The Web Summit isn’t just about talks, meetings and business. The technological event is also a great opportunity for you to (re)discover Lisbon and take advantage of the 1001 things that it has to offer you.
But because 4 days (5th to the 8th of November) aren’t enough for everything, we’ve selected 15 suggestions (no clichés!) that will make you dance, drink, eat, explore and dream.
The Web Summit has already decided that it wants to stay in Lisbon until 2028. After trying out our suggestions, we’re confident that you will also want to come back every year, or even…stay forever.
The Best Nightclubs
MOME
Located in a mythical place in Lisbon, that was once the home to famous city clubs Kapital and Main, MOME is one of the trendiest and most elegant places in the capital. It opened in 2018 with three separate areas, each one with its own vibe: besides the Club (Ground Floor) and the bar (First Floor), an amazing restaurant is also being build on the top floor.
During the Web Summit, on the 6th of November, MOME will be the stage for the third edition of the Fever Acoustic Sessions, a night of concerts that promises you good music (acoustic, of course), in an intimate and seductive environment.
Want to check it out? Get your tickets here.
Address: Av. 24 de Julho, 68
LUX
The most famous nightlife space in Lisbon combines all types of urban tribes around a bar, a nightclub and a concert hall, as well as a terrace overlooking the river.
Beyond the trendy environment and the design of the decoration, it sets itself apart by the deluxe lineups that play there, boasting lots of very well-known Djs from around the world and some of the most desired parties in town.
Address: Avenida Infante D. Henrique, Cais da Pedra
Musicbox
It’s our favourite box of surprises in Cais do Sodré. This club is located bang in the middle of pink street (Rua Cor-de-Rosa), where lots of Night Summit events will be happening during the Web Summit. It combines the best of a bar, a nightclub and a live music venue. And because of that it will get you grooving to hip-hop or African music, as well as rock, punk, electronic or other experimental genres.
This space bears the mark of the cultural company CTL – Cultural Trend Lisbon, that loves to spoil us with some of the most interesting festivals in the city, like ‘Silêncio’, or even MIL – Lisbon International Music Network.
Address: Rua Nova do Carvalho, 24
The Best Bars
Dois Corvos
Marvila, the new trendy area in the capital, is the address for this craft beer bar, where you will sit down for a beer in the same space where the beer is produced – it’s an authentic tap room with food and drink! In just a few years, the brand has already produced over 50 flavours and offers twelve varieties that are always available on tap. Shared by all of them is the aroma of Portugal, fused into this independent and familiar brewery.
If you are really a fan of craft beers, you should definitely get to know the other two craft breweries that are part of Lisbon’s Beer District: Musa and Lince.
Want to go a tasting at Dois Corvos?
Address: Rua Capitão Leitão, 94
The Couch Sports Bar
Do you happen to like sports, beer and drinks? Then this is definitely the bar for you! Located right by Cais do Sodré, The Couch has 32 television sets and two jumbo screens – for a grand total of 3000 channels – where you will always find soccer, Formula 1, surf, rugby, track and field and much more. To go with your match, nothing more than a pint and some steakhouse chips.
Do you want to catch that match that you wouldn’t miss for anything in the world? Then there is a spot waiting for you on The Couch!
Address: Rua do Alecrim, 21 A
Red Frog
Located around Avenida da Liberdade, this bar is part of ‘The World’s 50 Best Bars’ and it continues to be a local favourite.
Inspired by the closed door “speak easy” bars of the roaring twenties in New York, it boasts a secret room (shhh) and dozens of seasonal cocktails for all sorts of tastes.
Address: Rua do Salitre, 5A
The Best Restaurants
Edo Sushi Expo
Between so many conferences and meetings, there will come a time when hunger will come knocking. If you happen to be a fan of sushi, then you won’t even have to walk far because just around the corner from Altice Arena you will find one of the best Japanese restaurants in the area: Edo Sushi Expo. Just grab a friend and head on over!
Would you like a suggestion of a menu for two? Then start off by enjoying a ‘Kimutchi’ (entrée) and follow it up with a 20 piece set of tuna and salmon sashimi, along with a 20 piece mix of sushi. At the end – make sure that you save a little bit of space for a delicious dessert.
Is your mouth watering already? Get this menu now!
Address: Alamedas dos Oceanos, 31 H
C.O.W. – Beef & Cocktails
Here is where meat lovers will find themselves in paradise. At this restaurant the hard part is choosing between so many different cuts of meat, starting with a Black Angus tenderloin, the matured ‘entrecote’ or the picanha nobre (rump steak). After making this very hard choice, you still need the stomach for 200 grams of some tender and delicious meat.
