Amigos da Severa Lisbon
Ginjinha, history and Fado
Alexandre from Lisbon
Fado is well known around the world as "world music", the song of Portugal and a unique music gender born on the streets of Lisbon, several hundred years ago. As the legend tells, this exact spot is actually the birth place of this song. So, for historical and cultural purposes you definitely should visit Amigos da Severa.
Far from the days of cultural and bohemian life of drinks, prostitutes and rude seamen gathering in the "tascas" populating this part of Lisbon, today we can only have a glimpse of it. And this is what this spot might let you imagine. It is said that Fado was born here, as a blend of cultural influences from all over the world and a strong Arabic heritage of the Portuguese nation.
The legend says that a young girl lived on this street and became famous not only for her beauty but also for her voice; her name was Maria Severa. And it is said that "Amigos da Severa" was her father's "tasca" – a place of men, drinks and prostitutes – where she served and sang. And it was not only the poor and drunk working men she charmed; a noble is said to have fallen in love with her and thus made her famous.
She died young but her story remains with us forever. With luck you might get to assist amateur fado live while Sr. António serves you a "ginjinha".
A smart choice over the "touristic" gijinhas in central square Rossio.
Lisbon Spotter Alexandre
Our Lisbon City Guide
Find your way with 208 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Lisbon
Charlie Bistro
Vegan is here!
"Charlie Bistro" Lisbon is the newest spot for healthy food. I love the environment, portion size and flavours a lot; tapioca, smoked salmon, guacamole...
by
Sandra
Lopes
Brooklyn Café
Paradise
"Brooklyn Café" in Lisbon is a space inspired by soul music and jazz. I like their Cape Verde specialties, but this restaurant is cozy just to rest at, too
by
Sandra
Lopes
Miradouro dos Barros
Mini viewpoint at Graça
"Miradouro dos Barros" in Lisbon is located between a nice garden & a famous viewpoint, but for me, this spot is actually the best & most comfortable one!
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Estufa Fria
Jungle in the city!
"Estufa Fria" in Lisbon means 'cold greenhouse' but it actually has three greenhouses. It's full of plants - and is very cool to walk around in...
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Tinta nos Nervos
Paradise of graphic novel lovers
"Tinta nos Nervos" in Lisbon is an independent gallery & bookstore dedicated to the drawing arts, so you'll find the best comic books & graphic novels...
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Feira da Ladra
Flea market, antiques and art
"Feira da Ladra" is my favorite flea market in Lisbon - it is the most diverse place to buy cool stuff in my favorite neighborhood!
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Mezze
Middle-Eastern cuisine/refugee integration
"Mezze" in Lisbon is inside a municipal market - here they serve typical Middle-Eastern food while also giving jobs to refugees seeking to integrate...
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
TATI
Natural wine and good food
"TATI" is a bar/restaurant in Lisbon where you will find delicious food and varied options of natural wine. Very creative menu that changes constantly!
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Verdachado
Traditional Italian pizzeria
"Verdachado" in Lisbon is a tiny pizza place where you will find delicious and (completely!) on-budget pizza.
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
Panda Cantina
Best ramen in town!
"Panda Cantina" is a Chinese restaurant in Lisbon where you will find the best & most honest ramen in town (truly, I am not exaggerating!).
by
Ana Carolina
Boldrini
O Javali
No-frills tasca with outstanding food
"O Javali" in Lisbon is one traditional tasca that's managed to survive the invasion of greedy investors. Find my all-time favorite childhood dishes here.
by
Nuno
Lopes de Paula
Heading to Lisbon?
208 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Lisbon?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 208 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Bars
Our team loves Lisbon
Get to know our other Spotters from Lisbon
As featured on:
