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Gay Lisbon, Portugal | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Gay Lisbon, Portugal | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

It’s hard to believe Gay Lisbon has flown under the radar for so long, but if nothing else, hosting the 2018 Eurovision contest showed the world that Lisbon is here and queer… so why not enjoy it?
 

By day this capital city offers twisting alleyways, world-class museums, carefree dining, and understated glamour – all served with idyllic views thanks to the city’s seven hills setting – but trust us when we say that at night is when Lisbon really slays!

An abundance of gay bars and clubs dot the streetscape of the gay Lisbon neighborhood, which is somewhat loosely found in the old Bairro Alto district and neighboring trendy Principe Real area.

Huge all-night club events, trendy cocktail bars, drag shows and go-go boys galore tempt those who are willing to go out and explore, though there is also a gay luxury hotel, plenty of gay saunas, gay cafes and gay beaches in Lisbon.

The result?

A gay scene in Lisbon matched unmatched in Portugal (though Gay Porto does try its best) and one of our favorite destinations in Europe – made even better by the pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Gay Lisbon Guide: The Essential Guide To Gay Travel In Lisbon Portugal 2018

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, LGBT acceptance in Lisbon is high – even by Western European standards – and Portugal has some of the most progressive gay rights legislation in the world with gay marriage, same-sex adoption, a simplified process of legal gender identification and even a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation enshrined in its Constitution.

All this means you will find plenty of gay couples wandering the streets of Lisbon, posing for photos next to colorful doorways, getting cozy in any one of the delightful cafés and just generally making the most of life.

Throw into the mix all those gorgeous Portuguese bodies, boutique fashion stores and art galleries, plenty of sunshine and various day trips to vineyards/beaches/castles, and you begin to understand why so many gays are flocking to Lisbon.

Watch out Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, and Barcelona – Gay Lisbon is coming for you!

Lisbon Gay Guide | Lisbon Gay Life

Attractions in Gay Lisbon

Naturally, being gay does not define which attraction most of us will want to see when traveling and – generally speaking – queer travelers will simply want to check out the top things to see in Lisbon during the day! Lisbon is a very safe city, but still, all travelers should take caution in crowded areas or at night in bars with valuables.

There is so much to do here – but we found our favorite memories were tanning poolside at the Late Birds Hotels, drinking wine in a gorgeous street-side cafe or getting lost only to find beauty in the strangest of places. Still – it helps to have some kind of idea of what is going on, so here are our must-see attractions in Lisbon that you should not miss!

Gay Lisbon

Top Things To See In Lisbon

Jeronimos Monastery

A stunning former monastery shoreline of Belém where monks used to pray daily for the King’s soul. Built in the late gothic style, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the nearby Tower of Belém.

Bairro Alto

Explore this bohemian neighborhood – which along with being home to much of the gay nightlife in Lisbon, is an opulent area with bright colors and romantic streets to explore by day.

Lisbon Flea Market

Held every Tuesday and Sunday, this incredibly fun and vibrant market spills out across multiple streets and plazas in around the Campo de Santa Clara, a square by the National Pantheon, from dawn to early afternoon.

Incredibly this market tradition in Lisbon is thought to have taken place in one form or the other since the 12th Century, but today, it offers a gloriously eclectic collection of crafts, clothing, pottery, nostalgic treasures, CDs, and cameras. Really, you name it, and it can be found here.

gay lisbon portugal guide

Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Operated a part of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, one of the wealthiest foundations in the world; inside the Gulbenkian Museum, you will find one of the world’s biggest private collections of art incorporating pieces from around the world, starting in antiquity and well, including anything and everything since.

Helicopter Flight

The elegant Lisbon will unveil under your feet as you explore the skies above it on an astonishing helicopter flight of a lifetime.  Cocooned in the cabin, you’ll appreciate a bird’s eye view over many of the major landmarks of Lisbon, such as the medieval São Jorge Castle, the Moorish Alfama district, the Santa Maria Maior Cathedral, the Commerce Square, Ribeira das Naus, all the amazing charm of the city of the 7 hills.

Gay Lisbon

Rossio Square

A meeting place in the heart of Lisbon is perfect for relaxing and people-watching. In the past, this was the place for bullfights, uprisings, and executions- so thankfully, it’s much more peaceful now!

