Bar
Clube de Fado
Founded in 1995 by guitarist Mário Pacheco beside the cathedral, Clube de Fado serves a set Portuguese dinner with live fado every night.
Pavilhão Chinês
A bar opened in 1986 on Rua Dom Pedro V, its walls lined floor to ceiling with glass cabinets of toy soldiers, model planes, figurines and curiosities.
At a glance
- Type
- Collector's cocktail bar
- Area
- Príncipe Real, Lisbon, Portugal
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
Good to know
- Historic interior
- Cocktails
- Sandwiches
Why we recommend it
Pavilhão Chinês is one of the most memorable bars in Lisbon. It opened in 1986 on Rua Dom Pedro V, the street linking Bairro Alto with Príncipe Real, and it was designed by Luís Pinto Coelho, who had created several other characterful bars in the city. The space keeps the memory of a business that occupied the premises from 1901, and the name, the Chinese Pavilion, recalls that earlier history.
What makes it unique is the decoration. The walls and ceilings of a series of interconnected rooms are lined with glass-fronted cabinets packed with thousands of objects: military figures and toy soldiers, model aeroplanes hanging from the ceilings, porcelain figurines, posters, helmets and curiosities of all kinds, including a bust of Fernando Pessoa. Lojas com História, the city's programme for historic shops, compares it to a cabinet of curiosities, and it is easy to spend a long time simply looking around.
The bar serves cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks and juices, as well as sandwiches. The drinks list is long, and the cocktails are the classic order, served at small tables among the collections. The atmosphere is calm enough for conversation. Prices are a little higher than in the street bars of Bairro Alto, which reflects the setting.
The bar is open every day from 18:00 until late, so it works well for an early-evening drink before dinner or a quieter alternative to the crowds further down the hill. It suits couples and small groups who want to talk, rather than those looking for loud music or dancing. Arrive early in the evening at weekends to find a table, as the rooms fill up later. Many visitors want to photograph the collections, so be considerate of other guests and ask staff if in doubt.
Pavilhão Chinês is a short walk from the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint and the Príncipe Real garden. The restaurant Faz Frio is a few doors along the same street, and Bairro Alto's bars are just downhill. The nearest metro station is Rato on the yellow line, about ten minutes' walk away, or Restauradores, from which the climb is steeper.
Pavilhão Chinês FAQs
When did Pavilhão Chinês open?
In 1986, in a space with a history going back to 1901.
What is special about the bar?
Its rooms are lined with cabinets holding thousands of collected objects, from toy soldiers to model planes.
What does it serve?
Cocktails, spirits, beer, wine, soft drinks, juices and sandwiches.
When is it open?
Every day from 18:00 until late.
Is it good for groups?
It suits couples and small groups who want to talk. Arrive early at weekends for a table.
Where is Pavilhão Chinês?
At Rua Dom Pedro V 89, between Bairro Alto and Príncipe Real.
Who designed the bar?
Luís Pinto Coelho.