The amount of shows in Lisbon increases every year. The sheer quantity of music, film, theater and ballet events is so imposing that it can be hard to follow. We don’t want you to miss that once-in-a-lifetime concert or play. So discover the eight best venues in Lisbon that you really have to see.
Cinema and theatre venues in Lisbon
Teatro Nacional Dona Maria II
Located in Rossio, this theatre takes its name from a former queen of Portugal. It was almost entirely rebuilt in the 70s after being damaged by a huge fire. It serves as the main stage for many national theatre companies and has a schedule packed full of tours from other countries and in other languages.
Location: Praça Dom Pedro IV, Lisbon.
Opening hours: from 14:00 to 23:00 and for special events.
São Jorge
São Jorge is one of the few street cinemas still open in Lisbon. With nearly 70 years of history and three screening rooms, it also has a calendar covering a large range of genres and ages. The French Cinema Festival, which occurs every year in October and November, happens here making it one of the most important venues in Lisbon.
Location: Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon.
Opening hours: from 10:00 to 24:00.
Mythical venues in Lisbon
Altice Arena
This is the largest of the venues in Lisbon. In fact, it the largest venue in all of Portugal, with a max capacity of 20,000 people. Originally built for the World Oceans Expo of 1998, this multipurpose pavilion is now a mandatory venue for the biggest and best music and sporting events. Its bold design was inspired by the horseshoe crab, an animal that has lived in the oceans for over 200 million years and makes a lasting impression.
Location: Rossio dos Olivais, Lisbon.
Opening hours: from 13:00 to 19:00 and for special events.
Coliseu dos Recreios
Each city has a flagship venue and Lisbon has the Coliseu dos Recreios. With over 125 years of history behind it, this is famous among venues in Lisbon for having staged the biggest circuses, most unforgettable rock and pop concerts, most iconic opera performances, and even the political rallies that changed Portuguese politics.
Beyond the box-lined walls, there is also a magnificent dome that astounded people when it opened.
Location: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, Lisboa.
Opening hours: from 13:00 to 19:00 and for special events.
Did you know that in 2016 there were 88 live shows in Portugal every single day?
Where can you find the venues in Lisbon to truly surprise you?
Centro Cultural de Belém
Opened in 1992, this is an essential milestone in the cultural program of the Portuguese capital. It puts on everything from music, theatre, dance, film, exhibitions and conferences.
With a privileged location nearby the Tagus River, and a unique architecture, the CCB needs no excuse to visit.
Location: Praça do Império, Lisbon.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 20:00; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10:00 to 18:00.
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Founded by an Armenian who sought shelter in Lisbon during World War II, it is known for supporting arts and culture. It has two permanent exhibitions, the founder’s collection and a modern art exhibition, that are considered to be some of most important in the country. In addition, it houses an orchestra and a choir, as well as a widely loved music program. Without doubt, this is a main hub for shows in Lisbon.
Location: Avenida de Berna, Lisbon.
Opening hours: 10:00 to 18:00 and for special events.
Teatro Camões – Companhia Nacional de Bailado
Located in Parque das Nações, Teatro Camões is the home of the National Ballet Company. But its activities go beyond the annual program of the main Portuguese dance company. It offers dance classes for professionals and also lessons for adults who simply want to dance.
Location: Paseo de Neptuno, Parque das Nações, Lisbon.
Opening hours: from 13:00 to 18:00 and for special events.
Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
This national theatre is easily the best of the venues in Lisbon for opera, choral and symphonic music. Situated next to Chiado, it opened in 1793. It is the home of the Portuguese Symphony Orchestra and Teatro Nacional de São Carlos choir.
Its regular schedule is very popular and they finish the season with their “Party in the park” (Festival ao Largo): a month long collection of performing art that takes place in the square in front of the theater. Entry is free for all.
Location: Rua Serpa Pinto, Lisbon.
Time: from 13:00 onwards.
