The Best Open-Air Cinemas in Lisbon This Summer (2025)

Summer in Lisbon brings warm nights, golden light, and one of the city’s most beloved rituals: open-air cinema. Across rooftops, public gardens, and historic courtyards, Lisbon transforms into a giant open-air screen — offering everything from indie favourites to Hollywood classics, all under the stars.

Whether you're planning a laid-back evening with friends, a romantic date, or just want to swap the sofa for a deck chair, these are the open-air cinema experiences not to miss in 2025.

1. CineConchas (Until July 12)

📍 Quinta das Conchas, Lumiar
💸 Free Admission

Set in one of Lisbon’s largest and leafiest public parks, CineConchas is a summer staple — and completely free. Held in the heart of Lumiar, this neighbourhood event draws locals, families, and cinephiles from across the city for three nights a week of open-air screenings.

Think picnic blankets, foldable chairs, kids with flashlights, and the occasional dog — CineConchas is as much about community as it is about cinema. Films start at 9:45 PM, with a selection that spans crowd-pleasers, international hits, and award-winning gems.

Highlights this year include Still We Have Tomorrow, Gladiator II, and The Wild Robot, offering something for every taste and age. Bring a sweater, a friend, and a healthy dose of nostalgia — this is outdoor cinema at its most charming.

2. Cine Society (Until October 16)

📍 Carmo Rooftop & Doca da Marinha
🎧 Individual headphones included

Cine Society might just be Lisbon’s chicest way to watch a film. With two iconic venues — the panoramic Carmo Rooftop and the riverside Doca da Marinha — this experience blends movie magic with urban sophistication.

Here, each guest gets personal headphones, a comfy chair, and front-row views of either the skyline or the Tagus. The curation is a mix of cult favourites and indie darlings: Cinema Paradiso, Casablanca, Aftersun, and more.

Add a cocktail bar, gourmet snacks, and sunset views, and you’ve got the recipe for an unforgettable summer night. Bonus: it runs until mid-October, so there’s plenty of time to catch more than one session.

3. Black Cat Cinema (Until July 29)

📍 Various historic venues across Lisbon

If there’s a wildcard in Lisbon’s open-air cinema scene, it’s Black Cat Cinema. Known for transforming Lisbon’s heritage landmarks into unexpected screening rooms, this roving cinema is part performance, part movie night.

In 2025, expect sessions in places like the atmospheric Palácio do Grilo and the hilltop Igreja da Graça, with each evening beginning around 7:00 PM with live music, food trucks, and pop-up bars. Films start after dark, once the mood is fully set.

It’s cinema reimagined — for those who like their films with a side of atmosphere.

4. CineCapitólio Rooftop (Until August 2)

📍 Terraço do Capitólio, Parque Mayer

Nostalgia meets skyline views at CineCapitólio Rooftop. Overlooking the iconic Avenida da Liberdade, this outdoor cinema pays homage to the “Jardim de Verão” that once graced this historic venue.

The terrace is fitted with loungers, cosy blankets, and an outdoor bar — creating a relaxed yet refined vibe. The programme ranges from cult favourites to modern classics, always chosen with care and flair.

Located right in the city centre, it’s a perfect midweek escape or pre-dinner cultural fix. Think of it as a sunset ritual you’ll want to repeat.

Discover the best of Lisbon with WhereInRio & Beyond

Watching a film beneath the stars is one of Lisbon’s quiet summer luxuries. It’s a reminder of how this city lives outdoors — in its squares, rooftops, gardens, and terraces. Culture here doesn’t just live behind doors — it spills into the streets, carried by the breeze and framed by the golden light of dusk.

Looking to stay a little longer? At WhereInRio & Beyond, we curate a selection of luxury homes and apartments in Lisbon’s most charming neighbourhoods — from historic Alfama to sleek Parque das Nações. Whether you're visiting for a season or settling in for good, we'll help you find a space that feels like home.

FAQ

1. What are the best open-air cinemas in Lisbon in 2025?

Some of the best open-air cinemas in Lisbon for summer 2025 include CineConchas, Cine Society, Black Cat Cinema, and CineCapitólio Rooftop — each offering a unique atmosphere, from public gardens to scenic rooftops.

2. Are outdoor cinema sessions in Lisbon free?

Some are! CineConchas, for example, is completely free and open to all. Others, like Cine Society or Black Cat Cinema, require ticket purchases, often including extras like headphones, drinks, or live music.

3. Do I need to book in advance for open-air cinemas in Lisbon?

Yes, especially for paid events like Cine Society or Black Cat Cinema. Popular sessions sell out quickly, so it’s best to reserve your ticket online in advance.

4. What should I bring to an outdoor movie in Lisbon?

We recommend bringing a light jacket or blanket (Lisbon nights can get breezy), something to sit on if seating isn't provided, and snacks or drinks if allowed — although most venues offer food and bars.

5. How long do Lisbon’s open-air cinema seasons run?

Most outdoor cinema cycles begin in June or July and run through late summer. Cine Society extends into October, while others like CineConchas and CineCapitólio end earlier, around July or August.