Cinematic Lisbon: The capital as a setting for great films and series

Lisbon is more than just a small historic city with its narrow streets and squares bathed in golden light—the most coveted by filmmakers and photographers. Over the years, the Portuguese capital has become an ideal destination for numerous film and television productions, not only due to its excellent climate but also its diverse landscapes.

The city's relationship with the camera is a fusion of traditional and contemporary elements, with every corner and building telling a story. From the melancholic echoes of fado in Alfama's alleys to the breathtaking views of the Tagus River, Lisbon offers a unique ambience—whether through productions that unveil its intimate and mysterious character or those that highlight its vibrant side.

In this article, we revisit some of the best films and series shot in the heart of Lisbon, which could serve as inspiration for an unforgettable cinematic tour. From classics such as The Lovers of Lisbon (1955) by Henri Verneuil to Poor Things (2023) by Yorgos Lanthimos—winner of four Oscars, including Best Actress and Best Production Design—not to mention major hit series like Money Heist.

Dramas and Romances: Intimate Lisbon

Since the mid-1950s, long before tourism discovered Lisbon, the city had already captivated filmmakers worldwide. From black-and-white films to Hollywood blockbusters, let's take a journey through time to reveal which Hollywood stars filmed here and the locations they visited.

The Lovers of Lisbon (1955)

This French film follows Pierre Roubier, a man who, after finding his wife with a lover, kills them both. Seeking to escape his past, Pierre flees to Lisbon, where he meets Kathleen Dinver, a woman also running from a dark history. An unexpected romance blossoms between them.

Through the film’s lens, we are transported back to the Lisbon of old, with historic locations overlooking the Tagus River, such as Terreiro do Paço. The film also features the voice of the greatest Portuguese fado singer, Amália Rodrigues—the only national figure to appear on screen. Her performance takes place in a fado house, a traditional venue where guests can enjoy dinner while watching live fado music. Some of the most renowned fado houses in Lisbon include A Severa and O Faia, both popular spots in Bairro Alto.

Filming locations:

• Terreiro do Paço

The State of Things (1982)

German director Wim Wenders is the filmmaker who has chosen Portugal the most as a setting for his films.
Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival (1982), The State of Things tells the story of a film crew in Lisbon working on a science fiction film. The situation takes a turn for the worse when they run out of money and their producer mysteriously disappears. Desperate, the director travels to Los Angeles to find him.

Filming took place in central Lisbon in the early 1980s, particularly around Cais do Sodré, capturing the bohemian life of the time. The Texas Bar, a former Portuguese bar, was the setting for iconic scenes, though it has sadly disappeared over time.

Filming locations:

• Cais do Sodré

The Russia House (1990)

Lisbon once welcomed none other than legendary actor Sean Connery, best known for his role as James Bond.

The city's enigmatic side made it the perfect setting for this espionage film involving the CIA, KGB, and MI5. Connery plays a British publisher who comes into possession of secret Soviet military plans. Lisbon, portrayed through the lens of the Príncipe Real neighbourhood—just eight minutes from Bairro Alto—plays a crucial role in the plot, as it is where the protagonist finds refuge.

The Russia House was one of the first Western films authorised to shoot in Moscow and what is now St. Petersburg, as well as a few scenes in Lisbon—something quite rare at the time.

Filming locations:

• Príncipe Real neighbourhood

The House of the Spirits (1993)

Directed by Bille August, The House of the Spirits is an adaptation of Isabel Allende's novel, narrating the life of a Chilean family on a farm amidst a revolution that culminates in the 1973 military coup. Although set in South America, many scenes were filmed in Lisbon.

The film brought major stars to Lisbon, including the iconic Meryl Streep, as well as Jeremy Irons, Antonio Banderas, and Glenn Close. It’s no surprise that Lisbon captures hearts—both Jeremy Irons and director Bille August returned in 2013 to film Night Train to Lisbon, which we’ll discuss next.

Among the film's notable settings is one of Lisbon’s most iconic theatres, the Teatro Nacional de São Carlos (also featured in Variações de Casa Nova with John Malkovich). Scenes were also shot in São Roque Church.

