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Planning a trip to Porto and want to know where to watch Fado? I’ve got you covered!
I remember the first Fado performance I ever saw, which was in Porto, Portugal. It was captivating and mesmerising; a beautiful combination of soulful singing and passionate guitar playing that left me wanting more!
If you’re planning a trip to Porto and want to experience Fado for yourself, look no further. I’m here to share everything you need to know about Fado in Porto, including the best places to watch Fado performances in this kick-ass city!
If you’re in a time crunch, and just want a quick recommendation, no worries – this is the best fado performance in Porto!
Top Pick: Best Fado Show in Porto
> Traditional Fado at Ideal Clube de Fado
Includes: 1 hour Fado performance, glass of port wine, and meet & greet the performers!
Table of Contents
What is Fado?
Fado is a traditional Portuguese music style that has been around for centuries. It’s recognisable for melancholic tunes and poetic lyrics, which express longing, sorrow, and nostalgia. Fado performances usually feature two musicians: one playing the Portuguese guitar, and another singing.
Origins of Fado
Its origins are unclear but it appears to have sprung up in the 1820s and 30s in the Alfama neighbourhood of Lisbon. Fado has long been a beloved part of Portuguese culture and identity, but for some Portuguese people, it is seen as a reminder of the country’s darker past during the dictatorship, which lasted from 1933 to 1974.
Fado music was heavily censored by the regime during this time, thanks to its anarchist and leftist ties. Many Fado singers were even persecuted or even arrested!
The classic Fado repertoire contains many songs that were written during the dictatorship and are seen as a form of protest against the regime. Fado was also used by many singers to express their feelings about the current state of affairs in Portugal, which gave Fado an even greater political significance.
Today, Fado is still seen as a reminder of the country’s past, but it’s also celebrated as a beautiful art form with deep roots in Portugal’s culture and history. Fado performances can be found all over Porto, and they remain an important part of the city’s cultural life.
Okay… with all of that info out of the way, let’s get into it – here’s where to see the best fado in Porto!
Best Fado Shows in Porto
Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting
This 75-minute Fado tour combines two of Portugal’s most famous exports – Fado and port wine – into a unique evening that will leave you with an unforgettable memory. You’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of the Cálem Cellars in Porto followed by samples of 2 port wines whilst watching a live Fado show.
Witnessing this Fado performance in Porto is truly an unforgettable experience. It’s incredibly intimate and emotional, with the male and female singers pouring their hearts out with their passionate voices and powerful lyrics. If you don’t speak Portuguese, you probably won’t have a clue what they’re singing, but the emotion in their voices gets the message across!
The Fado performance is performed November through March at 6pm or April through October at 6:30pm. Ticket prices are €23 per person, making this an affordable way to experience Fado music in one of Portugal’s most iconic cities.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets here!
Casa do Fado Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine
If you’re in Porto and looking for authentic, non-touristy Fado, then Casa do Fado is the place to go! Your ticket, which costs €17, includes a 1-hour live fado performance and a glass of Port Wine, making it the best cheap fado in Porto!
Witnessing Fado at Casa do Fado in Porto is a truly unique experience, as the venue has been specifically designed to capture the soulful music and passionate lyrics of Fado. Casa do Fado offers two venues in the historic centre of Porto: the Ribeira, a 19th-century cellar, or the Sé, a former guitar luthier workshop!
Both locations offer incredible acoustics that immerse you in Fado’s ethereal atmosphere and intensify your emotions as you listen to it live. And when you add a glass of delicious port wine into the mix – well, there’s an experience that can’t be missed!
Fado Na Baixa Live Performance with Port Wine
Fado Na Baixa is the perfect spot to catch an authentic Fado performance in Porto on a budget. Here, you’ll witness performers singing and playing Fado with soulful passion in a beautiful historic setting.
You’ll also get to listen to a few lesser-known styles of Fado, making this the perfect option for those who have already seen a performance or two.
The Fado performance here lasts 1 hour and you’ll get to feel the emotion of Fado as it’s presented in all its unique forms. This includes a Fado style known as Coimbra Fado. This style is traditionally sung only by men and is deeply rooted in the culture of Coimbra, Portugal’s former capital city.
Your ticket also includes a glass of port wine that rounds out this Fado experience perfectly.
Tickets are only €19, making this an affordable and unforgettable way to experience Fado music in Porto. Book your tickets here!
Evening Tour of Porto with Fado Show and Dinner
For an unforgettable evening in Porto, look no further than this 4-hour Evening Tour of Porto with a Fado Show and Dinner! For just €65, you’ll get to enjoy a guided tour of Porto‘s most iconic attractions followed by a live Fado show and an authentic Portuguese dinner.
This is truly a unique experience that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in Porto! It’s the best option if you want to watch Fado in Porto but only have a very limited time in the city. Combining your Porto fado performance with a city tour and dinner is the perfect solution!
The tour starts at 7pm and lasts for 4 hours, providing plenty of time for you to get a full taste of the best Fado music.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now!
Traditional Fado Show at Ideal Clube de Fado
If you’re looking for a non-touristy Fado experience when visiting Porto, then Ideal Clube de Fado’s traditional Fado show is the perfect option!
