The Best Places To Enjoy Fado In The Alfama

One excellent way to understand the heart and soul of Portuguese culture is by listening to fado, a melancholic musical style of storytelling that was born in Lisbon’s streets, particularly those of Alfama. Powerful, heartwrenching and haunting, a great fado singer can arrest the senses of their audience and even entrance non-Portuguese-speakers. Alfama’s tiny cobbled streets are lined with restaurants offering fado alongside dinner, but the following suggestions are among the best that Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood has to offer.

Parreirinha de Alfama

Some spots truly stand the test of time and Parreirinha de Alfama is one of those places. Reaching over 50 years old, Parreirinha de Alfama is one of the older fado houses in Lisbon and serves an array of traditional Portuguese meals alongside the entertainment. It is also owned and run by a well-known local fado singer, Argentina Santos, who sings regularly and the venue enjoys other fadistas as well. For an unforgettable dinner and show, reserve a table around 9 since the music kicks off at 9:30.

Beco do Espírito Santo 1, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 886 8209

A Baîuca

Listening to a professional singer can be an unforgettable experience but listening to an excellent amateur can be extra impressive, and A Baîuca schedules fadistas from the latter group. This small restaurant-like bar may be snug but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere and local talent. As with other popular yet small venues in Lisbon, seats fill up quickly and it’s worth arriving early to ensure finding a spot. For hearing fado, show up after 9PM between Thursday and Saturday nights.

Rua de S.Miguel nr.20, Alfama, Lisboa, Portugal +351 21 886 7284