Entertainment in Central Portugal
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A
Á Capella
A tiny, 14th-century chapel transformed into a candlelit cocktail lounge, Á Capella regularly hosts the city’s most renowned fado musicians. The setting is as intimate as the music itself, with heart-rendingly good acoustics. Be forewarned that these shows cater directly to a tourist crowd, but the atmosphere and music are both superb.
reviewed
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B
Café Santa Cruz
Few cafes in Portugal offer such an atmospheric backdrop. The interior, set in a dramatically beautiful high-vaulted former chapel, features stained-glass windows and graceful stone arch, while the outdoor patio area affords one of the city’s best vantage points over the popular Praça 8 de Maio. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the cafe periodically hosts free evening music events and talks. You’ll pay a bit extra here for the atmosphere, but it’s worth it.
reviewed
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C
Feitoconceito
Entered through the Tabacaria Pavão downstairs, this ultrahip hideaway near Praça da República is comprised of three colourfully lit high-ceilinged rooms. The intimate vibe is best appreciated when you’re sitting cross-legged on cushions at the low tables in the innermost room. Beers cost €0.70, and caipirinhas are €14 for a tray of eight.
reviewed
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D
Casa dos Bonecos
Actors from the grand municipal Teatro Garcia de Resende studied for several years with the only surviving master of a traditional rural puppetry style called bonecos de Santo Aleixo (Santo Aleixo puppets). They occasionally perform this, other styles, and hand-puppet shows for children at this little theatre off Largo de Machede Velho.
reviewed
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E
Bar Quebra Costas
In the perfect position to sip a cold beer as you watch people puff and pant up the Quebra Costas, this Coimbra classic has a great terrace as well as a recently updated interior with sharp art on the walls. Thursday through Saturday there’s music into the wee hours, from chilled-out electronica to jazz.
reviewed
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F
Cup of Joe
Part of a coffee chain, this attractive cafe has a peaceful outdoor seating overlooking a plaza, and a good selection of lighter fare (mains from €3.50 to €5) – crêpes, salads, wraps and plenty of caffeine. Electronic music and a friendly cocktail-sipping crowd arrive by night.
reviewed
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G
Café Teatro
With huge windows, minimalist decor and a long zinc bar overlooking leafy Praça da República, the cafe in the upstairs lobby of the university theatre is the place where alternative types congregate for their caffeine fix or first drink of the evening. Ticket-holders only during performances.
reviewed
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Casa do Santo
An immensely enjoyable cervejaria (beer house) serving beer, wine and tasty seafood snacks – especially recommended are the garlicky steamed ameijoas (clams). Grab a table on the pavement, or eat under the stone arches of the cosy interior rooms beside the bustling bar.
reviewed
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Bar Taberna d’Óbidos
For sandwiches or a drink with a little atmosphere thrown in, this medieval-style bar with stone walls and a spiral staircase makes a fun stop. It’s especially cosy at night when there is an open fire roaring in the giant fireplace.
reviewed
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Bubba’s Bar
For a beer or a bite without leaving the beach, Bubba’s is the place. Serving everything from morning coffee to standard beach-bar fare, it’s got a big sunny outdoor deck, with plexiglass windows to block the wind and sand.
reviewed
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H
Praxis
Praxis has one big dance floor, one small dance floor and DJs spinning house, R&B and hip-hop. It’s a lively, good-time crowd, but the place doesn’t get busy until around 2am after the other places have closed.
reviewed
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I
Bar Amas do Cardeal
Popular, darkly lit and weirdly decorated, this bar attracts a chilled, eclectic crowd for post-1am drinking, and weekend dancing on the small dance floor. Regular DJs play cool and funky house.
reviewed
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J
Mondego Irish Pub
It may be a tad overpriced, but you can’t argue with this pub’s prime riverfront location, Guinness and Kilkenny on draught and live music from midnight to 3am three nights a week.
reviewed
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K
Oficin@Bar
Attracting all ages, this is an appealing, relaxed bar with little wooden tables in a white-arched cave-like space. It’s convivial, with jazz and blues playing gently in the background.
reviewed
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Fatias de Cá
This Tomar-based theatre company presents highly innovative and entertaining weekend performances such as The Name of the Rose and The Tempest, often in amazing locations.
reviewed
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L
Akiákopus Bar
This place looks intimidating because you have to ring the doorbell, but inside it’s a cosy little drinking hole with stone walls, beamed ceilings and a surprisingly good margarita.
reviewed
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Reguengo Bar
This big barnlike space with a vaulted ceiling is where Estremoz’ youth kick their heels up. Live bands play most Friday nights. In summer the party continues in the garden outside.
reviewed
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M
English Bar
This British-style pub serves light meals downstairs and offers a bar in which to knock back draught Murphy’s upstairs. There’s a very popular Latin night on Wednesdays.
reviewed
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N
Café Paraíso
This old-fashioned, high-ceilinged deco cafe serves as a refuge for the town’s alternative scene, as well as for anyone in need of a snack and a shot of caffeine or whisky.
reviewed
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O
Cartola Esplanada Bar
Equally popular for morning coffee and late-night beers, this perennially packed cafe with a great plaza-side location is the ideal place for a spot of student-watching.
reviewed
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P
Bar do Teatro
Next to the theatre, this small, inviting bar has high ceilings and old-world decor that welcomes a friendly mixed crowd. The music tends toward lounge and electronica.
reviewed
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Q
Praça de Touros
Évora has a Praça de Touros outside the southern walls, near the jardim público. Three to four bullfights take place between May and October.
reviewed
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R
Sociedade Harmonia Eborense
For theatre, film, concerts and art expositions, stop in at the imaginative cultural centre Sociedade Harmonia Eborense to see what’s on.
reviewed
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S
Galeria Bar Santa Clara
Arty tearoom by day and chilled-out bar at night, this terrific place has good art on the walls, a series of sunny rooms and a fine, riverfront terrace.
reviewed
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T
Capítulo 8
A stylish newcomer to the Évora scene, this bar has atmospheric lighting and walls lined with wooden masks. It attracts a slightly trendier crowd.
reviewed
