Night Life in Lisbon
Portugal capital Lisbon is famous for its nightlife. Due to two large casinos it is becoming Europe 's gambling epicenter. With the sunset in Lisbon the day does not end, especially during weekend or typical night of summer. For many people the day has just begun and the doors of several bars are yet to be opened. One may like to start the typical evening from the café of Chiado, it becomes a freshening point before moving to a restaurant for a delicious dinner in the quarter of Bairro Alto. This is city's center for bar scene and night time action.
Places extends from the Bedroom (hip) to the Pavilhao Chines (quirky) to Clube da Esquina (laid-back). Most of them close around 2 to 4 am . Now it's good time to move towards docks of Alcantara. Its in district of Santos , here lies many trendy clubs and bars. The docks setting make the place attractive and pleasant, sun rise view turns mesmerizing with the emanating sounds from a bar - “Op Art”. This bar remains open till dawn during the weekends. If one wishes to end the night with grace, the best place would be dance floor or sips of cocktail in “Lux”, the most stylish club of the city. It is considered as one of the best designed club of Europe , partly owned by John Malkovich, actor of Hollywood .
Lisbon is not just gaining reputation with the international DJ set, but is becoming hot favorite as one of the trendiest city in Europe . It is becoming popular among young European crowd, especially to join its night life party. Groups of young Spaniards, Brits and Italians are frequent visitors. It has broad range of offerings for everyone, from electronica to jazz bars of 1920s and modern flourished gay scene.
If clubbing is not your cup of tea, then enjoy the melody of classical music, easily available at different venues, like Culturgest and Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation. The city is adorned with many beautiful old theaters; famous among them is Dona Maria II National Theater. It exhibit classical plays and experimental contemporary works. If you are looking for opera, Sao Carlos Theater is the best.
To mix local flavor, Fado House's candlelit evening may add charm to your life. It has live Fado performers as well as elegant restaurants. Though Alfama and Lapa have genuine Fado establishments, but many have lost their authenticity (in Barirro Alto) and have become tourists-oriented. Coliseu dos Recreios and Atlantic Pavillion are important concert places; they host world's top artists and bands. If you are first timer in the city don't miss to see Fado because it is lively part of the city's culture.
Although Lisbon has relatively high standard of law and order, but as a visitor play safe. Night club violence related to gang is observed to be in rise in recent years. It is good to be alert at late night in the Bairro Alto. Beware of local pickpockets and thieves as well as bank machines in the City Centre.