Tandem Paragliding

Portugal is amongst the world’s most fabulous places to start your paragliding addiction. Experience an extraordinary paragliding flight with stunning ocean views before finally landing on golden beach sands for a thrill, unlike anything you’ve ever tried before. Perfect for adrenaline hunters, or those who are always looking for the next big adventure!

Street Art

While it might not be as impressive as that of Medellin, the street art of Lisbon is a great way to explore the city off the beaten track as you hunt down large-scale installations with political and social messages. Ok, some are just hyper-instagrammable…

Street Art In Lisbon | Gay Lisbon Guide

Live Fado Show

One of the most amazing cultural heritages of Lisbon, Fado is a music genre that can be traced to the 1820s and today characterized by mournful tunes and lyrics, often about the sea or the life of the poor.

Today there are many bars and spaces to bear witness to this beautiful art form around Lisbon – though some are more touristy than others. Some sessions can be found with esteemed fado singers, others with amateurs, depending on your budget and what vibe you are looking for… there certainly is no shortage around town come nightfall. 

MAAT

One of the most visited museums in Lisbon, this jaw-dropping museum opened in 2016 at a cost of €20 million on a prestigious site next to the River Tagus.

Here, the iconic Tejo Power Station, one of Portugal’s most admired examples of industrial architecture from the first half of the 20th century, and a flagrantly cosmopolitan new art hall coexist together and provide exhibition spaces for national and international contemporary artists, architects and thinkers.

Gourmet Walking Tour

There is no better way to discover a city than through its soul. Eat your way through the flavors of Portuguese food while finding the best of Lisbon’s traditional eateries.

gay lisbon portugal guide

SurfingHire a car or take a tour to surf the waves of the Atlantic Ocean. If you know what you doing, there are some great brakes for advanced surf fanatics, or there are some sweet spots for beginners. Nothing is hotter than a hunky surfer, right?

LX Factory

While we love Lisbon’s historical sights, it’s also exciting to spend time exploring its contemporary side. This cutting-edge arts center is a good place to start. In the mid-19th century, an enormous industrial complex was built in Alcantara but was abandoned by the company 50 years later.

After sitting derelict for decades, it has now become a symbol of the city’s creative regeneration. Now it’s a lively hub that’s home to dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes, art and yoga studios, and event spaces.

Embaixada Concept Store

Opposite the Príncipe Real Garden is this uber-stylish 19th-century, Arabian Palace palace turned shopping mall that hosts a series of national brands and artists focused on Portuguese design, craftsmanship, fashion, gastronomy, and culture.

Tradition and contemporary design are wonderfully blended here, and a wander through is warranted even to admire the innovative respect for architectural heritage.

gay lisbon portugal guide

Time Out Market Lisbon

The Mercado da Ribeira’s doors first opened in the late 19th century, and in 2014, it was utterly guttered and transformed into a world-renown contemporary food court managed by Time Out Magazine.

It’s a bright and airy open space that houses over 40 food kiosks, each of which is manned by a mixture of top chefs and enterprising locals offering a huge range of cuisines. Don’t leave Lisbon without at least wandering through…

Lisbon Oceanarium

Opened in 1998 as part of Expo ’98 in Lisbon, the Oceanário de Lisboa is a physical ode to the centuries-old bond between the Ocean and Portugal.

The centerpiece of Parque das Nações, a redeveloped area on the Tagus River used for the Expo, this amazing Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and is visited by over a million people every year, making it one of Portugal’s most popular cultural attractions.

Lisbon Card

A flexible card to save you money and time in Lisbon with free access to 23 city museums and free public transport.

Gay Things To Do in Lisbon
Gay-Friendly Tours Around The World

Gay Things to Do In Lisbon

Beach 19

If you are looking for the best Lisbon gay beach – and one of the largest in Europe, then you need to come here. In the afternoon it gets very cruisy, but thankfully it’s a large beach with dunes and forests nearby.

The majority of people here, however, are just looking to tan every inch of their body without the problem of unsightly tan lines. If you hire a car in Lisbon, you could also try the Coast de Caparica gay beach with a more party, fewer birthday suits kind of vibe.

Fado Bicha

A queer fado duo that comes from subversion, from experimentation. It is very much linked to a rebellion against the terms, dynamics, and structures that oppress us, personal experimentation, a deconstruction of the genre, and freedom of movement. It is Fado Bicha precisely because it has this character of not accepting impositions.

