The best and most authentic live fado music in Lisbon

One of the must-do activities in Lisbon is to dedicate at least one night to enjoying the unique musical expression that is fado.

Below we list the 10 most authentic places where you can listen to live fado music in Lisbon, and thus understand why this mix of beauty and sadness becomes an unforgettable experience.

1. Lisboa em Fado

 

Welcome to a great fado show in the heart of Baixa Chiado. Before the start of the 1-hour show, videos about the origins of Fado will be shown and then, you will see on stage renowned Fado performers in Lisbon, singing without a microphone.

You will toast with a nice glass of port wine and get ready to sing following the indications of the artists. You will be surprised by the sound of the guitars and the interpretative strength. 

Location: Rua do Crucifixo 84, 1100-184.

Lisboa em Fado concert booking - 1 hour

2. Clube de Fado

Clube de Fado is known for being one of the best places to enjoy Fado in the city. It is located in the Alfama district and renowned artists such as Cuca Roseta and Rodrigo Costa Felix have performed there.

In addition, the atmosphere of the place is unique: you will see stone columns, portraits of the musicians and photos of famous guests greeting the owner. Keep in mind that Fado restaurants in Lisbon usually have high prices, but we assure you that in Clube de Fado the experience, the service and the quality of the dishes justify the expense.

Location: R. de São João da Praça 94, 1100-521.

3. Mesa de Frades

Mesa de Frades is much more than a restaurant. It is an emblematic stop in the Alfama district to enjoy live Fado music in Lisbon.

Just imagine the place: it is an old chapel full of tiles from the 18th century, where every night renowned fado singers and the new generation of fado singers perform. 

But here it's not just about the good atmosphere and music, because you can enjoy a menu full of traditional Portuguese dishes that make the experience that much more special. Is it a bit pricey? Yes, but it's worth every penny. 

Location: R. dos Remédios 139, 1100-453.

4. Tasca do Chico

Tasca do Chico is such an authentic place that tourists often coincide with locals (of all ages) who gather there to enjoy a Fado dinner in Lisbon.

It has the peculiarity that you never know who will take the stage: they can be amateurs or recognized artists, but you will always have an intense show, full of emotion and passion. 

The place usually fills up very quickly, so we advise you to book or arrive very early. And, take note: during the evening, you can enjoy Alentejo cheeses, typical sausages and good wine - one of the best experiences you will have in Lisbon's Bairro Alto!

Location: R. do Diário de Notícias 39, 1200-141.

5. Parreirinha de Alfama

 

Parreirinha de Alfama is one of the oldest and most famous fado houses in Lisbon. It was created by Argentina Santos - a legendary fado singer - in 1939 and is located in one of the most typical neighborhoods of the city.

In her hands it became a place of worship to fado and typical Portuguese gastronomy. The voices of Amália, Alfredo Marceneiro, Berta Cardoso, Lucília do Carmo, Mariana Silva, Celeste Rodrigues and many others have passed through this place.

It is a place that preserves the tradition in the familiar and informal atmosphere that fado demands. If this is your first time in Lisbon, here you will have a unique experience in both music and food. 

Location: Beco do Espírito Santo 1, 1100-222.

6. Fado in Chiado

Fado in Chiado is another of the most traditional places you can go to listen to fado in Lisbon. During 1 hour, you will be delighted by talented voices and the sound of the Portuguese guitar and viola, which will take you deep into the depths of this musical style.

As the show progresses, you will see images of the city in the background that are nothing more than an invitation to enjoy the unique atmosphere of Lisbon. We recommend you to book in advance and enjoy the fado show with a nice glass of port wine.

Location: R. da Misericórdia 14, 1200-443.

7. Tasca do Jaime

If you are looking to listen to fado in Lisbon in a non-touristy place, then Tasca do Jaime is the ideal place. The show is every weekend after lunchtime and that already makes the experience different.

Local singers and amateurs gather there to show their skills in this heartfelt singing. The result? An informal and unique atmosphere, in which the aroma of typical Portuguese dishes is always in the air.

Lots of wine and lots of music! We do not hesitate to say that here you can enjoy a good show.

Location: Rua da Graça 91, 1170-171

8. Sr. Fado

 

One of the most typical Fado restaurants in Lisbon is Sr. Fado, in the heart of Alfama. It was created by fado singer Ana Marina and guitarist Duarte Santos, as a family concept: she sang and cooked traditional Portuguese dishes; and he served them and also strummed his guitar after every meal.

So attending a fado show here will be like being at a friends' house and having a good time. Although Ana Marina no longer cooks, she continues to sing and has also given way to new generations. The space was recently renovated, but still maintains the essence of fado and the family atmosphere.

Location: R. dos Remédios 168, 1100-445

9. Café Luso

You will be surprised to know that Café Luso is 90 years old. It is one of the most traditional and elegant Fado houses you can find in Lisbon. The atmosphere is unique: the show takes place in a room with capacity for 160 people, low lights and the show goes on until the wee hours of the morning.

There are intermissions to chat, order more food and drinks and continue the evening. This Fado restaurant in Lisbon occupies the old cellars and stables of the Palácio Brito Freire, which withstood the earthquake of 1755.

So you will not only enjoy good music, but also a place full of history in the heart of Barrio Alto.

Location: Travessa da Queimada, n.º 10

10. Esquina de Alfama

This one is a Fado restaurant with more than 50 years of experience. It was inaugurated by fado singer Artur Batalha and since 2002 it has been run by Lino Ramos, another well-known fado singer.

Since then, this place is known not only for its family atmosphere, but also for its typical Portuguese cuisine. It is ideal if you want to live the Fado experience, without excessive menu costs. In addition, the singers extend until midnight, so you can have a different and relaxed evening. 

Location: R. de São Pedro 4, 1100-139

Brief history of fado

 

Fado is a musical style that emerged among the narrow streets of Lisbon and gave voice to the most intimate emotions of those who lived in the city. It was born in humble and port neighborhoods - such as Mouraria and the Alfama district - in the 19th century and its name comes from the Latin “fatum”, which means “destiny”. 

This melancholic expression is essential to understand Lisbon. It is not only considered a symbol of the city, but also an Intangible Heritage of Humanity since 2011. And attending a fado show in Lisbon will be reliving its history in every chord, with a lot of nostalgia and emotion.

 

If you're traveling through Portugal, make sure to explore the country's rich cultural heritage. Embark on one of the many day trips from Lisbon to discover stunning landscapes.

And for a truly unique experience, delve into the world of fado in Porto. Don't forget to book one of our English-language tours in Lisbon to gain a deeper understanding of the city's history and culture.