Though popularised in the 20th century by the late Amália Rodrigues, Portugal’s famous folk music tradition of fado dates back to the 1820s and often documents tales of everyday life. Steeped in melancholy, or saudade (which loosely translates as ‘yearning’) the music is performed by a fadista and often accompanied by one or two Portuguese guitarras (10- or 12-string guitars).
Recognised by UNESCO in 2011 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, fado’s emotional potency transcends language. Here are the best places in Lisbon to hear it.
1. Tasca do Chico, Bairro Alto
Immerse yourself in a fado X Factor at Tasca do Chico’s fado vadio – an amateur open mic night without the mics. This informal yet iconic tavern invites wannabe fadistas to show the crowd what they’re made of while punters sip homemade sangria, nibble on petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and soak up the saudade. Since opening in 1993, a steady stream of fado stars have also been known to grace the Bairro Alto spot (there's venue in Alfama that operates on weekends) with their presence – so you may even be lucky enough to witness an impromptu performance by a folksy celeb.
Rua Diário de Notícias Nº 39, Bairro Alto
(Monday - Wednesday)
Rua dos Remédios, Nº 83, Alfama
(Thursday - Sunday)
2. Maria da Mouraria, Mouraria
Maria Severa was the first fully-fledged fado icon, but her life was tragically cut short by tuberculosis in 1846, at the age of 26. Still, her legacy lives on; many fado singers today don a black shawl in tribute to the Lisbon-born singer and guitarist. Alfama-adjacent Fado house Maria da Mouraria is where Severa’s own abode once stood. For an intimate night of music and top-notch Portuguese cuisine, head to this historical Mouraria locale and get ready to feel the fado in your fingertips. Book ahead if possible.
Rua do Capelão | Largo da Severa Nº2/2B, Mouraria
3. Café Luso, Bairro Alto
Walking into this elegant, enchanting house of fado feels like stepping back in time. Café Luso first opened in 1927, but moved to Palace Brito Freire in Bairro Alto in 1939. Housed in former cellars and horse stables that predate the devastating Lisbon earthquake of 1755, the performance venue and restaurant’s arched vaults, red velvet and ornamental Portuguese-crafted decor create a fine atmosphere – with excellent acoustics to boot. Fado and dancing are on the menu every night from 8pm until 2am – perfect for an atmospheric evening of food, music and folklore.
Travessa da Queimada, No 10, Bairro Alto
4. Clube de Fado, Alfama
Fado is said to have been born in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighbourhood. Take a stroll through its intricate maze of cobbled streets and you’ll discover Clube de Fado. Since 1995, this acclaimed restaurant – voted the 'Best House of Fado' by Portugal’s long-running Sábado magazine – has been drawing crowds for its revolving lineup of professional fadistas. Owned by guitarist Mario Pacheco, this cosy, warmly-lit haven is marked by thick stone and arched ceilings, and even features an old Moorish well. It also just happens to be right next to Lisbon’s famous Sé Cathedral.
Rua S. João Praça, 86–94, Alfama
5. Povo, Cais do Sodré
For a more casual, laid-back dalliance with fado, head to Povo, where you can really let your hair down. Located in the lively nightlife hub of Cais do Sodré, this modern Portuguese tavern thrums with the sound of up-and-coming fado performers from 8.30pm, Tuesday to Sunday. As there’s no cover charge, it's worth opening your wallet for a bite to eat; the menu boasts a tantalising array of petiscos that chef Fábio Paixã updates with the changing seasons.
Rua Nova do Carvalho 32, Cais do Sodré
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