I still remember my first night out in Lisbon. My plane was quite late and I had just checked into my hostel, and I remember telling myself “This is my chance to get the most out of my trip, get dressed fast and head out into the night.”
By 8 PM, I was dressed in my evening glam, ready to hit the streets and that’s when the biggest shock came: the streets were ………………completely empty.
Turns out, Lisbon’s nightlife doesn’t even think about starting before 10 or 11 PM. I had arrived way too early, way too excited, and way too sober. Over the next few nights, I made just about every tourist mistake possible: from wearing the wrong shoes to ending up in tourist-trap bars. But hey, that’s how you learn, right?
So if you’re planning your first night out in Lisbon, here’s my list of 5 mistakes to avoid and a few insider tips to make your nights unforgettable and not total chaos as mine.
Mistake number 1: Starting my night way too early
Lisbon runs on its own clock. Dinner around 9 – 10 PM, drinks after 11, dancing by midnight. If you show up at 8 just as I did , the bartender might be still setting up chairs for the evening.
Guys honestly there is no rush. Slow down and enjoy the moment until you can because trust me if you do it right you are not going to hit the bed before 3 AM.
Start slower than you think you should. Grab a pre drink and catch the sunset at one of my favourite spots at Jardim do Rio. Most of the time only locals go there for sunsets so a quiet and romantic vibe is guaranteed. If you have more time, definitely check out Praia do Guncho, Jardim do Torel or Caminho do Miradouro do Santuário do Cristo Rei for an unforgettable sunset.
Pro tip: once the sky turns orange and pink it is your cue to move to the next stop (like in the picture)
Mistake number 2: Wearing the wrong shoes
Lisbon is a city made for walking… if you’re wearing the right shoes. The cobblestones might look cute in photos but will feel like a torture device after two sangrias, I can promise you that. I learned this the hard way in Bairro Alto. My heels didn’t make it halfway up the first hill.
As a girl, I get you want some cute pictures for your feed, we have all been there. Just take some photos before you move out and go for comfy sneakers or boots.You’ll thank yourself when you’re hopping between bars until 3a.m.
(If you do not believe me check the picture for proof, there is not a heel in sight, especially during the pub crawl.)
Mistake number 3: Skipping dinner – huge mistake
Portuguese drinks are generous, and you’ll definitely feel it if you haven’t eaten. My “I’ll just grab something later” plan ended with me hunting for pizza at 2 AM in the morning.
I recommend eating at La Malquerida. Their happy-hour tacos are delicious and your wallet will definitely be grateful. Carb loading is a thing for a reason, before you start pouring down drinks by two.
You will thank me later when you wake up fresh for next day sightseeing. I wish I had done the same and not wasted too many days lying hungover at home.
Mistake number 4: Following the crowds – a.k.a the tourist trap special
At some point everyone ends up at least once in front of a club waiting to open. Do not get me wrong, the energy is great, everyone is excited to head in but honestly it is just a waste of time, you could already be inside somewhere, drink in hand.
Looking back, I don’t even remember which club I was waiting for that night. Luckily, I eventually found my way to the right places (thanks to the pub crawl crew, who quite literally saved my night).
I wish I had known sooner that the real fun is not where the biggest crowd is. It is usually just a few streets away in Barrio Alto, full with cozy bars and cheap drinks and actual fun, not waiting around.
Or if you want the stress-free route (like I eventually figured out): just join a pub crawl. Locals take you straight to the best bars: no guessing, no Google Maps, and definitely not sitting on a random step scrolling Instagram looking for your next stop.
And yes, we still hit Pink Street on some nights but with the crawl, it’s different. The guides know which spots are worth it (like Rosa Loca, one of my favorites), skipping all the waiting-around nonsense.
Mistake number 5: trying to do it all alone
My first few nights in Lisbon, I tried to figure everything out by myself. You know that feeling when you have a tiny list saved from socials and think, ‘Yeah, everyone is doing it like this’ ? That was me.
I found a few cool spots, but that’s all it was. It was missing that real Lisbon energy.
When I finally joined the Lisbon Pub Crawl, it completely changed my nights here. I just grabbed my ticket online in a few clicks, and that was it. No waiting in lines or planning ahead. I met people from all over the world. If you’re nervous about coming alone, don’t be. So many people do, and that’s actually what makes it fun. The guides are super friendly, funny, and they make sure no one feels left out (you’ll remember their names by the end of the night, promise).
And if you’re wondering what actually happens: we visit three to four bars and finish in a club so you still get to experience Lisbon’s nightlife, but without the annoying wait times I mentioned earlier. You’ll see different parts of the city, from Bairro Alto’s best bars to the lights of Pink Street, and by the end, you’ll feel like you’ve really experienced the city, not just checked it off your list.
Each night includes free shots, drink discounts, and club entry, but what makes it special isn’t just the drinks, it’s the people you get to know during your night.
So if you take anything away from this little blog, let it be this: Lisbon is best enjoyed together. The crawl isn’t just about drinking, it’s about connection, stories, and having the most fun during your nights.