As the clock strikes midnight, millions of people around the world gather with friends and family to celebrate the start of a new year. But why not experience the magic of New Year’s Eve in one of Europe’s most charming cities – Lisbon? In this article, we’ll guide you through the best ways to spend your New Year’s Eve in Lisbon, from flights and hotels to museums and attractions.
Flights, Hotels, and All-Inclusive Packages
Finding flights to Lisbon for New Year’s Eve is easy. The Lisbon-Portela airport is well-connected with the main Italian airports, and prebooking a ticket can be quite cheap. As for accommodation, there are too many options. The Barrio Alto neighborhood is rich in attractions, especially for young people and those who love nightlife, but it may be slightly more expensive (starting from €75 per night).
Package Deals for New Year’s Eve in Lisbon
Looking for a hassle-free way to experience New Year’s Eve in Lisbon? Consider booking a package deal that includes flights, hotels, and all-inclusive packages. Here are some options:
- Flight + 4 nights at hotel: Look for deals from €100 – €320 per person
- Low-cost flights Rome-Lisbon from €100 (Check the offers)
- Where to stay for 4 nights in Lisbon from €220 (Check the offers)
What to Do on New Year’s Eve: Program and Events
Lisbon lives its New Year’s Eve on the streets, so we recommend visiting local neighborhoods instead of popular tourist spots. Concerts, artistic performances, and pyrotechnics displays are a must-see on December 31st, many of which can be enjoyed for free.
Here are some recommendations:
Festivities at Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is located near the Tagus River and is Lisbon’s main square. Many people know it as Piazza del Palazzo, since the Royal Palace of Ribeira used to stand there, destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.
Concerts and performances start at 10 PM and go until midnight, when the traditional fireworks display takes place. The piazza is an excellent spot to watch the fireworks on the Tagus River.
You can reach Praça do Comércio by taking the metro (Terreiro do Paço and Rossio stations).
Passagem de ano at the Royal Palace
This is Lisbon’s most famous New Year’s Eve celebration, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world: Brazil, Spain, France, Germany, Chile, China, USA, UK, Netherlands, and many other countries.
The party is held in the Pavilhão Carlos Lopes, within the Parque Eduardo VII (Get directions). The event features a fantastic dinner with multiple courses and an incredible party with famous DJs until the morning. Tickets are available on the official website.
Tour of Pubs
If you’re traveling solo or in a group and looking for nightlife and new friends, join the Pub Crawl! You’ll be transported to an unforgettable night of drinks and fun without any break. The tour starts at Piazza Camões, where you’ll receive your party kit and enjoy a free shot at one of the cozy bars.
The highlight is when you reach Miradouro de Santa Catarina, where you can watch the fireworks display at midnight and toast to the new year with champagne.
Cruise on the Tagus with a Pyrotechnic Show
What better place to enjoy the magic of fireworks than on a boat sailing on the Tagus River? Several companies in the city offer this unique experience, providing sailboats and catamarans that can accommodate up to 60-120 people.
You’ll have good food, an open bar, music, and champagne for midnight. But most importantly, you’ll be able to admire the fireworks from the first row!
Which Museums and Attractions Remain Open?
The tourist attractions usually open in Lisbon on December 31st are:
- Oceanário
- Torre de Belém and Monastero dos Jerónimos (when not on Monday)
- Centro Cultural de Belém
- Museo delle carrozze
- Museo Nacional di Arte Antica
- Museo del Fado
- Museo del Benfica
- Palazzo Nazionale di Ajuda
Most museums and attractions close on January 1st, except for the Oceanário and Zoo.
Which Transportation Options Are Available?
Use the metro and bus to move around the city. For a more elevated experience, there are various elevators. The Lisboa card allows you to use all public transport in the city without paying extra tickets.
On New Year’s Eve, the metro service is guaranteed until 1 AM and resumes at 6:30 AM. Night buses remain operational throughout the night.
Where to Eat on New Year’s Eve: Top Restaurants for Dinner
All hotels of high-end level offer a dinner party with festivities, and in most cases, it’s possible to book the dinner without pernights.
