WhatsUpLisbon Alpha

In October, Maria Matos hosts Treze Raios, the meeting between Madeiran guitarist André Santos and Porto collective Sopa de Pedra: original repertoire born from artistic residencies in Madeira, where the sound of the conch shell, kneaded bread, prayers and stories of emigration, levadas, embroiderers and whale fishing feed a dialogue between solo guitar and voices singing.

Tickets to climb the Rua Augusta Arch, admiring Célestin Anatole Calmels' sculptures and taking in a 360° view over Lisbon's harbour from the city's symbol of resilience after the 1755 earthquake.

Ticket to the UNESCO World Heritage Belém Tower in Lisbon, with access to the Governor's Room, Kings' Room, chapel and batteries, interactive experiences and a spectacular view over the Tagus; children under 13 enter free.

Entry to Lisbon's iconic São Jorge Castle with an audio guide covering its history, especially the Moorish era, including the Tower of Ulysses, King Manuel I's statue, the Martim Moniz Gate and panoramic views over the historic centre and the Tagus.

A one-hour live fado concert at the Cine-Theatro Gymnásio in Chiado, where singers accompanied by Portuguese and acoustic guitar perform the music classified as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, backed by images of Lisbon's most iconic spots. Sessions run at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM and the show is suitable for all ages.

An intimate 50-minute live fado show in Lisbon, paired with a glass of port wine in a vibrant setting that captures the essence of Portuguese culture.

An intimate late-night fado session at the Mesa de Frades restaurant in Alfama, where a professional fadista opens the mic to hidden talents between midnight and 2am.

Skip-the-line entry to Monserrate Palace in the Serra de Sintra, a 19th-century eclectic residence with Gothic, Moorish and Indian influences, plus its romantic botanical gardens with lakes, fountains, grottoes and plants from around the world.

Skip-the-line tickets for the Moorish Castle in Sintra, with trails through the ancient fortification, its history and panoramic views over Sintra; children under 6 enter free and there are discounts for ages 6-18 and seniors.

An exhibition in Lisbon gathering 100 works by Banksy, from 'Girl with Balloon' to 'Sweep It Under The Carpet', presented through murals, graffiti, canvases, projections and video installations.

An interactive museum in Chiado with more than 20 illusions, immersive rooms and visual challenges that trick perception and entertain visitors of all ages, with visits at your own pace.

Skip-the-line entry to the 18th-century summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family in Queluz, with its lush historic gardens, hidden trails and the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art on site, plus a free hop-on hop-off service.

Admission to the Pena Palace, its exotic park and the Chalet of Countess d'Edla in Sintra, the former monastery turned royal residence by King Fernando II; children under 6 enter free, with reduced tickets on-site for ages 6-18 and seniors.

An interactive centre inside the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril in Alcântara, with virtual reality, multimedia exhibits on the bridge's history and an elevator ride to a panoramic viewpoint over Lisbon and the Tejo.

Fast-track entry and a guided tour of São Jorge Castle, exploring the hilltop fortress's courtyards and walls and climbing the Tower of Ulysses for a 360º view over Lisbon and the Tagus.

Entry to the UNESCO-listed 16th-century monastery in Belém, with access to the cloister and the monks' refectory, open Tuesday to Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM with last entry 30 minutes before closing.

A journey through 5000 years of health history at the Pharmacy Museum, featuring reconstructions of Portuguese apothecaries, a traditional Chinese pharmacy from Macau, an Egyptian sarcophagus and a Black Death medical suit.

On 14 and 17 October, MU.SA — the Museum of Arts of Sintra — hosts the “Danuta Wojciechowska” illustration workshops, an invitation to discover the art of illustration.

The Lado BB strand screens La Vérité, Hirokazu Kore-eda's drama in which Catherine Deneuve plays a film star whose fragile relationship with her daughter resurfaces; tickets are 3,20€ with discounts available.

A series of three lectures by Joshua Decter, in partnership with AIR 351, proposing a revisionist history of contemporary art through its recontextualisation on social media. The event will be conducted in English.

THE HEAT OF LISBON live in concert, with sets from Eimhéar Rebel, Shea Doolin and Jjg.

A screening of Noémia Delgado's film "Máscaras", with tickets at 3,20€ and discounts for Friends of the Cinemateca, students, over-65s and other groups.

Kate Zubok — DJ, producer, free diver and yogi — leads Techno Yoga, a fusion of breathwork, conscious movement and dancing to Berlin minimal techno, every Wednesday at TEJÁ House on the Cais do Sodré riverside.

The Lado BB programme at the Cinemateca screens Et Dieu... Créa La Femme, with general tickets at 3,20€ and discounts available.

Tempers, Jasmine Golestaneh's solo project, brings the songs from the new album 'Delusion' (2026) live to the Rés do Chão on 14 October. Synth-pop, techno, post-punk and shoegaze continue to define her sonic universe.

The Lado BB cycle dedicated to Brigitte Bardot screens Viva Maria!, Louis Malle's adventure comedy starring Bardot and Jeanne Moreau, at the Cinemateca; tickets are 3,20€ with discounts for Cinemateca friends, young people, students and seniors.

Nina Maia presents the songs from her acclaimed debut album 'INTEIRA' (2024) at the Sótão da Casa on 14 October, where MPB and bossa nova meet indie-pop. Tickets cost €10 + fees online and €13 at the door.

Midweek ritual. Some People Kharkiv pres.: Sasha Pervukhin b2b Sasha Yalovenko Wednesday flow. No pause, just motion. Line-up: Sasha Pervukhin, Sasha Yalovenko

Every Wednesday from midnight to 6am at Temple Club, the Visionaries x Freaky Fiction alliance boards the Mothership for galactic explorations, with an open beer bar until 01:00 and free entry on your birthday.