Top Fado Bars in Lisbon

If you’re looking for a truly Portuguese experience, you simply can’t miss experiencing Fado, the soulful music that captures the heart and spirit of Portugal.

From hidden gems in Alfama to lively venues in Bairro Alto, each bar offers a unique atmosphere that enhances the performance.

In this blog post, I’ll share my top picks for Fado bars in Lisbon—places where you can soak up authentic sounds while enjoying traditional Portuguese cuisine.

Some are mor touristic, others are more authentically local. Here’s a list of the best Fado bars in Lisbon.

See also: Exploring Lisbon in 2 Days

Here is an overview:

• Top Fado bars in Lisbon
• Mesa de Frades
• Lisboa em Fado
• Fado in Chiado
• Clube de Fado
• Tasca do Chico
• Adega Machado
• Museo do Fado
• O Povo

Top Fado bars in Lisbon

The word fado comes from Latin and means “destiny”. Having something as heavy and serious as fate as its origin has shaped their character. That is why Fado singers love to sing about strong feelings, love affairs and the end of love, betrayal, jealousy, revenge and misfortune.

But contrary to what is claimed, fado is not always sad. It is often cheeky and bohemian. Fado singers understand like no one else how to sing of the spirit of its people – the fishmongers, sailors, good-for-nothings, rogues, and ultimately nightlife of Lisbon.

Mesa de Frades

If you’re looking for something unique without the hustle and bustle of tourists, then this Fado restaurant is ideal!

The Mesa de Frades has been a beloved institution among Portuguese locals since its establishment in an 18th-century chapel. You can appreciate original features such as ceramic tiles adorning ancient walls while enjoying music from famous performers like Ricardo Ribeiro, Ana Sofia Varela or Pedro Moutinho live.

For only around €50 to 60 you will receive a three-course meal plus access to their 3-hour-long performance with short intermissions between songs.

So come on down at 8 pm sharp if your heart desires some great food combined with soulful melodies – it’s definitely worth every penny!

Good to know:

At this exclusive eatery, you have to chime the bell for admittance!

But don’t worry if it’s after 11 pm – come on in and enjoy a show with some beverages. With limited seating available at such an intimate locale, why not get the combo dinner and performance package? It’s certain to be quite memorable!

Price: €65 for 3-course dinner & concert
Opening hours: 7 pm – 2 am (Monday 8:30 pm – 2 am)
Address: R. dos Remédios 139, Lisbon

Lisboa em Fado

In the heart of Lisbon, in Baixa Chiado, every evening you will find the concert hall “Lisboa em Fado”, born from the desire to transmit the magic of Fado to all those who do not yet know this song. Here you will experience the unique voices of fantastic Fado singers in a show made especially for you, and you can fall in love with this song just like the Portuguese do.

Immerse yourself in the true spirit of Portugal and enjoy the show with a complimentary glass of port wine. Every day at 6:00 p.m., enjoy a one-hour show filled with the sounds of guitars and the voices of fado singers.

Special highlights include the intimate evening show for a small audience, the live fado concert without microphones, and the authentic experience for both locals and tourists. The artistic cast of Lisboa em Fado consists of outstanding fado singers and guitarists who will enchant you with their art.

In addition to the show, you can enjoy an audiovisual experience where you will learn about the history and evolution of Fado until today. Experience the magic of Fado and be inspired by its beauty.

Price: €19.90 adults; €17 teens; €14 children
Starting time: 6 pm and 7:15 pm
Note: Absolute silence is required during the show. The presence of children aged under 4 years old is not allowed.
Address: Lisboa em Fado, Rua do Crucifixo 84, 1100-184 Baixa Chiado, Lisbon

Book your ticket here

Fado in Chiado

The cultural gap in one of the most important and popular tourist destinations in Europe, Lisbon, has been successfully filled by the show “Fado in Chiado”.

Every night for the past ten years, this pioneering show has presented traditional fado, accompanied by guitar and viola, and sung by a male and female voice.

It is undeniable that fado has a national dimension, but Lisbon has a special relationship with this form of communication. Fado is inseparable from the Portuguese guitar, poetry and voices, and it is from this union that art is born and fado lives.

The highlight of the show is the live performance, where male and female voices are accompanied by a Portuguese guitar and a Fado guitar. “Fado in Chiado” takes place in the center of Lisbon, making it an unforgettable experience for every visitor.

Starting time: 7 pm everyday, except Sundays
Duration: 50 minutes
Price: €20.50
Address: Rua da Misericordia 14, 2 Andar Lisbon 1200-273

Book your ticket here

Clube de Fado

If you’re looking for an authentic Fado experience, Clube de Fado is one of the best places to go in Lisbon.

