Fado in Lisbon
Flights      Hotels      Car Hire   Tours        

FADO IN LISBON

Found within the cobblestone streets and ancient alleys of Lisbon's Alfama district lies a musical treasure: Fado. With roots tracing back to the early 19th century, Fado is a poignant expression of Portuguese culture, steeped in history and emotion. Originally born in the taverns and homes of Alfama, this soulful genre captures the essence of Lisbon's soul, weaving tales of love, longing, and saudade—the profound melancholy of yearning for something lost.

Alfama, with its labyrinthine streets and Moorish architecture, provides the perfect backdrop for experiencing Fado's heartfelt melodies. Traditional Fado houses, known as "Casas de Fado," offer intimate performances where talented musicians and passionate singers share their stories with captivated audiences. As the birthplace of Fado, Alfama preserves the authenticity and tradition of this revered art form, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its rich heritage.

Beyond its musical allure, Alfama enchants tourists with its historic charm and panoramic views of the Tagus River. Exploring this vibrant district, visitors can wander through narrow alleys adorned with colourful tiles, discover hidden courtyards, and indulge in traditional Portuguese cuisine. A visit to Alfama is not complete without experiencing the soul-stirring melodies of Fado, a journey into the heart and soul of Lisbon's cultural identity.

What are the best Fado clubs in Lisbon? With our guide of suggested fado clubs in the Alfama www.madaboutlisbon.com aims to direct you to the one that suits your taste perfectly. Some clubs have excellent restaurant facilities whereas others focus solely on the quality of the music. We also offer a range of tours and ready-made experiences for your convenience. Book online to save vital time and money. Guarantee your slot in your chosen Fado club and enjoy the ultimate Fado experience.

FADO CLUBS IN THE ALFAMA

Fado's oldest style originates from the Alfama and it's here you'll find some of the most famous of Fado clubs (casa de Fado), artists and the museum of Fado. The genre has diversified and travelled to other parts of Portugal, notably to Coimbra where it's generally sung by a group of male students. However, the Alfama remains Fado's spiritual home:

BOOK TOP FADO EXPERIENCES ONLINE!

Mesa de Frades: Traditional Fado Show & Dinner

Mesa de Frades: Traditional Fado Show & Dinner

Mesa de Frades is much more than a restaurant with music: the place has become a true temple of Fado and an absolute must-see during your Lisbon trip. In this former chapel where the walls are covered with 18th-century tiles, renowned Fado singers, as well as singers from the new generation of Fadistas perform every night.
Enjoy an informal atmosphere and a dinner menu full of tasty traditional Portuguese dishes. The menu at Mesa de Frades includes a traditional couvert, a round of starters, a variety of main courses for all tastes and dietary restrictions, dessert, coffee and, of course, a selection of Portuguese wine. At Mesa de Frades, you will find what is possibly one of the best fado shows in Lisbon and some of the best memories you'll take back home from your trip to the Portuguese capital.

Check Availability

Canto do Poeta: Traditional Fado & Dinner

Canto do Poeta: Traditional Fado & Dinner

If you're looking for an authentic Fado show in Lisbon, then this traditional tasca may be just what you imagined. Paying homage to the poets of Fado, Canto do Poeta seamlessly combines Portuguese cuisine with Fado music and its artists.

Located in the Alfama neighbourhood, one of the oldest in town, Canto do Poeta guarantees an intimate experience and the possibility to witness an authentic Fado performance where the artists interact with the public in an engaging atmosphere. This experience at Canto do Poeta includes a full set menu including traditional couvert, starters, main course, dessert, coffee and drinks.

Check Availability

Associação Fado do Casto: Fado Show & Dinner

Associação Fado do Casto: Fado Show & Dinner

Housed in an 18th-century palace and built on the ancient Roman Theater on the hillside of the Castle, the Associação do Fado Casto reveals its tall vaulted stone arches. At the tables and on the wooden benches, you can taste delicious Portuguese snacks, surrounded by the most important records of Fado History.

Here the nights are always surprising, with the house sometimes inviting other musical genres to visit the Fado Casto Association. This Fado in Lisbon experience includes a set dinner menu before enjoying the live performances of Fado artists. The menu includes traditional couvert, starters, a selection of main courses, dessert, coffee and drinks (wine, beer, water or soft drinks).

