Where To Dance Kizomba In Lisbon

When it comes to dancing, Lisbon is all about Kizomba.

There are places to dance almost every day. The music is great and so is the ambiance, if you know where to go.

I recently spent 3 months in Portugal and made sure to get a good overview of the best places. Here is where to dance Kizomba in Lisbon, listed in order of the day of the week.

Mondays

Mwangolé

Mwangolé is an Angolan club, which is where the Kizomba is from, located in Alcantara. It’s been around since 2013 and always hosts different events throughout the week. It’s one of the few places where you can dance Kizomba in Lisbon on Mondays.

I’ve only been to Mwangolé during weekends, and can’t say much about the Mondays based on first-hand experience. When I went the ambiance was great until closing time, with a latino vibe. The DJ played mostly Kizomba, well-balanced with some reaggeton. The crowd consisted of a mix of groups and couples. Their events often feature live music.

My local friends have told me that this is the place for Kizomba on Mondays, even though some prefer the crowd during the weekends. I’ll definitely try it out next time.

Tuesdays

Havana Soul

Located along the Tejo river, this charming bar is well known as your go-to spot for Kizomba, Semba, and Tarraxinhapar on Tuesdays. Havana is quite small, similar to the authentic places in Cuba if you ever been, with great music until the lights come on around 3.00-3.30 am.

There are a few tables outside with a view of the river, perfect when you feel like some air in between the dances. It can get pretty hot. The dress code is usually casual chic, and 23.30-12.00 is a good time to show up. I went with a group of friends and had a great time here.

Wednesdays

The nightlife takes off for real from Wednesdays onwards in Lisbon. The Kizomba events on Wednesday varies a bit from week to week. The following are a few options to get you started:

Chiado Club

Chiado Club, also located in Alcântara, presents an event called QUARTAS KRIOLA PASSION on Wednesdays. The venue is quite small and stylish with a mix of groups and people arriving solo to dance the night away. When I went, it wasn’t that crowded, but the music was great, and so were the dancers. The ambiance was open, which made it easy to get to know new people.

The staff told me that Fridays are the best at Chiado. They have introduced more events throughout the week, however, so I would definitely say that it’s worth checking out on Wednesdays as well. They usually offer special dinner packages ahead of their events, at least during the weekends.

Thursdays

Krystal Grand Club Lisbon

Krystal is hosting Mukueto Afterwork on Thursdays from 18.30 until 23.00. With a mix of Kizomba, Semba, Zouk, and Tarraxinha, this is a great pre-place. It’s big and usually popular.

5@Terrace – The View Roof Top
Lisbon is known for its many rooftop terraces, and The View lets you dance Kizomba, Semba, and Zouk with, yes you guessed it, a view on Thursdays. The ambiance is casual and the event is on even if it’s cold outside. What better way to heat up than dancing, anyway?

Barrio Latino

Barrio Latino is one of the most well-known dancing venues in Lisbon. Located in Santos along the Tejo river, one of Lisbon’s main nightlife areas, you’re guaranteed a good ambiance here. I went several times, sometimes alone and sometimes with friends, and did always have a great time.

Barrio Latino has two dance floors and the music varies depending on the night. On Thursdays, they often present Hot Kizomba Nights.They host several other Kizomba events throughout the week too, and do sometimes mix it up with salsa and bachata themed parties.

Fridays and Saturdays

There are lots of Kizomba options to choose from in Lisbon throughout the weekend. Base your decision on what events that take place at the different venues, which you always will be able to find information about on Facebook.

Chiado

Fridays are the best days at Chiado. Show up around 12 am and dance Kizomba non-stop until closing time at 4 am. When I went, it was quite empty the last hour. The crowd was a bit older in comparison with the other places I went to in Lisbon, but that could have been a rare exception for that particular night. As long as there are enough fun partners to dance with, you will have a great time either way.

Havana Soul

In addition to their Tuesday nights, Havana runs different events throughout the week. They often play Kizomba at least one of the days throughout the weekend and usually stay open longer, sometimes until 6 am.

Afrolatino (Now called Top Floor)

I went to Afrolatino (now called Top Floor) a few times and really liked the ambiance here. Located at Parque das Nações, it’s a bit out of the center, but well worth the trip. They have two dance floors and vary the music depending on the night.