Because fado is feeling and pouring out and listening with an open heart, the songs are known but here seen in a new light. Lila, the voice and João, on guitar, both love fado and feel that while it is part of their creative identity, it does not include an important part of their identity: the fact that they are queer…Unique, different and utterly fabulous. Check their Facebook for upcoming performances. 

Boys Just Want To Have Fun

An inclusive LGBT sports club in Lisbon with teams like Dark Horses Rugby, Lisbon Crows Volleyball, Lisboa Poolboys Swim Team and Lisbon Foxes – Football Team. If you’re in Lisbon for a while, consider joining one of their teams, or just go along as a supporter!

Lisbon gay Beach | Gay Things to Do In Lisbon

GPS Café

A small gay owned and bear popular cafe that is an excellent place for a snack during the day with friendly owners. You never know who you will bump into, but it’s pretty social!

Gayola Steakhouse & Bar

A delicious place frequently by the Lisbon gay community before a night out. Friendly staff, perfect tenderloin steak and an excellent selection of wine.

Lisbon Bech

A fantastic gay tour company offering trips around Lisbon to the gay beaches and a fun LGBT nightlife tour. The perfect way to connect with other gay tourists before a night out and to learn more about gay life in Lisbon.

Lisbon Gay Tours

Another popular gay tour in Lisbon; seriously, how gay is this city? We have only ever found a handful of gay tours around the world before, and now two in one city? Go, Gay Lisbon!

Lisbon Gay Tour| Gay Places in Lisbon

Annual Gay Events In Lisbon

Lisbon Pride

The biggest Gay Pride in Portugal, attracting attendees from all over the world. This week-long party celebrates the role of the LGBT community in making Portugal what it is today, and is entirely worth planning a trip around.

Held annually in June, the highlights are the massive street festival, a vibrant parade, and all the club parties – but there are plenty of other cultural events too! Today it is mostly about celebrating everything queer and fabulous, but of course, still much needs to be done to achieve total equality, and there is a strong focus on the political roots of Lison Pride.

Lisbon Bear Pride

A popular annual event at the end of May with an international appeal. For all otters, bears, admirers + friends with club nights, uniform and fetish parties, bear strip shows and the all-important crowning of Mr. Lisbon Bear Pride. We love the week-long celebration and how welcoming the bear community in Lisbon always is!

Queer Lisboa / International Queer Film Festival Portugal

An annual event in September dedicated exclusively to screening gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer films. Queer Lisboa is one of the most critical European forums of international LGBT film/video, and if your dates coincide if a way to experience a more sophisticated level of gay life in Portugal.

Annual Gay Events In Lisbon

Day Trips From Lisbon

Snorkel the Arrábida National Reserve Park

Escape the city and spend the day in one of the ten most beautiful bays in the world. You’ll hardly believe you’re not in Mykonos or Phuket with these shimmering crystal waters full of protected marine life.

Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais

Go on a tour (or hire a car) to see some of the most prominent tourist sites in Portugal. Cover the medieval UNESCO site of Sintra, the mystical Quinta da Regaleira and reach Roca Cape, the westernmost point in Europe.

Setúbal Wine Tasting Tour

Explore the wine cellar and vineyards of idyllic Azeitão, a region famed for its cheese and wine.

Knights Templar Day Tour

History buffs won’t want to miss embarking on the path of this holy order of warrior monks. Filled with castles, convents, and more information than we could handle!

Day Trips From Lisbon | Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais

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Gay-Friendly and Gay Hotels in Lisbon Portugal

As a world leader in LGBT tourism, pretty much every hotel and hostel in Lisbon can be considered gay-friendly – after all, being gay-friendly is not all about upscale luxury, but about providing friendly service and welcoming guests without prejudice!

However, everybody likes to be surrounded by people with common interests, and as such, there are a few hotels in Lisbon favored by the gay jet set. Most are located around the Bairro Alto / Príncipe Real Lisbon gay area – close to all the attractions by day and night – and each offers something unique and unforgettable.

There are also two exclusively male/gay hotels in Lisbon that we urge you to seriously consider.

The Late Birds Lisbon - Gay Urban Resort | Gay Hotel in Lisbon
Gay Swimwear Queer In The World Shop

The following gay-friendly and gay hotels in Lisbon are only the most popular with gay, but there are hundreds of other hotels in Lisbon if you don’t find quite what you are looking for.

