Pink Street Lisbon: Unveiling the Charms of Lisbon’s Vibrant Nightlife Hub
Welcome to the enchanting world of Pink Street Lisbon, where the past intertwines with the present to create a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of Portugal’s capital. One of those unusual things is to visit Lisbon Pink Street. Yes, a pink-coloured corner in the city centre of Lisbon.
Formerly known as the notorious Red Light district, Pink Street has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into a trendy nightlife hub that beckons visitors from around the globe. In this comprehensive guide, we invite you to discover the hidden gems of Lisbon Pink Street, from its fascinating history to the best bars, restaurants, and photo spots that adorn its colourful lanes. Prepare to be captivated by the allure of Pink Street Lisbon as we delve into its vibrant tapestry of past and present.
You must’ve come across some photos on Instagram or Facebook. Pink Street in Lisbon is an instagrammable spot in the city. As we love photography so much, exploring this side of Lisbon was fantastic. Rua Nova do Carvalho is one of the many souls of nightlife in Lisbon.
About Pink Street in Lisbon
You might understand that Lisbon was a busy port city. In ancient times, large and small boats used to be docked in the harbour. Rua Nova do Carvalho is near the city’s riverside and, because of that, was crowded with sailors. In another paragraph, we will talk more in-depth about the history of Pink Street.
Today this little stretch of the city is the hottest nightlife area of Lisbon. Almost following what was in the past, but with a modernist approach and less transgressive. You are covered with this post if you want to know more about Pink Street Lisbon. Make sure to place Pink Street on your Lisbon bucket list; this spot cannot be missed.
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The old red-light district turned in the nightlife centre of Lisbon
Yes, the modern Pink Street was the Red Light district of Lisbon. Home of the brothels of the city, shady bars, gambling houses, and dodgy places.
This area was dilapidated, a pivotal place of crime and prostitution. In 2011, this street was rebuilt entirely and taken to new life. Unique and coloured cafès and bars have replaced the old and shady businesses. This complete change of look attracted a different kind of customer and, today, tourists.
On Pink Street today, there are many other restaurants and clubs, some of which are the best in town. Not also the chaste side of this place, but the business that reflects the street’s past in a modern way. In fact, along the pink road of Lisbon, you will find a bookshop and some of that erotic and lingerie stores.
Where is Pink Street Lisbon
It’s time to understand where Pink Street is. In order to find this quirky corner of Lisbon, you should point your GPS to Rua Nova do Carvalho. This is the actual name of Pink Street. If you ask locals, everybody knows where pink streets are. This street is also known as Cais de Sodré. The name behind this street comes from an English Family, the Sodré which had their sea business in Lisbon. And Cais means harbour.
If you find it difficult to find the street, ask for “Rua Cor-de-Rosa”. Or click here for the Google pin point!
How to get to Pink Street
If all the information we have given to you before is not enough, be ready to get direction on how to reach the pink street.
It’s really easy to find the Pink Street of Lisbon. Reach it with the metro system is even easier, you should get out at “Cais do Sodrè” on the orange line “Linha de Cascais”. From the metro station, you have to walk just 5 minutes, in the opposite direction of the riverside.
Not only the metro but also buses and trams. The closest bus and tram station are “Rua do Alecrim”, with the buses 22B, 202 and 758. The other bus and tram stop is Rua de São Paulo with tram 25E and buses 714 and 744. Close to the Time Out market is the bus station of Cais Sodré, served by the 22B.
If you love to walk, you can reach the pink street from the city centre. Rua Nova do Carvalho is a short distance from the river and the Rua Augusta’s Arch on Praça do Comércio.
Looking for Pink Street? Ask for Rua Cor-de-Rosa
Locals might know this street by another name, which we have tried to explain. But now, it is better to clarify. This is actually a new street in Lisbon. Brought to a new life less than 10 years ago. The project was ambitious, and few were enthusiastic; less was optimistic. In 2013 the street was finished, and the surface was pinked. From that moment, this street got the name Rua cor-de-rosa.
