Quick take
- Ginjinha is Lisbon’s tiny ritual: a small glass, a quick pause, a sweet hit.
- Order it with or without the cherries (both are classic).
- Treat ginjinha as a ‘moment’ between walking and dinner — not the whole plan.
- Baixa/Chiado is the easiest area for a first ginjinha stop.
- Pair it with dessert and a short evening walk for the perfect vibe.
- If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s an easy shared tradition to start.
How we update this guide
We try to keep advice here timeless (neighborhood logic, routes, pacing) and call out details that can change quickly (opening hours, transit patterns, prices, seasonal events). If something important changes, we want to hear it.
- Site-wide review date: 2025-12-31
- If you spot an error: send the page URL + what changed + the date you observed it.
- For anything time-sensitive, verify official sources close to travel time.
What is ginjinha?
Ginjinha (often shortened to ginja) is a Portuguese cherry liqueur that’s deeply tied to Lisbon’s drinking culture. It’s usually served in a small glass — sweet, warming, and quick.
It’s not meant to be complicated. Think of it like Lisbon’s version of an espresso stop: small, fast, and strangely memorable.
How to order ginjinha (simple and correct)
Ordering ginjinha is wonderfully low-pressure. You’re basically choosing one thing: cherries or no cherries. Everything else is detail.
- With cherries: slightly more ‘traditional bar’ vibe, with fruit in the glass.
- Without cherries: cleaner and a little lighter.
- Sip slowly — it’s small, but it can be stronger than it looks.
A perfect ginjinha night (tiny ritual, big memory)
Here’s the best way to do it: choose one neighborhood loop, stop for ginjinha, then finish with dinner or dessert. Keep the walking short and the mood slow.
- Baixa/Chiado walk → ginjinha stop → dessert → short viewpoint moment.
When ginjinha fits best in your trip
Ginjinha is perfect on nights when you want something memorable but not heavy. It’s also a great ‘reset’ after a day trip or a long walking day — a small reward that doesn’t require energy.
- Best nights: after a sunset walk, before a relaxed dinner.
- Skip it if: you’re already tired and just want to go home — keep nights easy.