Check Availability

Casa de Linhares

Casa de Linhares

The club occupies the foundations of the Condes de Linhares palace, which fell into ruins during the 1755 earthquake. The room retains some original charming features such as a vaulted ceiling seven metres high, a red-brick construction, stone columns and a huge fireplace.
Monday - Saturday: 20h00 - 01h00, Sunday: CLOSED

Contact Details
Casa de Linhares, Alfama, 1100-037 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 32.9" N | 09° 07' 51.3" W
+351 218 865 088 | booking@mail.telepac.pt | Website


Pateo de Alfama

Pateo de Alfama

Situated on São João da Praça street, Páteo de Alfama is located in the Murça Counts Palace's atrium, next door to the Cerca Velha, one of the city's historical walls that features a stunning interior wall inside the restaurant. The hearty meals are served on hand-painted plates from the Alentejo. The atmosphere at Páteo de Alfama is genuine and feels uncommercialised.
Daily: 19h30 - 23h00

Contact Details
18 Rua de São João da Praça, 1100-520 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 36.8" N | 09° 07' 47.2" W
+351 218 822 174 | booking@pateodealfama.pt | Website

Clube de Fado

Clube de Fado

The Restaurante "Clube de Fado" is in the heart of Alfama and just a stone's throw away from the Cathedral. Offering a warm atmosphere with traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by the sound of a Portuguese Guitar and great Fado voices. The architecture is ancient and in one corner there is an original Moorish well (so they say).
Daily: 20h00 - 02h00

Contact Details
Rua de São João da Praça 86 - 94, 1100-521 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 34.5" N | 09° 07' 51.5" W
+351 218 852 704 | info@clube-de-fado.com | Website


A Parreirinha de Alfama

A Parreirinha de Alfama

Owned by one of the best known and charismatic fadistas Argentina Santos, who uses her influence to attract some of the best know performers, the Parreirinha is a small establishment with a friendly ambience. The artists are authentic and so is the food, considered by locals as the best Fado venue and is also becoming popular with tourists who search for an authentic fado experience.
Monday - Saturday: 20h00 - 02h00, Sunday: CLOSED

Contact Details
1 Beco Espírito Santo, 1100-222 Santo Estêvão, Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 41.4" N | 09° 07' 41.0" W
+351 218 868 209 | booking@parreirinhadealfama.com | Website

Fado Museum

THE FADO MUSEUM

The Fado Museum is an indispensable stop for all those interested in discovering more about this form of musical expression so characteristic of Lisbon. The site houses several functional areas. A museum centre has a permanent exhibition, where modern museography and audiovisual recreations introduce the visitor to the history of Fado. There's an insight into how Fado is reproduced, how it is broadcasted on radio, recorded and its appearance in cinema. There are exhibits dedicated to the traditional instruments in the genre. There is an area dedicated to temporary exhibitions; a documentation centre; an auditorium; a theme shop complete with a coffee shop. | 728, 735, 759, 794. See More [ ► ]

1 Largo do Charfariz de Dentro, Alfama 1100-139, Lisbon
38° 42′ 40.1″ N | 09° 07′ 39.4″ W | +351 219 823 470
info@museudofado.pt |  Website | Facebook

Senhor Fado

Senhor Fado

A family-run restaurant established by the Fado singer Ana Marina and violist Durante Santos serving traditional Portuguese cuisine accompanied by traditional Fado music in pleasant surroundings and a homely informal candle-lit atmosphere. Fado performances are on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays, intervening days there is a restaurant service only.
Monday - Saturday: 20h00 - 02h00, Sunday: CLOSED

Contact Details
176 Rua dos Remédios, 1100 Lisboa, Portugal.
38° 42' 47.2" N | 09° 07' 32.7" W
+351 218 874 298 | reservas@sr-fado.com | Website


Mesa de Frades

Mesa de Frades

Located in a former chapel belonging to the small Quinta da Dona Rosa palace the restaurant dates back to the 18th century. This famous Fado establishment hosts both famous and new Fado artists. The interior is typically Portuguese with whitewashed walls adorned with 17th-century azulejo tiles. The menu is basic as the focus here is on the music.
Daily: 12h00 - 14h30/20h00 - 02h00

Contact Details
139A Rua dos Remédios, Santo Estêvão, 1100 445 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 47.0" N | 09° 07' 33.8" W
+351 917 029 436 | info@clube-de-fado.com | Website


Senhor Vinho

Senhor Vinho

Since being founded in 1975 by António de Mello Correa, Maria de Fé and José Gordo its prime concern has been to offer excellence, whether gastronomy or artistically, an ethic that has led to its continual success. Senhor Vinho's is renowned internationally and attracts some of the best talents within the fado genre.
Daily: 19h30 - 02h00

Contact Details
18 Rua do Meio à Lapa, 1200 Lisbon, Portugal.
38° 42' 35.7" N | 09° 09' 28.4" W
+351 213 972 681 | restsrvinho@mail.telepac.pt | Website