Little guide to listen fado in Lisbon

If there´s something genuine and unique in Lisbon (that you can´t eat) that would be fado. Defined by some as the representation of the Portuguese soul, this type of song was named as an Intangible World Heritage by UNESCO in 2011.

Be careful because fado will drag you into the deepest part of your melancholy, taking you to the most unsettling corner of your soul through the humble events of everyday life sung with superlative feelings.

There is no question about it, if you go to Lisbon you have to go and see fados sung live, whether it´s as the main act or an accompanying one while you have dinner or a drink in a bar.

Here is our selection of fado club in Lisbon. You have to take into account that the restaurants that have fado shows are more expensive, either because it´s an extra for the show or because at the end of the meal, which is usually when the show begins, you have to add the drinks.

Fado in Chiado

If your idea is not to have dinner but to attend a fado concert, Fado in Chiado organizes them daily (except Sundays) at the cinema-theatre Gymnásio, Espaço Chiado (R. Misericórdia, 14, 2º Andar, 1249-038 Lisbon) at 7pm. It lasts 55 minutes and the ticket is 15€. You can buy your ticket here: http://www.fadoinchiado.com/

Clube de fado

(R. S. João da Praça, 94 – 1100-521 Lisbon)

At Clube de Fado you´ll find fado enthusiasts, an authentic place where as well as serving excellent Portuguese cuisine they also sing what is perhaps the best fados in Lisbon. However, you have to get there early or you won´t find a seat, and don´t rely on phone reservations. Dinners cost around 40€ per person.  http://www.clube-de-fado.com

Sr Fado

(Rua dos Remedios 176 Alfama, Lisboa 1100)

Excellent value for money. A family-run restaurant whose staff will make you feel like home. You will fill up with fado and food. Prices around 30€. http://www.sr-fado.com/

Bacalhau de Molho

(Bc. dos Armazéns do Linho, 1 – 1100-037 Lisbon)

An elegant place in a renaissance building that once used to house the Counts of Linares. Exquisite fado voices will accompany your luxury menu for, at least, 50€.  http://www.casadelinhares.com/

http://www.casadelinhares.com/foto3.jpg

Pateo de Alfama

(Rua de São João da Praça, 18 –  1100-520 Lisbon)

If you choose your food well you won´t regret having gone to listen to fados while you dine at the Pateo de Alfama. Reservations are a must. Dinner is served according to the show. The only bad thing is the prices, 40-60€. http://www.pateodealfama.com/default.asp?cookiecheck=yes&

Timpanas R.

Gilberto Rola, 22/24 – 1350-155 Lisbon

Great if you´re going with your partner or a reduced group of people and you feel like dinner in a fisherman´s district. Good wine, wide range of fish and background fados. Around 30€ per person.

http://www.timpanas.pt/

Miss Moci

A great advantage of this city is that from nearly all the districts you can go straight back to the apartments in Lisbon that you´ve rented after a huge meal… enjoy your stay!