The project was a massive success, despite the protests against gentrification. The entire neighbourhood became a fantastic place. The Brothels closed, making room for more discrete business. The rest of the story, you know. Today Pink Street is an iconic symbol of the new Instagram Era, promoting Lisbon everywhere in the world.
Best time to visit
There is no best time to visit Pink Street; it mainly depends on why you want to visit this place. Well, maybe I have to explain better. If you are looking for the best photos of Lisbon, Pink Street is the perfect Instagram spot. So, you should wake up early and visit this place before getting lively.
The street is a nightlife meeting point of Lisbon, so visit it around 8/9 o’clock in the morning to get your shot. Before that time, it will be full of trash leaves from the night before.
If you want to see this street in the best of its shine, you should come here at night. Visiting one of the nightclubs insisting on the pink street is a must-do in Lisbon, even for first-timers. Bars and clubs open late in the evening and are lively until the following day. We have experienced that the nightlife here starts from midnight onwards.
Enjoy your crazy night in Lisbon Pink Street
There is no much to say, but Pink Street might be one of the best highlight on your Lisbon weekend, or Portugal Itinerary. Organize a night out in Lisbon, enjoying the lively atmosphere of Pink Street, creating amazing memories. This is one of the best meeting points for locals, tourists and expats alike. The atmosphere at night changes completely, from a photo spot to an incredible walking street.
If you want to make new friends and get around, we suggest joining this pub crawl for just €25 (£20 | $26). Participate in drinking games and fun challenges throughout a crazy night out with fellow travellers. CHECK AVAILABILITY.
Things to do around Pink Street Lisbon
Making up your plan for Lisbon, you should see some of our best posts about the Portuguese Capital. Some places we suggest you visit in Lisbon are just close by the pink street.
Within a short walk from Rua Nova do Carvalho, you can reach the Time Out Market, Placa de Commercio, Bairro Alto and many other iconic places. Below are highlights of these places.
- Praça do Comércio
- Arco da Rua Augusta
- Jardim de Roque Gameiro
- Time Out Market Lisbon
- Elevador da Bica
- Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Looking for things to do around Pink Street Lisbon? Check our suggestions!
Time Out Market
This was one of the best places we discovered in Lisbon. The Time Out Market in Lisbon is the ideal place for food lovers. Opened by the famous Time Out, has been open since 2014, taking the food scene of Lisbon to another level.
In this vast space, kind of market, you can find stands of food made by the most influential chefs in the country. Not only. International food is more than welcome. This place is crowded on the weekend but is absolutely worth a try.
Elevador da Bica
As you might understand, we love the transportation system in Lisbon. It has this retro touch that is gorgeous. The Elevador da Bica is one of the two funiculars in Lisbon. It’s the best in our opinion.
Our accommodation was just in front of the direct access, and we have seen this pretty funicular going up and down for days. It was always outstanding. The view is insane and is the best way to get to the Miradouro of Santa Luzia.
Let’s party in Lisbon | The best clubs, bars and restaurant on Lisbon’s Pink Street
It’s time to talk about the Lisbon nightlife, where to find the best cocktail bars on Pink Street, and why not some live music. This street is the perfect way to enjoy the night in Lisbon, and why enjoy a bar tour with some friends and make new ones.
Where to eat in Pink Street
This street was born for a business of every kind. Today it is one of the most popular neighbourhoods where to meet up with friends and enjoy a few hours in the many clubs, restaurants and bars.
If you are in Lisbon to have fun, you can mix up things. The other popular area for nightlife in Bairro Alto, not that far away. Even if it is a fun neighbourhood, the clubs in Bairro Alto are closing earlier due to is a populated residential area with many restrictions.
The night is young, and you should head to Pink Street, literally 10 to 15 minutes away walking from the clubs of Bairro Alto. Below is a list of some places we will highlight to you, clubs and bars unique in Rua Nova do Carvalho.