Filming locations:

• Teatro Nacional de São Carlos
• São Roque Church

Night Train to Lisbon (2013)

Based on the novel by Swiss writer Pascal Mercier, this film follows a Latin teacher who prevents a Portuguese woman from jumping off a bridge in Bern, Switzerland. The mysterious woman disappears, leaving behind a book by a Portuguese author and opponent of Salazar’s regime, Amadeu de Prado, along with a train ticket to Lisbon. The teacher decides to abandon his monotonous life, leave his job, and embark on a journey to Lisbon to uncover more about the author and the woman’s identity.

With Jeremy Irons in the lead role, the film also features Portuguese actors such as Nicolau Breyner and Beatriz Batarda.

Like The House of the Spirits, this film showcases Lisbon from a fresh perspective, this time focusing on the city’s charming railway stations: Rossio Station and Santa Apolónia Station.

Filming locations:

• Rossio Station
• Santa Apolónia Station

Poor Creatures (2023)

Although not filmed in Lisbon, Poor Creatures depicts the city in a fantastical version, with trams flying and exaggerated colour contrasts. The protagonist, Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), who is discovering the world for the first time, finds in the Portuguese capital a true explosion of sensations. Just like in Lovers of the Tagus, this film features the presence of a Portuguese fado singer, Carminho. Between fado music, vibrant commerce, and stunning landscapes, Bella also succumbs to the famous pastéis de nata, having eaten 60 in a single scene.

We have two suggestions for enjoying the best pastéis de nata: A Pastelaria, at Bairro Alto Hotel, and Manteigaria, located in Bairro Alto and Chiado. Also, explore other Lisbon bakeries that will leave you drooling.

Action & Thrillers: Lisbon at the Heart of the Action

Lisbon hasn’t gone unnoticed by major film productions, which, with special effects and action-packed scenes—such as explosions and high-speed chases—have even brought city traffic to a standstill.

Money Heist (Season 5, 2020)

The final season of Netflix's hit series, Money Heist, featured Lisbon as the backdrop for major scenes. The iconic Rua da Bica was one of the locations chosen for the last adventures of the Professor’s gang.

Rua da Bica, one of Lisbon’s most famous tourist spots, is known for its historic funicular, dating back to 1892. The actors even rode on it during filming. Nearby is Bairro Alto, one of the city’s most vibrant nightlife neighborhoods, filled with fado houses, vintage bars, and unique artisanal shops.

Alfama also played a crucial role, setting the group’s farewell during the Santos Populares celebrations. The decorated streets, full of life and colour, add a unique authenticity to the scene, transporting viewers to the true essence of Lisbon.

Filming locations:

• Rua da Bica
• Bairro Alto
• Alfama

Fast & Furious X (2023)

The famous Fast & Furious saga brought even more action to Lisbon. The tenth film follows the life of Dominic Toretto (Vin Diesel), after years of facing the most dangerous roads in the world, as he now leads a quieter life with Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and their son. However, the couple’s peace is threatened when Dante (Jason Momoa), the vengeful son of drug lord Reyes, appears to set in motion a plot filled with action.

The roads in central Lisbon became the stage for intense car chases, with several motorways and areas of the historic centre needing to be closed for filming.

Heart of Stone (2023)

Heart of Stone is another spy film shot in Lisbon, telling the story of international agent Rachel Stone (Gal Gadot), who embarks on a dangerous mission to protect the mysterious object known as "The Heart". Stone is tasked with safeguarding the object to maintain peace and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.

Actress Gal Gadot chose to film action scenes in Lisbon, recreating thrilling moments in historic neighbourhoods like Baixa Chiado and Mouraria. During filming, some streets were closed for several nights to shoot the riskiest scenes involving vehicles. One of the most iconic sequences was a chase at Terreiro do Paço, where the cars drive up the pavements and manoeuvre around the famous equestrian statue of King José I.

Filming locations:

• Baixa Chiado
• Terreiro do Paço (Praça do Comércio)
• Mouraria

Lisbon has been and will continue to be the setting for great films and series. Take this opportunity to revisit these works and explore the capital from a new perspective.

For a complete cinematic experience, we recommend watching a film at Cinema Ideal, one of the oldest cinemas in the city. It opened in 1904 and is located in Baixa. Although renovated in the 1950s, the building retains the charm of a "local cinema," offering a true journey through time.