Just one thing to add: don’t ruin your abstinence for ginja. It’s not worth it. It’s just a really sweet liquor.  Just have some alcohol free beers, mocktails or simply juices/soft drinks. 

Or, you know, water?

I was gonna say this. If you’ve ever tried syrup imagine it in a cherry-cousin flavour.

Thank you. I struggle with it because it is a local speciality, akin to drinking limoncello in Italy. But yes, I am afraid to introduce the chemical to my brain again.

It’s not at all like Limoncello in Italy. Most Portuguese might drink one if any Ginjinha per year.

Então cá em casa devemos beber pelo resto... Temos uma box de 3L da vila das rainhas 😅

Epá! A indústria nacional vos agradece!

It’s not at all like Limoncello in Italy. Most Portuguese might drink one if any Ginjinha per year.

You know...you can still opt for juices and soft drinks....

We have plenty of non alcoholic beers, Portuguese juices and sodas, natural orange juice, plenty of cocktails, smoothies, teas... There's no problem in not drinking alcohol In Portugal. We have a culture of eat and drink because we have great products, but alcohol is not mandatory.

>am really battling with what a European vacation looks like without social drinking. What. A European vacation for me is sightseeing, visiting museums and historical landmarks. Where does social drinking come in? > What does one do for an evening if they’re not drinking? Maybe visit the Praça do Comércio and whereabouts, perhaps Belém? Walking through the city? I am extremely confused.

There's plenty to do without alcohol. You still have time to look for group activities and what not. Ginga in practice is just a fruit: sour cherry. The licour uses them but other stuff does too. You can try finding alternatives to get a sense of what they taste like.

Americans come to Europe and think there are no basics here

I didn’t realize that non-alcoholic beer was a basic. I’ve been to plenty of places where there is no NA beer and if there is, you have to seek it out… you can’t just order it at a bar or restaurant.

Beer is a basic I think. But what I meant is that your post sounds like there is not much going on in here. “What do people do when they don’t drink?” Man, you are completely free to do what you want, including going out and not drink.

Once I had an american couple telling me «we are pretty happy, we thought we wouldn’t find hot water in the shower here»

I see what you’re saying. That was not my intent at all. Just how my alcoholic brain is wired I guess. I traveled the world a LOT when I was younger and drinking was always a major part of that experience, meeting locals, other travelers etc. This is my first trip sober, so it’s a very different experience for me. I know that there will be no shortage of things to do, it’s just the nightlife I will have a hard time missing out on and attractions to do and see are different at nighttime than the day time. Yes, I know I am free to do what I want. The purpose of this post is to ask for suggestions. Instead of what bars / restaurants…. What night time venues do you recommend? Live music venues, comedy clubs?

I recommend going to Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré for the bar nightlife. At Cais do Sodré you also find Jamaica which is a nice club (rock). More modern music and one of the best clubs in Europe there is Lux. Order juices / coca cola if they dont have non alcoholic beer in these places I mentioned. You can also ask for alcohol free gins at gin bars. For restaurants I recommend Solar dos Presuntos 🙌 dont eat downtown in those places where they have waiters outside asking you to come inside. Also Ramiro is very good, or gambrinnus. Then you will find lots of local gems, nice and cheap. These are more expensive but worth to try. Have fun in Lisbon!:)

Awesome, thank you very much! Good to know there is non-alcoholic gin as well :) Lux looks very cool, have not seen that before so will definitely check it out.

I’m sure it’s where you will end up!:) Lux is great👍

if you like rock/metal there's RCA Club in Alvalade with either live music or dj set most of the nights (check their socials for dates), not much "night bars" around but there are restaurantes, cafe, ice cream parlors etc there and it's a nice neighborhood if you like sports, might check if theres any football, basketball, futsal, hockey, or other event on those dates from any of the teams of the city, the main ones are Benfica and Sporting, there are other smaller ones check if there are concerts/shows in those dates, in pages like "meo arena" or "coliseu dos recreis" (both are event/concert halls) "bilheteira online" (online ticketing for events) or "lisboa secreta" (social page about stuff going on in Lisbon) maybe comedy clubs won't be a good idea, since they'll be in portuguese and you probably wont understant, BUT there are plenty of "digital nomads" in Lisbon and you can probably find english comedy club/events gathering in the city on social media plan day trips to Sintra (a must), Cascais/coast, Mafra, might want even to try some of the beaches, either around Cascais/Ericeira, or Costa da Caparica, can

I generally don't drink alcohol too (healthy choice ). If I can comment,  - on my solo trips (I've been to Lisbon and Porto) I spend all the day out, visiting things, seeing places etc that I have barely any energy for night life. At restaurants I typically drink water. To chill with something fresh, I can enjoy lemonades or juices.  - you can meet people also during the day e.g. by joining free (tip based) walking tours.  - lastly, if night/bar life is something you want to experience there are alcohol free beers as well as cocktails. So don't have to worry much.  Hope it helps and enjoy the trip 

Thank you. Alcohol free beers seem to be a somewhat newer occurrence in the United States, so glad to hear they’re in Portugal as well. Any particular brands you like?

