After sunset, Lisbon comes alive. Its residents flood the streets, while the staff of bars and cafes set up their tables outdoors. Groups of fun-loving people gather on steps, sipping wine and enjoying the melodies of street musicians.
Lisbon's nightclubs have a distinctive feature: hardly anyone stays indoors - everyone prefers to relax outside.
Many restaurants in Lisbon transform into clubs where the national song, fado, takes center stage. This cultural phenomenon is unique to Portugal and is an integral part of Lisbon's nightlife. A genuine fado experience requires dim lighting, a talented fadista (a girl with an incredible voice), and a Portuguese guitar of distinctive shape. The cost for such an experience is typically around 10 EUR for admission.
Fado is a lament for the challenging fate of sailors who embarked on great geographical discoveries. This art form is a cherished and authentic form of Portuguese entertainment for adults in Lisbon, rather than a retro tourist attraction.
