Review · LISBON CITY TOURS
Lisbon: Pub Crawl with Open Bar, Shots & VIP Club Entry
A late night shortcut to Lisbon nightlife. This Lisbon pub crawl pairs an insider guide with a quick route through Pink Street, Bairro Alto, and Cais do Sodro, then delivers VIP club entry at the end. I especially like how the evening is set up so you get pulled into the action instead of doing the awkward solo shuffle.
I love the open bar hour at Bica Funicular, where you get bottomless beer and sangria, plus the built-in momentum from stop to stop. One thing to consider first though, the group can be big, so you might wait at bars or feel a bit packed in early on, and drink quality can be inconsistent from venue to venue.
Key things I’d clock before you go

- VIP entry at the Cais do Sodré club finale helps you skip the worst of the lines
- One hour bottomless beer and sangria at Bica Funicular sets a fun pace
- Bar hopping through Bairro Alto, Pink Street, and Cais do Sodré keeps the night from dragging
- Guides run the plan and help with group energy, with names like Roe and Leyla, Philip, Natalie, Jayda, Vito, Natalia, and Rodrigo showing up as examples in guide lineups
- Dress code can affect club entry, so wear casual chic and skip sandals
- Large-group reality means queues and cramped moments are possible
Starting at Praça Luís de Camões, and why that matters at 10:00 pm

The meetup is at Praça Luís de Camões, right in the Bairro Alto area. The start time is listed as 10:00 pm, so plan to arrive a little early, grab the vibe, and get yourself mentally ready for a late-night walking route.
This opening stop is short, and it’s less about sightseeing and more about getting the group together. In practice, that helps you start the night with momentum. If you’ve ever spent your first hour in Lisbon wandering around asking directions while everyone else already has a drink in hand, you’ll understand why this works.
More Lisbon tours and experiences for the shortlist
Bairro Alto: first shot, first laughs, and the bar-street rhythm

Your second stop is Bairro Alto, one of Lisbon’s main nightlife zones. You get about two hours here, and the idea is simple: drop you in the middle of the bar scene, run a welcome shot, and get you talking to the people standing next to you.
This is where the tour’s social value really kicks in. Even if you are shy at first, Bairro Alto makes conversation easy because the whole street is moving. If you’re the type who likes meeting people, you’ll find it easier here than if you tried to plan bar hopping alone.
A practical note though: if you were expecting highly structured drinking games every step of the way, set your expectations for a more organic vibe. The fun can be very guide-driven on some nights, but the bars themselves are also doing half the work.
Bica Funicular open bar hour: how to make the most of unlimited beer and sangria

Next comes Bica Funicular, the “open bar oasis” stop. You’re there for about an hour with bottomless beer and sangria. This is the heart of the evening from a value standpoint. When people say the crawl is worth it, this is usually why.
How to handle it:
- Pace your drinks for the walking still to come. An hour goes fast.
- If beer and sangria are your thing, you’re set.
- If you want something stronger, there’s an upgrade option for the open bar with spirits like gin, vodka, whiskey, and rum.
One more thing to keep in mind: a few people have said the quality of included drinks can lean basic at some stops. That doesn’t ruin the experience if your goal is to party and socialize, but it’s good to know if you’re a cocktail snob. Treat the open bar as the energy engine, not as a craft bar tasting.
Calle Rosa de Lisboa: shots, music, and a quick breather before the club

After the open bar hour, you head to Calle Rosa de Lisboa for around 45 minutes. This stop is positioned as the groove-building stage, with another round of shots and typically good music.
This is also a good time to reset your headspace. You’ve already had a big drink moment back at Bica, so by the time you arrive here you can decide how hard you want to go before the final club entry.
Also, plan for mixed expectations on “shots.” Some people have described the included shot situation as more mixed drinks than what they expected from the word shots. In other words: it’s still alcohol, but it might not be served the way you pictured. If that would bother you, keep it simple, and consider upgrading only if you truly care about the spirit quality.
Cais do Sodré: skip-the-line VIP entry and the night’s final stretch

The last stop is Cais do Sodré, with skip-the-line and VIP entry to a club. The tour ends when you enter the club, and the exact club can change depending on the day of the week.
You’re told you’ll end somewhere between Cais Sodré and Santos until about 6:00 am if the optional part runs. There’s also a mention that cloakroom is not included, so if you’re carrying a jacket or bag, you may need to pay there.
This part is the payoff for a lot of people because nightlife in Lisbon can mean lines, then uncertainty. VIP entry is the promise, and it can save you a lot of time and stress, especially when the club is busy.
Potential snag to plan for: VIP lines can still be slow on very crowded nights, and a few people have reported capacity issues. If that’s your biggest concern, go in with a flexible mindset. The tour gets you to the club experience faster than solo roaming, but it can’t control everything about the venue that night.
You can also read our reviews of more nightlife experiences in Lisbon
How the open bar upgrade works (and who should pay for it)

The default open bar includes bottomless beer and sangria during the Bica Funicular hour. There is also an upgrade option to have gin, vodka, whiskey, and rum, with mixers, in the open bar (listed as Premium and Legendary editions).
So who should upgrade?
- Upgrade if you mainly want spirits, not beer.
- Skip the upgrade if you’re happy with beer and sangria and just want the social energy.
If you’re budget-minded, the base plan can still feel like a good deal because the open bar hour is doing the heavy lifting. If your priority is drink type over drink quantity, then the upgrade can make the evening match your taste.
Drinks, included shots, and the “what’s actually included?” reality check

