Concert halls Portugal

Where to classify this global and alternative space which offers one of the most beautiful views of Lisbon and the Tagus? In the shows? Yes, because there are animations regularly. The place has been built around a circus school (and performing arts in general) with a social vocation for almost 40 years. In Chapitô, it is often possible to see the students in training or in performance (many evenings, on the terrace, they present their performances by wearing hats). The Chapitô is also a bar (Bartô), on the site of an old wash-house.

Opposite the Cidadela, here's a beautiful space with a pinkish façade that presents temporary exhibitions in its gallery, as well as a number of cultural events and shows (concerts and others). Housed in the former convent of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, it was renovated by architect Jorge Silva. It is part of the "bairro dos museus" network, along with other sites such as the citadel and the citadel palace. Take advantage of its cafeteria and terrace.

Unmistakable so much it dresses the Rossio Square in a beautiful way by proudly standing at the end. This theatre, built in 1842, is one of Portugal's national theatres and offers original and sometimes even quite unpredictable shows. You should also know that this institution collaborates with street artists such as Vhils who has made 4 portraits of famous actresses on the top floor of the theatre. By asking nicely, you can visit a few venues before the shows.

Near Santo Estêvão (Alfama), a small and discreet baba cool bistro, a few tables where one strums the guitar and sings like at home in a very friendly atmosphere. Bohemian and relaxed atmosphere (depending on the time of the day, one passes, in person, behind the bar to serve oneself) for young and cosmopolitan clientele under the good hospices of Mané, multidisciplinary Brazilian artist, the soul of the place. As for the musical background: a few regular musicians provide entertainment until the end of the night, but anything can happen in this "smallest cultural center in town".

To listen to the heartbreaking fado, the funny fado, the sad fado: one of the great survivors of the 1950s. The establishment is run by the fadista Argentina Santos, if you're really lucky, she might give up her stoves for a few minutes to push a lament within a line up of local fadists. The fado is excellent, the cooking(arroz de peixe, cabrito assado) much less and the bill a bit abused. Intimate atmosphere. We'll tell you about it but it will certainly not be your first choice...

This small auditorium in the historic centre of Lisbon, in the heart of Chiado, offers the opportunity to listen to artists. On the walls of this performance hall are images of Lisbon that present unique places in the city where Fado was born before it became the symbol of an entire country. If you don't want to choose the different dinner shows on offer, this is definitely the place to go. A good start to the evening to taste the passion of this song and soak up the Portuguese soul before going to dinner at Bairro Alto, a stone's throw away.

Sponsored and run by one of Portugal's leading banks, the Caixa Geral dos Depósitos, this modern space hosts exhibitions, performances (dance and theatre) and concerts in well-sounding auditoriums. Its architecture is impressive, facing one of the oldest libraries in Lisbon. The watchword is generally contemporary creation. It is also one of the screening places during Lisbon film festivals. An atypical experimental programming to be closely monitored.

Every evening we sing the Fado and Coimbra Fado. It is the oldest of the most recently renovated Fado houses in Coimbra. This can be seen at the walls of temporary exhibitions. Complicit clients. The regulars arrive around 22 h, do the same. You eat petiscos, or you can eat a bigger meal there. Attention also to the neighborhood, which is a little desert late in the evening.

On the second floor of the Shopping, a large shopping center next to the train station. This Cineplex shows the latest movies in their original version. So you will have to understand English or Portuguese. Anyway, going to the cinema is always a good time and an interesting experience for people who are not used to watching movies in their native language. The reception is friendly, the rooms are spacious and the seats are comfortable. There is popcorn. In winter, the rooms are sometimes a little chilly. Have a good session!

Another of these cultural centers in Braga managed by volunteers. During the day, workshops on different subjects, including particularly interesting courses on photography. There are also activities for children. Velha-a-Branca is also a bar, disco and concert hall when events are organized. Rather alternative public, and good music. For an original moment that mixes brilliantly culture and music. Warm and welcoming atmosphere. Easy discussion. It's interesting to go there.

This restaurant is located in an old palace: the Duque de Lafões Palace, a building that has three centuries of history and opens its doors for the first time. During the day, it looks more like a classic restaurant, but in the evening, it transforms into a meal in the middle of a live theater performance. An artistic experience for all audiences where food for the mind and body are mixed. Take the opportunity to stroll through the different rooms of the palace and its garden. After all, it's not every day you get to eat in a palace!

