when it turns into a nightclub playing pop hits into the wee hours.
Bar 10615One of the oldest gay institutions in the city, Bar 106 hosts its iconic message parties on Sunday nights. When we got to the bar, we were each given a number and told to write a message for another guest. We then had to find the other person in the bar with our same number and deliver our message to them as a great way to meet someone new. Who doesn’t love an impromptu icebreaker?
Shelter Bar Lisboa33Shelter Bar is for the bears, but everyone is welcome at this laid-back gay bar. It’s usually not too crowded, so it’s a good place to grab a drink if you actually want to talk to your friends. You can even take your cocktails out to the street in front and enjoy the festive atmosphere of the surrounding Príncipe Real neighbourhood. (Lisbon doesn’t have laws against open containers.)
Calle Rosa de Lisboa232It’s a bit kitschy, but I couldn’t pass up a photo opp on Lisbon’s Insta-famous Pink Street. Painted a bright shade of bubblegum, Rua Nova do Carvalho used to run through Lisbon’s red-light district but is now lined with fun bars and clubs. It can be a bit of a stinky mess in the early morning hours, but that’s when you’ll have your best chance at snapping a crowd-free picture under the rainbow umbrella canopy.
Costa da Caparica: Beach & History7We visited Lisbon in the summer, so a day trip to a nearby beach was an absolute must. In Costa da Caparica, just an hour-long train ride from Lisbon, Beach 19 is a popular nude beach among the LGBTQ+ crowd. Spend the day on this rugged stretch of sand, nestled within a nature reserve, and you’re sure to find other queer travellers soaking up the sun in their birthday suits.
Browse collections
Autumn in LisbonSee what makes the place so magical this time of year
Street art ‘round every cornerGuided tours on foot or by tram
Grab a drink or twoHip rooftop bars and hole-in-the-wall faves
Head to the waterBoat tours, sunset sails, and more
If you're feeling fancy-ishLuxury experiences that are totally worth it
Guide to Black cultureBlack-owned shops and restaurants to check out
Under-the-radar artBoutique galleries and lesser-known museums
Day trips to write home aboutSo much to see, all less than two hours away
Find a patch of grassParks, gardens, and green spaces in the city
Off-the-beaten-path picksHidden gems and spots locals love
Lisbon at nightWalking tours, dinner shows, and more
More great Mediterranean capitals
Lisbon Travel Guide
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Lisbon
Skye Coote
Many major attractions have rooftop access for those who like to get up and look out. Be aware, though, that reaching the roof generally involves tight, narrow circular staircases.
Shankar C
While Alfama is easily accessible through public transportation, walking is the best way to get a true flavor of the character of the district, especially of its interior sections.
Gasparca
When in restaurants, remember that Portuguese like their food well done. If you don't, make sure to specify your meat and fish as "mal passado": rare.
TSchenk
Lisbon is a wonderful, ancient city with roots that date to Roman times. My wife and I spent a week here recently on a business trip to the area. We are both avid hikers, and we really enjoyed exploring this historic city mostly on foot. The food, especially the seafood, is unbelievable.
Shankar C
Alfama is Lisbon at its best, where past and present intersect in perfect harmony. A visit to Alfama is an ethereal experience and a discovery of Lisbon's eclectic soul.
Chris O
A lively city evocatively set on the mouth of the Tagus River, with world-class beaches, wild forests and loads of "fresca" activities to enjoy, Lisbon is a dream location for outdoor lovers.
What is the best way to get there?
flying
Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS), aka Lisbon International Airport, is the primary airport in Lisbon. It is served by most major airlines to/from many major cities across the world.
train
Lisbon has two major train stations, Santa Apolónia and Estação do Oriente. Both offer service to/from many European destinations via Eurostar and other regional train lines.
bus
Estação do Oriente is also Lisbon’s bus terminal with service to/from many international and regional bus lines.
For more info on getting to Lisbon, visit here.
Do I need a visa?
Since Portugal is one of the 26 Shengen Area countries, tourists from those countries do not need a visa for visits less than 90 days, but passports must be valid for at least six months after departure dates. The same goes for Americans. For more information, see here.
When is the best time to visit?
Come June, the city of Lisbon is transformed by a carnival atmosphere for Festas de Lisboa, a two-month-long celebration of Portuguese culture, food, art and music. Average daily temperatures this time of year are highs of 25°C with lows of 16°C.
For a slightly sleepier time without summer’s peak prices and crowds, early fall boasts still-warm weather and cheaper hotel rates. Average daily temperatures then are highs of 26°C with lows around 17.
Get around
public transit
Be sure to get a Lisboa Card, available for 24-, 48- or 72-hour increments. It includes free transportation on Lisbon Metro buses, subways, trams and lifts, as well as discounts and free entry to 35 attractions.
trains
Lisbon Metro offers four lines to 55 stations across the city.
For more info on fares, routes and schedules to get around Lisbon, visit here.
buses
Lisbon has 78 bus lines that are operated by Carris.
For routes, fares and schedules, visit here.
trams
Carris also runs Lisbon’s six tram lines. They are an iconic tourist experience that can also save you from hoofing it up some of the city’s hills.
For more info, visit here.
elevators
Another unique way to get up Lisbon’s steep slopes are the four Carris-run elevators. For more info, visit here.
taxis
Taxis are widely available in Lisbon, and can be hailed or booked via Cooptáxis.
For more info, visit here.
bikes
rideshares
Uber operates in Lisbon and can be booked via its app on your smartphone.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Western European.
What are the voltage/plug types?
230/400 volts, on a 50 Hz frequency. Electric sockets adhere to European standards. Blade plugs (US standard) must be used in conjunction with a 230 volts transformer, as well as an adaptor.
What is the currency?
Euro.
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Unlike in the U.S., tipping in Lisbon is discretionary for most services and rarely expected.
Restaurants
Most locals round tabs up to the nearest euro, but if you were extremely happy, leaving 10 percent of your bill is common.
Taxis
Give at least 10 percent of your fare.
Hotels
Give a euro or two to bellhops who help with your bags or a doorman who gets you a taxi. You can also leave a euro or two per day of your stay for the housekeeping staff as you would in any other city.
Tour guides
At least 10 percent of the tour cost is a common tip for Lisbon tour guides, more if they were extra fun or interesting. If you take a bus tour, a euro or two per person would suffice.
Are there local customs I should know?
Drinking
The legal drinking age in Lisbon is 18.
Drugs
Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001, but getting them can be sketchy and dangerous, especially if “dealers” approach you on the street in certain areas.
Carry cash
Some small mom-and-pop shops don’t accept major credit cards.
Plan ahead
Many trendy restaurants only take reservations, not walk-ins.
Sensible shoes
Given its hilly layout and cobblestone streets, sneakers are the footwear of choice for Lisboetas — and smart tourists.