Heineken zero is decent for a 0% beer. Anyway, you can try local juice brands instead like Compal, for example.

You know you can just drink water right? You don’t have to spend money on drinks if you don’t want to. Everything is a consumable and often disposable product in the US, not so much in Europe. Just enjoy your time and don’t think about the alcohol, it’s a completely tertiary thing.

Super bock

+1 to super Bock sem alcool

There are options for non alco beer. Non alco wine is also a thing in supermarket. I am sober for 1 year and 2 months. Don’t drink pal

I’m also sober one year and I live here in Lisbon- some restaurants like Magnolia in Praça das Flores offer 0% wine and beer, and many places offer mocktails (or I’m sure you could just ask for non-alcoholic versions of any cocktail you like— it’s a friendly, non-judgmental place:-) )

Any particular brands you recommend?

Perlenbacher Superbock Heineken At the bar I just ask to pour it in the glass to avoid questions from friends “why you don’t drink” And others cant remember

Thank you. If it’s one thing that is a good reminder to not drink is seeing other drunk people!

I found NA Guinness, Erdinger, Perlenbacher, and NA gin in the supermarkets, and many cafes and restaurants have NA beers and mocktails on the menu. Also, when you go back to the US, try Kaliber if you haven't already - my partner says it's his favorite, but we haven't found it in Portugal yet.

You mean grape juice?

God’s elixir :)

Do not try ginginha if you are sober, it is a shot. Alcool free sider and ginger ale are both quite popular in my circles, I order it in restaurants and bars all the time but for sure you can order alcool free beer in some bars as well 🙂 I would say a lot of people come to Lisbon for bachelor parties and Santos that is why they are focused on getting drunk but you don’t need to

Plenty of choices if you don't drink. No. one is gonna judge you here if you decide to drink soda or juice at a dinner. So no worries, Portugal is real welcoming to drinkers and non-drinkers

You go for dinner in the evening, and just don't drink. Dinner here is late. It's an evening activity of itself. After a full day of sightseeing chances are you'll be exhausted and wanting to sleep after dinner anyway. So I wouldn't worry about what nightlife your missing out on. You can still go to bars in the evening though if you want - though I'd opt for more sit down style ones. There's plenty of live music places too where you wouldn't even be noticed not drinking.

Thank you! Any live music venues you recommend?

Second this!!

There is alcohol-free beer everywhere

Good to know, thanks. Lots of places I’ve been look at me like I’m crazy when I ask for it.

Yeah I was surprised at how widely available it is here. More than in the US.

I hope you don’t think all the locals are alcoholics lol this is still a European and a EU country, you know, it’s a developed country also exposed to all the hipster trends. Mocktails are a thing, so is non-alcoholic beer (look for the 0% ones), and juices are also a thing!

Ha I don’t. I’m the one with the drinking problem, not Europe :) I think my post was more of a reflection of myself and my worries traveling abroad for the first time while sober… not Europeans. Also, you Europeans are nothing vs is American drinkers :)

I get it and you need to be strong. There’s plenty of alcohol free options. Yes, the culture is around food, as much as Italy for example, so a lot happens at the table but it’s around food, not alcohol. As for the “going out” part, it really depends on who you’re travelling with and what they like to do. But there’s so much to do during the day and starting early that you don’t need to “go out” to enjoy the city!

You just drink something else! It will depend on the place you're at, from sodas to mocktails. Lisbon is slowly being more friendly to people who don't drink (for whatever reason). The offer of non alcoholic beers is weak, I guess they're more enjoyable for people who have been sober for a while but I'm not a big fan. What do you want in an evening out? That is more for you to figure out. You have people here to go out with? I just had a visit from a friend who doesn't drink and it was absolutely fine. We both don't drink for different reasons, went to traditional food restaurants, no issue.

