Tiny bar in Europe’s cheapest city that was once a brothel – and now has amazing cocktails and themed bedrooms
PUNTERS are raving about a bar in Europe that used to be a brothel thanks to its live shows, events and amazing cocktails.
Earlier this year, Lisbon was named the cheapest city in Europe in the Economist Intelligence Unit's 2023 Worldwide Cost of Living Report.
While the price of food, clothing, rent, transportation, and other costs has risen in countries across Europe, hikes in the Portuguese capital remained lower compared to other destinations.
And with the spending power of the pound being able to spread a little further in Lisbon, holidaymakers on a budget will be able to indulge in some of the city's more unusual attractions.
One of those places is Pensão Amor - a brothel turned trendy bar.
While you might think the bar would want to shun its history, the venue takes pride in its identity, which only seems to add to its allure.
Situated near one of Lisbon's promenades, the atmospheric bar is tucked inside an 18th century building, spanning across five floors.
The interior is decorated with vintage posters from old burlesque and peep shows.
There are other opulent touches too, including velvet sofas, armchairs.
The cocktail bar serves a selection of bespoke cocktails, including Valeria Dos Filmes, which costs €9.50 (£8.11) and contains ingredients like gin and lime cordial.
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In addition to the venue's extensive cocktail menu, live events like surprise pole dance shows, burlesque presentations, themed parties and poetry meetings are also held at the bar.
While there are currently no events planned for 2024, plenty of performances were held throughout 2023.
Travel website, Nomad Secrets described the bar as a "vibrant and buzzing place that gets very crowded with tourists as well as locals."
The bar has been praised by Portuguese visitors on TripAdvisor, with one person saying: "Pensão Amor is one of the most iconic bars in Lisbon.
"The space is very cute, with several rooms and a unique decoration, where the trappings of the old activity that represents Lisbon's bohemia persist."
While another added: "Super cool place in Cais do Sodré in Lisbon to drink good wine and listen to good music."
A third person wrote: "An amazing place, I had already visited on a trip in 2018 and returned now in 2022 with friends and it was even more fantastic."
Pensão Amor first opened in 2011 before it underwent a revamp in 2022.
Not only can punters drink the night away in the Portuguese bar, but visitors can also spend the night too.
Tourists can book to stay in one of three rooms, which are all decorated with artefacts, props and motifs that have been placed to mimic the decor of the former brothel.
Prices for overnight stays in Pensão Amor start from €75 (£64) per person, based on two people sharing a room.
Pensão Amor is a two-minute walk from Cais do Sodré metro station, which is served by the green metro line in the Portuguese capital.
Alternatively, the bar is a 10-minute walk from Arco da Rua Augusta - a popular tourist attraction in the city.
In addition to the quirk bar, there are plenty of other attractions in Lisbon, including Castle of Sao Jorge - a historic castle located on the summit of São Jorge Hill.
Built in the 5th century, the castle has undergone several transformations in its long history.
The site is now a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can spend half a day exploring its formidable brick walls, cobbled streets, and its many viewpoints.
Holidaymakers can take one of Lisbon's iconic yellow trams to the castle too.
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Both Wizz Air and Ryanair operate direct flights to Lisbon from UK cities like London and Liverpool, with prices starting from £21 for a one-way ticket.
Meanwhile, a Brit living in Portugal has revealed the tourist mistakes that cost holidaymakers money.
What else do I need to know about Lisbon?
- The local language in Lisbon is Portuguese, but English is likely to be spoken throughout the city
- Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK
- The local currency is the Euro, with £10 getting around €11.52.
- There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits can stay in Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa
- Your passport must have at least three months left after the day you plan to leave.
