In Porto, you can find Fado music as authentic and rich as in Lisbon, if not more. This city boasts some of Portugal’s oldest Fado houses, each filled with incredibly talented singers. Whether it’s in a historic spot or a modern venue, the Fado here is as real and heartfelt as it gets. Porto is a place where tradition meets today, offering everyone a chance to experience the true soul of Portuguese music.
Exploring Fado in Porto: Your Options
In the vibrant city of Porto, your journey into the heart of Fado music can take two distinct paths. You have the choice of immersing yourself in a pure Fado concert, often accompanied by a complimentary glass of Port Wine, a signature touch of the region. These venues focus solely on the music, offering an unadulterated Fado experience that’s both intimate and powerful.
Alternatively, you can opt for a more holistic experience that combines a Fado show with a dinner. These venues, known as Fado Houses, provide a perfect blend of culinary delights and musical tradition. As you savor traditional Portuguese dishes, the emotive melodies of Fado create an unforgettable ambiance, making for a night of cultural indulgence.
We’ve carefully selected three of the most recommended experiences of each type, all conveniently located in the heart of downtown Porto. Each venue offers its unique charm and approach to Fado, ensuring that every visitor can find a setting that resonates with their personal taste and expectations. Whether you’re a Fado aficionado or a curious newcomer, these venues promise an authentic dive into Portugal’s beloved musical heritage.
Fado Concert (Without Dinner)
Ideal Clube de Fado
Address: R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto 32, 4000-380
Phone: +351 915 681 676
Email: [email protected]
Opening Times: Daily at 6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 9:00 p.m. on weekends
Price: 20€ (15€ for students)
Ideal Clube de Fado stands out as a beacon of traditional Fado in Porto. This venue offers a 60-minute concert that delves deep into the roots of Fado, away from the commercial selection often found in touristic places. Here, the focus is on the music, the silence, and the raw emotion that Fado evokes. Ideal Clube de Fado is not just about listening; it’s about feeling the essence of Fado, enhanced by a complimentary glass of port wine if you arrive 15 minutes before the show.
Fado na Baixa
Address: R. de São João 99A, 4050-593 Porto
Phone: (+351) 223 170 470
Email: [email protected]
Opening Times: Daily at 18:00
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 19€ (discounts available)
Fado na Baixa offers a unique experience where live Fado music coexists harmoniously with a documentary, providing a musical and educational journey into the world of Fado. This small auditorium, nestled in Porto’s Ribeira, is characterized by its granite walls, which create an intimate acoustic setting. The show is a fusion of traditional Fado, Portuguese Guitar, Coimbra’s Song, and a tribute to Amália Rodrigues, giving attendees a comprehensive insight into Fado’s rich history.
A Casa Do Fado
Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique 85, 4050-450 Porto
Website: https://acasadofado.pt/
Opening Times: Daily at 19:00
Duration: 1 hour
Price: 17€ (free for children under 12)
A Casa Do Fado offers a unique concert experience in an old Ribeira cellar, where Fado’s history is interspersed with its performance. The venue’s charm lies in its old granite basement, where tables and chairs are creatively made from barrels. This setting creates a distinctive ambiance for enjoying traditional Fado. The performance includes ten to twelve Fados and two instrumental pieces, punctuated by a brief interlude where one of the musicians explains the history of Fado.
Fado Show with Dinner (“Fado House”)
O Fado
Address: Largo de S. João Novo, 16 – 16A, 4050-554 Porto
Phone: 222 026 937, 919 710 157
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday: 20:30h – 1.00h, Sunday: Closed
Price: Average 60€ per person (minimum consumption of 40€)
O Fado is a celebrated venue that skillfully combines traditional Portuguese cuisine with Fado performances. This family-run business ensures a consistently high standard of service and customer care. As Porto’s most popular Fado and dinner venue, it’s recommended to book well in advance. The experience here is not just about the music; it’s about indulging in a feast for all the senses.
Casa Da Mariquinhas
Address: Rua de São Sebastião, nº 25, 4050-568 Porto
Phone: +351 915 613 877
Email: [email protected]
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Price: Minimum consumption of 40€
At Casa Da Mariquinhas, you are invited to an intimate Fado experience. The venue, with its granite walls and subdued lighting, creates a setting conducive to the complicity between the performers and the audience. As is typical in Fado Houses, you will be treated to traditional Portuguese dishes while enjoying live Fado shows that are interspersed throughout the various stages of the dinner. Casa Da Mariquinhas prides itself on being the oldest Fado House in Porto, offering an authentic Fado dining experience.
Mal Cozinhado
Address: Rua do Outeirinho, Nº13, 4050-450 Porto
Phone: +351 961 358 960
Email: [email protected]
Opening Times: Monday to Saturday from 8:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Price: À la carte or set menu at 35€
Mal Cozinhado is more than just a Fado venue; it’s a portal to the past. Located in a historic building by the Douro River, its granite walls, wooden beams, and large space with granite arches create a setting that feels like stepping back in time. The Fado show here is divided into several parts during dinner, featuring both male and female voices. Mal Cozinhado is an ideal choice for those who value a distinctive dining experience combined with the timeless beauty of Fado music.
Combining Traditions: Fado and Port Wine Cellar Tours
After exploring the dedicated Fado venues in Porto, consider a unique experience that combines the soulful melodies of Fado with the rich tradition of Port wine. Visiting the port wine cellars is a must-do in the region, and some places offer the added pleasure of a Fado show. This combination might not feature the top Fado houses from our earlier list, but it’s an excellent solution for those with limited time in Porto.
Check details about this tour on getyourguide.com
These experiences offer a delightful ‘taste’ of Fado, alongside a tour of the cellars that have made Porto famous. Though not as focused on Fado as the venues mentioned before, they provide a comprehensive introduction to two of Porto’s most celebrated cultural elements.
Among these combined experiences, our recommendation is the “See and Hear Live Fado at Cálem Wine Cellars.” This experience includes a guided tour of the cellars, where you’ll learn about the fascinating process of making Port wine. During the tour, enjoy the poignant sounds of live Fado music, creating a perfect harmony between the senses. The experience is further enhanced with a tasting of special reserve port wine and white wine, served during the performance. This unique blend of cultural experiences can be conveniently booked through top Tour Operator Directories and is an excellent choice for those wishing to experience the essence of Porto’s cultural heritage in a limited time frame.