A reference in fado, everyone knows this establishment with its traditional and elegant setting. For those who only want to hear the best of the best, the lair of the famous Maria da Fé has been faithful to the post since 1975. The singers are excellent: Ana Moura or Camané performed in this place very appreciated by the Portuguese gotha, that is to say! By taking care of your clothes, you are sure to spend a good evening enjoying traditional cuisine:goat in the oven, cataplanas, arroz de mariscos...

Launched in 1994 by a young Barcelona native, Natxo Checa, who left his country to escape military service, the stirring collective Zé Dê Bê has taken over an entire building including: an exhibition gallery for contemporary artists in residencies and a small concert and performance hall. On weekends, there is always something interesting going on. Drinks at the bar are cheap, and there is even a small outdoor patio with a beautiful terrace, very pleasant to chat on. Consult the alternative program...

Association created in 1992 for Brazilians living in Lisbon and lovers of Brazil, helping newcomers to settle in Portugal, especially with visa problems. It offers many activities during the week and at weekends. The lounge sometimes comes alive on weekends with live music (from 10pm to 2am), a good way to meet the brasileira community of the capital, a caipirinha legítima (authentic) or a cerveja in hand. The house also organizes dance classes: samba, forró and axé.

A Severa (Maria Severa Onofriana, bohemian courtesan murdered in 1846, at the age of 26) was the first great Portuguese fadist, today other names pay homage to her ao vivo: Linda Santos, Elsa Coimbra, Natalino de Jesus or João Queiros, answer the call punctuated by folkloric interludes. For its traditional Portuguese cuisine(lulas recheadas, cabrito assado), count at least 35 € per person, which is not very excessive for a fado house that we are told has become a tourist trap!

It quickly became an institution of the capital's nightlife, and can host a DJ and VJ session (multimedia), a rock concert or an experimental jazz performance. This modern concert hall, of which Alex Cortez (bassist of the Rádio Macau group) is co-manager, also offers film cycles and audiovisual workshops. On weekends, the place fills up around 2am for evenings that can last until the early morning. Admission is charged and the price varies depending on who mixes/plays. There may be a line at the entrance.

A small family place next to the Largo de São Cristóvão, at the bottom of Rua Das Gerais. Quite authentic!

The typical place has the added value of its unlikely parade of singers and singers, local figures high in colour. The Fado is picturesque! A good kitchen and some bottles allow you to spend a good time in good company in a truly pure juice frame.

More known as Teatro da Cornucópia (Licorne theatre), it is a highly acclaimed research theatre.

If you are allergic to the Internet, you can go to the oldest ticket sales agency: ABEP. In the city centre, you will find its kiosk at the end of Restauradores Square, opposite the Eden Theatre. The staff is accessible and friendly. It has lots of seats in certain categories, but it is often more greedy on commissions than any other sales outlet. Also present at the Centro Comercial de Alvalade (Loja 43).

This charming 18th century opera house has seen the greatest voices of the century pass through and still houses beautiful productions (lyrical and symphonic). We go there to listen to classical music concerts mainly or opera. All the season's programming is online. From late June to late July, don't miss the Festival Ao Largo (part of the city's celebrations), with many quality concerts (and free admission) in the unique setting of its magnificent square....

This theater, a small jewel of the late 19th century, hosts plays by Portuguese and foreign troupes, but also café-theater shows (later) and even music. It is one of the oldest theaters in the city, inaugurated in November 1867! Restored some time ago, its decoration is elegant and its attendance cosmopolitan. It is linked to the Inatel Foundation. You will find a nice café in the basement. All the program is available on the website and you can book online.

Formerly the Jules-Verne theatre (it changed its name at the end of the World Fair), it is a beautiful concrete and glass building on the waterfront with 1,000 seats. Here, ballet and contemporary dance lovers will be delighted with shows that take place here on a regular basis. The Camões Theatre is home to the vibrant Companhia Nacional de Bailado. Usually in September (or several times during the year), the theatre opens its doors free of charge to the public with artistic activities. Registration is required.

This huge blockhouse of cut stones, in contrast to the Jerónimos' lace, is a world of its own. The CCB (for intimates) is a bit of an art and culture sanctuary where, from corridors to sloping planes, you can discover yourself: auditoriums, exhibition halls, shops, cafeteria, terrace, restaurant and bar. There are also excellent shows, recitals, plays and concerts, ballets (modern and classical) and well thought-out temporary exhibitions.

Inaugurated in 1890 in the heart of Lisbon, this unique multi-purpose venue hosts operas, concerts, circuses and performances of all kinds. The iron structure extends over four circular floors with pit and balconies, and on the top floor is the galeria de pé to see standing concerts at the most economical price. Major Portuguese artists, such as Madredeus, have recorded their live albums here, as have international heavyweights (Caetano Veloso, Paco de Lucia, Kraftwerk, David Byrne...). A space with fairly good acoustics.

