Event Dates
From: Thursday, June 12, 2025
To: Sunday, June 15, 2025
Santo Antonio Festival 2025
Santo Antonio Festival, Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most famous annual street parties attracting thousands of visitors to the capital.
Festas de Lisboa, Santo Antonio Festival, Lisbon 2025
Santo Antonio Festival, Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most famous annual street parties taking place each year in early June and attracting thousands of visitors to the capital.
- Visiting Lisbon? Stay in the Principe Real district, home to the best gay bars in the city and just a 5-minute drive/10-minute walk to the parade. Book the charming Alegria Boutique Hotel, with spacious rooms and a great location.
The Festival
- Next Edition: Thursday 12th June to Sunday 15th June 2025 – Note the festival day is Friday 13th June, 2025.
- Lisbon’s Santo Antonio Festival is the most important annual festival in Lisbon and celebrates the life of Saint Anthony, the patron saint of Lisbon, marriages and lost things.
- Historically, the event was known as “Festas dos Santos Populares,” meaning “Feasts of the Popular Saints,” but over time it has become more about street parties and a celebration of the city rather than religion.
Basil & Sardines
- Events kick off in the early afternoon with many venues serving grilled sardines while folk music fills the vibrant and colorful streets of the city.
- The event is a favorite of the newly married or singles looking for a mate! Try gifting a traditional pot of basil for some romantic luck! You can pick them up at the Santo Antonio Church nearby Alfama.
- Stay in Alfama, one of Lisbon’s oldest areas, are lined with shops selling traditional crafts and cafes. Passengers pack the historic no. 28 tram, which winds through Alfama on its way up to 11th-century São Jorge Castle.
- The Santiago De Alfama Boutique Hotel features rooms with breathtaking views and offers delicious breakfast options. The hotel is rated “Superb” by guests.
The Main Parade
- The highlight of the Santo Antonio Festival is the main procession where locals dress in stunning and elaborate costumes as they make their way along the Avenida da Liberdade. But this is no holy procession, this is a display that would rival carnival in Rio!
- For the best views of the parade head to the historic streets of Alfama, Bica, Bairro Alto, Castelo, and Madragoa.
- Stay close to the parade at the NH Collection Liberdade, rated “Fabulous” by guests, with spacious rooms, a beautiful outdoor pool and modern fitness centre.
- The main parade is made up of huge floats, dancers and musicians, creating a truly electric atmosphere. Locals and visitors mingle among the many restaurants in the city enjoying the traditional dishes served during the event. June 13th, the day after the main parade is a public holiday, so the post-parade parties last long into the night.
Festas dos Santos Populares, Lisbon Carnival
- June in Lisbon is the Summer party season and the Santo Antonio Festival is part of the Festas dos Santos Populares, a month-long celebration of pagan and religious beliefs.
- Aside from this highlight, plenty of other events happen all over the city, including concerts, performances, exhibitions, movie screenings, and grill parties.
- The smoky scent of grilled sardines fills Lisbon‘s air and there’s no wondering why; every few steps will place you in front of yet another grill cooking a batch of fish. You can order a platter if you’re with a group of friends and find a place to sit, but the traditional way to eat a sardine is on a slice of rustic country bread, sans utensils and while standing.
Trending Hotels in Lisbon
The following hotels are currently trending with our readers. All are close to the Santo Antonio celebrations:
Lisboa Carmo Hotel, The Lumiares Hotel & Spa HF Fenix Garden, The Late Birds Lisbon
Save on Hotels
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Book now and pay on arrival.
Where we stay!
The Lisboa Carmo Hotel is our preferred
hotel in the city, central & great breakfasts
Official Website
For further information and advice on
Santo Antonio Festival Website
Gay Map of Lisbon
The gay bars are a little spread out but taxis are cheap, we have chosen Hotels close to the gay bars that have high reviews on booking.com our hotel partner .
EPIC SANA Marquês Hotel, 8, Avenida Fontes Pereira de Melo, Coração de Jesus, Santo António, Lisbon, 1069-310, Portugal
This 5-star property offers spacious and elegantly designed suites and rooms that have private bathrooms with a bathtub and shower. Suites include a living room with a workstation. Facilities include LCD TV with cable channels, minibar, and luxury and well-being amenities.