Whether you want a fun and social hostel, a cheap place to crash after a night of partying or a chic designer option to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fabulous people  – Gay Lisbon has something for everyone!

The Late Birds Lisbon - Gay Urban Resort | Gay Hotel in Lisbon

The Late Birds Lisbon ☆☆☆☆

A gay urban resort is our first choice when looking for a gay hotel in Lisbon. In the heart of Gay Lisbon, this completely restored, the late 18th-century building offers boutique rooms, stylish design, lush gardens, and a tempting outdoor swimming pool.

Providing the best of contemporary Portuguese design in an all-male environment, this is a far cry from the generally horrid gay hotels that we are used to. The service is impeccable, attentive without being over the top, and there are always fellow guests around to socialize with – either poolside or during the long breakfast sessions (until midday daily). 

With rave reviews, friendly owners and fun vibes, we cannot recommend the Late Birds higher as the best gay stay in Lisbon. We look forward to the Late Birds Porto Hotel opening soon…

Altis Belem Hotel & Spa  | Luxury Hotel in Portugal

Altis Belem Hotel & Spa ☆☆☆☆☆

This contemporary 5-star spa hotel is one of the most luxurious in all of Portugal. A thoroughly enchanting space with a rooftop pool overlooking the ocean, everything here softly whispers relax and unwind.

The spacious rooms offer Nespresso machines, and plush beds, and upgraded suites have whirlpool tubs and balconies. All guests have access to indoor + outdoor pools, sauna, and gym, plus there is a fun bar, cafe and renowned restaurant on site. Trust us; you will never want to leave!

InterContinental Lisbon ☆☆☆☆☆

Stylish and chic international hotel in downtown Lisbon. Refined cosmopolitan elegance with soft rooms and a very posh cocktail bar on site. This gay-popular hotel overlooks the Tagus River, which many of the suites enjoy views. There is also a gym and a luxe restaurant.

H10 Duque de Loule | Best Hotel View in Portugal

Pousada de Lisboa ☆☆☆☆☆

One of the small luxury hotels in the world, staying here is an utterly unforgettable experience. Found in a stately building facing the Praça do Comércio plaza, we loved the vaulted brick viewings found in the restraint, indoor pool, sauna, and balconies in the suites. A refined stay with a prigged location and staff who go over and above to make sure your time in Lisbon is absolutely perfect.

Raw Culture Art & Lofts Bairro Alto ☆☆☆☆

New York lot-style apartment suites with a sophisticated design palate and a well-curated selection of private art are displayed throughout. If you value your privacy or want space to host, this is the ideal option- and with a location in the heart of the Lisbon Gay scene.

1908 Lisboa Hotel ☆☆☆☆

Fabulous accommodation with a concept that goes beyond a comfortable bed and a warm shower. Surrounded by new bars and eateries, this award-winning boutique hotel, with modern artwork, high ceilings, and decorative tile floors, is housed in an elegant building dating from 1908 and offers understated rooms, some with Juliet balconies and loft living areas.

The daily breakfast buffet is complimentary, and there is also an industrial-chic restaurant.

1908 Lisboa Hotel Gay Hotel

H10 Duque de Loule ☆☆☆☆ 

Bright, bold, blue and beautiful. This gay-popular hotel is effortlessly stylish, with a warm interior and well-appointed rooms. Breakfast on their sun terrace overlooking the city has to be a highlight, and the perfect way to start any day!

EVOLUTION Lisboa Hotel ☆☆☆☆

Innovative and futuristic, this new addition to the Lisbon hotel pool has bright rooms, funky colors and modern rooms with city views. We loved the powerful rain shower, sauna, fitness center and indoor heated pool available for use 24/ 7. Feels more like something we would find in Taipei, but we are not complaining!

My Rainbow Rooms Gay Men’s Guest House ☆☆☆

Newly opened and proving there is a growing market for high-quality accommodation exclusively for gay men. Large walk-in showers, beautiful design, and it is super clean. The downside is this gay hotel in Lisbon is located in a quiet neighborhood around 25 minutes from the center city with public transport.

