After last week’s adventurous visit to Lisbon’s scene of secret Chinese restaurants, we think it’s time to show you a more legal side of the city.

After all, Lisbon is not only a hotspot for shady, backyard Gong Bao Chicken. It also offers a great nightlife with a variety of exciting locations for all tastes and ages. And so, here is a quick guide to a relaxed night out in Lisbon.

But first . . .

Get yourself ready

Hairdresser in Lisbon. Photo: Max Bashirov

Admit it, your trip to the hairdresser is long overdue.

Although, we can’t blame you for that. If you’re not a native speaker, it’s actually quite a challenge to communicate with locals who speak little to no English so that getting the right haircut only by using random hand gestures could end, well, a bit differently. Next time, just try this one:

“The hairdresser is called Verissima and is on Avenida Douqué de Loulé near Marques de Pombal. The lady is lovely but does not speak English very well. However, she got quite quick what I wanted. Sign language worked. I had the expression that she loves her job since she sung when she was cutting my hair.” -Felicitas on Sefize

Grab something to eat

Cosy restaurant on the street of Lisbon. Photo: Michael Caroe Andersen

Whether you want to have a quick bite before your next stop or just spend the evening at rest, we recommend you to try one of the Italian restaurants around Lisbon. Where else can you get tasty meals for a good price, except you go to the secret Chine — Never mind.

“There is a really nice one in Rato with great food and the prices are around 12€. The name is Forno D’Oro and these guys really know how to make pizza.” -Domenico on Sefize

Let the pre-drinks begin

Looks like it’s time for some solid pre-gaming. Instead of going to the clubs straightaway and paying for overpriced cocktails, you can enjoy a lot more drinks for a lot less cash, if you know the right locations nearby.

Cold beer for 50 cents . . . just think about it.

“If you like beer, I have the perfect place for you! It’s called Cafetaria Italiana (I know the name seems strange) Rua de Dona Filipa de Vilhena, 8, Saldanha and serves beer for 50 cents! Mainly the people stay in front of this tiny bar and have their drinks outside. You can meet a lot of students there. PS: Ask for a 5€ beer card and you will have 13 beers included.” -Martim C. on Sefize

Explore the nightlife

TINK! at The Box — Musicbox Lisbon. YouTube Video: TINK! MUSIC

Lisbon has way more clubs than you might think. Besides all the well-known places like Lux or Urban Beach, there are many venues which are perfect for partying with your amigos until the wee small hours of the morning.

But be careful, common side effects may include an empty wallet, beer-soaked clothes and missing teeth on the next day . . . Just kidding.

“Depends on the club you want. However, Lux and Urban Beach are totally different… Each has their own music and people. A good one that I recommend and that has also some cool concerts is Musicbox.” -JoãoPQ on Sefize

Enjoy the sunrise