Meet people in Lisbon
Lisbon, Portugal, is a city that beckons with its rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality. Whether you're a short-term visitor or planning an extended stay, making new friends and connecting with locals is an enriching part of your travel experience. In this guide, we'll explore various places and methods to meet people in Lisbon, with some handy tips from fellow travelers and locals.
Pub Crawls: Experience Lisbon's Nightlife
Joining a pub crawl is one of the most social ways to experience Lisbon's vibrant nightlife and meet fellow travelers. The historic Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré neighborhoods come alive at night with various organized pub crawls that showcase the best of local bars and traditional tasca culture. Popular options include the Lisbon Pub Crawl, which starts in Bairro Alto and includes traditional Portuguese bars, and the Sunset Boat Party & Pub Crawl, combining scenic river views with evening entertainment. Many hostels also organize their own pub crawls, which are excellent for meeting other travelers. During these tours, you'll learn about local drinking customs, try ginjinha (traditional cherry liqueur) in historic shops, and experience everything from authentic Portuguese bars to modern rooftop venues. Most pub crawls include a local guide who shares interesting stories about Lisbon's history and culture, making it both a social and educational experience.
PT NOW BONUS TIP: You may be thinking, But PT Now, I do not drink, well no drinking is required on these pub crawls. I've met sober people who joined the pub crawl and had a great time, it helps if you are very outgoing!
Apps for Connecting: Bumble, Buddiez, and Timeleft
In the digital age, several apps can help you connect with people in Lisbon:
Bumble: A dating app with a "BFF" mode that allows you to make friends.
Buddiez: An app that helps you discover events and engage in conversations with participants before and during activities.
Timeleft: A platform that organizes dinners among strangers, allowing you to share a memorable culinary experience and expand your social network.
What People Say About Timeleft
"I've done Timeleft twice! It's not a 'guaranteed' fun night, and occasionally you get fairly random people. However, they match pretty well based on age, profiles, and interests. I had a blast one of the two nights that I went; and worst case scenario, there's an afterparty where everyone mingles, so you'll have someone to talk to! I'd give it a shot - it's timeleft.com." - Reddit User
So, whether you're in Lisbon for a short time or an extended stay, you'll find countless opportunities to meet people and create lasting connections. Embrace the city's charm, explore its diverse neighborhoods, and dive into the local culture—your new friends are waiting to share unforgettable experiences.
Café Culture: Meeting over Coffee
Lisbon's café culture is a fantastic way to communicate with locals. The type of café you choose can influence the kind of people you meet:
Calm "cafés" offer a cozy environment, perfect for mingling over a coffee or beer.
Cake and tea shops are popular among younger and older women, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Lounge-style coffee shops, although a bit pricier, attract a mature crowd in their 30s, even if they may be less approachable.
Tascas, where you can enjoy affordable bites and happy hour beers, are excellent for mingling with lower-income individuals and older men. Watching a football match here can be a memorable experience, and you might even make friends over a round of 80-cent beers.
Mills Maker Space: Unleash Your Creativity
For those interested in the arts, design, and technology, Mills Maker Space is a hub of creativity in Lisbon. This space offers tools, resources, and workshops in physical computing, programming, design, and digital fabrication. Whether you're an artist, designer, tinkerer, or simply someone interested in new technologies, you'll find like-minded individuals to connect with here. Get your creative juices flowing and explore a vibrant community that shares your interests.https://mill.pt/
Portmanteau Cafe Lounge: Hidden Gem
A hidden gem for those seeking great drinks and ambiance, Portmanteau Cafe Lounge offers a unique experience. You can enjoy a macchiato by day, work, and chat until 2 am with great cocktails. This speakeasy, nestled within a coworking space, is an excellent spot to meet fellow creatives and digital nomads.
Reddit: A Hub for Connecting
Reddit can be a valuable resource to connect with people in Lisbon. Although it might not be the easiest way to meet people, it's worth a shot. Visit subreddits like r/portugalexpats and r/lisboa, where expats, locals, and travelers exchange information and make connections. Remember that online interactions can sometimes lead to offline friendships, so don't shy away from posting a message or joining discussions.
Lisbon Arts and Crafts scene
In Lisbon, art thrives and inspires. Whether you're an artist, an enthusiast, or someone simply eager to soak up the city's creative vibes, Lisbon has much to offer. Drawing from local insights and fellow travelers, we've gathered recommendations to enhance your artistic experience in this charming city.
Fica Studio (Arroios): Discover workshops in screenprinting, ceramics, and woodworking. Although mainly in Portuguese, the owners can assist with translation, making it an artistic and linguistic journey.
Fabrica Moderna (Marvila): This spacious art studio hosts open studios, parties, and more. Check their Instagram for upcoming events to experience Lisbon's contemporary art culture.
Lisboa Social Press (Baixa): Formerly known for "drink & draw" nights, check their Instagram or reach out directly to see if these events continue during your stay.
Rosa Pomar (Intendente): Explore Portuguese crafts at Rosa Pomar, featuring workshops focusing on traditional Portuguese wool and crafts.
Lisbon Art Weekend (9-10 November): If you're in town during this period, dive into the Lisbon Art Weekend. A festival featuring galleries and spaces across Lisbon, it's your gateway to the city's artistry.
Museums Worth Exploring:
Gulbenkian: An art haven with beautiful gardens for relaxation and concerts.
ZDB (Zé dos Bois): A small gallery and concert venue in Bairro Alto, a hub for contemporary art and music.
MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology): Along the river, it showcases contemporary installations and striking architecture.
Azulejo Museum: Surprisingly impressive, this museum in a historic palace celebrates Portuguese tile art.
With these artistic gems, you'll embark on a fulfilling creative journey in Lisbon, fostering connections and experiencing the city's rich artistic tapestry. Every brushstroke and sculpture you encounter is a piece of Lisbon's soul waiting to be discovered and shared.
Get your Yoga on
At the Little Yoga Space in Lisbon, not only can you find your inner balance through yoga, but you can also connect with like-minded individuals in a nurturing environment. Beyond the regular yoga classes, the space occasionally offers unique experiences like "THE RETREAT" with instructors Michelle Murray and Katrin Heuser. This retreat focuses on somatic practices, equipping you with a toolkit to nurture a resilient nervous system. Whether you're a professional in the field or simply seeking personal growth, you'll gain valuable skills to create a safer, trauma-informed environment and develop better nervous system regulation. It's an opportunity to deepen your yoga practice and forge meaningful connections with others on a similar journey to self-discovery and well-being.
tchau!
Micah
