Lisbon's nightlife is considered one of the most vibrant in Europe.
On any night of the week visitors can drink until dawn, find
dance music to suit, see a live band or enjoy a late-night meal.
Traditionally, the nightlife centre has been Bairro Alto, with
its fado clubs, traditional, canteen-style bars and upscale discos.
This ancient quarter has cultivated its own unique style over
the years, distinguishing it from other night-life zones around
the city. Better known as the Docas, the zona ribeirinha (waterfront
area) has recently evolved into one of the liveliest night-life
districts in Lisbon. The many restaurants, bars, street cafés
and discos by the river make for a memorable night in the Portuguese
capital. Back towards the city, the Doca de Alcântara is
another favourite with Lisbon’s moneyed professionals and
the ‘in’ crowd, although there have recently been
problems with drugs that have led to tough and off-putting door
policies. The current en vogue spot is around raffish Santa Apolonia,
although things are a bit more hit and miss than they are at
Biarro Alto, despite the presence of Lux, Lisbon’s most
renowned nightclub. But Lisbon’s night-life isn’t
confined to the city; it stretches all the way along the Costa
do Estoril. Claimed to be the largest of its kind in Europe,
the famous Estoril Casino offers first-class entertainment and
a wide range of gaming options throughout the night. Alternatively,
Lisbon is well-known for its rich cultural calendar with regular
first-class ballet, opera and concerts happening throughout the
year, mostly at the city’s top venues such as Belém
Cultural Centre, the Gulbenkian and Culturgest.
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