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Best places to listen to jazz in Lisbon

Every city has its cult jazz bars - quiet spots with long drinks. These are the finest jazz venues in Lisbon

Written by
Time Out editors
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Think of it as a jukebox of sorts but, instead of coming to a bar and inserting a coin to listen to the record you want, put the coin on the bar counter, order a drink and hope that the music is good. If you picked the right place and you know what you want to hear, even if the musical selection isn’t exactly what you expected, it will still be close enough. Jazz bars work that way: you want
to hear Chet Baker and you get Miles Davis, you hope for Duke Ellington and you get Coltrane. Not bad. That’s the expectation in these places, the finest jazz clubs in Lisbon.

All that Jazz

  • Nightlife
  • Avenida da Liberdade/Príncipe Real

Europe’s oldest jazz club, operating on the Alegria Square since 1948, led by Luiz Villas- Boas. The jazz school, now known as Escola Luiz Villas-Boas, was established in 1979, developed by bass player Zé Eduardo, and it currently has 170 students. The jazz club is open to general audiences and concerts take place every week, Tuesdays to Saturdays, between 10pm and 2am. On Tuesdays there are jam sessions, with a different guest musician leading the jam every month. Concerts usually come in two sets, one at 10.30pm, the other at 12am. Entry is usually free for club members, tickets for the general audience vary according to the show, but cost usually around ten euros.

Praça Alegria, 48. tue-Sat 10pm-2am.

  • Nightlife
  • Bairro Alto

Páginas Tantas is a true jazz bar. It has been soldiering on for two decades in the Rua Diário de Notícias, in the Bairro Alto, always with the same purpose: to provide good moments and good music. The walls surrounding the mini- stage are covered in pictures of the great world jazz stars. There’s live music, almost always a trio, from Tuesdays to Sundays.

Rua do Diário de Notícias, 85. Mon-Thu 8.30pm-2am; Fri-Sat 8.30pm-3am; Sun 8.30pm-midnight.

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  • Clubs
  • Bairro Alto

Bairro Alto is among the last remaining places with live
 music bars. Alface Hall is one 
of those, a small bar with the people-hanging-out-by-the-door concept typical of the area. Once you step inside you will find jazz being played right next to you. It is also a boutique hostel with double rooms and bunks.

Rua do Norte, 96. 4pm-midnight daily.

  • Bars and pubs
  • Chiado/Cais do Sodré

In terms of music, the name 
says it all. An old style English bar with valet parking (comes handy in that area) and a room with a fireplace (comes handy 
in winter). It is located in São Bento, near parliament. They serve “lambretas” (15cl beers). A Lisbon classic developed by Luís Pinto Coelho, a businessman who passed away in 2012 and who was also behind Procópio, Paródia and Pavilhão Chinês.

Travessa Santa Teresa, 28. Mon-Thu 6pm-2am; Fri-Sat 6pm-3am; Sun 8pm-2am.

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  • Clubs
  • Cais do Sodré

In Ancient Rome, the bacchanal was a celebration in honour of Bacchus, the god of wine, which usually degenerated into orgies. But this new Bacchanal is not about that - unless you’re in the mood for wine, plenty of wine. Considering how stocked the shelves of Víctor Cordeiro’s new bar (he also owns Loucos de Lisboa, in Príncipe Real) are, you may go for wines of countless grape varieties, from all Portuguese wine regions. It is located in Cais do Sodré, and the soundtrack has jazz and blues, quiet music for wine drinkers.

Rua do Corpo Santo, 28. Wed-Mon 6pm-2am.

  • Nightlife
  • Marvila

This culture centre took over
a former War Supplier Factory
in 2007. It became a dynamic cultural factory, where several artistic currents are represented. It has more than ten rooms, which can host concerts, debates or exhibitions. Read their program closely - there are plenty of jam sessions and jazz concerts in Braço de Prata.

Rua Fábrica de Material de Guerra, 1. Wed-Fri 6pm-2am; Sat 1pm-4am.

Best of Lisbon

  • Things to do

We’re going to come right and say it; Lisbon is one of the greatest cities on the planet. Don’t believe us? It won’t take long for the city to change your mind. It all starts with the aesthetics, and Lisbon offers up more beauty than you can shake the proverbial stick at. Throw in a conveyor belt of world-class restaurants, the best hotels in Portugal and an uncanny ability to look effortlessly stylish at every turn, and you’ve got yourself a life-changer.

