August is the month when summer enters its best phase: while many take advantage of the heat to go bathing on the various beaches in and around Lisbon, there are many who stay in the city, and it is especially for them that we have created this guide, with various plans and ideas for having the most fun during this vacation season.
We’re going to talk about riverside terraces for a cold beer and snacks, terraces for the best evenings with friends and, of course, music and lots of exhibitions.
So let’s get into this list, full of spirit, because summer is almost over 😉
Gastronomy, Travel and Leisure
Terraces! In August, we want terraces!
We can’t end this guide to what to do in August in Lisbon without leaving you with a list of our favorite terraces in the city, perfect places to relax while drinking a beer and eating some snacks with friends.
The best oysters in Lisbon, at affordable prices
Want to try the best oysters in Lisbon without spending a lot of money? We ‘ve discovered eight incredible bars and restaurants, from the classics to the most modern, where you can indulge in these pearls of the sea. Shall we crack open a shell?
Grilled sardines: the taste of summer has arrived at these restaurants
Lisbon’s summer is marked by the irresistible aroma of grilled sardines, the protagonists of popular festivals and outdoor dinners. Several restaurants in the city stand out for serving succulent, well-grilled sardines, offering visitors an authentic , typically Lisbon gastronomic experience.
Hotel swimming pools in Lisbon open to the public
Several hotels in and around Lisbon offer access to their swimming pools even to non-guests, making them the ideal option for enjoying the summer without leaving the city. Our guide highlights the best places to dive in and relax in the city, as well as offering four essential tips for making the most of these refreshing experiences.
Manteigaria Silva: where cheese reaches perfection in Lisbon
Manteigaria Silva, with over 125 years of history in the heart of Lisbon, is renowned for being home to Portugal’ s only “cheese tuner”. This rare profession consists of maturing and caring for cheeses until they reach the perfect point of flavor and texture, maintaining the excellence and tradition of the products offered to customers.
Cais do Ginjal: the return of a classic to the South Bank
Cais do Ginjal, one of the most emblematic places in Greater Lisbon, reopened to the public at the end of July after several months of work and a significant investment in refurbishment.
Spicy summer on the Mama Shelter rooftop
One of the city’s most vibrant rooftops promises to heat up the summer with lots of flavor, music and fun. Until mid-September, Mama Shelter’s rooftop will be the scene of unmissable parties, with spicy dishes, good energy and a unique setting overlooking the city. Get ready for unforgettable nights at the top!
Experiences, Attractions and Games
Aqualand Algarve: water fun for all the family
Okay, it’s not in Lisbon, but truth be told many Lisboners will be in the Algarve during the summer months… so there’s nothing better than another tip for family fun.
Aqualand Algarve is one of the Algarve’s most popular water parks, full of green spaces and offering the best price guaranteed.
It is located between Albufeira and Lagoa, and has several extreme slides such as the King Cobra, children’s play areas, the Wave Pool or the relaxing Slow River, in a total of 12 water attractions for all ages.
Aqualand Algarve opened on June 9th and, throughout the summer months, will guarantee you days full of adrenaline and fun.
Giant ball pool at Oeiras Parque
This summer, Oeiras Parque is betting on a new interactive space, making it the ideal place for children. The shopping center offers a huge ball pool, slide, trampolines and climbing structures, providing moments of joy and leisure for the little ones during the vacations.
There’s a new water attraction in Seixal
It’s called Splash Seixal and it brings to the south bank a series of water rides that are sure to delight all children… and all parents, as there’s plenty to enjoy.
How about a party or a boat trip on the Tagus?
The warm weather really calls for one of these parties on board a caravel on the Tagus River, always with plenty of drinks and entertainment from DJs. Welcome to boat trips on the Tagus.
Theater, Cinema, Comedy and Shows
Open-air cinema in Lisbon
With the arrival of summer, Lisbon is transformed into a veritable open-air movie stage, with screenings for all tastes and ages. There are screenings in emblematic locations such as the cloisters of the Igreja da Graça, the Palácio do Grilo, the Carmo Rooftop, the Doca da Marinha and the Cinecapitólio Rooftop, with a program ranging from classics to recent hits.
The Death of the Raven
“The Death of the Raven” is one of the plays that everyone talks about! It’s an immersive experience that will take you on a “journey” through the mad and hallucinated minds of Edgar Allan Poe and Fernando Pessoa, traveling through more than 25 theaters in a show unlike anything you’ve ever seen or been to.
In this intense thriller you’ll be able to (per)follow nine characters, each with their own characteristics, in a story that is told without any speech, only with body expression and choreographic movements.
Mystery, sensuality and lots of action await you at these screenings, which always take place from Wednesday to Sunday at 9pm.
At the Tivoli BBVA Theater
Every month there are new shows at one of Lisbon’s most iconic venues, the Teatro Tivoli BBVA. Let’s take a look at this month’s program:
- Tasting Fado (Experience): every Friday and Saturday
Address: Avenida da Liberdade 182A
Schedule: various
Tickets: on the website
Concerts, Parties and Festivals
The best music in the city’s most incredible venues
Over the next few months there will be several Candlelight classical music concerts, as well as other shows in various venues in Lisbon.
All of them will take place in fantastic locations in the city, offering very intimate and exciting moments for all those who attend.
Candlelight Concerts:
- Sold out
Other concerts in the city:
This month, you’ll still be able to attend a series of concerts and music festivals at various venues and venues in Lisbon:
- Seu Jorge: August 16, at Hipódromo Manuel Possolo
- Cascais Atlantic Sunsets: August 2 and 16
- O Sol da Caparica Festival: August 14-17
Sea Festivities Cascais 2025
At the end of August, Cascais is transformed into a stage by the sea, welcoming the likes of Pedro Abrunhosa, Richie Campbell, Bárbara Bandeira and D.A.M.A. Festas do Mar returns with a vibrant and totally free line-up, promising nights full of talent and unforgettable moments by the Atlantic. It’s time to celebrate summer to the sound of Portuguese music.
