Celebrating New Years in Lisbon

A big part of studying in a foreign country is embracing its culture and getting used to a brand new set of customs. If you have made the decision to study for your degree in Lisbon or are perhaps planning to do so next year, then there is a strong chance you will end up spending one of the biggest party nights of the year there, New Year’s Eve.

If many of your new university friends decide to do the same, the chances are you will be on the lookout for the best parts of the city to spend New Years and just why they are the prudent choices. In our latest student advice piece here at Collegiate, we examine the best places to go in Lisbon for New Year’s Eve as well as some cool ideas for a party with a difference.

How to do Lisbon on New Year’s eve!

Whether you like to call it Le Réveillon, São Silvestre or Passagem de Ano; New Year is a pretty big deal in Portugal’s capital. With the nation’s culture being as diverse and varied as it is, there are understandably quite a few different ways to celebrate the evening ranging from a lengthy and luxurious dinner all the way to dancing the night away in one of the city’s many clubs or bars.

Classic New Year’s celebrations

Belém is probably where you should be heading if the latter is how you like to see the New Year’s Eve in. You will quite often hear us talking about this part of the city here at Collegiate, not least due to its history and heritage but this is also the place to be should you enjoy typical festivities such as live music and fireworks.

You won’t find many prominent European cities laying on a New Year’s Eve party without fireworks and Lisbon’s best display can be found at Praça do Comércio. You will have no trouble finding this part of the city, as it is the capital’s main city and by New Year’s Eve you should be well settled. Entry is free, and you can look forward to fantastic live music from around 10pm, giving you plenty of time to enjoy a great meal before you head out for some revelry.

You can then look forward to the big countdown and enjoy some classic Portuguese espumante. Just remember to take some plastic cups and prepare to make your way to the most vibrant part of the city, the ever popular Bairro Alto.

Book a private party

If you’re not really one for partying with the masses, then thankfully there are many stylish and sophisticated bars across the city offering private, more intimate shindigs. There are back tie parties, elegant dinners, classic Portuguese themes soirees and plenty more to choose from and you will be able to find out which suits you best by taking a good look around at TripAdvisor. These are the best of the best Lisbon New Year’s Eve parties from 2018 and are bound to be laying on something very similar at the end of the year.

Stylish student accommodation in Lisbon

Should you be studying in Portugal’s great capital and are currently looking for high end student accommodation, then be sure to take a look at our great selection of residences whilst you’re here. All our properties come with all the mod cons a modern student needs as well as unrivalled security, so why not have a look at what we offer?

You can view our Lisbon properties here or even speak to a member of our friendly team by calling +351 213 500 070.