Pavilhão Chinês
Rua Dom Pedro V, 89 (Príncipe Real)
213 424 729
Opens every day
Almost all in wood, this eccentric bar was originally a grocery store. Its décor is a fantasy world, with cabinets full of thousands of precious collector’s items, from Art Deco pieces to earthenware with two centuries of history. Everything is dimly lit to create a relaxing atmosphere, to end the day with a cocktail. This is where almost everyone goes at least once in their life -- personalities such as Tony Blair and Hillary Clinton were the most famous visitors.
Pensão Amor
Rua do Alecrim, 19 (Cais do Sodré)
213 143 399
Opens every day
A former guesthouse where ladies of the world’s oldest profession got together with sailors is now one of the most popular bars in town. This is due to a naughty and laid-back ambience, but also to a décor recalling the history of the place. The ceilings were painted with frescoes, the walls are covered with mirrors, paintings and old posters, and decorative pieces create an old burlesque atmosphere spread through several rooms.
By the Wine
Rua das Flores, 41-43 (Chiado)
213 420 319
Opens every day
This wine bar looks like a wine cellar, divided into different rooms with stone arches, and decorated with barrels, old photos, and thousands of bottles, including the 3267 that cover the ceiling at the entrance.
A Paródia
Rua do Patrocinio, 26B (Campo de Ourique)
213 964 724
Opens every day
Photo: Tozé Canaveira
An antiques shop was turned into a bar in 1974, and remains open today as one of the city’s best-kept secrets. The intimate atmosphere goes back in time to the 1920s, with an Art Nouveau décor in two “vintage” rooms, with magazine covers on the walls, mirrors, woodwork and marble.
Procópio
Alto de S. Francisco, 21A, à Rua João Penha (Amoreiras)
213 852 851
Closes on Sundays
Photo: Tozé Canaveira
Opened in 1972, this bar is one of Lisbon’s classics. Behind a bougainvillea-covered façade is an Art Nouveau interior, completely furnished with pieces from other times.
Foxtrot
Travessa de Santa Teresa, 28 (Príncipe Real)
213 952 697
Opens every day
Photo: Tozé Canaveira
Entering this bar is stepping back decades to the early 20th century. It’s modeled after English pubs, and its curious Art Deco style is from the creator of Pavilhão Chinês (see above). It has several cozy dimly-lit rooms and an outdoor patio.
Matiz Pombalina
Rua das Trinas, 25 (Madragoa)
214 043 703
Closes on Sundays and Mondays
Photo: Tozé Canaveira
The atmosphere and the cocktail service are contemporary, but the décor is tastefully classic. The interior maintains elements of the original 18th-century building, and the furniture also remembers the past, with Louis XV-style armchairs and reproductions of antique tiles on the terrace.
Bacchanal
Rua Do Corpo Santo, 28 (Cais do Sodré)
939 016 160
Opens every day
It looks like an old bar, but in reality it’s a former drugstore that opened over a century ago, and was now turned into a wine bar. The entire interior has been preserved, including the stone-topped counter and the mosaic floor. The drugstore’s cabinets now display bottles of wine from Portugal’s different regions, and stand by vintage furniture and decorative pieces. The wine can be served by the glass or bottle, and can even be bought to take home. Only about 15 people fit in the small space, where you hear jazz and blues.
In addition to the wine, there are signature cocktails and craft beer, to accompany cheese platters or pork sandwiches.