Sunset at the Castle: free music and entertainment over Lisbon
São Jorge Castle is once again hosting the “Pôr do Sol no Castelo” event with free concerts and DJ sets every Saturday in August from 7pm. Admission is free, but subject to capacity. The program offers unforgettable evenings, combining a diverse musical program with one of the city’s most spectacular views, making it the ideal plan for those looking for outdoor entertainment in Lisbon’s summer.
Exhibitions, Art and Fashion
Worten Mock Fest
In its debut edition, Worten Mock Fest will bring together the best-known comedians from streaming platforms with the biggest names in national comedy, as well as new comedy talents. Guilherme Geirinhas, the event’s host, is the first confirmed comedian.
Europe’s largest LEGO® model exhibition
The “Invasion of the Giants”, a renewed exhibition of LEGO® models, arrives at the Cordoaria Nacional from June 21 to September 28 with almost 10 million pieces and more than 100 impressive models.
Highlights include giant replicas of the Tie Fighter™ from Star Wars and the Twin Towers, as well as many interactive themed areas for all ages. Also explore a 3D gallery for unique photographs and have fun in three creative areas designed for families.
Poster Show
This is already the 10th edition of Poster Mostra, which returns to Marvila for another trip around various cultural sites, i.e. on various walls of buildings in this typical Lisbon neighborhood.
Visit the Banksy Museum
The Banksy exhibition in Lisbon is now the Banksy Museum, in a clear commitment by the city to a site that has been receiving more and more visitors since it opened in the summer of 2022. And there are 12 new works for you to see!
Puppet Museum: the art of storytelling
In the Madragoa neighborhood you’ll find a space that allows you to travel the world through the history of puppets. A museum that deserves to be visited, whatever your age.
Address: Rua da Esperança 146, Convento das Bernardas (Santos)
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (last entry at 5:30 p.m.)
Tickets: adults 5€; 13 to 25 year olds (non-Lisbon residents) 2.5€; over 65s 4.3€; or check other prices
At the Museum of Contemporary Art
MAC-CCB is the new abbreviation for Museum of Contemporary Art Centro Cultural de Belém, which in 2023 began occupying the space of the former Berardo Museum. It opened at the end of October.
Every month there are new activities and exhibitions in the renovated cultural space on the banks of the Tagus. Let’s take a look at this month’s program:
- Berardo Collection (exhibition): permanent
- Object, Body and Space (exhibition): permanent
- An Atlantic drift. The arts of the 20th century from the Berardo Collection (exhibition): permanent
- Interspecies (temporary exhibition): until August 31st
- Chantal Akerman. Travelling (temporary exhibition): until September 7
- Posters without Censorship | April 25th and the “Hot Summer” Revolution (temporary exhibition): until September 28th
At the Gulbenkian Museum + Modern Art Center (CAM)
Every month there are new exhibitions and projects at one of Lisbon’s best-known museums, the Gulbenkian Museum, and also at the Modern Art Center. Let’s take a look at this month’s program.
At the Gulbenkian Museum:
-
NOTE: The Gulbenkian Museum is temporarily closed.
At the Modern Art Center (CAM):
- H BOX (Video): permanent
- Visitable Reserves: until May 11, 2026
- Tristany Mundu | City around the City (exhibition): until May 5
- Linha de Maré (CAM Collection): until May 11, 2026
- Francisca Rocha Gonçalves | Interferências no Tejo (exhibition): until May 19
- Julianknxx | Choir in Remembrance of a Flight (exhibition): until June 2
- British Art (exhibition): until July 21
- Diana Policarpo | Cigatera (exhibition): until July 28
- Paula Rego and Adriana Varejão (exhibition): from April 11 to September 22
- Mikhail Karikis | Sounds of a Revolution (exhibition): from May 16 to September 22
At MAAT
Lisbon’s most modern museum has new exhibitions almost every month, and we’ll share the highlights with you:
- The Electricity Factory (exhibition): permanent
- Rui Moreira | Transe (exhibition): until June 2
- Ana Léon | Gestos (exhibition): until June 2
- New Artists Award (exhibition): until September 8
Address: Avenida Brasília (Belém)
Opening times: various
Tickets: on the website
At the Orient Museum
Every month there are new exhibitions, courses, conferences and shows at the Museu do Oriente. Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of this month’s program:
- Portuguese Presence in Asia (exhibition): permanent
- Chinese export porcelain | Former Cunha Alves Collection: permanent
- Ivories from Goa (exhibition): permanent
- Treasures in the Palm of Your Hand (exhibition): until September 1st
- Japan: Festivals and Rituals (temporary exhibition): until December 31st
Address: Av. Brasília (Doca de Alcantara, North)
Opening times: various
Tickets: on the website
At the National Coach Museum
Every month there are exciting exhibitions at the National Coach Museum. Let’s take a look at this month’s program:
- The Exchange of Princesses – 1729 (temporary exhibition): no end date
- The Queen’s Tournament: solidarity of the Portuguese people (temporary exhibition): from December 19th
- 12 Signs of the Zodiac (temporary exhibition): no end date
Address: Avenida da Índia 136 (Belém)
Opening hours: various
Tickets: on site
At the Museum of Communications
Every month there are staged visits, exhibitions and many other events for the whole family at the Museum of Communications . Let’s take a look at some of the highlights of this month’s program:
- Submarine cables (exhibition): until 2050
Address: Rua do Instituto Industrial 16 (Santos)
Opening times: various
Tickets: on the website
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