Lisbon - Nightlife

Arrive with the right attitude for hip clubbing in the modern docks, or explore ancient back streets for late-night fado and smoky jazz clubs.

Seek out the fado music scene's saudade (longing for lost loves) in the heart of the Bairro Alto. Sip every kind of port you can imagine and carefully try some aguardente (firewater), or dance for hours in clubs and bars along Rua da Atalaia and Rua Diário de Notícias. Go underground to Lisbon's legendary Hot Clube in Alégria Square, where the cream of Portugal's jazz musicians master their art.

From international dance clubs and live jazz bars to gay-friendly venues, the rejuvenated docks of Alcântara and Santo Amaro attract media types and the young fashion-conscious crowd. Lux by Apolónia Station is another favourite. It can be an expensive night out in the larger clubs, or pure music on the riverfront.

Tucked away in north-east Lisbon, Nations Park has plenty of evening options but you don't have to be dressed to impress. Catch a concert at the Atlantic Pavilion. Stay for a dance after dinner in the restaurant-bars by the Lisbon International Fair, let yourself go on the karaoke or enjoy live dancing and entertainment.

Most bars are open until 2-4am daily, although some close on Sunday. Clubs don't tend to open until 11pm, and keep going until 6am. The later and more crowded it gets, the higher the entrance fee. Arrive before midnight.

Explore the streets of the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts to the sound of Há um música do Povo (There is a music of the people) by Mariza. Walk along the riverfront in Belém or Nations Park listening to Madredeus' O Tejo (The Tagus River).