The Kizomba events are great and usually pretty crowded. They do, more often the other places on this list, mix it up with salsa and bachata nights. Afrolatino also offers dance classes in all of these genres and presented some great dance shows several of the nights when I went.

Barrio Latino

Barrio Latino is always a safe card for a good time and especially so during the weekends. They often present an event called River Party on Saturdays.

Bolero

I went to Bolero my first Saturday in Lisbon and it ended up becoming one of my favorite nights. The venue is beautiful and elegant, with a mixed crowd of all ages and styles. The music was great and so was the ambiance, everyone dancing with everyone.

There were Kizomba shows, good cocktails, and great dancers. All set for a good night. Bolero host a wide range of different themed nights, ranging from hip-hop to funk.

Mwangolé

Mwangolé is not only your go-to place on Mondays, but gets crowded during the weekend too. I had a great time here when I went.

Sundays

Dance Sunset – The View Roof Top

More rooftops? The View presents Sunset Kizomba in Belem on Sundays from 6 pm onwards. I did never make it to this event, but they’ve been running it for quite some time, and the sunset at Tejo is gorgeous.

B.leza

Sundays are the best days to head to B.leza. Their Sunday nights go on from about 9 pm until 2 am, so you’ll be in bed in an acceptable time even if you’re going to wake up early the next day. With great music and a happy crowd, there are no excuses for not going. Many of my local friends love this place.

Jazzy Dance Studios – Sunday Sessions
Jazzy, one of the most popular dance schools in Lisbon, offers classes and social dance on Sundays from 5 pm onwards.

And there is more Kizomba in Lisbon

This list isn’t complete. As always, things change and new events are introduced. There are also many more places just outside of Lisbon where you can dance Kizomba. The best ways to keep yourself updated throughout your stay in Lisbon are via the dancers in the city and the Facebook pages of the venues or event organizers.

These Facebook Pages usually publish information about the events of the week:

– Kizomba Lisboa – The Best Parties
– Kizomba Lisboa 

Where to learn Kizomba in Lisbon

In case you would like to take Kizomba classes, there are lots of great dancing schools in Lisbon. The following are just a few options with great reviews:

– Jazzy Dance Studios: Well-established school featuring all kind of dances
– Estúdio Sabor & Dança: Their Kizomba classes have a great reputation
– Restelo Dance Center: Offer Kizomba classes several days throughout the week

Salsa and Bachata in Lisbon

If you feel like mixing up your Kizomba nights, you might want to explore the bachata and salsa scene in Lisbon as well. It’s not that big, but there are some good events, usually limited to the weekends only. Here are a few groups that often post salsa and bachata event updates:

– Bachata in Lisbon
– Salsa in Lisbon

Where to stay in Lisbon

The view from my neighborhood bar Topo in Martim Moniz. 

I got to know most of the areas in Lisbon and did also stay in a few different ones. My favorite neighborhood to stay, which I ended up having as my base for more than a month, is Martim Moniz.

No matter what you’re looking for – supermarkets, cafes, bars, great restaurants, viewing points or you name it, you’ll be able to find it here. You can walk to the old town as well as the city center (Baixa) in less than 10 minutes.

There are lots of great food options from all over the world just outside the door within all price ranges. I also like that it has a more authentic vibe to it, rather than a very touristic ambiance.

I stayed in Baixa and Alfama during my time in Lisbon as well. All of these are good options. I just prefer Martim Moniz for the variety and proximity to everything you may need and more. No matter where you decide to stay, it’s recommended to book in advance. Lisbon has become incredibly popular and many options will sell out.

Here are a few great hotels, all centrally located:

• Hotel Mundial: Perfect location, with a gorgeous rooftop bar and local cuisine. Many business travelers stay here.
• WC by the Beautique Hotels: Chic hotel, beautiful interior with every detail taken into consideration. Known for its comfortable beds.
• Pensao Prata: Simple, great location, common kitchen, characteristic building. One block from the iconic Rua Augusta.

Portugal offers many things you will fall in love with, and Lisbon is a gorgeous city. I’m sure you will have a great time. Feel free to reach out to me if you think any place is missing from this list or if you have other questions ahead of your trip.

You might also want to check out some of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon.

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