Lisbon has music impregnated in its cobbled streets, in its historic neighborhoods and even in the souls of those who pass through. Here, music isn’t just a pastime, it ‘s soul, it’s history and it’s identity.
No matter the time or place, the city is a stage where generations meet. From unmissable festivals like MEO Kalorama to intimate concerts like Candlelight, which promise unique moments, get ready to explore the best Lisbon has to offer.
Quiet, we’re going to sing fado
It’s impossible to talk about Lisbon without mentioning fado. To feel fado in your own skin, visit Casa da Amália, at Rua de São Bento 193, where you can attend concerts in the secret garden of the home of the greatest fado singer of all time, Amália Rodrigues.
If you want to embark on a real journey through the life of the Queen of Fado, you can take a guided tour of the Amália Rodrigues House-Museum, whose walls, nooks and crannies breathe fado.
Whether it’s old-fashioned traditional fado, fado vadio or even more modern fado, Lisbon offers plenty of options for a unique experience. At Fado in Chiado, on Rua da Misericórdia 14, talented artists give voice to our best songs for an hour, accompanied by traditional Portuguese guitars and violas.
Experience the magic of a candlelight concert
Candlelight Lisbon concerts have enchanted audiences with dazzling tributes to classical music icons such as Vivaldi and Mozart, and contemporary artists such as Queen, Coldplay and Zeca Afonso.
With thousands of candles, the Candlelight concerts in Lisbon offer a unique experience and are lighting up fascinating sites in the city, such as the Altis Grand Hotel and the historic Royal Treasure Museum.
🗓️Confira here the full program
The Magic of Lisbon’s Listening Bars
But if what you want is a listening bar — the famous listening bars, Cosmic Burger is a favorite. With a program that explores various musical genres such as jazz, funk, soul, electronica and an impressive vinyl collection, it promotes a multi-sensory experience with a straightforward ambience and cozy atmosphere.
Vago, located in Santos, is one of the favorite spots for those looking for a unique experience in the city. Inspired by Japanese bars, the atmosphere is intimate, with low lighting and comfortable sofas, creating a stylish space. The music is carefully curated , with a program that includes funk, jazz, house and disco.
Between Sounds and Vinyls
For true music lovers, exploring Lisbon’s record stores is an experience not to be missed.
Founded in 2001, Flur Discos is among the best record stores in the world, according to the Financial Times. Considered the perfect spot for music lovers, with around 5,000 items on display, almost 20% of which are second-hand records, it is renowned for its musical curation, which is often found nowhere else in Portugal.
Louie Louie Lisboa, in downtown Lisbon, is a true collector’s paradise. With a section particularly strong in Portuguese music, with fado records, national pop-rock and reissues of classics that have marked the country’s history, the owners are genuine music lovers and take care to maintain a diverse catalog of vinyls, CDs, posters and other music-related items.
Carbono, one of the city’s most emblematic stores and known for its underground spirit, stands out for its impressive collection of new and used records, with a comprehensive curation ranging from classic rock to punk, metal, jazz, electronica and experimental music.
For fans of electronic music, Carpet & Snares is the perfect place, not only for its expert curation, but also for the events and DJ sessions it organizes, bringing Lisbon’s vibrant electronic scene to life.
Explore cool live music venues
Whatever your musical style, Lisbon offers plenty of options for enjoying good music. At Praça da Alegria, 48, the Hot Clube de Portugal is one of the oldest and most prestigious jazz clubs in Europe, a veritable temple for lovers of this genre. At Duetos da Sé, jazz and fado echo in the corners and alleys of Alfama, at Travessa do Almargem, 1B.
Located in Cais do Sodré, on the famous Rua Cor de Rosa, Musicbox is one of Lisbon’s trendiest venues, with DJ sets ranging from indie to electronic , and is one of Lisbon’s favorite nightclubs. With its underground atmosphere and varied programming, this club is a must for lovers of alternative music.
With three floors of music and an incredible view of the Tagus River, Lux Frágil is perfect for those who want to dance to electronic music until the morning. Inspired by the best clubs in New York and Berlin, Lux stands out for its impeccable music curation, bringing some of the world’s most renowned DJs to the booth.
Ferroviário, at Rua de Santa Apolónia, 59, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic clubs with a privileged view of the Tagus River. The rooftop features a diverse program that includes live music and DJ sets in an incredible setting where you can enjoy good music, cocktails and snacks on a late afternoon with friends.
Attend festivals
Attention, festival-goers! Lisbon is gearing up for a year full of music and energy, with unmissable festivals that promise unforgettable experiences for all music lovers.
Since its debut in 2022, MEO Kalorama has quickly become one of Europe’s most acclaimed summer festivals. In 2025, the festival returns for its fourth edition, which will take place on June 19, 20 and 21 in Lisbon’s Parque da Bela Vista.
After a successful inaugural edition, the Evil Live Festival returns to the MEO Arena in Lisbon on June 29 and 30, 2025. The festival will feature Kerry King, founder of Slayer, with his new project, as well as bands such as Avenged Sevenfold, Megadeth and Machine Head.
The festival NOS Alive takes place on the Passeio Marítimo de Algés, in Oeiras, on July 10, 11 and 12, 2025, and is known for bringing internationally renowned artists such as Arctic Monkeys, The Weeknd and Foo Fighters. It’s an unmissable event for fans of alternative and rock music.
Scheduled to open on March 7 and 8, the Portuguese Guitar Festival will feature lectures, documentary screenings, a workshop dedicated to the iconic instrument and much more. In an initiative that will feature more than 80 musicians, the event also aims to pay tribute to Carlos Paredes.
Lisbon offers unique musical experiences that go beyond the conventional. Whatever your musical style, Lisbon has something special to offer all music lovers. Which rhythm will you follow first?