Fun and entertainment Lisbon

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.

Founded in 1904, its huge stadium (inaugurated before Euro 2003) can accommodate up to 65,000 seated spectators. The seats are red (reference to the club's colour). Everyone who is interested in football knows of course the Benfica football club. Together with FC Barcelona, it is one of the clubs in the world with the most sócios (subscribers): more than 200,000. The club's Facebook page has no less than 2.5 million fans! The stadium can be visited every day but at fixed times.

Want to take a coffee break during your shopping trip? Why not kill two birds with one stone by going to The Feeting Room, where the So Coffee Roasters corner is located. A few tables are set up in the store so you can sit down too. In the heart of Chiado, you can enjoy an excellent espresso or coffee made with a gentle method. The coffee used is its own coffee since it is also roasted. So, if you like the coffee, you can buy a package to take it home.

Previously it was a decoration store. Today the Marquise has expanded to open a café and a bakery. Of Nordic inspiration, you can eat delicious pastries, salads, toasts... Of course a particular care was brought to the decoration and we find objects of the nearby store. Good to know, the cafe has a very nice courtyard with greenery. On the big table, you will often see people working during the day. We also recommend you to go and buy some bread at the bakery to test it.

On the program here: wine, tapas, records and plants. It's pretty tempting! Located in a fashionable area of Lisbon (Arroios) and very popular with the locals, this wine bar, which defines itself as gastronomic, leaves a large place to music. This bar was created by a well-known DJ here: DJ Rykardo. Every week, a playlist is published on Spotify with a specific theme. All products are carefully chosen and often come from the Arroios market next door. The wine can be bought to go.

Is it more of a restaurant or a bar? There's no way to tell. The philosophy here is: eat, drink, dance and repeat. A little more friendly than the classic metro-business-sleep. The establishment proposes natural wines and seasonal cuisine but goes further than that, since it seeks to have a direct and close link with the producers. The will of the two creators of Tricky's is to create a place where you can spend your whole evening from the aperitif to the end of the night. The plus: you will be received as a regular of the house.

Opened in 2013, this bar-cafe, run by an Italian couple, has been a growing success ever since. By the way, you better come early if you want to have room inside to eat. Once there, don't forget to admire the works left by the artist Andre Tarli during his stay in Lisbon, including this magnificent fresco painted on the bar counter. The menu has been growing ever since it opened, with many Italian specialties. To drink, we recommend the spritz which are delicious.

This bar moved from Cais do Sodré to its new location near the Sé Cathedral. It is now in a beautiful old building with stone vaults. Crafty Corner is a beer bar and offers quality Lisbon craft beers. You will find all varieties with no less than 12 kinds: pale ale, stout, white, IPA... They also offer some snacks to accompany your beer and of course other drinks (softs, cocktails, etc.). All you have to do is sit down around a keg and enjoy your evening.

Located inside the Mercado da Ribeira, the entrance is somewhat hidden. However, the place is well enough known today for us to know how to get there. We'll warn you right away: you've got to love the color red to venture inside. Most of the music played here is from the 2000s, and the club's clientele tends to be in their thirties and even forties. We deplore the security service at the entrance, which can be very unpleasant. It remains an option if you want to stay in the city center to finish the evening.

Behind the Casa da Morna, always linked to Angola as at the time when it was called Luanda or Soul Club, the place remains suitable for a hot evening in the sound of R'n'B and of the African rhythmic and sensual musics of the moment. Recommend to arrive late, rather than a first box.

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.

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.

Synonymous with cosmopolitanism and diversity, with its two theatres, it is part of the history of the district since its setting was immortalized in A Janela - Marialva Mix, Edgar Pêra's film, a true ode to Bica. The setting: an old-fashioned tavern with a beautiful marble counter for cocktails and a curious alarm clock collection. From time to time, in the interior space, a DJ comes to push the cake, a rather reggae colour and alternative music. There are sometimes jazz sessions and even short film screenings

If you see a crowd next to the São Paulo square, it's normal, you've arrived at the Tabacaria, a very popular bar in the neighborhood. Rather chic, the prices are not cheap but here you will have home made cocktails, created on the spot. Inside, it has kept some old-fashioned elements, including a large wooden counter and stained glass windows. It almost feels like an old pharmacy. This is perhaps the reason why this place was transformed into a spirit laboratory... Some tapas are also available to accompany your cocktails.

