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A Ginjinha (Ginjinha Espinheira)

8.4Friend Score / 10

#1 of 10 Bars & Nightlife in Lisbon

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A one-shot standing bar pouring sour-cherry liqueur since 1840. Yes, a friend sends you here — order a €1.50 shot com elas (with a boozy cherry), knock it back on the square, done in three minutes. It's touristy and cash-only, but it's the real, unchanged thing.

Key facts

Hours
Daily 09:00–22:00
Price$
Phone
Website
Nearest transitRossio (Green Line) or Martim Moniz; walkable from Baixa
Time needed5-10 minutes
Best time to goLate morning or early evening, before the after-dark crowd fills Largo de São Domingos
Last verifiedJuly 12, 2026

Friend Score

8.4/10
  • Value8.5
  • iconic7.0
  • Freshness9.1
  • Crowd level5.5
  • Authenticity9.0
  • Accessibility9.0
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Frequently asked questions

What are the hours?
Open daily, roughly 9:00 to 22:00. It's a walk-up window, so there's no reservation and no closing-for-lunch gap.
Is the area around it safe?
Largo de São Domingos is busy and generally fine by day, but it draws crowds and the odd pickpocket, so keep your bag zipped and phone away. Nothing alarming, just normal big-square awareness.
Are there other ginjinha bars nearby?
Yes, there's a second historic spot (Ginjinha Sem Rival) just up the street on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão. If Espinheira is mobbed, the walk-and-compare is part of the fun.
How much does a shot cost?
About €1.50 for a standard shot in 2026. It's one of the cheapest genuine experiences in central Lisbon, so don't overthink it.
Can I buy a bottle to take home?
Yes, they sell bottles at the same window, which makes a solid cheap souvenir. Ask for a sealed bottle rather than the open serving stuff.
Is it worth it or just a tourist trap?
It's touristy but not a trap, it genuinely dates to 1840 and locals still stop by. The trick is treating it as a 3-minute ritual, not a night out, and moving on.
Do they take cards?
No, it's cash only, so bring coins or small notes. There's no seating and no tab, you pay at the little window as you order.
What is ginjinha and what do I order?
It's a sweet-sour liqueur made by steeping sour cherries (ginja) in aguardente with sugar. Just say 'uma ginjinha, com elas' for a shot with a cherry in the bottom, or 'sem elas' without. You suck the boozy cherry at the end.

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