Since the 1990s Lisbon (Lisboa) became one of the new hot-spots for travellers in Europe. Vivid, small and steep historical streets, modernised areas, extensive nightlife till early morning, a fresh breeze from the sea even in hot summers make Lisbon a pleasant place for relaxing, sight-seeing and going out all altogether.

Lisbon's gay scene also became very European. While some of the gay clubs and bars in the Príncipe Real area still remind a bit of the years of hiding behind doors with bells, the old Bairro Alto district has a very visible gay life at night. In Bairro Alto it is pleasantly difficult to say which bar, cafe, restaurant and club is gay or gay-friendly or hetero-friendly or whatever.