My Rainbow Rooms Gay Men's Guest House 556

Hotel Ibis Lisboa Liberdade ☆☆☆

An international hotel specializing in budget rooms at the best price. This location is closest to the gay scene and perfect for LGBT travelers who want simple rooms with no surprises.

Dom João Residencial ☆☆☆

One of the cheapest private rooms in the central city with fun little B&B offers basic rooms, a relaxing summer terrace, and daily breakfast. Nothing to write home about, but the staff is friendly, and it’s a great option if you don’t plan on sleeping much!

Independente Hostel & Suites ☆☆☆

A short walk from the Barrio Alto gay nightlife and with refined Principe Real on your doorstep, this refined, adults-only hostel-hotel hybrid concept is housed in an elegant art deco mansion – and is like no other accommodation we have seen before.

There are upscale dorms for social budget travelers and refined vintage-style suites with balconies for those who want to splash you out a bit. There are also two very trendy restaurants/bars on site, a sunny terrace, and a relaxed lounge for meeting other travelers.

The Independente Hostel & Suites Lisbon

Gay Nightlife in Lisbon

We are not even sure where to start, as the gay nightlife in Lison is amongst the best in the world. There is almost too much to count!

If you are as overwhelmed as we are, the only thing you need to know is the Bairro Alto, and Príncipe Real districts are the hub of gay life in Lisbon and where most of the nightlife is located.  If you are traveling solo or want to follow the crowds, a good place to start is on Rua da Barroca between Purex and Side Bar, where many gays gather around midnight…

Gay Bars and Gay Clubs in Lisbon | Gay Nightlife in Lisbon

Use our Gay Lisbon Map at the end of this guide if you’re lost, but know there are plenty of bars, cocktail lounges, drag shows and bear dens littered across Lisbon to satisfy even the most discerning of gay travelers. Anyone who knows anything about the Portuguese knows they love a good fiesta, and while the party might not start till late, you can guarantee it keeps going till sunrise – or even later!

New gay bars and club events are popping up consistently, so it pays to ask around when you arrive, but at the moment, these are the most popular nightlife spots, gay bars, and gay clubs in Lisbon. Things will get crazy – but just go with it!

Construction Gay Club In Lisbon

Gay Bars in Lisbon

Bar 106

Gay life in Lisbon wouldn’t be the same without this famous bar, which is one of the oldest gay bars in the city. Fun events weekly in the heart of the Principe Real district, although drink prices are a bit up there compared to everywhere, else we visited.

Friends Bairro Alto

Currently one of the most happening bars in Lisbon, every night of the week. Head here for cheap drinks, trashy pop or to socialize outside on the street where the party inevitably spills over.

SideBar

Small, no-frills gay bar in the heart of Gay Lisbon. A local favorite, Side Bar, feels more like something we would find in Bogota with space for only a few people. A great meeting place to gather and see where the night takes you…

Side Bar Lisbon Gay Area

Viking Bar

A gay-friendly/popular bar in the old red-light district of Lisbon with a crowded dance floor, no-attitude clients and fun burlesque/strip shows.

TR3S Lisboa

Our favorite place in the Lisbon gay scene. Their delicious Passion Fruit Caipirinha, strong Long Island Iced Teas and Daily Happy Hour are big drawcards. TR3S seems to be the place everyone knows, and if you are at a total loss for what to do, you should always head here.

Woof LX Bar

The main bear clubhouse in Lisbon provides a friendly social environment for their tribe and friends, who are welcomed along. This place is so small more people are generally outside than in, but that’s just part of the whole experience!

Woof LX Bar | Gay Bear Bar in Portugal

Rendezvous – More Than Wine

For those who enjoy day drinking, this popular gay wine bar in Lisbon has a great selection of tapas, food, and wine. The perfect place to arrange a meet-up or for a relaxed meal before a big night out.

Espaço 40e1

A simple neighborhood gay bar with no gimmicks that attracts a loyal following of gay customers in the Bairro Alto. Mainly locals who come to socialize where the gathering frequently spills out onto the street.

Portas Largas

A Portuguese tavern that has now been converted into a local gay waterhole.

Shelter Bar

Most gay bars in Lisbon don’t open till late, so if you’re an early starter, you can head here from 6 pm every night of the week. Bear-popular but welcoming to everyone, this new gay hang-out has Happy Hour’s Monday to Friday and regular themed parties at the weekends.

