Thing to do
Ribeira Riverside Walk
A walk along Porto's medieval waterfront, from Praça da Ribeira past the old quay walls to the Dom Luís I Bridge, at the heart of the…
Fado at Casa da Guitarra
Intimate daily fado concerts in a Porto house founded in 2012 to promote the Portuguese guitar, with a singer accompanied by Portuguese and classical guitars.
At a glance
- Type
- Fado concert
- Area
- Sé, Porto, Portugal
- Official site
- casadaguitarra.pt
Good to know
- Daily concerts
- Instrument exhibition
- Shop
- Workshops
Why we recommend it
Fado is usually associated with Lisbon, but Porto has its own audience for the music, and Casa da Guitarra is one of the most rewarding places in the city to hear it. Founded in 2012 by Alfredo Teixeira, the house was created to promote the making and appreciation of traditional Portuguese string instruments, above all the Portuguese guitar, the pear-shaped, twelve-string instrument whose ringing sound defines fado.
The core of a visit is the daily concert, a short and intimate performance rather than a dinner show. A fado singer is accompanied by a Portuguese guitar, played by a luthier, and a classical guitar, known in Portugal as the viola, played by a music teacher. Fado songs deal with longing, loss, the sea and city life, and even without understanding the Portuguese lyrics the emotion carries. The house presents the experience as fado, Portuguese guitar and port wine; check when booking exactly what your ticket includes.
Beyond the concerts, Casa da Guitarra has a permanent exhibition on traditional Portuguese string instruments, holds other concerts and workshops, and runs a shop where you can buy traditional instruments, including Portuguese guitars. It is a good stop for musicians or anyone curious about how these instruments are made, and the exhibition gives useful context before or after a concert. Because the Portuguese guitar is played by a luthier, the house offers a closer look at the craft than most fado venues.
The seating is limited, so buy tickets in advance, especially at weekends and in summer. Concert times vary through the year; check the official website or call before you go. Reduced prices apply for teenagers and children, which makes it one of the more family-friendly ways to hear fado, though the format is best for those happy to sit quietly for the whole performance. Silence during songs is customary, and phones should be switched to silent.
The house is on Avenida Vímara Peres, the road that leads onto the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge, a few minutes' walk from the cathedral and São Bento station. That makes it easy to combine a late afternoon concert with a sunset walk across the bridge or dinner in the Ribeira below.
Fado at Casa da Guitarra FAQs
How often are the fado concerts?
Casa da Guitarra holds a fado concert every day; check the website for current times.
Who performs?
A fado singer with a Portuguese guitar, played by a luthier, and a classical guitar, played by a music teacher.
Is port wine part of the experience?
The house presents its concerts as fado, Portuguese guitar and port wine; check what your ticket includes when booking.
Do I need to book?
Seating is limited, so booking ahead is advisable, especially at weekends.
Are children allowed?
Yes, reduced tickets are offered for teenagers and children aged 3 to 12.
Can I buy instruments there?
Yes, there is a shop selling Portuguese guitars and other traditional string instruments.
When was Casa da Guitarra founded?
In 2012, by Alfredo Teixeira.
Where is it?
On Avenida Vímara Peres, near the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the cathedral.