Though popularised in the 20th century by the late Amália Rodrigues, Portugal’s famous folk music tradition of fado dates back to the 1820s and often documents tales of everyday life. Steeped in melancholy, or saudade (which loosely translates as ‘yearning’) the music is performed by a fadista and often accompanied by one or two Portuguese guitarras (10- or 12-string guitars).
Recognised by UNESCO in 2011 as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, fado’s emotional potency transcends language. Here are the best places in Lisbon to hear it.
1. Tasca do Chico, Bairro Alto
Tools of the trade at Tasco do Chico
Immerse yourself in a fado X Factor at Tasca do Chico’s fado vadio – an amateur open mic night without the mics. This informal yet iconic tavern invites wannabe fadistas to show the crowd what they’re made of while punters sip homemade sangria, nibble on petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and soak up the saudade. Since opening in 1993, a steady stream of fado stars have also been known to grace the Bairro Alto spot (there’s venue in Alfama that operates on weekends) with their presence – so you may even be lucky enough to witness an impromptu performance by a folksy celeb.
Rua Diário de Notícias Nº 39, Bairro Alto
(Monday – Wednesday)
Rua dos Remédios, Nº 83, Alfama
(Thursday – Sunday)
2. Maria da Mouraria, Mouraria
The titular fado star's legacy lives on at this fab house
Maria Severa was the first fully-fledged fado icon, but her life was tragically cut short by tuberculosis in 1846, at the age of 26. Still, her legacy lives on; many fado singers today don a black shawl in tribute to the Lisbon-born singer and guitarist. Alfama-adjacent Fado house Maria da Mouraria is where Severa’s own abode once stood. For an intimate night of music and top-notch Portuguese cuisine, head to this historical Mouraria locale and get ready to feel the fado in your fingertips. Book ahead if possible.
Rua do Capelão | Largo da Severa Nº2/2B, Mouraria
