The Discreet Gentleman
The Old Pharmacy
Lounge

The Old Pharmacy

4.5
(913 reviews)
Bairro Alto, Lisbon

The Old Pharmacy is a Bairro Alto wine bar set in a building that historically housed a pharmacy, with the original pharmacy fixtures preserved alongside contemporary bar service. The setup runs casual wine bar format with the pharmacy theme providing the distinctive visual identity.

Where to stay near The Old Pharmacy

Hotels and rentals within walking distance.

What to Expect

A wine bar in a preserved pharmacy building with Portuguese focus and historical atmosphere.

Atmosphere

Wine bar in preserved pharmacy with historical atmosphere and Portuguese wine focus.

Music

Jazz, lounge, fado kept low

Dress Code

Smart casual

Best For

Wine enthusiasts, history-focused visitors, and travelers seeking quieter Bairro Alto alternatives.

Payment

Cards, cash (EUR)

Price Range

Wine by glass 5-10 EUR, cocktails 8-13 EUR, small plates 6-12 EUR

Wine ~$5-11/~5-11 USD, cocktails ~$9-14/~9-14 USD

Hours

Daily 5 PM to 2 AM

Insider Tip

The preserved pharmacy fixtures are worth seeing on their own. The wine list focuses on Portuguese selections; ask staff for recommendations.

Full Review

The Old Pharmacy occupies a building in Bairro Alto that historically housed a pharmacy, with the original pharmacy fixtures (wooden shelving, glass jars, period signage, antique pharmacy equipment) preserved as part of the bar's decor. The contemporary bar operation runs around the historical fixtures rather than removing them.

The wine program focuses on Portuguese selections, with depth in Douro, Alentejo, Dão, and Vinho Verde producers. The list runs deeper than most casual Bairro Alto venues, with proper pours at 5-10 EUR per glass for standard selections and premium options available. Cocktails at 8-13 EUR, small plates at 6-12 EUR.

The atmosphere stays calm and conversation-focused throughout the evening. Music plays at low volume with jazz, lounge, and occasional fado dominating. The crowd is heavily wine enthusiasts, history-focused visitors, and the older traveler demographic seeking a quieter Bairro Alto venue.

The Neighborhood

Bairro Alto is Lisbon's traditional nightlife district, a hillside grid of narrow cobbled streets that fills with people pouring drinks onto the pavement after 10 PM. The mix runs from preserved fado houses to contemporary cocktail bars across the small streets. The Old Pharmacy sits in Bairro Alto in a preserved historic building.

Getting There

Metro Blue line to Baixa-Chiado, then the Elevador da Glória funicular to the top. Walking from Cais do Sodré takes 10 minutes uphill. Uber from anywhere central takes 5-15 minutes at 5-10 EUR.

Address

Rua do Diario de Noticias 73, 1200-141 Lisboa

Get directions

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