Fado music

    Fado is the most traditional type of Portuguese music. Having undefined origins, it grew and was developed by the Portuguese people, being adapted by each and everyone to express their feelings and their lives.

    The name, Fado, comes from the Latin “Fatum”, which means destiny. Traditionally sung by poor people, it was used to sing their destiny, their hard and sad life, the sorrow of an unwanted love or the “Saudade*” for someone who was no longer there.

     Nowadays Fado is sung by everyone and it’s not necessarily sad, nor destiny connected. Its lyrics tell the history of a country and it’s people, it’s cities, it’s landscape and it’s feelings. Sometimes happy, sometimes sad but always changing as it’s alive.

    In 2011 fado was classified by Unesco as untangible world heritage, as a proof of it’s value, history and uniqueness.

*Saudade is a word that only exist in Portuguese language and can be roughly translated as “missing”, but its more than that: it’s what stays in you from someone who can’t stay with you.

 

    This is my own explanation, but I can assure you that Fado is a lot more special when it’s heard and felt, and you don’t need to speak the language to understand it, as the music and the rhythm do it alone.

    If you want to experience this type of music, you have two options.

 

    - having dinner while listening to Fado

Listening to Fado while having dinner, in a nice restaurant, is one of the best memories that you’ll have from your trip. This is a perfect combination and to make it even more special, our tour will start with a panoramic of Lisbon by night. We’ll then stop by the restaurant, in Bairro Alto and after a gourmet dinner we’ll take you back to your hotel.

This tour will start at 8 pm and finish around midnight (earlier or later, as you wish).

 

    - Fado in the street

One of the most traditional types is the Vagabond Fado. It was sung in the streets as a way to express the sadness, the poor conditions of life and very often to provoke a friend or a neighbour.

During this walking tour we’ll spend our time walking around the old part of the city. From Baixa and Comercio Square to St George castle and then through Alfama, we won’t miss anything. This is the area where fado was probably born and for that reason, we’ll listen to it in a vWe’ll visit St. George castle, tart our walking tour visiting Fado museum, in order to discover Fado’s history and background. We’ll depart from there for a walk around Alfama district, discovering its tortuous streets and corners, where Fado was born. To finish the tour, we’ll listen to Fado in a very special way.

More details? Come and book this tour!

Can be delivered at any time of the day, especially in the afternoon. Takes about 4 hours.

 

Prices:

Fado in the street

Up to 2 people: 150€

Extra adult: 15€

Extra child: 5€

Includes: Walking tour of downtown and Alfama districts; entrance fee to St George castle (optional); Port wine, cookies and soft drinks; a very special way to listen to Fado; licensed guide. 


Fado with dinner out

Prices on demand as they depend on the number of people and mostly the restaurant and chosen menu.
Send an email and I'll gladly help you to choose the restaurant that best suits your needs.

Includes: Fado show and dinner in a fado restaurant (you’ll be able to choose your menu from a list), panoramic night tour of Lisbon, transportation and guiding services.

If you prefer to book this tour without dinner included (pay as you eat) the price is 130€ up to 3 people (standard car) and 180€ up to 6 people (minivan).

 

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