Pensão Amor
The name of this bar can say something but doesn’t say all the story behind it. We have to start saying this is not the ideal club for kids. Honouring Pink Street’s history, Pensão Amor was the brothel’s name, making this street popular among sailors. Pensão Amor translated means “love pension”, which is the name that was called in Italian too, the little sleazy motel per hour.
Pensão Amor is a quirky bar almost at the end of Pink Street, on the left side looking at the bridge. The kind of erotic theme, which recalls this place’s past, makes it the first place on our list of things to do on Pink Street.
What will be your experience at Pensão Amor
This club can be accessed today from Rua do Alecrim as well as Pink Street. The former house of love, a brothel, has preserved the charm of the time. This is absolutely a hidden gem of Lisbon. Enjoy the club; the music and the cocktail are amazing.
The atmosphere in the same cases is kind of bizarre; it’s making you feel welcome anyway. The place’s décor is full of little details you don’t find anywhere else. Big chandeliers, large mirrors and vintage posters are creating the perfect scenario for a burlesque show.
Pensao Amor’s rooms are no longer charged at the hour. But the Pink Street’s gem still featuring some of the things that made this place unique. It’s easy to find iconic rooms in this place like the one with a stripper pole, or night featuring cabaret and burlesque shows.
You can’t resist the attractive wave of this place, in a middle between a boudoir club and a modern bar. The seductive and intimate atmosphere maintained, are attracting tourists and locals every night.
The Music Box
This is the classic club with dancers and strippers. The hottest atmosphere is the perfect place where to enjoy the stag do in Lisbon.
Espumantaria do Cais
We have recommended this place in many other guides about Lisbon. The Espumantaria do Cais specialises in wine, champagne and fine cocktails. This place could be a bit expensive and so not for everyone but is a must-see place to visit in Lisbon.
Sol e Pesca
This may be the most innovative way to do business with the nightlife, according to the history of Lisbon and Pink Street. This fabulous bar has the beer and fish in a perfect melting pot.
Pink wine Point
In a photogenic corner of Lisbon, could never miss an instagrammable bar? Yes, Pink wine point is maybe the most Instagram-worthy place on Pink Street. In this little club, right at the end of Pink street, after the bridge, everything is pink. For me even excessive, but absolutely the right place for Alessia.
Tokyo Lisboa
I am not sure, but it seems that Tokyo Lisboa is one of the oldest businesses on Pink Street. Today this place is wholly refurbished, attracting tourists every day. This is a nightclub full of dancers with many shows every night. Thanks to the table outside are also the perfect bar to enjoy a drink in summer in Lisbon.
Why should you visit Pink Street?
We have tried to give you more than just a reason why you should visit Pink Street in Lisbon. This picturesque corner of the city is perfect to be explored to take photos. But what makes it worth visiting is the atmosphere. Looking at Pink Street, the references to the past in a modern key jump in your eyes.
This is the meeting point of the locals, and it’s where you can meet their habits.
Is pink street Lisbon safe?
Yes. Pink Street Lisbon is absolutely safe. We walked freely. This is part of the new way Lisbon is trying to attract tourists. A free city, safe and fun.
One night in Lisbon? Enjoy Pink Street!
Suppose you are willing to stay in Lisbon for a day and have one night to go. I will enjoy Pink Street as much as possible. As we suggested before, it will be great to plan a dinner in a restaurant with a few cocktails in the neighbourhood of Bairro Alto. After that, you can head to Pink Street.
FAQ | Pink Street Lisbon curious facts
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Wow, Pink Street in Lisbon sounds like such a unique and quirky destination! I love the idea of visiting a street that has undergone such a transformation, from a red light district to a trendy nightlife hub. It’s great to see that there are still hints of its past, but with a modern twist. I’ll definitely have to add this to my travel bucket list!
Hello Bianca, glad to hear that you loved our article. Yes, Pink Street in Lisbon is such a unique place to visit in Lisbon. Hope you will enjoy your time there 🙂