Cinemas In Portugal
Want to escape the heat in Portugal this summer? Then why not cool off with the latest blockbuster at one of his many cinemas in Portugal?
In the age of home streaming, you may have gotten a little too used to watching movies on your laptop. But it’s time to relive the truly magical experience of watching movies right there on the big screen with the best surround sound.
Going to the cinema is an experience that is truly magical, especially in Portugal.
Find out everything you need to know about visiting one of Portugal’s many great cinemas.
What Are The Cinemas Like In Portugal?
If you are like me, a movie in a cinema is an absolutely unparalleled experience. There’s something so nostalgic about the smell of fresh popcorn and sipping on an oversized soda! Some movie theaters here offer unlimited refills of popcorn and drinks. Yes, you read that correctly. Unlimited refills!
Will The Movies Be Dubbed In English Or Portuguese?
One was whether the film would get lost in translation if it was dubbed into Portuguese.
In fact, people were thrilled to hear that most of the time, the films were screened in their original language! This means that films released in English around the world will also retain their English tone.
To accommodate native Portuguese, movies are shown here with Portuguese subtitles. As a foreigner still learning Portuguese, it’s actually quite a bonus because you can practice your Portuguese at the same time. Think of it as the best education!
Note that children’s films are almost always dubbed into Portuguese.
This makes sense, considering that children do not fully understand English yet. So it’s much easier to understand a movie when it’s dubbed into your native language.
Are There Cinemas For Foreigners In Portugal?
Short answer – no. But don’t be discouraged.
The friendly staff can speak English anyway if you are a bit shy. Most cinemas have screens in the lobby where you can order tickets. Alternatively, most have an online booking system that allows you to order tickets with just a few clicks.
Cinemas are usually located in major shopping malls in each region. Do you know where you often go to buy groceries and clothes at the supermarket? Well, there’s likely a cinema complex on the top floor (also conveniently located right next to the food court).
What Are The Main Cinemas In Portugal?
In Portugal, as in other countries, there are several well-known chains that own most of the cinemas. These popular cinemas mainly show the latest blockbusters.
Cinema NOS – Imax
Cinema NOS is Portugal’s leading film importer, with 30 theaters and a total of 214 screens. They were the pioneers who digitized the film industry here and introduced 3D digital cinema to Portugal. It has cinemas in Coimbra, Lisbon, Braga, Faro, Porto, Torres Vedras, and Madeira, to name a few, and serves most of the major regions of the country.
2013 saw the opening of his first IMAX cinema.
IMAX cinemas are located at NOS Colombo in Lisbon and NOS MarShopping in Matosinhos, Porto. 2016 saw the introduction of his exciting 4DX cinema. 4DX cinema combines environmental effects such as chair movement, wind, and rain while watching a movie. Sounds pretty good. These are located at the NOS Armada Forum and the NOS Gaia Shopping Center in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Cinema City
It is the first-floor cinema in the 19th-century Campo Pequeno Bullring mainly shows the latest hits found in other regular theaters but also shows domestic, indie films. The building itself, with its Arabian-influenced architecture and many events throughout the year, is also worth a visit, even for visitors not interested in bullfighting.
Cinema City – Campo Grande
Another interesting finding he also noticed is that the popcorn in the cinemas here is usually sweet. A lot of people have usually always had salty popcorn. Having a whole box of freshly made caramel popcorn is basically my heavenly idea! (Don’t worry, there’s still a salty popcorn option for those who don’t want to tune in.)
Cinema City – Alvalade
Cinema City, with six cinema halls, has a total of 46 cinema halls. Most cinemas are in Lisbon – Alfragide, Beloura, Campo Pequeno and Alvalade. There are also two outside the Lisbon area. One in Setubal and one in Leiria.
Cinema City has a 3D cinema and a VIP area inside the cinema. The VIP area has very comfortable reclining leather chairs and a buffet available 20 minutes before the movie starts.
Cineplace Cinemas
The second largest cinema chain is Cineplace Cinemas, with 14 cinemas and a total of 85 screens in Portugal. The company entered the market in its 2013 acquisition of the majority of cinemas from the Castello Lopes Cinemas chain. There are cinemas in Aveiro, Braga, Albufeira, Portimao, Guarda, Leiria, Lisbon, Porto, Setubal, Azores, and Madeira.
Cineplace Cinemas boasts an excellent XPlace cinema in Braga, offering high-definition sound and big-screen imaging in 12 stadium cinemas. We also offer a VIP area, Cineplace Blue Diamond, where you can watch movies from the comfort of your lounge chair and access exclusive gourmet menus.
Castello Lopes Cinemas
Before, Castello Lopes Cinemas was his second largest chain in Portugal, but by 2013 he closed all cinemas. However, in recent years they have begun to reopen some of their cinemas, six of which are now operating in Portugal.
There are cinemas in Barreiro, Sintra, Guimaraes, Torres Novas, and Santarém. 3D cinema is also available in some locations.
Castello Lopez Cinema has great promotions at the cinema. This includes free movie screenings on the first Sunday of each month at 11:00 AM. These are primarily for children and mainly show family movies. You can also purchase a combined movie and meal ticket at Forum Sintra. This ticket allows you to dine at partner restaurants for just €9.
UCI Cinemas
As an international cinema brand, UCI Cinemas can be found throughout Europe. He has three theaters: El Corte Inglés in Lisbon, Dolce Vita Tejo in Amadora, and Arrabida Shopping in Gaia in Porto. You can watch 3D movies at Amadora Cinema.
