Your guide to spending Celebrating New Year's Eve in Lisbon, Portugal: A Guide to Cultural Traditions, Cuisine, and Festivities
Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, is an enchanting destination year-round. However, when it comes to bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming the new, the city truly comes alive with a unique blend of tradition, culture, and exuberant celebrations. If you’re planning to spend New Year's Eve in Lisbon, get ready for an unforgettable experience immersed in Portuguese customs, delicious cuisine, and the city's infectious festive spirit.
Cultural Traditions:
A Special Midnight Tradition: One of Portugal's most cherished New Year's customs is the tradition of eating 12 raisins right before the clock hits midnight – one per second. As the clock strikes twelve, locals gather in public squares like Terreiro do Paço or along the riverside to eat twelve raisins, symbolizing twelve lucky months ahead. Each raisin represents a wish for the coming year, so savor them slowly and make your wishes count!
Fireworks by the Tagus River: The Tagus River provides a stunning backdrop for Lisbon's breathtaking fireworks display. Join the crowds along the riverbanks or find a rooftop bar for a panoramic view. The colorful explosions lighting up the sky signify new beginnings and are a spectacle not to be missed. Tip: get there early! By around 10:30 pm it is packed!
Traditional Portuguese Cuisine:
Bacalhau (Salted Cod): A staple in Portuguese cuisine, bacalhau is prepared in various ways and is a must-try during your New Year's visit. Whether it's bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with potatoes and eggs) or bacalhau com natas (cod with cream), these dishes showcase the culinary prowess of Portugal. You can get them anywhere around the main streets in Lisbon!
Caldo Verde: Warm up during the chilly New Year's Eve with a bowl of caldo verde, a hearty soup made with kale, potatoes, and chorizo. It's comforting, flavorful, and a beloved part of Portuguese gastronomy.
Festive Sweets: Indulge in some traditional sweets like Bolo Rei Portuguesa (King Cake), a circular cake filled with nuts and dried fruits, or Rabanadas (Portuguese French toast), a delicious dessert made with bread soaked in milk, eggs, and sugar, and last but not least, pastel de nata, or also known as, pastel de Belém is a Portuguese egg custard tart pastry, optionally dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar. One of our favorites!
New Year's Eve in Lisbon Hotels:
Luxurious Celebrations: Many hotels in Lisbon host extravagant New Year's Eve parties featuring gala dinners, live music, and entertainment. Hotels like the Ritz Four Seasons, the Altis Grand Hotel, or the Tivoli Avenida Liberdade offer special packages and events to ring in the New Year in style. Packages average around $250- upwards to $1000 USD per person. Look into these packages around Late October and November so you don’t miss the packages.
Rooftop Views: Some hotels boast stunning rooftop bars or restaurants, providing the perfect vantage point for witnessing the fireworks extravaganza. Places like the Memmo Alfama Hotel or the H10 Duque de Loulé offer panoramic views of the city's skyline.
Whether you choose to join the lively street parties, indulge in a sumptuous dinner at a fine restaurant, or opt for a luxurious hotel celebration, spending New Year's Eve in Lisbon is an experience filled with joy, cultural richness, and delectable cuisine. Embrace the local traditions, savor the flavors of Portugal, and welcome the new year in the heart of this enchanting city for an unforgettable start to the year ahead.
Keep in mind, hours at local restaurants and coffee shops may differ from what is advertised on Google or the websites.
How much should you budget?
The cost of celebrating New Year's Eve in Lisbon can vary significantly based on your preferences, choices, and the level of extravagance you seek. Here's a rough breakdown of potential expenses:
1. Accommodation: Hotel/hostel prices tend to rise during the holiday/ New Year’s Eve season. Depending on the hotel's category and location, prices can range from around €20 to €500 or more per night. We decided to save money on accommodation and stay in a private hostel room for €60 a night. It saved us money and we could spend more money on other things such as food, drinks, etc.
2. Dining Out: The cost of dining out for New Year's Eve can vary widely. A special dinner at a high-end restaurant or as part of a hotel package might range from €50 to €300 or more per person. Street food or more casual dining options might be cheaper. Keep in mind restaurant hours may differ and may be more busy than usual.
3. Entertainment: Joining events, parties, or concerts can incur additional costs. Some may have ticket prices ranging from €20 to €200 or more, depending on the venue and included amenities.
4. Transportation: Costs for getting around the city or using public transportation should also be considered. Lisbon's public transport is reasonably priced, with a single ticket for buses, subways, and trams costing around €1.50, while taxis and rideshares vary based on distance. We recommend staying around the city and walk around instead of relying on transportation. Plus, you get to see more of the city!
5. Other Activities: If you plan to engage in tours, sightseeing, or special activities, budgeting for these additional expenses is advisable. There are plenty of FREE walking tours and free activities to enjoy in Lisbon.
Overall, a typical New Year's Eve celebration in Lisbon could cost anywhere from a fifity(ish) euros to several thousand euros per person, depending on your choices for accommodation, dining, entertainment, and other activities. It's wise to plan and budget accordingly based on your preferences and financial considerations.
