Best Fado in Lisbon

The best fado in Lisbon is usually performed at bars in the city’s Alfama district. This was the birthplace of fado and remains its most vital source of music and emotion.

The best fado in Lisbon can be found at small taverns in the Alfama. The first of these is A Baiuca, a hole-in-the-wall bar where Lisbon locals take turns wowing audiences with their emotive singing.

Another is the popular Clube de Fado. It is equally known for its top-notch fado and its traditional decor, making the audience feel as if it has been transported back into 19th century Lisbon when fado began.

Another of the best places for fado in Lisbon is Noobai Cafe, which is located in Lisbon’s Santa Catarina neighborhood. A far cry from the traditional atmosphere of A Baiuca and Clube de Fado, Noobai Cafe is a brightly-colored space where traditional fado music blends into colonial rhythms from Portugal’s former African colonies.

Wherever you choose to watch the best fado in Lisbon, be prepared for an emotional journey sung through the city’s most soulful residents. It is a unique experience, and one that you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Best Day Trips from Faro

Bridge over Tavira Portugal
Tavira, Portugal

The best day trips from Faro, Portugal aren’t far from the city.

Because Faro is a Ryanair hub and has one of the largest airports in the Algarve, many visitors choose to base themselves there when visiting southern Portugal. As such, day trips from Faro are a great way for people to see the surrounding area. Below is my list of the best day trips from Faro:

Parque Natural da Ria Formosa – The Parque Natural da Ria Formosa makes for a great day trip in the Algarve. The diversity of plant and animal species and the great opportunities for boat tours and walks makes it a perfect trip for families traveling in Portugal.

Tavira – The historic city of Tavira is a quick train ride from Faro, and makes for a great afternoon away from its larger neighbor. Tavira’s historic churches, castle, and wide plazas make it an ideal place to learn about Portuguese history or just relax at a cafe and enjoy the atmosphere.

Faro Boat Tours – Boat tours in Faro are a good way to escape the city and see some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches and wildlife. Whether you take a boat tour to the nearby islands or a trip to the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, these tours are some of the best day trips from Faro.

Buses from Lisbon to Porto

Porto Portugal Skyline
Porto, Portugal

Taking buses from Lisbon to Porto is the best way to travel from the capital of Portugal to the northern Portuguese city of Porto if you don’t want to take a train or drive.

The companies that run buses from Lisbon to Porto are called RENEX and Rede Expressos.

RENEX Buses from Lisbon to Porto
RENEX buses leave from Lisbon Oriente bus station. Buses from Lisbon to Porto depart 9 times a day at 00:30, 7:30, 9:00, 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, and 21:15.

The bus travel time from Lisbon to Porto takes 3.5 hours or more. The ultimate journey time depends on traffic and what time buses leave Lisbon.

Bus tickets from Lisbon to Porto on RENEX coaches cost 18.50 euros if you buy bus tickets online before you travel.

Rede Expressos Buses from Lisbon to Porto
Like RENEX coaches, Rede Expressos coaches depart from Lisbon Oriente bus station. These buses from Lisbon to Porto depart 19 times a day between 00:15 and 21:00.

The total transit time from Lisbon to Porto on Rede Expressos buses takes 3.5 hours or more. As with RENEX, the travel time on Rede Expressos buses is dependent on traffic conditions and what time the buses depart Lisbon.

Bus tickets from Lisbon to Porto on Rede Expressos coaches cost 18.50 euros if you book online before travelling. You can reserve a specific seat on the coach when you make your bus ticket booking online.