Lisbon, Portugal
My best friends are married to each other. They married during the height of the pandemic and weren't able to take a proper honeymoon. Fast forward to December of 2023, they finally booked a trip to Portugal. At first, they told me I wasn't invited -- not that I asked, haha. But eventually, they told me to come along during the Lisbon portion of their trip. I'm very glad I did, as Lisbon is outstandingly beautiful with vibrant tile work, cobblestones, food, architecture, and so many thing to offer.
I was here for three days and stayed in a cute hostel called This is Lisbon. A cute hostel in the Alfama neighborhood boasting a terrace with one of the best views you can find in the city. If you decided to visit Lisbon on a budget, I'd definitely recommend here. I also recommend to bring comfortable shoes, as this place is hilly and riddled in staircases. But enough about that, here's where to drink from the perspective of a man who visited for a weekend with a sciatica problem those few days:
Where to Drink:
Crafty Corner
A large shotgun style craft beer bar with good food and warm vibes. If you're all wine'd out from the copious amounts of cheap and delicious bottles you'll surely have, this is a great spot to reset your palette.
Catedrais
On a narrow street in Alfama between many gorgeous smells from nearby restaurants is this small tapas bar. Order a Superbock, sit outside, and soak in where you are. Maybe get a pitcher of sangria instead. But definitely order some bites to eat.
Restaurant Da Madalena
An unassuming place from the outside. They have an extensive wine list and very cheap pours. I was here late my first night, ordered a glass of red, and he filled me up with almost half a bottle.
Loucos de Lisboa na Graça
This is list is where to drink, but do yourself a favor and come here hungry. Then soak up the food with some great cocktails, cheap port, and be surrounded by a bunch of locals.
Ginjinha Sem Rival
No trip to Lisbon is complete without a shot of Ginjinha, a sour cherry liqueur first created at a bar across the street from this one. Save yourself the line, and go to this bar instead. Also home of the Eduardino spirit that you can't find across the street. Treat yourself to a few shots, and go get a pastel de nata around the corner.
Red Frog Speakeasy
Ranked at number 40 of The Worlds 50 Best Bars in 2022 this is a must stop for any cocktail lover. Be sure to make a reservation, but fret not, because Red Frog is actually hidden inside of another bar, with that bar accepting walk-ins. The menu rotates and offers an eclectic variety of drinks with amazing service and attention to detail.
Maria Palato Wine Bar
If you're wanting to talk with staff about wine, here is where you should go. Bottles of wine line the walls and a staff member will guide you through to help you pick something that suits your mood for the evening. Bring some friends and share a bottle.
Time Out Market
Not a bar, per se, but a food court with lots of drink options within. This is the perfect place to sample foods from dozens of vendors while also walking around with a beer, wine, or cocktail in hand while you look around.
My time in Lisbon was short. But being able to visit this city with friends and explore the nooks and crannies left me eager to return and try more places. Sometimes short visits to a new city is enough to light a flame of a desire to always remember it fondly. If you're needing any travel tips or suggestions on where to find some air-conditioning while you're here, shoot me a message.