Burlesque Club

A chic Parisian-themed bar mixed with plenty of Portuguese fun. It gets pretty crowded in here with cute, younger guys thanks to its fun Happy Hour and skilled DJ sets. Their cocktails are worth arriving early for, but later on, there are fun impromptu drag performances or shirtless hunks dancing on the bar.

Pride Burlesque Gay Bar In Lisbon

Gay Clubs in Lisbon

Construction

A gay nightclub for all you otters and fetish lovers. A sizeable three-story club with dark cruise space at the top, though parties are also often held at Barrio Latino.  Everyone is, of course, welcome – though it is certainly not the bear parties of the past it was billed at. Expect hot guys, amazing performances and some of the best DJs in town. Check their Facebook page for upcoming events. 

Boteco do Massay

A local gay party organizer is known for throwing hot and kinky fetish parties and other fabulous events. With Boteco do Massay, you never get the same thing twice, with different concepts, locations, and themes. Check out their Facebook page for further details. 

La Maison by MSX Lisbon

Trumps

No relation to the Cheeto-in-chief across the Atlantic, this club is one of the busiest in town, with two rooms offering mainstream Top 40 Po / funk hits in one and deep house in the other. Open Thursday to Saturday with busy dance floors, plenty of events and a summertime foam party that is expectedly popular. Mostly younger crowd who are ready to go all night long.

LuxFrágil

(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)

An upscale mixed/gay club with a strict door policy, boys – you’re going to need a shirt to get in here! Inside is a vast, stylish nightclub that would not be out of place in Las Vegas, with an equally impressive line-up of international and local DJ talent. A chilled cocktail zone with house music is upstairs if you want to chat and relax with a pumping electrons dance floor taking up the downstairs.

Lux Fragil Nightclub in Las Vegas

Purex Club

A gay and lesbian popular cocktail club with extremely hipster vibes. It’s not for everyone, and you’re not going to hear Gaga blaring here. Do we understand some people actually think that’s a good thing?

Disco Club Mister Gay

A famous gay club that has been around for the better part of two decades. Located out of the center but near the Caparica Lisbon gay beach, it’s worth heading out here on the weekend for fun drag events, sexy go-go dancers and a popping dance floor under a shining disco ball.

Finalmente Club

A fun gay club centrally located with a focus on their fabulous drag shows that left us gagging! Don’t both come here until the early AM, however, when things really kick off.

Posh Lisbon

The newest gay club in Lisbon is quickly becoming the ‘it’ place for a night of partying. Chic set-up with some of the hottest go-go dancers we have ever seen, a no-attitude crowd and plenty of fun.

Posh Lisbon Gay Nightclub

Together

The biggest gay party in Lisbon with incredible production values, the hottest dances and an extremely fun environment. Its main feature is to bring an incredible production to its audience, not only in the music style but also with the customs of the dancers and the promotional material.

Currently, TOGETHER has as resident DJ and producer: House of Labs from Portugal and Tom Siher from Spanish. The party has done several tours through Europe and South America and has pop’d up in European cities like Madrid, Dublin, Canary Islands, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Faro, Portimão and Lyon.

In Brazil, it has even been in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Salvador, and more!  Held in various venues around Lisbon, if Together Party is on while you are in Gay Portugal, you will not want to miss it!

Together Saints & Sinners Posh Club Gay Party In Lisbon

Other Fun Bars in Lisbon

Gin Lovers

Gin is so on-trend right now, and so is this hidden gem of a cocktail bar tucked inside the Embaixada Concept Store in Príncipe Real. The bar presents a long list of gins (more than 60 brands), wines and cocktails, and is actually the love child of a magazine of the same name, the first in the world dedicated to gin.

Red Frog Lisbon

A New York-Style speakeasy bar with a faintly illicit vibe offering an intimate spot to impress a date with craft cocktails. Both old-fashioned favorites and whimsical novel creations are available, along with comfortable chairs, and laid-back jazz music. Look for the fun button labeled ‘Press for Cocktails’ to gain entry.

Quimera Brewpub

Located inside of a tunnel that was once used as a horses’ path to Palácio das Necessidades, today it is a funky microbrewery that also serves NY Deli-style sandwiches and hot dogs made from artisanal German sausages. They have 12 taps of Craft Beers and bottles; all produced either onsite or from other local Portuguese microbreweries. Utterly unique and always a fun night out!

