Looking for a unique experience in Portugal? Then discover the 8 best places to listen to Fado in Porto.
Fado can’t be sung, it can only be felt. It can’t be understood, it can’t be explained. That’s how singer Amalia Rodriguez defines this musical style so typical of Portugal. And with good reason, this art form captivates all those lucky enough to see a Fado show during their stay.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fado sings of love, pain, loss and injustice. All emotions that seem so familiar to us when we hear this melodious song.
During your Portuguese getaway, we recommend attending a Fado show in Porto. But the choice is so wide and varied that it can sometimes be hard to find your way around. That’s why Generation Voyage has come up with the 8 best places to hear Fado in Porto.
1. Ideal Clube de Fado
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Pacopac
We begin this selection of the best places to listen to Fado in Porto with the Ideal Clube de Fado, an artists’ association dedicated to the preservation and dissemination of traditional Fado.
Each day, discover a moving and original show, and marvel at an intimate concert of authentic, classical fado! We recommend arriving 30 minutes before concert time to share a special moment with the musicians!
2. Taberna Real Do Fado
Photo credit: Facebook – Taberna Real Do Fado
This elegant, welcoming establishment is located in Porto’s historic center. Stop by Taberna Real Do Fado for Portuguese tapas or a full meal of local flavors.
Enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine and vegetarian dishes to the sound of Fado. On this well-known stage in the city, talented artists such as Paulo Cangalhas and Cristina Batista perform. These names may mean nothing to you, but once you’ve experienced their virtuosity, you won’t soon forget them.
A word of advice: book well in advance for a unique experience at this Fado show in Porto.
3. Fado na Baixa
Photo credit: Facebook – Fado na Baixa
Attending a Fado concert is always a unique experience, and Fado Na Baixa is no exception.
Here, the show differs a little from other establishments in the Portuguese city. It is initially divided into five parts: Traditional Fado, Portuguese Guitar, Coimbra Fado, Amalia Rodrigues and Contemporary Fado.
To learn more about this typical musical style, a documentary on Fado precedes each part, with a French translation. It’s always interesting to understand where this art form originated. For a unique front-row experience, we recommend you come at 5.30pm.
4. Cálem Cellars
Photo credit: Facebook – Caves Cálem
If you’re a wine-lover, Caves Cálem is the place to go for a Fado show in Porto. This emblematic site not far from the Douro is home to the Portuguese city’s most famous wine cellars.
What better way to enjoy a Fado show than with a selection of Cálem port? Let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the place, with the sound of guitars mixed with the melodious voices of the singers.
Time stops for just a moment to give way to the emotion of the moment. Some even shed a tear, such is the success of the immersion.
For the trick, buy a combined ticket to visit the incredible wineries and enjoy a tasting while listening to Fado. What’s more, prices remain affordable for an evening you’ll remember for a long time to come.
5. Casa da Guitarra
Photo credit: Facebook – Casa da Guitarra
If you’re looking for a cheap Fado show in Porto, we recommend Casa da Guitarra. This Fado house offers one of the most affordable prices in town, as it doesn’t include dinner.
During an hour-long concert, the artist takes you with him to the origins of this song. His acoustic performance, accompanied by a guitarist, lends a much more intimate atmosphere to the show. It’s a truly immersive hour.
6. Mal Cozinhado
Photo credit: Shutterstock – studio f22 ricardo rocha
Another breathtaking venue for a Fado show in Porto. Located in the Ribeira district, this 600-year-old building welcomes you to its heart.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the Douro River, especially at sunset. This Fado house is home to some of the most famous names on the Fado scene, including the queen of Fado in her day, Amalia Rodrigues.
We especially recommend sampling the house specialty: their Bacalhau à Bras cod dish. We look forward to hearing from you!
7. Casa Das Mariquinhas
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Mauro Rodrigues
Located close to Porto’s Sé Cathedral, this is the place to go for a Fado show. And with good reason, Casa Das Mariquinhas remains Porto’s oldest and most traditional Fado house.
The name comes from a Fado song of the same name, meaning « Little Mary’s House ». In a hushed, intimate atmosphere, enjoy typical Portuguese dishes such as Bacalhau des Mariquinhas.
Let yourself be lulled throughout the evening by the melody of the guitars coupled with the voices of the male and female singers. The easiest way to experience Fado is as a local.
The budget here is a little more substantial than in other establishments, due to a minimum consumption rule.
8. O Fado
Photo credit: Facebook – O Fado
O Fado is undoubtedly one of the best places to see a Fado show in Porto. In this family-run establishment, locals come face to face with the continual amazement of tourists.
But here, the same language is spoken for an evening: that of Fado. You’ll feel it as soon as you step inside this early 20th-century stone building.
In this relaxed atmosphere, enjoy a dinner of Portuguese flavors while listening to Fado every night of the week. Take a look at the program to see which big name is performing during your getaway. Among the best-known voices are Antonio Laranjeira, Patricia Costa and Samuel Cabral.
As you can see, don’t miss a Fado show in Porto. Immerse yourself completely in this art form so typical of Portugal for an unforgettable experience.