Located just 10 minutes walk from Lisbon’s popular gay areas, “The Late Birds Lisbon” will become your private nest in one of Europe’s friendliest cities.
A feeling of excitement overwhelms you when visiting Lisbon for the first time. The city’s very European attitude is prominent in every corner of the city, and the opportunity for new experiences becomes clear. Lisbon has a rich gay culture, featuring from cosy gay bars perfect for socialising, to fresh and fabulous drag shows, as well as steamy-hot dark rooms with a strict ‘clothes-free’ dress code. Your gay trip in Lisbon will be a hell of a ride!
Lisbon is a sunny city, ideal for all-year-round holidays, while The Guardian has crowned it as the best city for Christmas shopping in Europe!
A typical day in Lisbon for a gay traveller would probably go like this:
- 10:00: Sunbathing & meeting new people at Beach 19, the most popular gay nude beach in Portugal.
- 14:00: Coffee & snacks with handsome locals and tourists, at a stylish gay café.
- 16:00: Shopping at Lisbon’s elegant Chiado district.
- 21:00: Fabulous cocktails at one (or more) of the city’s fancy gay bars.
- 00:00: Partying at some of the most loud and fun gay clubs you have been to.
- 03:00: After-hours fun at one of the several gay cruising and fetish clubs in the city.
And when you finally want to get some sleep, you shouldn’t settle for anything less than a fabulous gay guest house located in the historical centre of Bairro Alto: The Late Birds Lisbon!
The Late Birds Lisbon is a gay urban guest house, housed in a late 18th-century building. It is the home of twelve comfortable rooms, a lounge, a beautiful garden and an UV-treated swimming pool. Its concept was to become the ideal gay urban resort in the heart of Lisbon’s historical centre, for all gay men, regardless of the way they choose to travel — alone, with their friends or their partners and families.
The hotel has proudly achieved its goal, and many gay travellers consider it now as their private gay sanctuary in the midst of Lisbon’s gay life. What’s even greater, is the fact that the upcoming launch of The Late Birds Porto 4 Star Hotel will transfer this amazing experience to Porto as well.
But let’s go back to Lisbon and see how a stay in this amazing guest house could be described: Chic, Urban and Sexy — these would be the 3 pillars of your stay at The Late Birds Lisbon. All the rooms feature a minimal, clean design with white and wooden furniture. A premium experience is ensured in any room type you choose, however, the extra spacious and comfy Suite Premium will definitely add a dose of luxury to your holidays
It goes without saying that the main plunge pool will become your favourite hot spot in the guest house during the hot summer months. It’s an amazing place to meet with other guests and — why not? — make some new friends or meet the love of your life! The Lounge is the property’s main hot spot during the Winter since this is a place where guests gather to read and socialize by the fireplace.
Having The Late Birds Lisbon as your private nest, you can head off to explore the city’s vibrant and glittery gay life. The guest house’s central location makes it an ideal starting point since it is less than 10 minutes walk from the main gay nightlife areas.
Take a Gay Walking Tour in Lisbon or discover the city by yourself
Being one of the most gay-friendly cities in the world, Lisbon is full of queer venues packed with gay locals and visitors. From bear-friendly cafes to gay-friendly restaurants and gay nudist beaches, there are many things to see and experience in Lisbon.
A tour is the best way to explore the city thoroughly. Cosmopolitan Private Tours (collaborating with the Late Birds Lisbon), have created a special 3-hour gay tour, guiding you to the city’s historic centre, and highlighting facts about the LGBTI+ history. The tour starts in Principe Real, passing by Sao Pedro de Alcantara for shopping, Bairro Alto and concluding to Chiado.
Of course, you can also discover Lisbon’s gay life by yourself. Ask the insanely helpful staff for the most popular gay hot spots and be sure to follow their insider tips!
Visit the most popular gay nude beach in Portugal
Probably the hottest spot near Lisbon to spend your mellow summer mornings (and evenings). Beach 19 is the largest gay nude beach in Europe and the most popular in Portugal. It’s about 30 km south of Lisbon, in the middle of Costa da Caparica beach.
The best period to visit is from May to October, followed by April and November. When visiting, make sure to bring with you sunblock, sunglasses, a swimsuit (optional), and condoms — after all, you have to be well-prepared! Also, pay special attention to the beach flag colour (don’t swim when it’s red or yellow), and do not litter the beach or smoke in the wooded areas.
If you don’t fancy the beach’s sticky sand and big crowds, you can simply lay back and relax by The Late Birds Lisbon’s amazing plunge pool. You will definitely meet several gay locals and travellers since gay men staying at the property usually prefer to suntan and socialize here.
Make new acquaintances at Lisbon’s laid-back gay bars
A paradise for every single gay man looking for meeting new people, Lisbon is packed with gay venues — bars, clubs and restaurants. TR3S Lisboa is only 650 meters away from the Late Birds Lisbon guest house and it ranks first in the list for the friendliest bear bars in the city. Shelter Bar is another gay bear venue with frequent themed nights and DJs.
For a disco night, head to Pride Burlesque. It offers happy hours, drink promotions and DJ on the weekends. Don’t miss to try the “Pastel de Nata” shot.
Crossing the lines: Lisbon’s Gay Cruising Scene
From gay clubs with sex swings, to clean, modern and relaxing saunas, Lisbon’s gay cruising scene is unique and diverse. Trombeta Bath is a particularly popular gay sauna, either you fancy a drink, a great massage or a friendly conversation. The initial price is 15 Euros for one day.
DRAKO Club is a popular cruise and fetish gay club, with a chill-out zone, sling, dark room, BDSM zone, private cabins, a “big bed” area, XXX movies, locker and showers. Even the staff is naked! It has a small entrance fee of 6-8 Euros. Bar CRU is another popular gay cruise club with weekly themed parties, operating 7 days per week.
Other popular gay cruising clubs include Woof X, Olissipo Bath, SaunApolo 56 (bi and gay men), and Oasis Sauna.
Gay Lisbon in a nutshell
Your gay Lisbon experience will be diverse and sexy. Either travelling alone or as a couple, you will definitely find what you are looking for here! The choices are endless — but at least you won’t have to look for a hotel: Just click here to search for prices & availability in The Late Birds Lisbon, and rest assured that you will be staying in Lisbon’s hottest gay accommodation!
This piece was first published on travel by interest blog and you can find the original article here.