New Year’s Eve in Lisbon: Where is the fireworks?
Where is the firework?
Unlike in Denmark and other Northern European Countries people are not allowed to make their own fireworks in Lisbon. But no worries – the firework you get here will blow your mind, It’s FANTASTIC.
Cascais, Setubal, Sesimbra and other cities of Greater Lisbon do have their own fireworks. But like in most other international cities there is only one place to be if you want to be a part of the event: Down Town.
In Lisbon this place is Praça do Comércio where the party always starts on the 29th with music, performances and fun and goes on until early morning on New Year’s Day.
On the 31st the program starts around 9 pm with local live acts and fireworks at (surprise!) midnight.
After the last BANG the party goes on until early morning with a mix of local rock bands and DJs.
If you don’t mind getting pushed around by a semi stoned – but very friendly and happy – crowd with plastic cups of draught beer dressed up for fun, then Praça do Comércio is the place to be. At the square itself!
Where to be – if you only want the firework, not the crowd
If you (like us) are too old for the hassle – but still like the ambiance from all the crazy people from all over the world, book a table at one of the many restaurants with outdoor serving at the square. All of them have outdoor heaters. This is an expensive solution – but worth it if you want to be in the middle of everything.
Equally expensive alternatives – but away from the crowd – are one of Lisbon’s many rooftop restaurants or one of the many international hotels with rooftop bars and/or restaurants.
Our own Via Graça (fine and authentic dining) 2 minutes from Tings is a good option. So is Chapito (casual and relaxed) only 10 minutes walk from us. Both places have NYE menus.
If you’re not interested in the dining part, don’t mind people around you – just not the downtown crowd – and still want to enjoy the amazing fireworks, it’s all about Lisbon’s many viewpoints. They are free, lively and (most of them) very local.
Lisbon's 4 best Firework Views for photographers
For photographers – and trophy hunters – the without doubt best view is from Cacilhas just opposite Commercio on ‘the other’ side of Tejo River only 10 minutes by boat from Cais do Sodré. Here you have a lot of seafood restaurants close to the boat (last boat back is usually at 2 pm).
Other places are Lisbon’s many Miradouros, especially the ones facing south or directly towards Commercio. Castello is amazing and so is our own Miradouro da Senhora do Monte just outside our door. Both are in walking distance from Lisbon’s party neighbourhoods.
At Miradouro Park Eduardo VII at the other end of downtown, behind Marquês de Pombal, you get the most fantastic panorama view of Lisbon’s skyline with the firework in the back.
For the best positions – be there at least 2 hrs before midnight. These 4 venues are the most popular among locals and returning tourists.
Enjoy and have fun.
Annette and Thomas
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