And as long as you’re here – make sure you taste the restaurant’s famous cocktails!
Because ‘meatings’ are just so much better than meetings, make sure you switch-off and dig-in!
Adress: Largo Santos 9A
Café Janis
Located just outside of the Mercado Ribeira – also known as the Timeout Market, this little French inspired café serves snacks, quick bites and cocktails at all times of the day. The croissants, their signature ‘Juicy Meatballs’ and the vegan bowl are some of the most famous suggestions of the house, that is ran by a Belgian couple.
But you can also drop by just to taste one of the eight cocktails on the menu. Looking for an out-of-the-box suggestion? Then try out the ‘Janis CBD’ that is made with Bombay Sapphire and another very surprising ingredient… CBD oil (Cannabidiol Oil). Yeah – that’s the one you’re thinking about – the kind of oil that you find in cannabis and hemp plants but that in this case helps to produce a light and subtle relaxation effect.
Are you really curious to try it out? Then you can get your cocktail right here.
Address: Rua da Moeda, 1A
The best plans and activities
Hello Boat
There isn’t a more original and quicker way to travel (or just go for a ride) between the Web Summit and the city center. But don’t just take our word for it… With this taxi boat, you can travel from the Marina at Parque das Nações to Cais do Sodré in less than half an hour, and on the way you still get to admire all the amazing views that the river has to offer.
All of this with no traffic, no queues and no issues with transport strikes. The boat leaves every 30 minutes and travels both ways.
Want to climb aboard?
Urban art tour aboard a tuk-tuk
Did you know that Lisbon is one of the European capitals with the most (and better) street art? During this guided tour by City Tuk, you’ll be able to understand why during this tuk-tuk ride through the city’s historic neighbourhoods (Castelo, Graça, Alfama and Bairro Alto), always checking out the best pieces and murals.
Banksy, Vhils, Utopia or Sheppard Fairey – OBEY are some of the artist that will leave you speechless. And because the tuk-tuk can carry groups, you can bring up to 5 friends to come on this tour with you.
Come discover the urban art of Lisbon
Address for Pickup Point: Rua da Madalena, 36
Surfing in Carcavelos
How about catching some waves before (or after) the conferences at the Web Summit? In a blink you can get yourself to Carcavelos, one of the beaches nearest to Lisbon where Wanted Surf School is waiting for you for a two-hour class full of adrenaline.
We’re sure that you will be in good hands: besides knowing the sea like no one else, this school also makes sure to adapt the equipment and the class to your level of surfing.
Come along and ride the Carcavelos waves!
Address: Praia de Carcavelos
The best places to visit in the city (whilst ignoring the obvious)
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Opinions are split on this one, but many natives say that this is the best lookout point in the city. The views are absolutely breathtaking, with the castle and the city’s historic center at the front, followed by the beautiful River Tagus in the horizon. There, you will also find a small chapel dedicated to the ‘Senhora do Monte’ (Lady of the Hill) that is said to help protect pregnant women.
If hunger happens to strike whilst you are around those parts, make sure you check out Giro, a great restaurant at Calçada do Monte, number 96 and that is fully dedicated the flavours of the orient.
How about a 15 piece mix of sushi, sashimi and hot rolls? Get it now, the amazing views are already included. 😉
MAAT – Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
Lisbon’s most recent museum is impressive both inside and out. Right from the start it calls attention to its enveloping architecture, that relates and mixes with the river that stands right in front of it. Besides the new building, designed by the architect Amanda Levete, it also integrates Lisbon’s old thermoelectric plant, which is one of the most important examples of early 20th century industrial architecture in the country.
In total, MAAT boasts almost 3000 square meters dedicated to exhibitions (of all different kinds of art) and events. It’s absolutely mandatory that you also check out the top of the building to enjoy some amazing views over the river and city.
Address: Avenida Brasília
Underdogs Gallery
Vhils (aka Alexandre Farto) Portugal’s most international and most famous street artist is the heart and soul of this gallery that is almost entirely dedicated to urban art. Located in the city’s oriental part, right in Marvila, it acts as a multifunctional space that besides hosting exhibitions, also serves as an artistic residency and cultural lab.
Underdogs also operates an art store where you will be able to find and purchase pieces and objects related with their exhibitions and to urban art.
Address: Rua Fernando Palha, 56 (Marvila)
Maisn Photo: @carlos_rochalx