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.

Literally, this expression means "a little old lady who likes to move and dance"! So here is a multifunctional space between the rua Madalena and the Sé cathedral where you can enjoy some petiscos, a chorizo assado or a cheese plate. The house also offers craft beers. On weekends, you can choose between concerts, photo and painting exhibitions on the wall, or simply come and read. In the large vaulted room, a retro atmosphere and to discover: toilets with their unique decoration!

In the charming garden of the Campo de Santa Clara, with a view of the pantheon and the river, here is a kiosk where you can come for a small coffee, a croissant with nutella or one of their very good tosta mista (toasted sandwiches with cheese and ham). We recommend the Clara tosta, which consists of goat cheese, raw ham and fresh tomatoes, a sandwich that tastes great! On the terrace, we find the inhabitants of the district and the flea hunters, all generations combined, for a small moment of relaxation in the shade of the trees.

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.

"Art and music with tiger's milk for the soul" is what it says about this multi-faceted venue. This former regional house has been taken over and transformed into a bar. There are several areas: a large room for listening to concerts and DJ sets, a smaller, more intimate lounge for sharing a drink and catching up on old times, a patio for taking a breather, and a corner for enjoying some of their delicious tartines. Please note: at the time of writing, the establishment is threatened with closure, but there's no date yet.

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.

In the heart of the beautiful park of Principe Real, you will be able to see this pretty veranda in the shade of majestic trees. This place invites you to take the time to take a break over a gourmet coffee, lunch or even, in the evening, over a drink. In the shop window near the bar you can choose the cake you want to eat (we recommend pão de ló). On the menu, there are also very good hamburgers with homemade potatoes and an excellent mayonnaise to accompany them. Otherwise, salads and sandwiches on the go for a quick snack.

Here, regulars come to eat petiscos, which they happily share in the middle of the table. Grilled chorizo, octopus salad, chickpea and cod salad, you name it. Tuesdays are for poetry! Wednesday evenings and Sundays, ao vivo music, to the tunes of fado, Brazilian classics or jazz. The night goes on into the wee hours, and it's time to leave... A must-see in the Alfama district, and a must-visit for your own pleasure.

A club well known by the Lisboetes who regularly organizes theme evenings. On weekends, it is one of the clubs where you can meet to finish the night, during the week you can listen to jazz with jam sessions but also dance the forro to experience a typical Brazilian dance... Located on the banks of the Tagus, it is very pleasant to be able to cool down on the quays between two dances (be careful not to fall into the water). Thanks to its eclectic programming, this club attracts all types of customers. Everyone is therefore welcome to attend.

It may be the black sheep of the city but we love it. It opened at the time when wine bars were slowly appearing in the city of Lisbon. When the evening comes, you'll see the praça das Flores come alive in front of Black Sheep's entrance. Indeed, the bar is very small inside and that's how it became known in the beginning: the smallest wine bar in Lisbon. Come and discover the wines of Portugal thanks to the wide selection. And if you don't know what to choose, the team will guide you according to your tastes.

After opening in Intendente in 2016, this address moved in 2019 near Cais do Sodré. Another place, another style, as it now also does brunch and restaurant, as well as being a tapas bar. It has lost its terrace, so you'll have to make do with the dining room. That said, the managers have preserved the beautiful ashlar arches, and the bar's name is echoed in the azulejos on the counter. Here, you can enjoy a glass of wine with a burger and home fries, or tapas, salads and more.

The philosophy of this restaurant is that the best food is the one shared with friends. Here you will find all kinds of tapas, from chicken skewers with peanut sauce to fried calamari and chicken quesadillas. There are also typical petiscos like pasteis de bacalhau or pimentos padron (small grilled peppers). Located in a quiet street, you can sit on the terrace and enjoy the nice weather or inside for more privacy.