Travessa André Valente 21a, 1200-024 Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
Located in Bairro Alto, in the heart of Lisbon Historical center, The Late Birds Lisbon - Gay Men's Guesthouse offers an outdoor swimming pool, a garden, a sun deck and a lounge bar.
Each air-conditioned room at The Late Birds Lisbon includes a computer, a cable channel TV, free WiFi access and a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
Rua Da Oliveira Ao Carmo 1-3, 1200-122 Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal
Located in the heart of the city, Lisboa Carmo Hotel features luxury rooms with classic and contemporary décor. The upper floors of the hotel offer views of the Tagus River and Lisbon's old town. The popular Bairro Alto district is a 3 minutes' walk away.
The stylish rooms have pastel coloured walls. Each is equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen cable TV, minibar and a private bathroom with free toiletries. Some rooms have Saint Jorge Castle, city and Tagus River views. An in-room breakfast is available.
HF Fénix Garden, São Mamede, Santo António, Lisbon, 1050-010, Portugal
The stylish Hotel Fenix Garden is situated on the Marquês de Pombal Square in the centre of Lisbon. Eduardo VII Park and Marques Pombal Metro Station are just steps away, while the high-end shops and boutiques of Avenida da Liberdade are at a short walk. The HF Fénix Garden offers bright accommodation with wooden floors. Each air-conditioned room offers free WiFi, a work desk, cable TV and a private bathroom with a hairdryer.
R. do Diário de Notícias 127, 1200-011 Lisboa, Portugal
All units have a cable flat-screen TV. Some units include a dining area and or balcony. There is also a kitchen, fitted with an oven & microwave. as well as a coffee machine. A private bathroom with a bath or shower & free toiletries.
R. do Diário de Notícias 36, 1200-284 Lisboa, Portugal
The apartment features 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a shower. Free WiFi, air conditioning
R. das Gáveas 76, 1200-365 Lisboa, Portugal
Each apartment comes with a balcony, a dining area & private bathrooms with shower & free toiletries. The apartments include a double bedroom & the superior apartments have a double sofa-bed in the living room.
R. da Misericórdia 67, 1200-365 Lisboa, Portugal
These modern and spacious apartments are located in a renovated 18th-century building in Lisbon’s Chiado district. All apartments feature a spacious kitchen with a dishwasher and washing machine. Most have a private balcony.
Rua de São Marçal 106, Lisbon 1200-422
● Friendly gay music bar in the Príncipe Real quarter
● Weekend DJs
● Mixed ages
Daily 19:30 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Rua da Rosa 157/159, Lisbon 1200-383
● LGBT+ friendly
● Located in the quieter part of Bairro Alto
Wednesday, Thursday 20:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 03:00;
Sunday 18:00 – 02:00
Rua da Barroca 41, Lisbon 1200-106
● Popular spot at the "esquina" in Bairro Alto
● Mixed clientele
Tuesday-Thursday 20:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 20:00 – 03:00
Travessa da Água da Flor 17, Lisbon 1200-339
● LGBT-friendly bar
● Offers music, books, drinks and a friendly atmosphere
Daily 18:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Rua da Barroca 6-12, Lisbon 1200-862
● LGBT-friendly music bar in a former bakery
● Located in Bairro Alto
Thursday 22:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 03:00
Rua das Salgadeiras 28, Lisbon 1200
● LGBTQ-friendly music lounge bar
● Small dancefloor
Wednesday, Thursday 22:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 03:00
Rua da Palmeira 43 A, Lisbon 1200-312
● Bears-friendly music lounge bar
● Located in Príncipe Real quarter
Monday-Thursday 18:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00; Sunday 18:00 – 02:00
Rua da Barroca 33, Lisbon 1200-047
● Small gay cocktail bar at the "esquina" in Bairro Alto
● Street crowded with people at night, especially on weekends
Daily 18:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Rua Ruben António Leitão 2A, Lisbon 1200-392
● Big gay bar for bears, chubbies, mature guys and friends
● Hosts annual Lisbon Bear Pride and co-runs Villa 3 Caparica resort
Daily 18:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Rua Manuel Bernardes 2B, Lisbon 1200
● Small bears-friendly bar with dark cruising area
● Busiest after midnight
● Minimum consumption: €5
Tuesday-Thursday 20:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 03:00; Sunday 20:00 – 02:00
Rua da Imprensa Nacional 104 B, Lisbon 1250-127
● Gay club with exciting shows and a lot of Pop music.