It’s located in a historic building right next to Sé de Lisboa, and it attracts some of Portugal’s most celebrated fadistas, like Cuca Roseta, Rodrigo Costa Félix, and Maria Ana Bobon.

When you dine at Clube de Fado, you’ll be surrounded by stone columns, portraits of the performers, and photographs of VIP guests shaking hands with the owner.

You can imagine that it’s pricier than your average Portuguese restaurant in Lisbon, but the service, performances, and food are definitely worth it.

And don’t leave without trying the famous bacalhau!

Good to know:

If you want to attend a Fado show, you can book on the website. Time slots are from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm.

Opening hours: 7:30 pm – 1 am
Address: R. de São João da Praça 94, Lisbon

Tasca do Chico

This Fado house is a great option if you’re looking for something cheap and traditional.

They offer traditional “petiscos” (small bites, like the Spanish tapas), and there are many must-try dishes here, including the chouriço assado: flame-grilled pork sausage served on a clay dish with rustic bread.

But the food is not the main attraction in Tasca do Chico!

This tiny bar/restaurant has incredible Fado shows from well-known singers like Jorge Fernando, Ana Moura, Pedro Moutinho, and Angelo Freire.

Good to know:

I highly recommend paying a visit to Tasca do Chico on Mondays and Wednesdays for Fado Vadio nights; you’ll be treated to an incredible performance from the Portuguese locals and amateurs!

There are two locations of Tasca do Chico, one in the bustling Bairro Alto and the other in the traditional Alfama district. Both locals and tourists love it!

Opening hours: 7 pm – 2 am
Locations:
– R. do Diário de Notícias 39, Bairro Alto
– 451, R. dos Remédios 83, Alfama (closed on Mondays & Tuesdays)

Adega Machado

Adega Machado is a hidden gem of a restaurant located in Bairro Alto, one of the best areas to stay in Lisbon.

It’s been open since 1937 and has kept its antique, high-end feeling throughout the years. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience that’s away from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place for you.

The restaurant offers an intimate and charming setting, complete with traditional Portuguese furniture and tile work, that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time.

Today, Adega Machado is known for its incredible traditional cuisine (expect to spend around 50 euros per person for a dinner) and resident singers like Marco Rodrigues, Joana Veiga, and Isabel Noronha.

You’re guaranteed to see a great show here!

Good to know:

Concerts are usually from 5 pm – 6 pm, which is the perfect time for families who want to experience this passionate historic music.

Price: €50 for 6 course dinner & concert
Opening hours: 7:30 pm – 2 am
Location: R. do Norte 91, 1200-284 Lisboa

Museo do Fado

On weekends, the Fado Museum offers a short fado show. The price is included in the ticket fee.

The Museu do Fado in Lisbon is a great place to learn about and experience the unique atmosphere of Fado music. The museum houses a documentation center, auditorium, and classrooms, where you can take courses in Portuguese guitar, for example. The collection includes instruments, sheet music, posters, clothes, records, and newspapers.

In the interactive exhibition, you can travel through history and listen to Fado from different decades. An audio guide leads you through the exhibition. The operator regularly hosts musical performances by renowned artists in the auditorium.

In addition to the museum, the listed building in the old town houses a restaurant and souvenir store.

The Fado Museum is located in the old town of Alfama, directly on the banks of the Tagus River.

Opening hours: 10 am – 6 pm, Mondays closed
Address: Museu do Fado, Largo Chafariz de Dentro 1, 1100-139 Lissabon

O Povo

The vibrant green facade of the slightly aged building houses Povo – a popular spot not only for Fado, but also as an eatery.

This chic eatery often has fado shows with young vocalists and musicians. There’s no cover for the show, and you can get a full meal of petiscos for around €20, wine included.

Outdoor terraces are usually always full.

The restaurant itself offers 40-50 seats, mainly with table seating and it has a bar counter near the entrance. Tables meant to accommodate two people often end up hosting four due to its narrow pitch – making it quite crowded at times. Portuguese cuisine takes center stage in their menu lineup; yet amazingly, appetizers & soups start from just €2 while salads begin cost €5. Beverages come in abundance too – primarily alcohol such as bottled wine that you can choose from seven varieties per glass. Prices remain modest here, with beers starting off at equally low rates of €2 each for live restaurants like this one.

Dinner time starts 20:00 onwards, followed by fado commencing 22:00 onward every day.

This area has plenty of restaurants and is crowded with young people even late at night.

Opening hours: 12:30 pm – 4 am (Monday & Tuesday 6 pm – 2 am)
Address: R. Nova do Carvalho 32, 1200-161 Lisbon