Other entertainment in Portugal
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O Luain’s
For the craic in Cascais, it has to be this cheery Irish watering hole, run by Ivor and Karen. Pull up a stool for Guinness and – at 10.30pm from Thursday to Sunday – live music, including the popular banjo jam sessions.
reviewed
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A
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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B
A Brasileira
All gold swirls and cherubs, this art-deco cafe has been a Lisbon institution since 1905. Sure it’s touristy, but the terrace is brilliant for watching street entertainers beside the bronze statue of poet Fernando Pessoa. Order a bica, which takes its name from A Brasileira’s 1905 catchphrase: beba isto com açúcar (drink this with sugar).
reviewed
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Maus Habitos
This creatively decorated multiroom space hosts a culturally ambitious agenda. Changing art exhibits and imaginative installations adorn the walls, while live bands and DJs work the back stage. Hidden within, there’s also a design shop and an inexpensive vegetarian restaurant (open for lunch only Monday through Friday).
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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C
Plano B
This creative space has an art gallery in front, a tall-ceilinged cafe (with free wireless access) in back, and a cosy downstairs where DJs and live bands hold court. Much like the crowd, the programming is truly eclectic, with performance art, theatre and art openings held regularly.
reviewed
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D
Galeria de Paris
New in 2008, the Galeria de Paris is a whimsically decorated spot, with toys, thermoses, old phones and other assorted memorabilia lining the walls. In addition to cocktails and draft beer, you’ll find an expensive lunch buffet during the day and tapas at night.
reviewed
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Âncora D’ouro
Also known as O Piolho (The Louse), this unkempt place has been a regular student hang-out since the 19th century. The food and service are poor, but the prices are low and the vibe is festive/rowdy depending on the proximity to Saturday night. Outdoor seating.
reviewed
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Theatro Circo de Braga
One of the most dazzling theatres in the country reopened in late 2006 following a lengthy restoration. Inside the grand fin de siècle building, you can catch concerts, theatre and dance, with offerings ranging from the staid to the truly avant-garde.
reviewed
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E
Jamaica
Yep, most dancing on this street involves laps but not at Jamaica, man. Gay and straight, black and white, young and old – everyone has a soft spot for this offbeat club. It gets going around 2am at weekends with DJs pumping out reggae, hip-hop and retro.
reviewed
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F
Espaço Cultural
Just north of the Praça da República, this youthful new arts space hosts exhibitions, concerts, film screenings and other cultural fare. There’s also a shop selling fair-trade items and a cafe where you can linger over a bite or a drink.
reviewed
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Casino Estoril
Bond fans after a spritz of espionage head for glitzy Casino Estoril, the inspiration for Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale. Fritter away your euros on a high-stakes poker tournament or check out the spangly Las Vegas–style shows.
reviewed
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Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club
True to its name, this new spot hosts live jazz and blues as well as the occasional acoustic, folk or all-out jam session. It’s a modern but intimate space, with seating at small round tables, both fronting the stage and on an upper balcony.
reviewed
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G
Art
Kate Moss wannabes and Moët-guzzling all-comers sway to house at this ubercool lounge before sashaying over to Kremlin. The monochrome decor is fabulously OTT – think feather-filled columns, black velvet and teardrop chandeliers.
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
ViniPortugal
This vaulted showroom is an ingenious initiative to promote Portuguese wine, from citrusy Alentejo whites to full-bodied Douros. Taste them for free, learn about their geography and give your (much-valued) feedback to the cheery staff.
reviewed
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Black Coffee
Film stills blanket the walls of this polished new place across from the câmara municipal. A youthful but mixed crowd gathers over cocktails and electronic music early in the evening before moving on to the dance clubs.
reviewed
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Bubble Lounge
Bright walls, beanbags, low seating, Indian lanterns and wall hangings: boho Bubble Lounge has an easy vibe and good beats. It’s friendly and there’s a small streetside terrace. Movies are screened here on some nights.
reviewed
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I
Baluarte
Ubercool Baluarte draws a see-and-be-seen crowd with its glam-meets-retro decor of swirly gold wallpaper, tub chairs and bold purple splashes. It offers sea views, well-mixed cocktails and regular events from DJ nights to karaoke.
reviewed
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J
Cervejaria o Alemão
Günther runs this totally cuckoo German enclave. His bar resembles a Black Forest clock shop, with walls smothered in antique timepieces and pocket watches. Stop by for Franziskaner beer, schnitzel and cheesy schlager music.
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Café Au Lait
A narrow, intimate bar attracting a lively but unpretentious crowd. In addition to cocktails, there are snacks and salads, including vegetarian fare. DJs spin on Wednesday through Saturday nights, adding to the good cheer.
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K
3 Monkeys
This is a backpacker’s favourite for a good time. This classic bar has friendly staff who dish out plenty of shots and glasses to its jolly clientele. Its gimmick is a funnel-full of whatever you want to scull.
reviewed
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New Look Club
A popular newcomer to the club scene, this boxy space has a spacious dance floor ringed by an upstairs gallery for checking out the scene below. It’s next door to Flôr de Sal hotel on Praia Norte.
reviewed
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Buvigis
A hip new lounge bar close to the waterfront, Buvigis is packed with 20- to 30-somethings that just wanna have fun sipping cocktails, playing pool and grooving to everything from chillout to old-skool tunes.
reviewed
