The Ultimate Guide To A Lisbon Hen Do

Often called the Festival of Sardines, Santo António is Lisbon’s longest night of the year, bringing together visitors from all walks of life. See colourful floats representing the different historic neighbourhoods of the city course through the streets and enjoy grilled fish and meat, music and dancing. Hosted in June, this festival is well worth planning your hen do around, even if you don’t like sardines, and comes as part of a much larger, month-long celebration.

An unusual method of travel, compared to the London underground and taxis, these legendary cable cars run across the capital city, transporting people up and down Lisbon’s long, steep slopes. Take a ride to experience the city like a local, and make the most of the stunning views from the top.

Visit modern contemporary art gallery MAAT to break up the lull between breakfast and evening drinks. Situated in Belém, this gallery is Lisbon’s most recent addition to the art scene. Designed by British architect Amanda Levete, it looks like a ray which has been deflected off the river nearby. This is a perfect cultural experience for any art lovers in your party, displaying the work of many of the world’s contemporary artists, architects and thinkers.

Praised as Lisbon’s equivalent of London’s Portobello Market, Fiera da Ladra is a flea market boasting a selection of junk and treasure, from socks, second-hand books and silk handkerchiefs. Stroll through Lisbon’s oldest market to find some truly special vintage pieces, so be sure to save some space in your suitcase! Arrive early to experience the market’s full vibrancy, with stallholders displaying their items on brightly-coloured blankets.

Located on the west side of the city, Monsanto Park is the largest green space in Lisbon. But it isn’t just a park, boasting several sports centres, a mini-golf course, swimming pools, and an opportunity to take a forest bath. Maybe a bit more adventurous than your standard hen do, but if you’re interested in a hike to work off the hangovers, or want a bit of fresh air, Monsanto Park is a must. It’s also perfect if you want to escape the hectic city centre. Easily accessible from all the main parts of the city, it’s an ideal half-day excursion.

At the centre of Lisbon is Barrio Alto. With its cute cobbled streets, packed with bars, you and the girls won’t have to spend your hen party walking for miles between clubs, or spending extra cash on taxis. Most venues open at 11am and close at 2am, though the best clubs will open much later. Some of the top places for your itinerary include The Old Pharmacy Wine Bar, opened in the spot of a former chemists, and offering over two hundred wines to choose from, or Artis, where you can enjoy a night of even more wine and gossiping. Lisbon also provides the perfect opportunity for a Guided Bar Crawl or a Karaoke Night, if belting out Madonna and Whitney Houston classics is your thing.

Think of Príncipe Real as Bairro Alto’s older, more sophisticated sister, boasting a variety of venues to keep your party entertained all weekend. Visit the museum-like Pavilhão Chines for a drink or five, and marvel at the venue’s unique antique shop atmosphere. Taste some award-winning cocktails made with skill and finesse at the hip Cinco Lounge, or experience home comforts at Foxtrot, which is styled as an English pub, and offers art deco interiors, quirky decorations and large, Instagramable mirrors.

When you don’t want the night to end, make a trip to Lisbon’s picturesque old town, home to the city's most famous venue, the Lux nightclub. You may have to queue to get in, but it’ll be worth the wait. For more late night clubs, Cais Do Sodre has plenty, some of which stay open until 8am—perfect for the hens who want to party hard.