Popular among visitors and residents alike, Intendente has become one of the cultural centres of the entire city, populated by a growing contingency of fashionable restaurants, bars, cafes, and record stores.
Truth is, you don’t really have to have a destination in mind to enjoy a fantastic time in Intendente. You can simply walk around the neighbourhood completely at random, and find yourself spoilt for choice with what’s on offer.
Even so, if you find yourself hanging out in Intendente with limited time, some spots definitely warrant checking out during your visit. The following coming most highly recommended by those in the know:
Bar 1908
One of the best hangouts in Intendente, Bar 1908 is a supremely fashionable place to spend an evening, which is also graced with a heated terrace for when the conditions outside are not particularly inviting. The intriguing artwork on the walls justifies the visit alone, but this is where people head for the 30+ cocktails on the menu, including a whole bunch of unique house signatures.
Café Klandestino
Located on Rua do Benformoso, Café Klandestino is also notable for its extensive cocktail menu—most of which features coffee in some form or another. This is because the concept of the café itself is based on the smuggling of coffee between Portugal and Spain in the 1950s, making for an interesting backdrop for an evening out. Of course, there are also plenty of caffeine-free options on the cards for those who aren’t particularly into java, but coffee lovers really will be in their element here.
Casa Independente
Located in an old and imposing mansion with many of its key features still intact, Casa Independente has been a staple of the local culture seen since 2012. Today, it remains one of Intendente’s best hangouts. It houses a bar, a restaurant, and a concert hall, meaning there is always something entertaining to check out at all times of the year. The eclectic cocktail menu warrants exploring in full, while the restaurant itself is fantastic for sampling creative takes on local classics.
Desterro
Music is the order of the day at Desterro, where much of the action in this stylish basement venue is overseen by local DJs and musicians. Nights of inspiring improvised electronic music are the norm here, where you can also attend the music classes and use the on-site and rehearsal rooms during the day. If you like your evening entertainment loud and energised, this is the place to head.
O das Joanas Café
One of the first places to open up in Intendente following the modernization of the district, O das Joanas Café remains one of the best and most popular evening hangout spots for discerning locals. Light meals and snacks are served throughout the day, along with a huge range of whiskies and local liquors to sip on.
Sputnik Craft Beer Bar Lisboa
Last up, this is the place to head for anyone who craves the finest-crafted beer the region has to offer. There’s a continuously rotating variety of 12 on-tap beers to sample to your heart’s content, along with around 100 bottles of the best beers served up anywhere in Portugal.
On your next trip to Lisbon, we suggest exploring at least a few of these spots which, in our opinion, are the best hangouts found in the up-and-coming district of Intendente.
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