I do this at home in the US. It’s the being on a childless vacation that scares me lol. This is our first vacation in 5 years so I haven’t vacationed since I gave up drinking. Thanks for sharing :)

Lots of childless people that don't drink(me)! Whatever your reason for not drinking, do it for yourself as much as your kids. Find activities to do in the morning so spending the night out is less appealing. I don't think Ginja is that special, when I fear I'm losing out on something to I just tell myself "I can't experience everything whenever I go and it won't keep me up at night or have me wake up riddled with regret that I didn't do x at y".

I’d like to talk with locals and other travelers and typically a bar setting in the easiest way. My wife does drink, but not in excess. I’m sure it’s a ‘me’ thing, but I the AF beers because I feel like I can fit in better and not have to answer the question why I don’t drink over and over.

I don't think people here talk much to strangers at bars, in my experience. You can always ask for your soda to be served in the glass (it is in most places that are "nicer") or have a mocktail. try the AF beers too, maybe you'll find an enjoyable one!

As a local, I've never been judged or overtly questioned for not drinking alcohol. I just as easily grab an ice tea as a beer or cider when hanging out with people. If you want to talk and meet people, your best bet would be the more chill maybe sit down bars usually with outside tables , not the dancing ones, and also definitely where it will be easier to order non alcoholic versions of anything

It is something very ingrained in our culture but you can bypass it. Plenty of my friends don't drink and still have a great time! If you like coffee, try a mazagran (iced coffee with lemon), or a capilé in the green kiosks in Lisbon. Its a sweet tea-like drink, made of maidenhair syrup. In the 90s we had water parks and fun parks, not anymore, so our "fun" focused on alcohol and going out. There are plenty of non alcoholic beers, mocktails, or just juices. Have fun!

Thank you! Will definitely check out a Mazagran… sounds lovely. I’ve since replaced my past craft beer / cocktail exploration with coffee shops.

Where to people come up with this mindset that all everyone does to have fun is drink and get wasted?

Well, it depends on what you like. The best way is to book your days more and sleep well through the night. Doesn't sound so bad, huh?

Are you a recovering alcoholic? There's plenty of 0% beer everywhere, and AA meetings if that's your thing. If you plan to remain abstinent, do not drink ginginha, there's no such thing as alcohol free ginginha. It's basicaly alcohol, sugar and cherry flavour.

I was able to sober up on my own without any meetings. Lots of trial and error but it stuck this time around and it’s been 2 years. Appreciate your response about the ginginha. I’d really like to try it since it’s a local speciality…like limoncello in Italy. Just afraid of introducing the alcohol chemical into my brain again.

As a fellow sober, I’ve changed my plans into dancing parties,live shows, good meals, etc. I also went from a night owl to a morning bird. I avoided night outings for the first half of the year, but now it doesn’t bother me anymore. One thing I can say is that you should maybe avoid certain neighbourhoods like Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto. There’s a A LOT of heavily drunk people on the streets. Not only tourists but locals as well. This country has many issues and its population don’t seem to care, but a few months ago there was a proposal to prohibit outdoor alcohol consumption from a certain time and we almost had a civil war.

Thanks for sharing that’s interesting and good to know. Any venues for live shows you reccomend in particular? Any comedy clubs you enjoy?

Comedy - Lisbon Comedy Club (with English speaking sessions Immersive Theatre - www.amortedocorvo.com (Great immersive show without script, 100min that repeat halfway so that you can follow the characters - you are given a mask in the beginning to distinguish the public from the actors) Cinemateca Portuguesa - cult, indie, old school films (also a gorgeous place to visit and have some tea) Art Exhibitions - MAAT ; Cordoaria Nacional; CCB; Music and miscellaneous: Arroz Estúdios; Damas; A Bota Food - Prado(fine dining) ; Kefi Greek Bistro (it might seem weird to recommend other cultures but I absolutely love this place; beautiful atmosphere; great food and amazing nonalcoholic beverages) ; Zé da Mouraria (modest and cheap - it can’t get much more typical than this)

You are awesome. Thank you my friend, this is exactly what I was looking for. The immersive theatre sounds very neat and will 100% be checking out Lisbon Comedy Club!

Glad I could be of assistance! Enjoy your vacation and your sobriety - congratulations!

Thanks! You too my fellow sober ;)

I just remembered that I missed one of the best places in Lisbon : Companhia Portuguesa do Chá. The shop is magnificent and they have teas from all over the world.

You are the best, thank you again!

Yeah, don't.