For the huge sporting events, big concerts of international pop stars, rock, variety, Brazilian and Portuguese music, apart from the Alvalade stadium (for mega concerts!) it is mainly the Altice Arena (ex Pavilhao Atlântico and ex Meo Arena) and its shell of gigantic crustaceans on an inclined plane (slightly acoustic) that welcomes the spectators. It has also become the emblem of the web summit in recent years. We just hope it doesn't change its name again until our next edition....

It is the most used system in Portugal to sell tickets for concerts, events, shows... It is therefore very likely that you will have to use it if you want to buy a ticket for a festival for example and you do it in advance. The site works from France without any worries so you can buy your ticket from home before your stay. The ticket is then sent to you by email and you just have to print it out. Ticket Line publishes a magazine, a sort of monthly catalogue of the shows in attendance.

Since it was taken over by the hyperactive director Filipe la Féria in the 1990s, opposite the Coliseu dos Recreios, this theater built in 1913, especially for operetta shows, has been very successful thanks to musicals for the general public(My Fair Lady, Amália, Piaf...). It also regularly offers shows for children during the day. So don't be surprised to see a crowd of toddlers queuing up. Musicals remain on the bill for a long time, as was the case with the Snow Queen(A rainha da neve) in 2020.

The Portuguese equestrian art school is as respected as those of Saumur, the Royal Andalusian School of Jerez or the Spanish School of Vienna. Lusitano horses are small and fine, with distant Arab origins, renowned for their use in tourada. In particular, they are used for the Chantilly equestrian show. In the picturesque setting of the Queluz Palace (before a possible trip to the Carrosses Museum), a delight in perspective for lovers.

Conquered by tourada? This agency organises travel in all places of worship in the country to assist Portuguese touradas and even in Spain to see bullfighting. Possibility of free lessons with a mannequin mounted by bicycle. The largest have started so…

Lisbon's intellectual, art and avant-garde cinema. There are cycles by great filmmakers or with themes (such as Asian cinema). It sometimes changes its life to host dance, theatre or music performances. Since the beginning of 2010 and thanks to very good acoustics, the hall led by Zé Maria Branco, son of the producer Paulo Branco, promises us a good programming on the fringe. If you want to go to the movies without seeing blockbusters, this is one of the best places to go.

Close to Marquês Pombal Square, the varied and interesting program of films in their original version is a mix of national and international, old and new, classic and avant-garde. A small handful of theaters (including two main ones), a well-stocked bookshop, a fine library and a small museum for film buffs, plus a bar-restaurant (open like the bookshop from Monday to Saturday, 12.30 to 00.30) with terrace on the upper floor. In the Salão Foz at Palácio da Foz, the Cinemateca Júnior awaits budding cinephiles.

Dedicated to all types of theatres (including children's) but also to music. This space, both a place for exchange and training, also develops a good calendar of conferences and debates. A place that will make you discover various theatrical universes, offering more or less nice surprises. You will find the programme on the spot and will also have the opportunity to discuss with artists if they are present to inform you. Interesting.

The KARNART CPOAA is a non-profit association. It aims to create, from different artistic fields, objects of great aesthetic dimension and with a strong interventionist impact, either from an anthropological or sociological point of view. It also raises questions about environmental and ecological issues that are becoming increasingly urgent. A place dedicated to alternative arts which, finally, is in tune with the times that are coming. Take a tour there to open your mind.

The old Roma cinema, which has become a showroom under renovation since early 2010.

Towards Portela de Sintra (not far from the cultural centre) in Bairro Flores, the Casa Verger is a rather secluded space of 750 m ² with its origins in São Paulo, Brazil. At the same time art gallery, a small museum of indigenous art, sculpture workshop and café-concert concert celebrations, it also serves, incidentally, the correct Brazilian cuisine. It will be wise to find out about the scheduled evenings and the possibility to get a cocktail at the end of the evening.

Created in 2004, this non-profit but more welfare-oriented cultural cooperative was once housed in a beautifully decorated old building, rua das Portas de Santo Antão. Then she was itinerant and organized musical evenings (traditional, urban or electronic music, jazz...), exhibitions, film screenings and workshops. Since 2015, it has had a new venue in Intendente where concerts are held almost every weekend. Very relaxed atmosphere, the place can look a little like a squat.

