Where to Listen to Live Music in Lisbon


 

The Portuguese are lovers of live music, and on any give night in the capital one can enjoy a range of jazz concerts, live fado performances, local bands and even karaoke if you prefer to be the one doing the singing.

Generally just roaming the streets of Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodre will being you to a suitable venue inevitably. But the best spots in town remain the following:

Hot Club of Portugal in Lisbon

My live music preference will always be jazz, and the Hot Club of Portugal is the most historic spot in the city in which to find it.

It’s been part of Lisbon’s live music scene since 1948. It’s won multiple awards, as well as been named one of the best jazz clubs in all over Europe numerous times. This has allowed the venue to bring in many of the world’s top jazz performers, with the likes of John Abercrombie and Aaron Goldberg having graced this stage.

Hot Club of Portugal in Lisbon – by Hot Club of Portugal – Sourced from their Facebook

The performances take place in the cellar, and then there is an outdoor terrace in the back that overlooks the Lisbon city skyline. It’s breathtaking; a truly memorable night out on the town, especially if you are a traveler.

Note that the Hot Club of Portugal only opens for four hours each evening. Entrance is just €10 which goes toward the performances. On Tuesdays entrance is free!

Because of the patio, the cellar is a smoke free zone, which is rare in Lisbon nightlife venues.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Tuesday to Saturday — 10pm to 2am
ADDRESS: Praça da Alegria 48, 1250-004 Lisboa, Portugal
METRO STATION: Avenida

Mr Vin in Lisbon

Because of the touristic hype around fado music in Lisbon, it can be difficult to discern between an authentic fado house and a spot that is simply in it for the money.

Mr Vin is always a sure thing, having been one of the top fado houses in the city for decades now. It’s an authentic Portuguese dining experience, where every evening guests are treated to some of the top fado performers in the city.

Mr Vin in Lisbon – by Mr Vin – Uploaded by them

Over the course of the evening you can generally expect to watch at least three very different singers take the stage.

Only €8 will be added to each bill to cover the cost of the live entertainment. Aside from this, the food is fairly priced and absolutely delicious. This is another spot that will be incredibly memorable to travelers looking for the authentic Portuguese food and fado combination.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 8pm to 2am
ADDRESS: Rua do Meio à Lapa 18, 1200-724 Lisboa, Portugal
METRO STATION: Santos

MusicBox in Lisbon

It is widely know in Lisbon that the pink street is a reliable spot to venture to when looking for a place to drink, dance and be entertained.

The MusicBox is part of the pink street, and has been one of the most important venues to the city’s youth culture for quite some time here. It’s an impressive space with state of the art equipment, allowing for live music to thrive on their bill.

MusicBox in Lisbon – by MusicBox – Uploaded by them

Evenings at the MusicBox start at 11pm with a line up of local and international bands. From around 3am the space shifts into a dancehall and DJs take over from the bands.

Entrance is usually €15 which contributes towards the entertainment; you’ll also get your first two drinks on the house, so it’s worth it. Depending on the line up, some evenings might be slightly cheaper than €15.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Saturday — 11pm to 6am
ADDRESS: R. Nova do Carvalho 24, 1200-019 Lisboa, Portugal
METRO STATION: Cais do Sodré

Fado in Chiado in Lisbon

Anyone looking to experience a more formal fado performance that isn’t taking place at the back of a restaurant will appreciate the Fado in Chiado concert hall.

It’s in (wait for it)… Chiado; right in the city center and easily accessible via any of Lisbon’s metro lines.

The performances take place on a nightly basis, and tickets can be acquired at the box-office. The price will depend on the specific performers of the evening.

Fado in Chiado in Lisbon – by Fado in Chiado – Uploaded by them

This is a fully immersive fado experience; not a place where you’ll be distracted by good food and Portuguese wine while the singers go at it in the background. At Fado in Chiado it’s just you and the music; it’s beautiful.

Because fado performances completely lack theatrics, interesting visuals are projected onto the stage for the duration of the show, making thing’s a lot more whimsical.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Nightly
ADDRESS: : R. da Misericórdia 14, 1200-443 Lisboa, Portugal
METRO STATION: Baixa-Chidao

Paginas Tantas in Lisbon

Other than the fado performances, there isn’t a whole lot of live music available in Bairro Alto. Certainly no bands or ensembles.

At Paginas Tantas, however, there is a live jazz concert every evening, rain or shine. It’s such a low-key spot that most people only find it while wandering the alleys looking for their next drink.

Paginas Tantas in Lisbon – by Paginas Tantas – Sourced from their Facebook

There is never an entrance fee to get in, the space is mood-lit and incredibly charming, and drinks are reasonably priced. Note that there is no food served in Paginas Tantas and you should definitely eat elsewhere in the district before hand (there is some great Indian food nearby).

This is one of few bars in Bairro Alto where one can sit and enjoy an actual conversation without being enveloped by party chaos. A true hidden gem.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION
OPENING HOURS: Monday to Sunday — 8:30pm to 2am
ADDRESS: : R. do Diário de Notícias 85, 1200-334 Lisboa, Portugal
METRO STATION: Rossio-Lisboa

Lisbon: live music by night, and guided walking tours by day. The perfect recipe for the fresh-faced traveler who wants to authentically experience the culture of the Portuguese capital from all avenues.

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