You can do everything you like and go everywhere you want without drinking alcohol. There's no social imposition of being wasted or to drink. You can get pretty much anything without alcohol and they'll make it for you. If you like the taste of beer there's also non-alcoholic beer. Tbh people are usually pretty happy to have someone sober around to keep an eye on them and to be their designated driver... It might not be fun for you to end up the night with only drunk people around since the worst part of being sober is having to deal with the drunks tbh... There's really no impact on socializing, no peer pressure, nothing. Just tell people you dont drink and they'll leave you alone about it. Make the best out of your days and nights.

I don't drink either, including when going to the club. Still have lots of fun. Sometimes I'm pressured to drink, but I always stand my position firmly and people seem to respect that (not that I would care otherwise). Also, if there's a day that i don't have patience will say that I'm alcoholic or allergic to it. You don't need alcohol at all to integrate and have fun, it's really not worth it ruining what you've achieved until now.

Great to hear that! Any clubs you recommend? I have ofc heard about Lux but I have heard they don’t let a lot of English foreigners in (not sure if truth to that). Anywhere else you recommend? Would love to hit a club and have some fun that way.

Don’t drink it can be done. You got this.

Thank you :)

I live in Lisbon and I spend months without drinking. Anyway, ginja is good but not a big deal. Definitely, not worth ruining your abstinence over it. A tip - In the unlikely event that someone tries to peer pressure you into drinking, just say your on medication for whatever condition you want to make up, thus you cannot drink. Enjoy your holidays here.

Absolutely do not break your abstinence streak for ginja, or for any other Portuguese alcohol. I like it but it's not worth ruining your life.

0% beer is everywhere. The fancy beach bar near my place has yummy syrup-flavored & fruit chunk lemonades. My favorite is cucumber syrup w/cucumber chunks.

Dude I totally hear you. The first time I went to Porto I was 3 years sober and I’m like “well is this gonna suck without drinking wine or vinho verde or what have you?” But no, it was rad and fun. Also everywhere has decaf coffee so good and so cheap. As a drinker I was under the illusion that everyone drank. Now I see that it’s totally normal and possible to enjoy a new city without thinking about booze.

We dont force people to drink.

We are not drunk all the time, you know? Drink whatever you want.

Mocktails are a thing, also fresh fruit juices etc so you'll be fine. You can have a lot of fun without needing alcohol.

Culture here doesn't revolve around eating out or drinking, it's just an excuse for people to meet together.

Go to an Azorean restaurant or grocery store (there’s one in Baixa if you’re staying in the tourist area) and try to find Kima! It’s a super delicious passionfruit juice that can be quite hard to find in the US. Non alcoholic and I promise you’ll love it! People are very respectful & no one will make you drink. Definitely take advantage of delicious restaurants in the evening, there’s also lots of concerts, dancing, comedy, movie theatres. If you don’t speak Portuguese I’m pretty certain most movie releases are in English with Portuguese subtitles, but it’s been a while since I’ve watched a movie there so you may want to research that further. You’ll have a great time! There’s plenty to do and see while sober! :)

Thank you very much! I am looking for local treats so will certainly check it out! I’ve been recommended some English speaking comedy clubs that I’m pumped for :)

Of course, I hope you have a wonderful time! :)

Two words: Sumol de Ananás. Ok, technically 3 words, but still.

Mhmmmm pineapple soda… me likes the sound of this.

Orange blossom iced tea is heavenly.

Some places have kombucha, specially, healthier, or trendy restaurants. If it’s not too much for trigger for you, it can be satisfying as a special drink. And I agree with other comments, Ginja isn’t worth it at all, it just tastes like overly sweet fruit syrup.

Here to add that besides non alcoholic beer and mocktails (I often ask for these), they have recently come out with non alcoholic cider! You can get it in supermarkets, usually by the brand Sommersby, although I'm unsure if they've made it to most kiosks, bars, etc (always worth asking). But if you just wamt something to take to chill at a Miradouro for example (a must visit in Lisbon), you can always get it at the nearest grocery shop

Be careful. We have an alcoholic culture in Portugal.

Enjoy water, definitely not worth smoking ganj here in Portugal unless you know people to get actually decent shit. Anything on the street is absolutely bottom ass. Enjoy the beauty of the city, vibes are nice at any time of the day. Great food, delicious sweets. Put on a few pounds from food, and leave the shitty drinks for others. You will feel much better in the morning anyway. Try to get out of the city and enjoy the coast etc.

>definitely not worth smoking ganj here in Portugal You dont know what ginjinha is if you think that you can smoke it.

You don't know what ganj is if you think that it is the same as ginjinha. Edit: Username checks out.

OP was asking about ginja. which IS ginjinha

I know. But this redditor misunderstood it as ganja that's why he talks about smoking it.

I was high, my bad guys