Image by Rita

Cinema Londres is one of the city’s oldest theatres that still remains open. Don’t go there expecting state-of-the-art screens or uber-dolby surround sound because this is not what “Londres” is about! Instead, you enter into a somewhat dark and obscure movie theatre which still features the 60′s typical architecture and décor.

One of the major surprises here are the chairs – you get to sit in a real couch! I think these are the comfiest chairs ever as they surprisingly move and adjust when you sit! (plus, it is really hilarious to watch people’s faces when they go there for the first time!)

The other surprise in this spot is the Magnolia Caffe located inside -this is a cute little gourmet café, where you get to choose from a variety of muffins, natural fruit juices, quiches, pies, and other delicious pastries. It is definitely a great variation from the regular popcorn and coke combo!

It also has a relaxed reading corner, with a series of books and magazines, and where you can take a book home if you leave one in its place! If you go there in the afternoon, you can also try the 5′oclock tea- the scones are just delicious!

Vee’s Favorites – Chocolate cake and smoothies

Rita’s Favorites – Surprise-moving chairs, 5 o’clock t

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cinema Londres | Cinemas, Coffee & tea | Movie ticket € 6.50
Av. Roma 7-a | Avenidas | +351218401313
Open daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

Created in 1948, the Portuguese Cinematheque is working since than as an institution dedicated to preservation and promotion of Cinema. Inside the building there’s a small cinema, an archive, a bookstore, a library, a cosy restaurant and the Film Museum. The place is located in a 19th century well preserved building in Art Nouveau style with an impressive Neo-Mudejár atrium, right next to Liberdade Avenue in central Lisbon. It’s a great place to go for a good “night at the movies” and also a pleasant place for a coffee or a snack – don’t miss the open-air terrace if you go there on a sunny afternoon!

The museum is divided into 3 rooms: The Cupid Room, the Oak Room and the 6×2 Room. Here you’ll find relics that tell the story of Cinema from magic lanterns to Lumiére projectors or other cinematographic objects like film reels, books and photographs.

If you love a good old story, check your favorite director’s tribute at these cosy small cinema. Sessions start in the afternoon – the so called Matinés - at 15:30h screening movies from great directors: Ford, Bergman, Polansky, De Sicca, Vidor and Ridley Scott. There are also retrospectives of the most acclaimed film directors and actors.

Here, there’s only a short list of Hollywood movies. European, Experimental and Author Cinema can be hard to follow sometimes, but forget blockbusters for a day and give these guys some credit… You won’t be sorry. And… cut!

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Cinemateca | Art & culture, Cinemas, Snacks | Cinema Ticket € 3.00
Rua Barata Salgueiro, 39 | Liberdade | +351213596200
Mon – Sat 14:00 – 20:00

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon

Image by Nuno Lopes de Paula

The bull ring of Campo Pequeno was built in 1890 by a Portuguese architect. The design was inspired by the old bull ring of Madrid and the style is called Neo-Mudéjar - Arab influence can be seen in the oriental-looking domes, the horseshoe shaped doors and the two towers at the main entrance. It looks like you’re back to the “Arabian Nights”.

Bull fighting is certainly not my cup of tea, so… besides the “Tourada” there’s also a stage for concerts and underneath the 10.000 seat arena, there’s a shopping center with cinemas, restaurants, several shops and my favorite supermarket in Lisbon - Sá. The small supermarket – the one in the city selling products from the Madeira Island – Is a place I would go to buy local products such as: Coral beer, Passion fruit, Banana, Madeira wine and traditional jam and cookies. Buy a snack and a yogurt and have a seat outside while enjoying the park and admiring the Arab influence on the famous bull ring.

The Bull ring is located in a central park near one of the main avenues of Lisbon. There’s a Metro station and underground parking place. I would go there after 7 p.m. avoiding the rushing hours. If you’re a cinema fan, don’t despair… Brad Pitt and Scarlett Johansson can’t speak portuguese yet and almost all movies are subtitled as they remain in the original language. 

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Campo Pequeno | Cinemas, Coffee & tea, Shopping, Snacks, Restaurants | Cinema Ticket € 6.50
Avenida da República, 100 | Avenidas
10:00 – 22:00 daily

Copyrights Spotted by Locals Lisbon