As a result, the best things to do in Lisbon can read like a collection of the best things to do in life. You know, the bucket list stuff, bouncing from magnificent museum to the stunning street area via food, booze and more. Lisbon’s coolest neighbourhoods have plenty to offer, and this is the best of the best. 

  • Attractions

As one of the greatest cities in the world, frankly it's a wonder that we managed to narrow down all the best things to do to a list of just 52. Think of our selection as a taster – something to satisfy your initial cravings and leave you wanting more.

Take Belém Tower, for instance, this waterfront landmark makes for a great introduction to Lisbon's numerous nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites. Or climb up to Miradouro da Graça to take in one of the city's many magnificent views. And don't forget to visit the Time Out Market, of course, for a literal taster of the delicious culinary offerings. 

Recommended: Need a place to stay but can’t decide? Find your perfect getaway spot with our guide to Lisbon’s best neighbourhoods.

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Free things to do in Cascais
  • Things to do

Let's be honest here. There is nothing better than being able to head out town without breaking bank. So don't worry too much about setting budgets yet, there are many ways of exploring the city without spending one euro. It seems that the best things in life actually do come free - in Cascais at least they do. Whether it be going to museums or enjoying beautiful landscapes. There is a bit for everyone. Recommended: The best way to spend 48 hours in Cascais

  • Things to do

With its world-class restaurants, excelling in seafood, its reputation for style and long pedigree in art and culture, Portugal’s first city remains high on every discerning weekend-breaker’s hit-list. Want to know what to do in Lisbon? Wether you’re just here for a short visit (and if so, be sure to check out our best hotels list for a place to stay), or thinking of extending your stay permanently, this checklist will help you find the very best of Lisbon. Discover the landmarks, get a taste of some of that typical Portuguese food or uncover world flavours in the most typical neighbourhoods around the city. Done something on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDoList and tag @TimeOutEverywhere.   Find out more about how Time Out selects the very best things to do all over the world.

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  • Things to do

Sintra is a postcard. A postcard full of places cramming with tourists, of course, but also of quiet places to contemplate. And, above all, many tables to rest from the tour and refill your energy. With its fine architecture, significant monuments and museums and hidden treasures, is maybe the best choice for you if you are looking for some out-of-town hours. So save one day on your schedule, put on your hiking boots and visit Sintra, less than one hour away from Lisbon. You won’t regret it – scout's honor!

Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon

  • Restaurants

The first Michelin Guide gala to be held in Portugal dictated just two more stars for Lisbon restaurants in the 2018-2019 season. In total there are now eight restaurants in the great Lisbon area that can proudly boast this star from the most important gastronomic guide in the world. You can find them from downtown Cascais to a quick trip to Sintra, or just by walking up and down Chiado, now considered the center of high gastronomy in Lisbon. All of them are, of course, on our meticulously compiled list of the best restaurants in Lisbon, so be sure to check it out if you’re looking to find some more affordable, yet still delicious options in the city. If you want to try the best of the city, all under one roof, then the Time Out Market is the place to visit. Recommended: The 148 best restaurants in Lisbon

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  • Art

Vhils, Bordalo II, Aka Corleone, Tamara Alves or Mário Belém are some of the most impressive names in the urban art scene in Lisbon. In recent years, the city has become one of the world's capital of urban art, with major names like Obey Giant, Eduardo Kobra or Os Gémeos leaving their mark at Lisbon's walls. But seeing all the best works in one day might be difficult, so embark with us on an alternative tour around the city.

Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon

  • Restaurants

Ten thousand square feet. Tens of restaurants. Famous and award-winning chefs. The Time Out Market can be quite a challenge for the indecisive. If this is your first trip and you still don't have a favourite spot (or if you have been to several stalls in the food hall, but like to try new things), take our tips. Here are 21 dishes you absolutely must try at the Time Out Market, from soups and appetizers to desserts, including traditional Portuguese and international entrées.

Recommended: The 33 coolest things to do in Lisbon

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  • Hotels

Are you in for a quick stay or a longer one? Did you come for romance or to hang out with friends? Is the family in tow or are you by your lonesome? Lottery winner or penny-pincher? Whatever your tourist profile or your ideal vacation are, you will find something to like among our collection of the best hotels in Lisbon. Make your pick and enjoy your stay. Recommended: Best things to do in Lisbon

  • Attractions

With so many top Lisbon attractions to tick off, with all the museums and free things the city has to offer, your sightseeing checklist could get very long indeed. That’s why we've put together this list of the city’s essential sights – here you’ll find architectural wonders, spectacular palaces and the best viewpoints in Lisbon. 

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