Lisbon is well known for its nightlife. It is home to many discos, Bars, Fado houses, and nightclubs, all catering to different tastes and interests and located throughout the city. The other big Lisbon area for nightlife is Cais do Sodré.  Many of the highlights, including the famous castle, are illuminated after sunset, making for some wonderful photo opportunities. Whether you head to a swanky rooftop bar like Silk Club or Sky Bar, or just grab a drink from a nearby ( kiosk) quiosque at one of the city’s endless collection of lookout points, you’re guaranteed spectacular views in every direction.

Just remember to take a light sweater or jacket with you — even after scorching summer days, it can get a bit breezy in Lisbon after dark. The slow, soulful sound of Lisbon’s famous fado spills out of tiny bars and venues throughout the city, and it’s well worth planning a night around this centuries-old musical style. Doing so has become a bit of a tourist trap, but if you manage to avoid the ‘fado and dinner’ packages advertised everywhere in Bairro Alto and Alfama, you’ll be rewarded with lower prices, better food, and a more local experience.

There are dozens of hole-in-the-wall places to chose from — just follow your ears — or head to O Povo, which has free weekday shows from 8 pm featuring up-and-coming performers. It’s worth visiting the Fado Museum in Alfama ahead of time, to learn more about the history of this unique tradition. Back in the 90’s, Lisbon was one of the biggest clubbing cities in Europe. While it’s been overtaken in recent years, there are still plenty of options, catering to every taste. Don’t expect to head home before dawn, whether you’re dancing at Music Box in the red-light district of Cais do Sodre, Dock’s Club down near the bridge in Alcântara, or at glamorous, high-end venues — with prices to match — like Lux on the waterfront.

Lisbon’s grand old opera house, Teatro Nacional de Sao Carlos, sits in Chiado, the heart of the city, and is a must-visit for lovers of the classics. Wagner, Mozart, Stravinsky, and many other composers are regularly performed in this small, but beautiful, theater that dates back to 1793.