How to Spend New Year’s Eve in Lisbon?
New Year’s Eve is one of the most special and memorable nights of the year. People go out, dress up and enjoy festivities until the strike of midnight when they welcome the new year with excitement, joy and a hint of nostalgia. If you happen to be in Lisbon this New Year’s Eve, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained and happy.
Not only is Lisbon renowned for its vibrant nightlife, many activities and markets are organised especially for the festive season. Here’s what you should explore to have an incredible New Year’s Eve experience in Portugal’s stunning capital.
Explore Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos is Portugal’s oldest and most beautiful opera house. A trip to this gorgeous building can add a touch of classic elegance to your celebration. Every year, the theatre hosts a special festive programme including opera recitals and other cultural performances.1 The grand building, designed by French architect Victor Ritter, is located in the Rossio Square and built in the late eighteenth century.
If you are looking for a magical experience to ring in the new year, then by grabbing tickets to one of its shows, you can bid farewell to year in a grand way.
Night Time Boat Ride
Treat yourself with a cruise along the River Tagus on a luxurious traditional boat. To escape the crowd on the streets, you can get aboard and have fun with your special someone or your group of friends, until the stroke of midnight. As the beautiful scenery of Lisbon slowly passes by you, let yourself be surrounded by the city’s picture-perfect spots such as Alfama, Belém and Bairro Alto, all lit up for the night.2 The river cruises offer a range of delicious food menu and drinks with a view, making it an enjoyable and effortless ride to celebrate the New Year.
Admire Fireworks Show at Portas do Sol
Portas do Sol, located at the heart of Lisbon, is one of the best spots to take in the spectacular fireworks show for New Year’s Eve. Simultaneous to all other neighbouring cities, Lisbon’s display of fireworks offers an incredible and stunning show that won’t be forgotten. On this day, people can also expect some free live music events that takes places throughout the area.3
You can stand just along the riverbank to have a panoramic view of downtown lit up in electric colours. Alternatively, take advantage of the city’s seven hills and watch from different perspectives to take in the show in its entirety.
New Year’s Markets
Lisbon also hosts a range of New Year’s markets especially in Christmas like Feira de Natal da Estufa Fria or Campo de Ourique. You can find yourself at these bustling markets decorated with seasonal delight; shopping for Christmas essentials, food delights and souvenirs to bring home. Not only that, you can also sample some local delicacies such as Ginjinha (a cherry-based liqueur) soups and pastel de nata (custard cake).4
New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl
Lastly, have some fun hop into a few pubs in Lisbon for some night time fun. Take advantage of the big night of celebration and do an epic pub crawl through bars located in well-known areas like Alfama, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré. A pub crawl organised by GetYourGuide allows visitors to create their own team and embark on a fun tour around Lisbon’s best bars with amazing music till dawn.5 Join one of these incredible pub crawls starting off at 10 pm as they provide with drinks on discount prices.
Conclusion
Ring in 2021 with style by exploring stunning Lisbon and all its vibrant neighbourhood. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in this fascinating city brings a plethora of activities such as live music performances, markets, luxury boat rides and pub crawls that would be simply unforgettable! So don’t forget to book Lisbon New Year’S Eve Pub Crawl , organised by GetYourGuide for an amazing time that will surely create lasting memories.
1: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/what-to-do/music-and-theatre/teatro-nacional-de-sao-carlos
2: https://www.freewalkingtoursofrome.com/en/lisbon-guide/what-to-do-in-lisbon-at-night
3: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/156242
4: https://www.visitportugal.com/en/content/lisbon-real-market
5: https://www.getyourguide.com/lisbon-l42/lisbon-new-year-s-eve-pub-crawl-t331476/?partner_id=UWJ1LS2&utm_medium=online_publisher&placement=content-top
Insider’s Guide to Experiencing Lisbon on New Year’s Eve
Are you planning to ring in the upcoming New Year’s Eve in Lisbon? This fascinating city has developed a unique recipe to celebrate the arrival of the new year, with its rich cultural heritage and modern lifestyle. So get ready to have a blast with our insider’s guide to experiencing Lisbon on New Year’s Eve.
Local Attractions: Unleash the Hidden Gems
Lisbon has so much to offer beyond the popular attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery, the São Jorge Castle, and the Belem Tower. Visit the winding streets of Alfama, the old town district of the city, with the sounds of traditional Fado music played in the restaurants, and the aroma of delicious seafood in the air. You can explore the most extensive collection of horse-drawn carriages in the world at the National Coach Museum or take a ride on the famous Tram 28 to soak in the best views of the city.
Dining Spots: Savor the Rich Flavors of Local Cuisine
Food is an integral part of any culture, and Lisbon’s culinary scene is a vibrant amalgamation of different flavors and influences. You can try the traditional codfish pastries or the famous custard tarts at the iconic Pasteis de Belem bakery. Another must-visit is Cervejaria Ramiro, a seafood restaurant famous for its garlic prawns and refreshing beer. Make sure to try the hearty cocido, which is a chickpea and meat stew, commonly enjoyed in Lisbon homes for special occasions.
Cultural Experiences: Immerse Yourself in the Festivities
Lisbon is a city full of life and festivity, especially on New Year’s Eve, where the squares and streets are lit up with fireworks, music, and performance. The most popular festival is The Festival of Saint Anthony, celebrated all over Lisbon from mid-June until the end of the month, with traditional parades, street parties, and copious food and drink. Another exciting event is the Contemporary Dance Festival, where international dance troupes perform innovative and captivating shows.
Local History: Unfold the Fascinating Stories
Discover Lisbon’s captivating stories of the city’s past and its heroes, villains, and intrigues. Learn about Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India, and his legacy at the Maritime Museum. Uncover the secrets of the underground tunnels that link the Rossio and Comercio squares or visit the eerie Capela dos Ossos, the chapel adorned with human bones of the victims of the 16th-century plague.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Create Your Own Adventure
Lisbon has plenty of unique destinations and experiences that are not predominantly on the radar. If you want a real adrenaline rush, climb the 25 de Abril Bridge for stunning city views. Or you could attend a fado concert at the Clube de Fado, the exclusive club that is otherwise only open to the locals. If you prefer to relax and take it easy, head over to the Praia da Adraga beach – just an hour away from Lisbon – for a blissful day in the sun or hike along the Arrábida Natural Park trails for some breathtaking views.
In conclusion, Lisbon is the perfect place to be on New Year’s Eve for anyone who loves music, food, and history, with something exciting to offer for every type of traveler. So, start planning your trip and get ready to explore the enchanting, soulful city of Lisbon.
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