Espaco 40e1

DRAKO caters to the darker side of Lisbon's gay crowd and is a popular cruise and fetish club with a range of facilities for you to try out. With everything from slings to a BDSM zone, DRAKO is full of dark, cruisy corners and even staff without uniforms. There's also adult shop on site and weekly themes to keep things interesting.

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.

For a decidedly more relaxed and low-key approach to the gay scene, spend an afternoon at Rendezvous. This is a gay-owned cafe and restaurant, with a bar that serves an excellent selection of wine and is proud of its local roots. The kitchen cooks up a great variety of tapas and traditional Portuguese food, so you can visit and enjoy lunch in a super accepting and diverse space.

At Margem Sul there's a space for anyone, no matter what sort of night you're looking for. In one part of the bar, you'll find a chilled lounge where you can enjoy a great range of drinks, sit back, and relax. Meanwhile, in another part, a cabaret stage hosts flamboyant shows featuring some of the country's most talented drag acts. Margem Sul aims to feel like home, giving you somewhere comfy to enjoy your night and see some unforgettable shows.

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.

Woof X is a place for bears and fetish loving gay guys to meet, enjoy a drink, and explore the darker cruising area at the back of the bar. It's even located in what's known as the bear area of Principe Real. Woof X is busiest in the early hours, so kick off a night on Lisbon's bear scene in an infamous cruise club complete with fetish inspired decor.