This small family and popular tavern with brick and azulejos walls and artists' photos, presents unforgettable fado vadio speakers, spontaneously on the fly: young first, old briscards and great ladies... Accompanied by a veteran guitarist. In addition to a few draught beers and wine to accompany the fado, some petiscos and daily specials. Be careful the tables of this casa portuguesa are reserved for those who intend to snack, in short, we sit down if we eat, otherwise we stay at the counter and it's just as well!

Easy to spot with its large doors decorated with street art frescoes that change every year, it is located in one of the "quiet" streets of Bairro Alto. Inaugurated in the former printing house of the newspaper Diário Popular, it favours different artistic expressions: theatre, dance, cinema... Good point also for music since some evenings are programmed by serious and historical actors of the capital: Mesa de Frades (fado), B.Leza (Cape Verdean and African sound), Hote Clube Portugal (jazz) but also DJ sets.

Created in 1998 to bring Portugal and Latin American countries closer together, in its yellow house, below the Museum of Ancient Art, it hosts many activities and initiatives, in collaboration with the various diplomatic and consular missions and the assistance of associates and partners. Its agenda is very varied: shows (music, theatre, dance...), artistic exhibitions, conferences, book presentations, documentaries or film screenings. Note that most of the events are more for Portuguese-speakers.

For lovers of dark music, Gothic or metal (all dark, heavy or speed trends), cross the Tagus River by ferry to Cacilhas is advised to discover on the docks close to the pier this bar for fanatics, changing name (ex-Man's Ruin Bar or Culto Bar), and ensuring a very high level of music programming and transpiration rates.

The Casa da Mariquinhas is one of the oldest fado houses in the city, which has seen the biggest names of the genre. Born in 1968, it reopened in 2011. You will find it in front of the Arco de Santana, at the foot of the cathedral. Fado singers declaim their lyrics accompanied by a group of musicians, without a microphone, in an intimate setting that transports us. It's nice to have a drink there, and to eat some good food as well. You will spend a beautiful evening, accompanied by all the charm of the Portuguese tradition.

An almost secret place, held by a collective of artists, cultural association wishing to promote: teatro, música, cinema. Inside, a few stools and chairs to have a drink while listening to musicians, a program, notably, eclectic music ranging from Brazilian music (samba) to electro jazz. Intimate and bohemian atmosphere, on monday the entrance is free, music lovers and small compositions will be delighted.

A theatre that concentrates its programming on contemporary creation, with dance, theatre and music shows..... Since 2006, the Maria Matos Theatre has been a municipal space, which defends contemporary performance, artists and companies that do not have a place of residence, after major renovations. Inside you can enjoy a coffee, a lounge area on the first floor with bay windows, a pleasant place to philosophize and debate after a show. A program that gives an idea of contemporary Portuguese creation.

A restaurant that serves typical Portuguese cuisine, Malcozinhado is above all a place where you can listen to fado. The address has existed for several centuries and has seen the poet Luís Vaz de Camões (more than 600 years ago!), but especially the talented fado singer Amalia Rodrigues (1920-1999). To see a fado show in an intimate atmosphere, this is the place to come, in this place located two meters above the Douro. Good food, smiling staff. For those who want to live a traditional experience.

At a time when planes didn't fly non-stop from New York to Europe, Lisbon was an obligatory stopover for touring jazzmen, and the Hot Clube the must-see! Here, next door to the historic club that burned down in 2009, you can expect to see Count Basie or Dexter Gordon, once programmed by the club. When the weather's fine, a small garden lets you enjoy a live concert or recover from the emotion of hearing THE cymbal crash! Watch out for our unrivalled program online.

In addition to culinary specialties, Alentejana and cod are used to minhota. The gecko is no less authentic and emotion at its height, especially that here, in general, everyone sings from the doorman to the server passing through the clients. Often very lively, since 1935! Sim, senhor! However, we are told that the address has lost a bit of its stamp lately…

Located in the city centre, this glass mezzanine club offers an interesting agenda of jazz, blues and other evenings. This is the visible part of the Jam Session Associação Cultural association (non-profit), so you must become a member of the association to be able to enjoy the concerts. However, the entrance fee is not very expensive. There are 2 or 3 sessions per evening. The atmosphere is intimate and warm. On the other hand, it is an association and there is no real bar strictly speaking, so the choice of drinks is a little limited.

Nestled near the castle, this quality theatre develops "open" programmes, while remaining demanding. If you go there after rehearsal hours, you can enjoy its café (Café da Graragem), a setting full of antiques and kitscheries, which has one of the most beautiful views of the city of Lisbon. It is often better known for its coffee with tourists and that is a bit of a pity. To see to believe it!