Park Rooftop Bar

We loved rooftop bars, and judging by the proliferation of them in Lisbon, we are not the only ones. There are so many wonderful options to try, and we encourage you to go to more than one, but as for the best – well, our vote has to go to Park, actually, a rooftop parking lot that has been transformed into a hip, elevated garden terrace with views across Barrio Alto and to the  25 de Abril Bridge.

Better still? It is just steps from the Late Birds Lisbon Gay Hotel.

Park Lisbon Rooftop Bar

Gay Saunas in Lisbon

Had enough of gay cruising in Lisbon – either in the bars or elsewhere? If you desire a bit more guaranteed action, the gay saunas in Lisbon will not disappoint you (unlikely all those faceless accounts on Grindr or the other hookup apps…). In such a foreign-friendly city you should have no issues visiting any Lisbon gay sauna, though a few words in Portuguese never hurt.

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Trombeta Bath

A clean and modern sauna with everything you could possibly want ..and then some. Jazzi, showers, steam + dry sauna, XXX film area, cruising space, glory holes, dark rooms and some of the best male massages in Lisbon.

There is also a fetish / kink / queer underwear shop onsite, and frequent DJ’d events. 24 hours on the weekend and till 6 am during the week. High standards with maximum entertainment and fun, this is how we wish every gay sauna worldwide could be!

Trombeta Bath Lisbon

Olissipo Bath

A small and inviting spa that is more like a hotel spa than your typical dark & dirty sex club environment. There is a jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath and large bar – and, of course, private cabins. Located in Lisbon’s popular Avenida da Liberdade, with friendly staff and a mostly mature clientele.

Oasis Sauna

(temporarily or permanently closed. If that’s wrong, please suggest an edit.)

Another small sauna with a gym, dark room, steam, and dry sauna. Mature and popular, but somewhat run-down and easily the worst gay sauna in Lisbon.

SaunApolo 56

A modern LGBTQI+ sauna/sex club where everyone is welcome but in reality, it’s mostly gay/bisexual men. More expensive than the exclusively gay saunas in Lisbon and with many lurkers who are more interested in watching than participating. Different events throughout the month, like strip tease and fetish parties with a steam room, sauna, collective showers, bar, private cabins and dark places.

gay saunas in lisbon | gay cruising lisbon | gay club lisbon
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Gay Cruising and Fetish Clubs in Lisbon

If the bars, saunas or gay parties in Lisbon are too vanilla for you, perhaps these fetish clubs and cruise lounges are a better fit. We have to warn you; however, some of these places are not for the faint of heart (although still nothing compared to the intense gay fetish scene in Paris).

Most of these cruising bars in Lisbon are located a short walk from the Príncipe Rea Lisbon Gay area, but you can use our Gay Lisbon map at the end to find the closest to you.

lsibon gay sauna | portugal gay cruising | gay sex club lisbon

Bar CRU

Open daily with a set theme every night of the week, from kinky fetish to naked and underwear parties. Small, but this helps the action get started either in the backroom or occasionally right at the bar. A fun mixture of most young or middle age guys with beautiful bodies from Europe, the USA or Brazil. They also run a popular online gay men’s sex store with pick-up at over the counter at Bar Cru.

Drako Club

A large private fetish and cruise lounge with multiple zones including open showers, BDSM play area, sling, drag rooms, XXX movies …all run by sexy, naked staff. They take their themes seriously, most of which involve being naked, but if you were a prude, you wouldn’t be here.

The most popular cruising in Lisbon and always busy. Prices are low, but it’s BYO lube unless you want to pay the entrance price again for their smallest bottle.

Woof X

A small but fun bar for all bears, otters, leather daddies, fetish men, and their admirers. The least ‘extreme’ of the Lisbon gay sex clubs, Woof X, is open daily and has an enjoyable darkroom out the back. Honestly, this is also just a fun bar to hang out in either way and to meet other people in the Lisbon gay community – but it’s nice to know the darkroom is there if needed!

Gay Cruising and Fetish Clubs in Lisbon

Gay Map Of Lisbon

Finding it hard to envisage where everything is Gay Lisbon? Hopefully, this queer-centric map helps where we have marked all the bars, clubs, parties, hotels, saunas, beaches, sex clubs, attractions, and more will help you stay in the spot best suited to you!