● On Friday and Saturday nights, enjoy a second dancefloor with House, Techno, and Commercial remixes starting around 03:00.
● Friendly staff and a young crowd on Fridays.
● Admission: 12-15 €, includes 1-2 drinks.
Thursday-Saturday 24:00 – 05:00/06:00
Rua Cecilio de Sousa 84, Lisbon 1200-102
● Situated in the vibrant Príncipe Real quarter.
● Features House, Techno, Commercial remixes, and Pop music.
● Reopened in November 2022.
● Admission: 15 €.
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 24:00 – 06:00
Rua Nogueira e Sousa 11, Lisbon 1150-237
● Small, straightforward gay cruise bar
● Features (un)dress codes, lockers, two cabins, and a sling
● Slightly off the beaten path
● Admission: 10 €, includes 6 € for drinks
Sunday to Thursday from 3pm to 2am
Friday and Saturday from 3pm to 3am
Rua da Palmeira 38, Lisbon 1200-313
● A beloved gay bar known for its drag shows, DJs, and dancefloor.
● A staple in Lisbon's nightlife for over 45 years.
Daily till 05:00/06:00
Rua de São Bento 157, Lisbon 1200-817
● LGBT-friendly club spinning Pop, R'n'B, and Funk tunes.
● Attracts a mix of young and middle-aged clientele.
● Admission: 10-15 €, includes 1-2 drinks.
Thursday 23:30 – 05:00; Friday, Saturday 24:00 – 06:00
Miguel Pais 39 1200-172 Lisboa Portugal
● gay cruising club + men's fetish & sex shop ● Bar with drinks & snacks. Play area with cruising zone, sling, cabins, glory holes, dark room. Lockers, condoms, lube, douche.
Mon – Thurs: 17h-02h Fri & Sat: 17h-03h Sun: 17h-02h
Recommended Hotels in Lisbon By Booking
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Lisbon that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
EPIC SANA Marquês
5 Star, Readers Choice
- 5-star, heated infinity pool.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Bathtub, shower, workstation.
- Luxurious stay with panoramic pool views, perfect for business and leisure travelers.
Lisboa Carmo Hotel
4 Star, Homely
- 4-star, city heart, Tagus River views.
- Close to the gay district.
- Air conditioning, flat-screen TV.
- Elegant comfort in a prime location, ideal for exploring Lisbon’s rich culture.
The Late Birds Lisbon
4 Star, Gay Resort
- 4-star, gay resort, Bairro Alto.
- In the heart of the gay district.
- Computer, cable TV.
- Exclusive, gay-friendly retreat with outdoor pool, perfect for socializing and relaxation.
HF Fenix Garden
3 Star, Great Value
- 3-star, Marquês de Pombal Square.
- A short walk to the gay bars.
- Air-conditioned, free WiFi, cable TV.
- Affordable chic in central Lisbon, steps from major attractions and shopping avenues.
Video Of Santo António Festivities
Video Highlights of Santo Antonio Festival Lisbon
Top Gay Neighbourhoods in Lisbon
Lisbon is generally considered to be an open and LGBTQ+ friendly city. The LGBTQ+ community in Lisbon has a visible presence, and there are several neighborhoods, events, and venues that cater to and celebrate the community.
Principe Real | In the heart of gay Lisbon
Photo: Principe Real is home to some of Lisbon’s most popular gay bars
- Príncipe Real is often considered one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods in Lisbon.
- It has a reputation for being inclusive and welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community.
- Many LGBTQ+-oriented businesses, including bars, cafes, and shops, can be found here.
- Discover the best things to see and do in Principe Real
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is a popular nightlife district with a variety of bars and clubs, it’s known for its vibrant atmosphere.
Alfama
Alfama is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Lisbon, famous for its narrow alleys & historic buildings.
Baixa
Baixa is the historic downtown area of Lisbon, noted for its grand plazas, elegant squares, and wide boulevards.
Avenida da Liberdade
One of the most prestigious & famous avenues in Lisbon, home to upscale shops & luxury hotels.
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