Fado Shows in Porto

Fado is a form of musical expression that comes from the depths of the soul. The word "fado" originates from the Latin word "fatum," meaning destiny, and this is perhaps the best way to sum up the love, pain, loss and social injustice that fado sings about.

The nostalgic and melancholic music of fado is a real treat to enjoy on a trip to Portugal, and if you want to avoid the tourist traps and experience an authentic and genuine evening of this artistic expression, here is a guide on how to enjoy the real fado show in Porto.

If you are looking for an authentic way to discover traditional Portuguese music, the fado concert at Casa da Guitarra is one of the most intimate and moving experiences you can have in Porto. In a historic venue with a cosy atmosphere, you will enjoy a performance full of emotion, where the feeling of saudade takes centre stage.

The combination of Portuguese guitar, deep voices and a glass of port wine make this activity the perfect cultural outing to round off a day in the city.

Useful information

• Price: From S$29
• Duration: 1 hour
• Recommended if... you are looking for an authentic and traditional experience in an intimate setting steeped in history.

If you fancy combining fado with other key elements of Portuguese culture, this tour with a guided visit to a wine cellar, wine tasting and fado show offers you a complete experience. Start with a walk through one of the most famous wine cellars in Cais da Ribeira, accompanied by a local guide, and finish with a live show where wine and music come together.

This is an ideal option for those who want to gain an insight into the link between Port wine and Portugal's musical tradition.

Useful information

• Price: From S$45
• Duration: 1 hour and 15 minutes approx.
• Recommended if... you want a more complete experience that combines culture, music and wine in an iconic setting.

In the heart of Porto's Baixa district, one of the liveliest areas of the city, you have the opportunity to attend a fado concert full of nuances and styles, ranging from the most traditional to the most contemporary forms of the genre. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the selection of artists guarantees a memorable performance.

This is an excellent option if you want to immerse yourself in Portuguese culture without leaving the city centre, surrounded by bars, shops and nightlife.

Useful information

• Price: From S$27
• Duration: 1 hour
• Recommended if... you want to enjoy the most varied and accessible fado in an area that is perfect for continuing to explore Porto after the show.

For the more curious or music lovers who want to go further, this fado concert with interaction with musicians and a glass of wine offers a different experience. You can talk to the performers before the concert, learn about the instruments, understand the repertoire and then let yourself be carried away by the music in a cosy atmosphere.

Ideal if you want to experience fado first-hand, with all its cultural and emotional nuances.

Useful information

• Price: From S$29
• Duration: 1 hour
• Recommended if... you are interested in a more intimate and personal experience, where cultural value is enhanced by direct interaction with the musicians.

Fancy a complete evening combining gastronomy, sightseeing and music? With this night tour with dinner and fado show, you'll discover Porto by night, dine at a local restaurant and attend a live concert. All accompanied by a guide who will take you to some of the most beautiful places in the city.

This is the ideal activity for those who want to get to know Porto in depth and let themselves be carried away by its most authentic and romantic atmosphere.

Useful information

• Price: From S$116
• Duration: 3 hours
• Recommended if... you are looking for a complete experience that includes culture, gastronomy and a guided tour of the city's most special corners.

The true tradition of fado is mainly in Lisbon, so in northern Portugal it is difficult to find a genuine performance of this art form without falling into a tourist trap. That said, both Fado na Baixa and Casa da Guitarra are the two best options you can find in Porto.

Generally speaking, any dinner and fado show will be very tourist-oriented. One exception that several locals pointed out to me on my trip to Porto was the restaurant and fado house Casa da Mariquinhas, at Rua de São Sebastião, 25. Although dinner with the show costs around €40 and the food is not the most spectacular in the city, it is a very good option if you just want to enjoy dinner and a fado show.

On the other hand, it is possible to find street performers playing fado in some corners. It's not very common, but in the Ribeira neighbourhood, which is also very pleasant for a night-time stroll and to enjoy the beautiful lighting of its many wine cellars, I saw some improvised fado concerts (although they didn't seem as authentic or special as the shows in the fado houses).

If you're visiting Lisbon as well as Porto on your trip to Portugal, you can also attend a fado show there. To do so, read this article and discover the most impressive fado music experiences in Lisbon: Lisbon Fado Shows.

If you've already booked your seat at a fado show, let me tell you that the ideal complement to this experience is a boat trip on the Douro River at night to marvel at the views of the illuminated city. Read more about this activity for a perfect night in Porto: 6 Best Douro River Cruises and Boat Tours in Porto

And if you haven't booked a tour of Porto yet, this is a highly recommended activity, especially in this city, which is smaller and more welcoming than, for example, a large European capital. What better way to discover its hidden corners and learn interesting anecdotes and stories about the city than with a local guide? To book a tour of Porto, you can read all the information here: 10 Best Tours and Day Trips in Porto.