Here’s the straightforward way to think about the drink setup:
- One hour at Bica Funicular is the unlimited open bar moment.
- You also get included drinks at some bar stops (including welcome shots).
- Additional drinks are available for purchase, and some included drink language can feel a bit confusing in practice.
A helpful strategy: before you decide what to buy, quickly check what you personally are being offered at that stop. If you want to avoid any disappointment, treat the included drinks as the starter set, and expect you might top up with purchases later.
Group size, walking, and why the early bars can feel hit-or-miss

The tour has a maximum of 300 travelers. That’s not a small number, and it affects your night even if the guides are great.
What you might notice:
- Some venues can be too cramped at peak times, so entry can take a moment.
- The walk between stops can feel like a trek once you’ve been drinking and the night is late.
- The first couple of bar stops might not match your expectation for intensity if the crowd is still forming.
The good news is that guides are typically focused on keeping the group together. People have praised guides for staying engaging and for making it easier to meet new people. Some guide lineups you may see mentioned include Roe and Leyla, as well as Philip, Natalie, Jayda, Vito, Natalia, and Rodrigo.
If you want to reduce the group-stress factor, keep these habits:
- Stay close to the guide during transitions.
- Don’t over-plan your exact drink pace early.
- Be ready to wait, and treat it as part of the party flow.
Dress code and shoe choice, because clubs can be picky
This is one of the most practical parts of the whole experience. Dress to impress in casual chic attire. Avoid sports and beachwear. Also avoid flip flops or sandals.
Why this matters: club staff may refuse entry if your footwear doesn’t meet their rules. One person described having to change footwear after being questioned at the door. Don’t put yourself in that position.
My recommendation: wear closed-toe shoes that can handle uphill and downhill walking. Lisbon nights include steps and slopes, and you do not want the last hour of the night ruined by sore feet.
Value check: does $24.19 make sense for this kind of night?
At $24.19 per person for roughly five hours, this crawl tends to land in the value zone for two reasons.
First, you are not just buying a club ticket. You’re getting multiple bar stops, included drinks, and an open bar hour. Second, VIP entry can sometimes be close to what you’d pay for a normal club cover on a busy Saturday night, but with more for your money during the lead-up.
Still, it’s not magic. If you expect top-tier cocktails at every stop, you may be disappointed. If you want a super calm, conversation-friendly evening, the noise and the group energy will not match that.
Think of it like this: you’re paying for access and atmosphere, not a high-end drink tasting menu.
Who this tour fits best in Lisbon
This is a strong match if:
- You want a party-focused night without planning each stop yourself
- You like meeting people, including solo travelers
- You want VIP-style club entry and an easier route to get into the final venue
- You are okay with drink quality that can vary, as long as the vibe stays fun
It might be a poor match if:
- You dislike big groups and queues
- You are extremely picky about cocktail quality
- You want calm nightlife with lots of quiet time
Should you book this Lisbon pub crawl?
I’d book it if your goal is a social, nightlife-packed evening with an open bar hour and a VIP club finish. The structure is designed to keep you moving, and the pricing usually feels reasonable compared to what you’d spend on your own club entry plus drinks.
I would skip it if you want high-end drinks every step, or if large groups stress you out. In that case, you might be happier doing a smaller bar plan and choosing your club separately.
If you do book, go in with the right mindset: wear good shoes, dress casual chic, and treat the open bar hour as your fuel, not your whole plan.
FAQ
What time does the crawl start?
It starts at 10:00 pm.
How long does the experience last?
It’s listed as about 5 hours.
Where do I meet the group?
You meet at Praça Luís Camões (Bairro Alto), 1200-243 Lisbon.
What area does the crawl end in?
It ends in the Cais do Sodré area, with the night typically ending between Cais do Sodré and Santos until about 6:00 am for the optional part.
Is VIP club entry included?
Yes. The tour includes skip the line and VIP entry to a club at the end.
What drinks are included?
You get alcoholic beverages during the stops, including unlimited beer and sangria for about one hour at Bica Funicular, plus welcome shots at other venues. Additional drinks can be purchased.
Is there an open bar upgrade?
Yes. There’s an upgrade option to add gin, vodka, whiskey, and rum with mixers during the open bar hour (Premium and Legendary editions).
What’s the minimum age?
The minimum age is 18.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation to and from stops, are not included.
Can I cancel and get a full refund?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount is not refunded.
More Nightlife Experiences in Lisbon
More VIP Experiences in Lisbon
More Tour Reviews in Lisbon
Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Lisbon we have reviewed
Lisbon City Tours, side by side.
★ 5.0Lisbon City Center Tour – The Unmissable LisbonTickets from $322,234 traveller reviews
★ 4.7Sintra, Pena, Regaleira, Cabo da Roca & CascaisTickets from $2319,656 traveller reviews
★ 4.1Jerónimos Monastery Entrance TicketTickets from $2114,164 traveller reviews
★ 4.8History, Stories and Lifestyle Walking TourTickets from $2910,902 traveller reviews
★ 4.5Sunset Boat Party Cruise with DJ and Open BarTickets from $2710,378 traveller reviews
★ 4.7Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais DaytripTickets from $919,981 traveller reviews
★ 4.6Oceanário de Lisboa Entrance TicketTickets from $299,943 traveller reviews
★ 5.0True 4Hour Private Tuk Tuk Tour: Discover Lisbon with a Local!Tickets from $1088,008 traveller reviews
More useful lists for this tour


