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…

Cool without being cheesy, simple without being cheap, popular without being redneck, here is a very pleasant corner which inevitably makes think of Bilal drawing his memories of São Francisco... The atmosphere is relaxed in this large space with its wide windows which open on the animation of the district. The music at the turntables varies according to the mood of the day between acid jazz, new bossa, hip-hop, house and drum'n bass. The clientele is quite young and wild, straight and gay, often more people outside than inside. A good choice to feel the atmosphere of the Bairro Alto !

It is one of the oldest bars in the upper district, ideal for conversing over an excellent musical background (the great voices of jazz, soul, blues). The classy and woody decor is the brand image of the place, as is its wine list (more than 300 references) of different Portuguese regions (by the glass or the bottle) to be accompanied by petiscos, cold cuts, cheese or a chicken croque-monsieur, inherited from the former management... Impeccable service! Be patient, sometimes you have to wait a quarter of an hour before a table becomes available!

This old bread and cake factory has saved its wood-fired oven and some of the worn-out machinery to remind itself of the particular climate of the place, which has become, without a pub, a hype for the insomniacs of Bairro Alto. In a colourful space with a warm retro style and rather large, compared to the standards of the neighbourhood, its relaxing atmosphere is coveted by the thirty-year-olds. Beneath its large pillars, one often comes across artists, actors and celebrities of the gotha. The background music remains at a reasonable sound level to allow for conversation.

Previously located in Bairro Alto, this patisserie is now well established in Belém, on the main street leading to the monastery. You can enjoy brunch, lunch or coffee with a slice of cake. But be warned: the closer it gets to closing time, the more likely it is to be out of stock. Even a simple banana bread takes on all its nobility here, served with a caramel coulis and banana slices on top. The decor is a touch romantic, with powder-pink walls and dried flowers on the ceiling.

Not far from the Anjos metro station, this coffee-shop is well worth the effort of going up Jacinta Marto street and stopping in. Its owner, a great coffee lover, will introduce you to local roasts using different methods (filter, espresso...). And then, every Friday evening, the café changes atmosphere to offer wine and DJ sets to get the evening off to a good start before heading out to the bars in the town center. Don't forget to try the viennoiseries from the excellent Soares bakery, or the banana bread he makes himself.

Adjacent to the National Museum of Ancient Art, above the Casa da América Latina, on the promontory of a small park, the former "Le Chat" has given way to a new concept: the Catch Me bar-restaurant. The name and concept were inspired by the film Catch Me If You Can , starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks. The cuisine mixes Portuguese and international gastronomy: grilled octopus and roasted potatoes, shrimp risotto, chef's tosta with brioche bread... What's more, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the Tagus and dance to the DJ sets.

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!

Dance shows, classical music and jazz, world music, new trends, experimental music, concerts and meetings often exceptional, all in a human room attended by many students. The decor is a little congress of Brezhnev in the 1970 s, but programming is exceptional: Lenine (the Brazilian musician!), Egberto Gismonti, John Zorn Electric Masada, Brad Mehldau, Rodrigo Leão…

In the heart of Alfama, this house of folklore and fado is housed in a noble medieval house (former palace of the Counts of Murça). Since 2008, it has been offering a different approach, combining Fado singing and music with traditional costumed dance scenes. In a beautiful hall, with floor and real stage: a young singer, a reconstruction of a ^19th-century scene, experienced singers and dances from national folklore (Nazaré, Coimbra, Ribatejo, Linhares da Beira...). The artists bring authentic tableaux to life.

Just like in Porto, a glamorous and warm atmosphere awaits us in this restaurant that invites us to a gustatory experience... and visual. Male and female erotic shows take place between the dishes. The public is even put to contribution (at its good will obviously) in games, without the need to understand the language. Waitresses in lingerie and muscular waiters in tight boxers serve traditional cuisine with an international touch. A quality meal with fun and laughter guaranteed in group.