Best fado shows in Porto

Fado music, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2011, is a traditional Portuguese singing performance consisting of a lead singer typically accompanied by two instruments: the Portuguese guitar and the fado viola.

Popularly, it is said that fado is to Portugal what tango is to Argentina, especially after the famous singer Amália Rodrigues, nicknamed the queen of fado, helped develop and define it into what it is today.

Needless to say, listening to fado is one of the best things to do in Porto.

Attending a session in a Fado house and mingling with the locals is as recommended as visiting a Port wine cellar. Below, we invite you to learn about its origins and discover which are the 5 best houses to listen to fado in Porto. Let's go!

Origins of Fado

 

 

Fado emerged in the late 18th century in the heart of Lisbon, specifically in the Alfama neighborhood, where sailors told stories of the challenges, losses and anguish they experienced on their voyages. In a short time, it became popular among the city's working class.

It is considered Portugal 's musical pride and joy, thanks in part to such established Portuguese Fado singers as Amália Rodrigues (and her famous hit Uma Casa Portuguesa), Carlos do Carmo, Mariza and Ana Moura.

Although there is another type of Fado, associated with the academic and educated upper classes, Lisbon Fado is the most prevalent and the one most often heard in other cities in the country, such as Porto.

Top 5 Fado houses in Porto

Listening to Fado in Porto is a must if you want an authentic experience that connects you to the depths of Portuguese history, and there is no better option than to go to one of the legendary Fado houses.

They are famous for offering live music and a good glass of wine, not to mention a taste of the local cuisine. Check out the best ones:

Casa da Guitarra

 

 

Casa da Guitarra is a famous shop specializing in the sale of traditional Portuguese stringed instruments but they also offer one of the best intimate fado shows in Porto with professional local musicians.

The show at Casa da Guitarra lasts 60 minutes, and includes a glass of port wine to liven up the evening. It is located in the emblematic Ribeira district of Porto.

• Address: Avenida Vímara Peres 49, 4000-545.

This fado house has also introduced an unforgettable fado experience at the emblematic Monastery of São Bento da Vitória. At Fado Vitória you will enjoy a 1-hour Fado concert, take a guided tour of this historic monastery and taste wines and liqueurs produced by monks.

Ideal Clube de Fado

 

The Ideal Clube de Fado is one of the most authentic places in Porto for great fado. In addition to being a very intimate show -including a port wine tasting- it offers the possibility of participating in a chat with the musicians 15 minutes before the performance, which lasts 1 hour.

So, if you want to fully grasp the fado experience and learn more about its different musical styles, look no further! Ideal Clube also features some of the best acoustics in Porto to enjoy fado.

• Address: Rua do Ateneu Comercial do Porto 32, 4000-380.

Presidencial Fado

 

Presidencial Fado is a show that takes place in one of Porto's most remarkable places: São Bento train station. Set in an intimate and charming space, prepare yourself for an emotional journey as you witness a 1 hour concert of the most authentic fado.

Local singers, accompanied by traditional Portuguese guitars, pour out their soul, providing a complete immersion in Portuguese culture. The experience is completed with a glass of port wine, ensuring an unforgettable evening.

Casa da Mariquinhas

 

This is one of the oldest Fado houses in Porto. Although it was closed for 10 years, in 2011 it reopened its doors in style to offer its proposal to dine and enjoy good traditional Portuguese food with live music. Be sure to try the bacalao a la Mariquinhas!

• Address: Rua de São Sebastião, 25-27, very close to Porto Cathedral.

Restaurante en Oporto O Fado

For a more upmarket experience, book an evening tour of Porto with dinner and fado. Start at sunset with a minibus tour of Porto's most important sights with a professional English-speaking guide.

You will pass through the Avenida dos Aliados and Cais da Ribeira, a most picturesque neighborhood, and continue to the top of the Serra do Pilar, which offers the best views of the city.

The last stop is at a Fado restaurant, where you will enjoy a succulent dinner with wine, dessert and coffee, while listening to the best live Fado.

• Meeting point: Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, 352, opposite São Bento Station.

Mal Cozinhado

 

Last on our list is Mal Cozinhado, one of the most original places to listen to fado in Porto. It is a beautiful historic space that dates back more than 600 years and offers an incredible view of the Douro River.

In addition to the Fado shows offered from Monday to Saturday, it is also a place to dine on traditional Portuguese food. Don't miss the Pataniscas de bacalhau, a salted fish fritter that is the chef's speciality.

• Address: Rua do Outeirinho 13, 4050-450, opposite the Church of San Francisco.

 

As you can see, the vibrant city of Porto is full of activities that can make your holiday an unforgettable experience. 

Discover now all the tours and activities to do in Oporto