Where is the best nightlife in Portugal?

With its stunning scenery, brilliant beaches, rich history, and amazing food and wine, it is no wonder Portugal is one of Europe’s most popular holiday destinations. It is also a super popular spot for night owls due to its great after-dark scene. You’ll find a good night out all across the country, but some places are better than others for late-night partying. Wondering where is the best nightlife in Portugal? From rooftop bars to street parties, here are our top spots.

Where is the best nightlife in Portugal?

1. Faro

Faro’s nightlife reflects the city’s rich and diverse mixed heritage and student population. The venues here are a cool combination of laid-back bars, lively live music places, and late-night cafes and restaurants. Most nights start off in the famous Columbus Cocktail & Wine Bar and finish up in the clubs; First Floor, Twice, or the Prestige Dance Club.

2. Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the hottest nightlife spots in Europe right now. It has a diverse after-dark scene and offers a vibrant night out. Each city district offers something different, but the most popular nightlife area is around Bairro Alto. This district, popular with locals and tourists alike, is full of small bars and perfect for a night of bar hopping. If you want to hear authentic Fado music, go to Tasca do Chico. There is a live performance every night from 8 pm. Bairro Alto also has many rooftop bars. Two of our favourites are Zé dos Bois and Insólito.

3. Albufeira

The hotspot of partying in Portugal is the sunny Algarve. The resort of Albufeira is the most lively. The main Strip, with its dazzling neon signs, is full of bars and nightclubs. Some of the most popular are Club Heaven, Club Vida, and Liberto’s. These places are very lively and crowded, especially in the summer months. For a more low-key night out, go to the beautiful marina, where you can chill with a glass of wine or cocktail and watch the sun go down from one of the cosy tavernas.

4. Porto

Porto is a famous wine region. There are some wonderful bars and port houses along the Duoro River where you can sip the local tipples, including Port and Porto Tonico. For something a bit more lively, make your way to Galerias de Paris, Cândido dos Reis and Conde de Vizela. For those who want to dance all night long, popular nightclubs in the city are the open-air club Base, Piano B for house music lovers, and Boîte, a hip nightspot for wine, cocktails and dancing.

5. Lagos, Portugal

Lagos, the Algarve’s surfer town, is famous for its wild parties that attract all types of partygoers. There is something for everyone, from live music to karaoke and raucous clubs to cosy pubs. Most venues stay open until 4 am, so you can party all night and head out onto the beach to watch the sunrise. Our favourite spots include Joe’s Garage, MJ Bar, The Star, Legends Bar, The Lionheart and the Three Monkeys Bar. The Grand Café is the club that most people end up in at the end of the night.

6. Coimbra

The laid-back university town of Coimbra is a cool destination where you can avoid the tourists and party with the locals. In the many traditional bars, you can experience traditional Portuguese Fado music. Diligencia Bar is one of the most popular places to enjoy this profoundly melancholic and expressive singing style. For something a bit more upbeat, Bar Quebra Costas is a lively student bar and Pinga Amor, TUTTI, and Noites Longas are some of the best nightclubs.

7. Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is a lively resort with a nice bar and club scene. The highest concentration of places to party is along Avenida Tomás Cabreira, which is the main strip. The nightlife venues in Praia da Rocha are very close to one another, so you can easily walk from one place to the next. Because of this, most holidaymakers and partygoers spend the night bar hopping, often ending up in Katedral to finish the night dancing until dawn.