At Ideal Clube de Fado, you can choose between two types of Fado performances: classic Fado shows dedicated to the most authentic tradition of classic Fado (daily, at 6pm and 7:30pm) or concerts dedicated to specific themes such as love, dark Fado, white Fado, etc (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 9pm).
From the moment you enter, you will be surrounded by the soulful and passionate melodies of Fado which have captivated audiences for centuries.
Arrive at the venue early for the opportunity to speak to the performers before the show and learn more about the different styles of Fado performed here. The fado at Ideal Clube de Fado is a traditional style, far removed from the “mainstream” style of fado performed at the touristy fado bars in Porto.
All performances are accompanied by talented musicians playing the Portuguese guitar. Tickets cost €19 per person which includes a complimentary glass of port wine! Get your tickets here!
Fado Show at Casa da Gitarra, Porto
You’ll get to experience Fado music in its most authentic form on a visit to the Casa da Gitarra Fado show in Porto! This unique performance offers an evening of earthy and mesmerising Fado in an intimate setting. The performance is led by a female singer whose skill captures the very essence of fado in Porto!
Since the location for this performance is right next to Dom Luis I bridge, you’ll get even more bang for your buck, because you can head outside after the performance to watch the sunset over the Douro River. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Porto! You’ll also get a free glass of port wine during the performance (of course)!
Performances start at 6pm and 7:30pm every day, and if you book online in advance, tickets cost €16.20. That’s cheaper than at the door, meaning you can get a great discount by booking online. Book your tickets here!
3 Special Port Wines and Fado Music Session
This 3 Special Port Wines and Fado Music Session is ideal if you want to sample port whilst watching the performance. That’s because your ticket includes samples of three different port wines!
This performance offers an unforgettable evening of Fado music in a venue that dates back 200 years. Oh, and if you’re an early bird, this performance is ideal. Performances take place in the afternoon, so you won’t need to stay out late!
The Fado performance takes place in the Port wine cellars of Quevedo in Vila Nova de Gaia. This impressive building dates back 200 years and was originally used as a cooperage that manufactured barrels and casks for the Port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia.
The Fado performance itself lasts one hour and is accompanied by musicians playing the Portuguese guitar.
The 3 Special Port Wines and Fado Music Session takes place Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 3pm, 3.30pm, 4pm and 4.30pm.
Tickets cost €17 per person which includes the Fado performance, free samples of three different Ports and a visit to one of Porto’s port wine cellars. Get your tickets here!
FAQs about Fado Shows in Porto
Where can I find the best Fado shows in Porto?
Fado performances are held every night of the week in various venues across Porto, but the most popular Fado shows take place at the Ideal Casa do Fado and Cálem Cellar. You can check out fado performances in Porto at any fado restaurant, fado bar, or fado concert venue!
What time do Fado shows take place?
Fado performances usually start between 7pm and 9pm, but some venues may have different times for their shows. Each venue usually holds several performances each night, so it’s possible to choose the time that works best for you.
How much do Fado show tickets cost in Porto?
Fado show tickets typically range from €16-€20, although it totally depends on where you’re going! It’s also possible to find discounted tickets here. It’s almost always cheaper to buy your tickets online in advance rather than at the door.
What is included in Fado show tickets?
Tickets to fado shows in Porto usually include admission to the performance, as well as a complimentary glass of port wine which is traditionally served at Fado performances. Some Fado shows may also include a snack or other refreshments, or if they’re held in a Port wine cellar, a tour of the cellar.
Is there an age limit for Fado shows?
Some fado shows have age limits, but most of the performances on this list do allow children to attend. Although children are allowed to attend, it may be worth considering whether it’s the right choice. Fado is all about emotion and isn’t usually visually entertaining, so your kids may get bored at a fado show.
Are Fado shows family friendly?
Fado performances are generally not suitable for younger children due to the melancholic nature of Fado music and passionate lyrics.
Kids sometimes struggle to stay focussed at fado shows and may find them “boring”, which, in turn, could disrupt the experience of your fellow audience members. Overall, fado shows are not family friendly.
What should I wear to a Fado show?
Although there is no dress code for Fado shows, it is best to dress smart-casual. Jeans are fine, football shirts and baseball caps probably aren’t. Some venues may have stricter dress codes, but that’s pretty rare nowadays.
Is Fado a good activity for a romantic evening?
Yes! Fado performances are a great way to experience Portugal’s culture and tradition, as well as enjoy some live music with your partner. Fado shows typically have an intimate atmosphere, making them a perfect activity for a romantic evening in Porto.
Can I take photos or videos during Fado shows?
As Fado performances are an important part of Portugal’s culture and tradition, it is best to refrain from taking photos or videos during Fado shows out of respect for the performers and other guests.
Of course, some venues do allow you to take photos and videos, but it could be worth thinking about whether you actually want to go to one that allows this.
It can be very distracting when you’re trying to immerse yourself in the performance and someone is blocking your view with their phone to take photos!
I hope this blog post has helped you find out more about the best fado shows in Porto, and you now know where to see fado in Porto, no matter what type of performance you’re looking for. You really can’t visit Porto without having a fado show on your Porto itinerary!
Enjoy!