Alternative options include:
- Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel (5-star hotel) at Avenida Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco – Get directions
- Myriad by SANA Hotel (5-star hotel) at Rua Cais das Naus – Get directions
- SUD Lisbona elegant restaurant with a rooftop pool and view of the river, offering dinner + party. Located on Avenida Brasília – Get directions
- Hard Rock Cafe Lisboa usually organizes a New Year’s Eve party with dinner and live music – Located on Avenida da Liberdade – Get directions
- Royal Palace party of international fame with dinner and famous DJs, at Pavilhão Carlos Lopes – Get directions
Best Local Bars, Clubs, and Discos for the Night
In addition to the already mentioned places that organize parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations, there are other discoteques and bars offering special events:
- Cais do Pirata- disco club Rua de São Paulo 4 – Get directions
- Club Noir- nightlife location Rua da Madalena 201 – Get directions
- Groove bar- disco club Rua da Rosa 148 – Get directions
- Featuring 120 new destinations, this best-selling inspirational travel guide reveals 500 celebrated...
- Completely revised and updated for its 10th anniversary
- Compiled from the favorite trips of National Geographic's legendary travel writers, this fully...
Useful Information about the Climate
The weather is mild, with maximum temperatures of 15°C and minimum of 10°C. You may encounter rain, so don’t forget to bring waterproof gear, such as a coat or umbrella.
How to get to Lisbon’s airport
Lisbon Airport is located 10 km north of the city center and offers direct flights from major European cities (3 hours) or with one stop (around 5 hours).
Average price for dinner on New Year’s Eve: starting from €60 per person at a good-level restaurant
Tips and Tricks
- Book your accommodations and tickets in advance: New Year’s Eve is a popular time to visit Lisbon, so it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Dress warmly: The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers for your trip.
- Be prepared for crowds: Popular spots will be crowded, so be patient and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Respect local customs: Remove your shoes when entering homes or churches, and dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Stay safe: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
Conclusion
New Year’s Eve in Lisbon promises to be an unforgettable experience, with its unique blend of music, food, and fireworks. By following our guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
FAQs
- What is the best way to get to Lisbon for New Year’s Eve?
The best way to get to Lisbon is by flying into the Lisbon-Portela airport. You can book flights in advance to secure the best prices. - Where should I stay in Lisbon for New Year’s Eve?
There are many options available, from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. We recommend staying in the Barrio Alto neighborhood for its vibrant nightlife and easy access to popular attractions. - What events can I attend on New Year’s Eve in Lisbon?
Lisbon offers a wide range of events and activities for New Year’s Eve, including concerts, fireworks displays, and party nights. Some popular options include Festivities at Praça do Comércio, Passagem de ano at the Royal Palace, and Tour of pubs. - Which museums and attractions remain open on New Year’s Eve?
Some tourist attractions, such as Oceanário and Torre de Belém, will be open on December 31st. However, most museums and attractions close on January 1st. - What is the best way to get around Lisbon on New Year’s Eve?
The metro and bus are great options for getting around the city. You can also use the Lisboa card to access public transport without paying extra tickets. - Where should I eat on New Year’s Eve in Lisbon?
Some popular options include Epic Sana Lisboa Hotel, Myriad by SANA Hotel, and SUD Lisbona elegant restaurant. Hard Rock Cafe Lisboa usually organizes a New Year’s Eve party with dinner and live music. - What are the best local bars, clubs, and discos for New Year’s Eve in Lisbon?
Some popular options include Cais do Pirata- disco club, Club Noir- nightlife location, and Groove bar- disco club. - Is it safe to travel to Lisbon on New Year’s Eve?
Yes, Lisbon is generally a safe city, but as with any major tourist destination, there are some precautions you should take. Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone at night.
Accommodation Options for New Year’s Eve
Here are some hotel options that offer special deals for New Year’s Eve:
- Hotel Avenida Palace (4-star) – Starting price: €120 per person
- Hotel Santa Maria de Belém (3-star) – Starting price: €100 per person
- Hotel Ibis Lisboa (2-star) – Starting price: €80 per person
- Hotel NH Lisboa São Silvestre (5-star) – Starting price: €250 per person
Flights to Lisbon on New Year’s Eve
Here are some flight options for New Year’s Eve:
- Ryanair from Rome to Lisbon (December 31st)
- Alitalia from Milan to Lisbon (December 31st)
- Lufthansa from Frankfurt to Lisbon (December 31st)
Tips for a Successful Trip
- Book your accommodations and tickets in advance: New Year’s Eve is a popular time to visit Lisbon, so it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
- Dress warmly: The weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers for your trip.
- Be prepared for crowds: Popular spots will be crowded, so be patient and enjoy the atmosphere.
- Respect local customs: Remove your shoes when entering homes or churches, and dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Stay safe: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in dimly lit areas.
Conclusion
New Year’s Eve in Lisbon promises to be an unforgettable experience, with its unique blend of music, food, and fireworks. By following our guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
