cavergirl

We are going to Portugal in September-October. I understand there are 2 types of Fado found in Lisbon and Coimbra (which I hear is more traditional). We will be in Lisbon for 2 nights and Coimbra for 1 night during our 3 week trip. I would appreciate any recommendations on where to go to experience Fado in either or both of those places. Thank you.

docdan1

I do hope there is an answer to this question, as I will be planning a trip to Lisbon in 2018. anyone?

Rubicund

The area to hear fadio is Alfama. Try these:

http://www.lisbonguru.com/5-best-fad...urants-alfama/

Rubicund

The area to hear fado is Alfama. Try these:

http://www.lisbonguru.com/5-best-fad...urants-alfama/

TPAYT

Bookmarking

cavergirl

I know that Alfama is the neighborhood to go to for Fado but do you have any recommendation for a particular place? I contacted Senor Fado and they are closed the days we are available to go. I heard Casa de Fado is very touristy and the food is mediocre.

matt01

Bon dia!

I highly suggest "O Faia" in the Bairro Alto section. It is the old district of Lisbon with a lot of young bar hangouts but also cool wine bars too. O Faia had excellent food and ambience. This place had some level of touistiness, but in a nice dose. The musicians were excellent! My wife sings Broadway and Jazz so we are into quality music, and we even hung out with the singers at the bar afterwards. It is expensive but there is value in what you spend. When you make a reservation ask to be as close to the musicians as possible. So cool!

..and have fun!!

Best,

Matt

Rubicund

The last time we went, we ate in a small restaurant in a small square and I'd lost the name. However, one of the friends that we went with assures me that the place was the São Miguel D'Alfama in the street of the same name. The food was good and the fado interesting.

Take care not to chat while the singer is performing, you'll get dirty looks!

lobo_mau

In Alfama: "Clube de Fado", "Mesa de Frades", a "Baiúca de Alfama". In Bairro Alto: "Tasca do Chico". Tasca do Chico is not a restaurant, is more a bar/club where you can seat and drink a beer while amateurs are likely to stand up and sing. Usually in very funny to watch since amateurs are likely to over perform.
I don't think fado in Lisbon is more/less traditional that the Coimbra's counterpart. Both versions are separated apart from sociological differences. While fado in Lisbon was sung by the most disqualified of society layers (women of questionable reputation, sailors and alike), on the other hand fado in Coimbra was cultivated exclusively by University students, and therefore the lyrics and the style are more sophisticated.

docdan1

very nice advise, thank you all!

Dave_Ohio

I second Tasca do Chico. Drop in for at least a set or two. It is very intimate, and the singers were good the night we went. Most of the people in the audience were tourists. Expect to share a table.

lobo_mau

While you are not coming enjoy my personal selection;

LISBON FADO

Pedro Galveias - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc53wyJbGHc

Theme:
Life is short and dispair obnubilates reasoning
Forbbiden love is meaningless - (I want) no more madness

Carminho - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6at0lvnGMQ

Theme:
I spread your name in the wind, and when I saw it went away wrapped in the dust of the journey I thought It would be forever freed from the bonds of you tenderness.
But this was a falal mistake because the wind is everywhere and when it blows back, it unrests my torture. I want to forget you, but the wind blows stronger and stronger.

COIMBRA FADO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PO2kbWy1H4

Theme: "Coimbra has more charm when you ought to say goodbye" - sentiment of "saudade" expressed by antecipation

Amália: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqB8RAPC9QM
L. Armstrong https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgekMkn6YKQ (same song different language)

Eartha Kitt: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37IlR2A9Z14 (same some, different language)

shellio

We went to Mesa de Frades a few years ago and were lucky enough to be there during the 80th birthday party of a famous fado singer. He and several members of his family sang, an incredible experience! I don't imagine you would have the same luck but I think the fact that they chose Mesa de Frades for the event indicates it's authentic rather than a tourist location.

Fair warning, we were required to reserve for dinner to assure a table for the show and the food was terrible. I'd eat beforehand and just pay for the dinner.

cavergirl

Thanks to all of you for the information. I think we may try and do Fado in both places since they are different. From what I have read here and on Trip Advisor, don't go expecting great food. It is all about the entertainment. Can't wait.