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Fado Free Tour

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Fado Free Tour

Fado Free Tour

The True Sound of Lisbon

Take Lisbon’s Free Fado Tour: Experience Fado’s soulful world. A real Fado singer. shows the origins, evolution, neighborhoods & icons of this haunting music.

Dig deep into the soul of Portuguese culture with our Lisbon Fado Free Walking Tour. Discover the stories, instruments, and voices that define Fado, from its Moorish roots to contemporary interpretations. Walk through Lisbon’s historic neighborhoods of Mouraria and Alfama that gave birth to Fado music.

You will be led by an enthusiastic expert local guide who is also a Fado singer. Your guide loves to show you Lisbon’s iconic landmarks and authentic hidden gems and will share expert advice on where to experience the best Fado performances in Lisbon and will recommend plenty of things to do for the rest of your stay. The guide may even grace you with a special performance at the end of the tour.

The Fado Free Tour is an emotional journey through the music that defines Lisbon’s spirit. Join us for an immersive exploration into the world of Fado. Feel the essence of ‘saudade’ and carry the soul of Lisbon with you forever.

Duration: Approximately 2hr 20min

Your Fado Free Tour meets at:

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beautiful Blue Umbrella!

Fado Free Walking Tour

Exploring Lisbon’s Rich Melancholic Melody

Fado! The soulful, melancholic music that is the heartbeat of Lisbon. If you’re eager to experience the heart of this enchanting city, our Fado Free Tour is the perfect adventure for you. This is an award-winning journey into the very essence of Lisbon and its people, led by a guide who’s not only knowledgeable about Fado but is also a Fado singer herself.

You’ll be in the historic streets of Mouraria and Alfama, not just hearing about Fado but hearing it sung right there in the narrow alleys of Lisbon’s Old Town. It’s a transportive experience.

We start at Nossa Senhora da Saúde Chapel on Rua Martim Moniz, at the entrance to Mouraria, the Moorish quarter that faces away from the Tagus River. Some say Fado was born in Brazil, evolving from the lundum song brought back by slaves and sailors.

As walk up the hills of Mouraria, your guide will tell the tales of Portuguese sailors longing for home across distant seas, setting the stage for understanding Fado's deep connection with longing and fate – after all, 'Fado' comes from the Latin 'fatum', meaning destiny.

In the labyrinthine streets of Alfama, we'll explore how Fado evolved from a marginalized song of the city's poorest quarters to Portugal's national musical genre. We visit Severa Square where you’ll hear about its first iconic singer, Maria Severa, and later at the Statue of Fernando Mauricio you’ll learn how Fado was cleverly utilized by a dictator to serve political ends.

The undisputed Queen of Fado, Amália Rodrigues, was a simple girl from Arroios. Her words, "Fado is not sung, it happens. Fado is felt, not understood, not explained," perfectly encapsulate the experience we aim to offer.

During the tour, our guide will not only share stories but also sing, allowing you to feel the raw emotion of Fado.

We'll explore topics like Fado during the Salazar regime, its decline after the April 25th revolution, and its resurgence with contemporary artists like Ana Moura and Carminho. We'll even decode some Fado lyrics for you and discuss the true essence of a Casa de Fado (Fado House).

This tour is a journey through over 200 years of Fado history, set against the backdrop of Lisbon's oldest neighborhoods.

We'll end near the Fado Museum, where we will round out your exploration of Fado and give you insider tips on the best places to listen to more Fado on your own during your stay in Lisbon.

Join our Fado Free Tour, and let the soul of Lisbon resonate within you long after the tour ends leaving an indelible mark on your heart.

Highlights of Your Lisbon Fado Free Walking Tour

Each Lisbon Fado Free Walking Tour is a unique experience. The stops listed in the highlights may change due to the guide leading the tour and other conditions such as weather and local events. If you are particularly interested about a specific item please ask your guide before the beginning of the tour to confirm it is on the agenda.

Nossa Senhora da Saúde Chapel on Martim Moniz

The historic Martim Moniz area is the gateway to the Moorish district of Mouraria. Learn about the roots of Fado and the evolution of its name.

Monument to Fado

Learn about the Portuguese guitar and the poems and melodies that form the main traditions of traditional Fado.

Severa Square

Hear about the first Fado singer, Maria Severa, and the evolution of this soulful genre.

Statue of Fernando Maurício

Fado rose from the city's poorest neighborhoods to national prominence, and was utilized by the Salazar regime. Discover the rise of Amália Rodrigues, the Queen of Fado.

Calçada da Amália

Fado's relationship with the Salazar regime, its resurgence after the April 25th revolution, and its modern interpretations by artists like Ana Moura and Camané.

Church and Square of Santo Estêvão

Explore the lyrics and origins of Fado. Understand its deep connection to Portuguese culture and identity. Feel the essence of Fado, beyond mere words and explanations.

Remédios Street

Experience the soulful sounds of Fado for yourself as your guide sings a Fado song herself.

The Fado Museum

Dedicated to the history and impact of this unique musical genre.