Concert halls Lisbon

You will certainly hear about Café Luso if you are looking for a fado restaurant. Inaugurated in 1927, on the site of an old palace, it is one of the oldest restaurants on the theme of Lisboa. His reputation makes him a mecca of fado: what could be more normal, it is here that Amália began her career. The space is impressive with its arcades and stone walls. In its large vaulted hall, a fado show is given throughout the evening, during which exclusive artists of the house sing in an intimate atmosphere.

In a beautiful old building near Sé, the guitarist, composer and fado performer Mario Pacheco (former companion of the diva Amália Rodrigues) has created a rather chic restaurant-bar. We're a long way from the most casual haunts in Alfama. The superb vaults now house one of the best places for bourgeois fado, the headquarters of famous fadists of all ages. Beautiful room of style well arranged. We let ourselves be transported to the sound of the guitar in another era. For a meal-show or to have a drink and listen to Fado.

This is a well-known and rather luxurious establishment for the neighbourhood. In a large medieval vaulted room (former palace of the Counts of Linhares) lit by candlelight, every evening from 9:15 pm, three high-flying fadists follow one another, among a mainly foreign clientele. Exceptional singers have been there, such as Ana Moura, Celeste Rodrigues (Amália Rodrigues' sister) or the young Vânia Duarte. In the kitchen, Portuguese or international dishes are prepared: a choice of meats and fish cooked with refinement.

The world-famous brand has been present in Lisbon since June 2003. Large screens, mezzanine, American car, large faceted ball and the brand's usual decoration, all in the former Cinema Condes with its unmistakable facade. From Thursday to Monday, concerts by rock groups liven up the evenings. The clientele is very varied and half of them are foreigners: the young dynamic Lisbon executive meets the British football fan and the small tourist family. After 10pm it is one of the very few lively spaces in the district.

This cultural collective operating by subscription card offers its fellow members various and varied evenings: concerts (world music, fado, acoustic session, jazz…), DJ, cinema, exhibitions, workshops and experimentation…

In addition to the orchestra and resident choirs under the guidance of great masters (Corboz, Radu Lupu, Jordi Savall...), the foundation regularly welcomes excellent ensembles and the greatest foreign soloists or conductors. Amateurs will be amazed at the program. Baroque, romantic, contemporary music, nothing escapes the foundation, which also organizes ballets. In summer, in its outdoor auditorium, it gives way to jazz and world music.

You will surely first notice its beautiful 1930s style facade, in sharp contrast to the palm trees and old buildings in the surrounding area. You'd think it was abandoned, but no! Quite interesting shows, which do not feel obliged to be boring to be intelligent: musicals, café-theatre and even programming for young audiences.... Not to mention the lounge bar on the first floor offering concerts and dancing evenings....

Here, we wanted to remain in the spirit of the emblematic Cabaret Maxime, which once made its mark on the Lisbots at this address. Redone for nine, this restaurant with an intimate and ultra-selective decoration offers dishes with surprising flavours (shrimps with Martini and chilli pepper, squid and fennel taco...). In the evenings, shows are programmed with singers, dancers, illusionists, jugglers and even a real cabaret revue! The Boudoir Garden, a small patio, is perfect for relaxing during intermission. Good wine selection and perfect service.

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.

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.

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...