Some of these concert halls in Lisbon are spaces of enormous beauty, with auditoriums to amphitheatres that are incredible and full of curiosities.
Here are the venues we’ve chosen as the most charismatic in our city.
Table Of Contents
São Carlos National Theatre
The Teatro Nacional de São Carlos, Lisbon’s opera house, was inaugurated in 1793 and is the only national theater “dedicated to the production and presentation of opera and choral and symphonic music”.
The building is uniquely beautiful, inside and out, and is probably the finest example of the neoclassical style, inspired by the 17th century and Italy.
Address: Rua Serpa Pinto 9 (Chiado)
Coliseu dos Recreios
Inaugurated on August 14, 1890, the Coliseu dos Recreios presented an architectural innovation: the iron dome, with a radius of 25 meters, and the roof, also made of iron , were pioneers in Portugal.
It has always been the most popular concert hall and still retains this use today. In the past, it hosted opera sessions in collaboration with the São Carlos.
Address: Rua das Portas de Santo Antão 96 (Rossio)
Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
With a capacity for more than 1,200 people, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s Grand Auditorium hosted its inaugural concert on October 3, 1969, with the Gulbenkian Chamber Orchestra and Gulbenkian Choir.
The glass at the back of the hall offers a wide view of the Gulbenkian gardens, which visually enriches any performance.
It is one of the most beautiful venues in Lisbon and hosts events ranging from theater to dance, cinema, opera and music.
Address: Av. de Berna 45 A (Praça de Espanha/Avenidas Novas)
São Luiz Municipal Theatre
It was first called Teatro D. Amélia and later Teatro República; since 1918 it has been Teatro São Luiz.
Built in 1893, it was modeled on the European theaters of the last century and for a long time functioned as a cinema.
In May 1971 it was acquired by the Lisbon City Council and since then it has established itself as one of the best theaters in Lisbon to see a good play.
Address: Rua António Maria Cardoso 38 (Chiado)
Culturgest
The Grand Auditorium, Culturgest’s main hall, is a refined space where red predominates.
The floor is carpeted, the curtains are velvet and the walls are made of wood; all of which makes this one of the most charismatic and seductive venues in the city.
The back of the stage holds a well-hidden secret: behind the curtain, a huge window that communicates with the outside of the building.
Address: Rua Arco do Cego 77 (Campo Pequeno)
Cineteatro Capitólio – Raul Solnado Theatre
Inside it may not be the most interesting space, but outside it is imposing and possesses a simple, singular beauty.
Part of the Parque Mayer complex, the theater was officially inaugurated on July 10, 1931.
An exponent of modernist architecture, it was classified as a Property of Public Interest in 1983.
It fell into decay in the 1980s, but in 2016 it was rehabilitated and once again became an active concert hall with a vibrant artistic and cultural program.
Address: Parque Mayer (Avenida da Liberdade)
Aula Magna
Inaugurated in 1961, the Aula Magna of the Rectory of the University of Lisbon is a unique hall in Portugal and, at the time of its inauguration, was also dubbed the “largest hall in the country”.
With a capacity for 1,600 people, it was built in an amphitheater format. The interior architecture, including furniture, was designed by Daciano da Costa – architect, designer and leading figure in Portuguese design.
Address: Alameda da Universidade (Cidade Universitária)
LU.CA – Luís de Camões Theater
Built in 1737, the Luís de Camões Theatre was intended as the opera house of King João V.
Recently, the venue underwent refurbishment works promoted by the Lisbon City Council and, on June 1, 2018, it reopened as a municipal theater dedicated to the youngest and the artistic program is dedicated exclusively to children and young people.
Address: Calçada da Ajuda, 80 (Ajuda)
Campo Pequeno
A landmark since 1892, Campo Pequeno is considered Portugal’s main bullfighting arena and is also considered a cultural and historical heritage site and, of course, a must-see tourist attraction in Lisbon.
Famous for its unique Muslim-style architecture, where neo-Moorish and neo-Gothic features stand out, Campo Pequeno has a capacity for 8,000 people and is often used as a venue for shows, in our opinion one of the best in the city.
Address: Campo Pequeno
Meo Arena
This is undoubtedly one of the venues in Lisbon that has had more names: it was the Utopia Pavilion during Expo 98, then the Atlantic Pavilion when the world expo ended, then it took on the name of a telecommunications brand, Meo Arena, which more recently also changed its name to Altice Arena … and then back to Meo Arena.
Considered a UFO by many, or an upside-down caravel by others (when seen from the inside), the Meo Arena is the largest concert venue in the city, with a capacity of 20,000 seats.
Honorable Mention in the Valmor Prize in 2001, this piece of architecture designed by the Portuguese architect Regino Cruz, is the stage for the biggest performances in the capital, as well as major events, such as the hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2018.
Address: Rossio dos Olivais (Parque das Nações)
In addition to Lisbon’s iconic concert halls, iconic places in the capital such as the Altis Grand Hotel, Santa Catarina Church and the Royal Treasure Museum combine timeless beauty with the light of Candlelight concerts, making the experience truly magical.
For those looking for an unforgettable evening immersed in Lisbon’s history and culture, candlelight concerts are undoubtedly an unmissable choice.