UCI Cinemas also offers seasonal promotions, including unlimited popcorn and drinks, right as well as discounted tickets for families of four visiting the cinema together.
Cinema São Jorge-Lisbon
The most prestigious Cinema, São Jorge, is a cultural institution that opened in 1950. It has three theaters, two of which are used for movies and one for shows and concerts.
It is an architectural landmark and has established itself as one of Portugal’s most iconic cinemas. These days, it’s also home to several film festivals.
The cinema runs all year round and has hosted everything right from the Italian Film Festival to the Lisbon Motorcycle Film Fest.
Address: Avenida da Liberdade 175, Lisbon, Portugal
Mediaia Monumental Cinema
Some of the most famous directors, such as David Cronenberg and Bernardo Bertolucci visited Lisbon’s Monumental Cinema. Located right next to Saldanha, his four cinemas are considered as one of Lisbon’s most remarkable and beautiful cinemas.
Cinema takes great pride in curating the best cinematography in the world. Most notably, it regularly screens acclaimed films, including a wide range of old and new classics.
Address: Edificio Monumental, Av. Praia da Vitória 72, 1050-183 Lisboa
Cinematica- Lisbon
Right next to Cinema São Jorge is the Cinemateca, an absolute must for all film lovers. Calling this a movie is not enough. Rather, it’s a film museum with a staggering collection of over 70,000 films.
We have a great movie program showing up to 6 high-quality movies per day. True connoisseurs of independent and arthouse cinema will not be disappointed with our curated programming. You can also visit the café and the excellent bookstore on the top floor.
The cinema is located in Rua Barata Salgueiro 39, Marquês de Pombal, 1250, Lisbon 1269-059, Portugal.
CineSociety – Topo Chiado And Open Air cinema
Sit with friends on a sun lounger in one of Lisbon’s most famous spots. Is it great again? CineSociety, both Topo Chiado and Open Air Cinema is the perfect experience for a summer night in Lisbon. With a fantastic program of cult classics, old and new, open-air cinemas are breathtaking, and he has two locations. The first is Topo Chiado Bar, with a great view of Lisbon.
The second is the stunning view overlooking Cascais on the top floor of Hotel Bahia.
You don’t have to settle for popcorn while you’re relaxing and watching a great movie. Both venues serve great cocktails and also serve Portuguese tapas!
Address:
Topo Chiado is located in Terracos do Carmo, Lisbon 1200-092, Portugal
Hotel Baía is located in Passeio de Dom Luís I, 2754-509 Cascais
Porto
Cinema Trindade
Porto’s historic cinema, Cinema Trindade, opened its premiere in 1913 but has closed several times over the last 100 years. Finally, reopening for the fourth time in 2017, Porto has enjoyed a cultural renaissance.
Cinema Trindade has two cinemas and only shows four times a day. We have a large selection of works, so please take a look. Cinemas often hold theme weeks focusing on a country and showing important films from that country.
Address: Rua do Almada 412, 4000-235 Porto
Passos Manuel
You can’t help but love Passos Manuel, a cultural institution of Porto’s art scene. Every spot at this place is something special, from the Art Nouveau furniture direct to the VIP booths behind the bar. There is only one
cinema hall, so the cinema program is a bit more irregular than the others listed here. But be sure to check the program if there are screenings. You especially don’t want to miss an opportunity to see something here!
The cinema is located in Rua de Passos Manuel nº 137, Porto, Portugal.
Cinema São Jorge
Indie Lisboa is an annual event at São Jorge Cinema, built in the 1950s and still one of the city’s traditional art house cinemas. Located on Avenida da Liberdade, you can watch films, documentaries, poetry readings, or film premieres from one of three halls with big screens.
Cinematheca
Cinema, About 350 meters from São Jorge, is the Cinematheca. A theater, museum, and cafe in one. Built in 1948 and built in Art Nouveau style, the hotel is a great place to catch the latest hits and old classics, as well as a cool hangout to meet and chat with friends. A museum is also a great place for film buffs to see different methods of filmmaking throughout the history of cinema.
Media Monumental Cinema
The Monumental Cinema, belongs to the Media Film Group is located in Saldanha and has four halls with a total of 378 seats. Considered one of the Portuguese capital’s most notable and visually stunning, it features both international and local cinema.
Espacio Nimes Another name for the Medea family is Espaso Nimas (also known as Cinema Nimes) near the Media Monumental Cinema in Saldanha. Their independent films are called Special Sessions, and the venue also sells DVDs and news publications. In addition to independent films, media groups also show his films in 3D.
Best Alternative Cinemas In Portugal
Whether you enjoy indie or art house movies or are looking for an outdoor cinema, you will find a wide variety of alternative cinemas. The best part is that most of these cinemas are located in historical or beautifully preserved buildings.
Conclusion
Most of the cinemas listed here are constantly changing their programs to schedule new releases. To plan your visit, be sure to check movie times before visiting. Also, keep an eye out for discounted accommodation and special offers held regularly at the cinema.
If you’re looking for the very perfect date night or just want to catch the latest Marvel blockbuster, make your way to one of these great cinemas in Portugal right now! Dent movie buffs will be delighted to know that a visit to Lisbon includes a tour of the city’s most memorable arthouse cinemas.
The city is also home to Indie Lisboa, an international film festival held in early May each year. The festival may end this year, but there are still plenty of great places to see an arthouse film.