BAR CRU

Located in what used to be Lisbon's red-light district, Viking Bar sticks to its roots and hosts an infamous adult show in the early hours every weekend. The show attracts a mixed crowd and is especially popular with tourists, a diverse group of people that bring life to the bar. The neighbouring clubs also cater mainly to tourists, so you'll find the street full of a loud and excitable crowd.

This dedicated and unapologetic cruise bar is the place to be for leather fans and those you just want to hang out with crowds of likeminded guys. The bar describes itself as the hottest gay venue in Lisbon, hosting themed parties each week such as underwear and undressed nights plus plenty of fetish parties. Even the staff get undressed later in the night.

Located in a busy corner in Bairro Alto district, Side Bar is the place to go for a more low-key night on the gay scene. Unlike most of the other bars, Side Bar opens in the afternoon so you can hang out and enjoy drinks before you go out for the night. The bar serves Portuguese wine and delicious cocktails, which you can enjoy while relaxing inside or mingling with locals on the street outside.

Purex is a fun and trendy club in the heart of the gay district, welcoming a mixed crowd but proving especially popular with gay guys. The space perfectly combines a uniquely artsy decor with a cosy vibe, plus a tiny dance floor that's packed every night of the week. DJs and cocktails complete your night so you can dance till morning. The club also provides a summer full of themed nights to keep visitors entertained.

A well-known name in the Bairro Alto district, Portas Largas has been welcoming the queer community for years. It has a traditional look but a modern feel, attracting crowds of locals and visitors from all over the world. You can tell from the decor that this place has been around for a while, but that's part of its charm. Crowds gather to enjoy cocktails outside on the street while a laid-back soundtrack emanates from inside.

Finalmente Club is situated near to the lively gay district of Principe Real, and it has been a staple on the scene since 1976. This club is known for its drag shows, hosted in space that's attitude-free and full of life. You're sure to be welcomed in, and with the show starting well into the early hours you'll get a true taste of queer Lisbon's nightlife.