Fado Show Lisbon – Guide and Tickets

Information and Guide on the Best Fado Show in Lisbon

When visiting Lisbon, attending a Fado show is a must-do attraction for those of you wanting to experience one of the most authentic and traditional parts of Portuguese culture.

This guide will help you find the best Fado show in Lisbon that allows you to witness this historic music genre.

Best Fado Shows in Lisbon for 2024

Lisbon is known as the home of the fado music genre so the city has multiple performances and scheduled shows throughout the year.

Here is a selection of our most recommended shows, with multiple venues and styles of show to suit everyone’s personal preference, budgets and schedule when in Lisbon.

1) Lisbon: Evening Intimate Live Fado Music Show with Port wine
Location	Lisbon in Fado Concert Hall – Central location in downtown Lisbon (Map)
Highlights	– Cultural background and history provided alongside the show. – Intimate venue that is cozy with performers not using microphones. – Shows performed by some of the leading artists in Lisbon – Includes a glass of port wine
Schedule and Tickets	Three shows daily (1 hour), Monday to Sunday, at 6pm, 7.30pm and 9pm (book in advance as they do sell out) Tickets start from just €19 (Check Availability and Book Online)
This Fado experience is usually the first one I recommend to tourists looking to get an authentic taste of the classic music genre in Lisbon. Not only is it well priced (coming in at under 20 euros for a show) but it also includes a free glass of Port! Unlike some of the other shows in Lisbon this performance comes along with an informative pre-performance vide that provides context to the show and explains the history and tradition. I would attempt and arrive 30 minutes before the show, as seats are not reserved, and the best experience is at the front! Powered by GetYourGuide

2) Lisbon: ‘Fado in Chiado’ Live Show
Location	Chiado Concert Hall, central Lisbon (Map)
Highlights	– Multiple singers and musicians performing – Stage Performance in the heart of the historic Chiado district. – Visual Imagery of must-see Lisbon locations
Schedule and Tickets	One show daily, Monday to Saturday, at 7pm Price for a show starts from €21 (Check Availability and Book Online)
This is another top local venue in the centre of Lisbon for Fado. Located in the Chiado Concert Hall and attracting some of the best Fado talent. The Fado here is probably the most ‘show-like’ (but I wouldn’t necessarily say touristy) with visuals accompanying the artists and microphones being used. But don’t let that hold you back, the performances are excellent and the venue is stunning. Unlike some of the other shows, this performance is done on a raised stage, with the seating tiered to ensure everybody gets a good view. Despite this, the venue and arrangement still feels intimate and it does prevent you getting a poor view of the action. Powered by GetYourGuide

3) Lisbon: Fado Musical Experience with Portuguese Appetizers
Location	The theatre is located in the centre of Seville (Map)
Highlights	– Includes a Fado show and a small selection of food/appetisers – Intimate venue with an expert host/guide.
Schedule and Tickets	Two shows daily, Monday to Sunday, at 5.30pm and 7.30pm Price for a show (including food) starts from €35 (Check Availability and Book Online)
This is a great option for those of you looking for a Fado show and also a little food. The ticket includes a selection of traditional Portuguese appetisers, and there is also the option to add a full dinner at the venue. This ticket doesn’t just give you access to the Fado show and the food, but you are also accompanied by a guide/host who will give you an introduction to the historic music genre and ensure the evening is extra special. The venue is the smallest out of all the shows recommended on this page, and it is very traditional (almost a little cramped) but you do get a very up-close and personal experience with the artists making for a special evening. Powered by GetYourGuide

Street Fado Performances in Lisbon

Not all fado shows are organised and ticketed events. You’ll often find Fado performed in small restaurants and bars, as well on the street outside various popular tourists attractions.

Street Fado performances often happen during the evening, especially on the weekends. Your best bet to find one would be to walk outside the Lisbon Cathedral, or Sao Jorge castle (and the surrounding streets).

I would recommended you book a Fado show at a recognised venue in Lisbon in order to get the best possible experience. The indoor venues really add to the atmosphere and make the evening far more intimate. Plus, you’re able to get drinks and food to enjoy alongside the performance.

What is Fado?

Fado is a music genre, traditional to Portugal, that is known for being very expressive and intense, with a lot of raw emotion coming from the performers.

Whilst the origins are contended across Portugal, most believe the genre originated in Lisbon during the early 19th century (Around 1820) and that the capital is the home of Fado music.

Fado performances are typically done with 3 people – a singer and two guitarists. The singer, known as a fadista, is classically trained in the genre with a powerful, intense and emotional singing style. The guitarists accompany the singer (often sat down on stools) with one playing the classic guitar and another the traditional Portuguese guitar.

The fado performance is in Portuguese and the lyrics typically cover themes of love, tragedy, longing and haunting storylines. This, combined with the intense and dramatic singing performances, means the shows are often very powerful and filled with emotion.

What does a Fado Show in Lisbon Involve?

Usually the show will be held in a small and intimate venue to add to the intensity and to get the desired atmosphere suited for Fado. It can be performed in quite a close space, and generally the performers are sat at the same level and in the middle of the tables and seats.

There tends to be quite a few breaks during a Fado performance, and singers and performers need a small amount of time to recover between songs.

A lot of shows include food and drinks, these are normally served during these breaks and interludes. I experienced one show with dinner and they brought each course, and allowed you time to finish before performing the next 15 minutes of the show.

Some songs will be solely instrumental, and the singer will take a step to the side to showcase the talents of the guitarists supporting.

A fado show then usually ends with the most powerful and emotional performance of the night last. This is to give the audience a lasting impression of the show before they leave. The final song will be a famous Fado song, and normally the most heartbreaking and emotional – both shows I’ve attended have ended on this high.

Fado Show Lisbon FAQs

More on Visit-Lisbon