Fado - Portugal's national music
The national song style of Portugal, Fado, can be found in many restaurants across Lisbon. This moving song is part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, and you can enjoy some of the best at ‘O Faia’.
Area
Lisbon and Alentejo
Type
Community & Culture
History
Who
Adults
Teens
Young Kids
Fado is the national song style of Portugal. It means fate and it's always sung with emotion - when it's performed by a good singer, which could sometimes be hard to find.
The Portuguese usually say that it's hard to find a restaurant that has simultaneously these 4 important factors: good Fado Singers, good ambiance, good food, and good service! Mainly because of the demands of tourism, it's difficult to have quality and quantity side-by-side. But this personalized experience will provide you with both - a good meal while you are serenaded with a great Fado show.
Fado is usually performed during dinner in a local and traditional restaurant. You can arrive early to the restaurant in time to order your meal before the show starts. Then, the singer and the two guitar players will come to the room and perform 3-4 songs – when they’re in the room silence is requested and the lights are turned off in order to have only the ambiance of the candles on the guest's tables. When they go, you continue eating and chatting, and when they come again after a few minutes, they will perform 3-4 songs again, and this will go on all night long.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
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View AccommodationReid's Palace, A Belmond Hotel
An iconic clifftop retreat in Funchal, Reid’s Palace pairs ocean-view rooms and suites, lush subtropical gardens, pools and spa with refined dining and classic Belmond service – a timeless base for exploring Madeira in comfort.
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View AccommodationBairro Alto Hotel
Located in the heart of Lisbon, Bairro Alto is a boutique hotel offering a unique blend of modernity and tradition. Its roof terrace offers fantastic views of the city, while inside guests will find a creative Portuguese restaurant and cocktail bar.
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View AccommodationSublime Comporta
Set amid a pine forest just moments from some of Portugal's best beaches, this beautifully designed boutique hotel is the perfect escape from urban life. Great food, a relaxing spa and a warm welcome all contribute to the get-away-from-it-all ambience.
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View AccommodationMemmo Principe Real
A modern boutique property, centrally located with Lisbon's shops, restaurants and sights in walking distance. Memmo Principe Real is a fashionable spot, popular with locals and ideal for couples looking to explore one of the city’s most charming areas.
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View AccommodationAreias do Seixo
Less than an hour from Lisbon, the beach-side haven of Areias do Seixo is set amongst pine trees, sand dunes and the Atlantic Ocean. A boutique hotel, the fourteen rooms provide a stylish and comfortable retreat in which to relax and enjoy the view.
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Palacio Principe Real
Plunge into the centre of Lisbon and be wowed by this hidden retreat with lush gardens and Asian inspired swimming pool, a 19th Century Palace that has taken the luxury boutique style to the next level, you will not be disappointed.
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View AccommodationPalácio Ludovice Wine Experience Hotel
Gourmands and wine connoisseurs can indulge in the five-star hospitality and epicurean delights at the historic Palácio Ludovice, a former 18th century private residence, sympathetically restored with modern comforts and exquisite attention to detail.
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View AccommodationValverde Hotel
Boasting a location on the main luxury shopping street in Lisbon, the Valverde Hotel is decorated with modern finishes, contemporary flair, and art deco style throughout. Sitio, the chic patio restaurant, offers cuisine with a focus on Portuguese dishes.
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The Ivens, Autograph Collection
The Ivens Hotel was home to the first luxury warehouse in the city in the 19th century as well as the first Portuguese public radio.The hotel is surrounded by the best shops, restaurants, bars, galleries and bookshops in this cosmopolitan neighbourhood.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
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View ExperiencePrivate tram ride with access to the Church of Sao Roque
A wonderful tour combining a private tour on the famous traditional trams of Lisbon that will bring you back to Lisbon city centre to explore Lisbon downtown with an exclusive visit to the Church of São Roque.
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View ExperienceLisbon by private yacht
Appreciate Lisbon from the sea, gaining a different view of the city’s sights while relaxing on board a private yacht. Discover the maritime history of the city that transformed Portugal into a colonial power with Lisbon at the heart of its empire.
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View ExperienceSurfing in Portugal
Thanks to its position on the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal offers fantastic surfing opportunities suitable for both experts and beginners alike. Close to Lisbon you'll find some of the best beaches for an exhilarating surfing lesson.
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View ExperienceDiscover Sintra
Discover the charming and UNESCO World Heritage site of Sintra with your private guide, strolling the historic streets and soaking in the delightful character of the old city.
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View ExperienceHorse riding at Sao Lourenco do Barrocal
Explore the scenic Sao Lourenco do Barrocal estate on horseback, with a private guide leading you through the beautiful landscapes. Discover nearby villages such as Monsaraz, ancient monuments, and picturesque vineyards as you ride.
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View ExperiencePrivate visit and lunch at Cadaval Palace
The Cadaval Palace has been the home and the property of the Dukes of Cadaval family since its foundation in the 14th century until today.
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View ExperienceExplore Estremoz
Estremoz is a small town surrounded by abundant marble quarries and famous for its handcrafted small charming clay figurines.
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View ExperienceExclusive private wine tasting at Dona Maria Winery
Situated in the Portuguese region of Alentejo, this palace-like 18th century house has become a landmark, not only for its beauty but also for its history and the quality of the wine produced there.
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View ExperiencePrivate wine tasting and lunch at Quinta de Santana
Nestled in rolling green hills between the breathtakingly beautiful Atlantic coastline and the vibrant cultural life of Lisbon, Quinta de Sant’Ana is a place to have an unforgettable experience.
Call us on 020 8682 5040 to start planning