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.

Climb to the top of the Rua Augusta Arch for a 360° view over Lisbon's harbour and a close look at Célestin Anatole Calmels' sculptures.

Entry ticket to Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with access to the Governor's Room, Kings' Room, chapel and batteries, plus a spectacular view over the Tagus.

Admission to São Jorge Castle with an audio guide, covering the walls, the Tower of Ulysses and the peacock-filled gardens, with views over Lisbon's historic centre and the Tagus.

A one-hour live fado concert at the Cine-Theatro Gymnásio in Chiado, with sessions at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM, where Portuguese and acoustic guitars accompany singers through the music that made fado an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Suitable for all ages, with images of Lisbon's most iconic spots projected alongside the performance.

An intimate 50-minute live fado performance in central Lisbon, where you can immerse yourself in authentic Portuguese melodies and toast to life with a glass of port wine.

An authentic open-mic Fado session at Mesa de Frades in Alfama: between midnight and 2am, a professional fado singer invites hidden talents for two hours of improvisation, emotion and unexpected musical encounters.

Entry ticket to Monserrate Palace in the Serra de Sintra, a 19th-century eclectic residence with Gothic, Moorish and Indian influences set in one of Portugal's most romantic botanical gardens.

Skip-the-line tickets for the Moorish Castle in Sintra, where you can walk the trails along the ancient fortification walls and enjoy sweeping views over Sintra and the surrounding area.

Entry ticket to the Museu Banksy in Lisbon, where 100 works by the anonymous street artist are on show, from 'Girl with Balloon' to murals, canvases, projections and video installations gathered from around the world.

An interactive visit to the Museum of Illusions in Chiado, with more than 20 immersive rooms, optical illusions and brain teasers that challenge perception and entertain all ages.

Skip-the-line entry to the National Palace of Queluz and its gardens, the 18th-century summer residence of the Portuguese Royal Family, with access to the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art and a free hop-on hop-off service in the gardens.

Admission to the Park and National Palace of Pena, the former monastery turned fairytale palace by King Fernando II, including the exotic park and the charming Chalet of Countess d'Edla.

Interactive centre inside the 25 de Abril Bridge with multimedia exhibits, virtual reality and an elevator ride to a panoramic view over Lisbon and the Tejo; children under 5 enter free.

A guided tour of São Jorge Castle with fast-track entry, available in English, Spanish, French or Portuguese, tracing its evolution from Moorish stronghold to royal palace and ending with 360º views from the Tower of Ulysses.

Entry ticket to the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of 16th-century Manueline architecture overlooking the Tagus, including access to the cloister and the old monks' refectory. Visits run Tuesday to Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, with wheelchair access and a tactile map for blind visitors.

A journey through 5000 years of health history at the Pharmacy Museum, featuring reconstructions of an 18th-century Portuguese apothecary, the early 20th-century Liberal Pharmacy and a traditional Chinese pharmacy from Macau. Open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with free entry for children under 5.

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.

A Lado BB series screening at the Cinemateca featuring the film La Vérité, with tickets at 3,20€ and discounts for Friends of the Cinemateca, students, over-65s and other audiences.

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 'Máscaras', with general admission at 3,20€ and discounts for Amigos da Cinemateca members, Cartão Jovem holders, students, over-65s and other groups.

A fusion of breathwork, yoga, conscious movement and dancing to Berlin minimal techno, guided by DJ and producer Kate Zubok every Wednesday at TEJÁ House on the riverside in Cais do Sodré — no experience needed.

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.

A Cinemateca screening of 'Viva Maria!' as part of the 'Lado BB' series, with tickets at 3,20€ and discounts for Friends of the Cinemateca, youth card holders, the unemployed, students, over-65s and retirees.

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 at ROOM: Some People Kharkiv presents a back-to-back DJ set from Sasha Pervukhin and Sasha Yalovenko — Wednesday flow, no pause, just motion.

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.