Portugal’s Pink Street in Lisbon is hot and happening – you must’ve come across the photos on social media! But what’s the story? How to get to the pink street in Cais do Sodre, and when is the best time to visit?
It’s not just a picturesque street, it’s home to some of the best bars in Lisbon too! So if you’re looking for Lisbon nightlife – look no further. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this quirky pink street.
Rua Nova do Carvalho History
Rua Nova do Carvalho is the official name of Lisbon’s Pink Street, and lies in the now popular neighborhood Cais do Sodre. Cais do Sodre used to be Lisbon’s Red-Light District.
Lisbon was an important port city, meaning lots of sailors would come into the city to gamble, drink, and to ‘get some’.
Rua Nova do Carvalho was the place to be, as there were gambling dens, brothels, and seedy bars named after other port cities.
Sailors weren’t the only visitors, it was a meeting point for local criminals, streetwalkers, and prostitutes too. Yeah, we bet you didn’t know this quirky street had such shady beginnings!
You can still find hints to its history though, as many bars still carry port city names, Purple Rose is a lingerie store, and the bar Pensao Amor still has an erotic bookshop in the back.
➳ Read about the ideal 2-day in Lisbon itinerary
Rua Cor-de-Rosa aka Pink Street
So how did the red-light district turn pink?! Rua Nova do Carvalho was painted not that long ago actually! The painting started in 2011 and was finished by 2013.
Since then, it has become locally known as Rua Cor de Rosa, meaning Pink Street. The project was supposed to make the neighborhood better – gentrification at it’s finest.
And it has worked. Brothels closed, new bars opened, and the street has replaced the shady nightlife and turned it into something hip.
Best Time to Visit
It depends on the reason you want to visit the Pink Street! If you’re looking for that perfect Instagram shot, make sure to visit early.
But not too early, because the street will still be full of trash! The pink definitely needs a touch-up on the west side, as you can see the pink has become dirty in the pictures below.
If you haven’t come for the photos, but for the Lisbon nightlife, make sure to visit at night-time! Or maybe come back at nighttime – there are some amazing bars and clubs to check out.
➳ Exploring Europe? Read about the best photo spots in Paris!
The Best Bars and Clubs on Lisbon’s Pink Street
Cais do Sodre is one of the most popular neighborhoods for the best nightlife. It’s a great alternative for the popular Bairro Alto, as its bars and clubs closer earlier.
Here’s a list of the best Lisbon bars on Rua Nova do Carvalho, ranked according to popularity!
- Pensão Amor
The quirkiest bar of all, with a soft erotic theme – honoring the Pink Street’s history.
- Sol e Pesca
Beer and fish! The best place for a good lining.
- The Music Box
One of the hottest dance clubs, below the bridge.
- Espumantaria do Cais
Located in the center of the street, serving wine, champagne and mixed drinks.
- Europa
One of the older night clubs!
- 4 Caravelas Cဝcktail Bar
Cဝcktails need no explanation, right?!
- Pink Wine Point
Yaas, making it all pink!
- Tokyo Lisboa
One of the revamped bars that once welcomed sailors and now all the tourists
How to Get to Pink Street in Lisbon
It’s really easy to find Lisbon Pink Street! Just lookup ‘Pink Street’ or ‘Rua Nova do Carvalho’ on Google Maps and you can easily walk from one of the other famous Lisbon spots.
Around the corner of the pink street, you can find hot spots like Mercado da Ribeira aka TimeOut Market, Elevador da Bica and it’s just a short walk from the river and Rua Augusta’s Arch on Praça do Comércio.
➳ Read about the ideal 2-day in Lisbon itinerary
PIN THIS ARTICLE
