Night tour of Lisbon with dinner and Fado Show

A Night in Lisbon: Dinner, Views, and Fado Music

If you’re looking to spend an unforgettable evening in Lisbon without simply ticking off sightseeing landmarks during daylight hours, a night tour featuring panoramic city views, regional cuisine, and a soulful Fado performance might be just what you need. I’ve read about this experience offered by RM Portugal Tours, and it sounds like a thoughtfully curated way to enjoy Lisbon’s vibrant culture after dark. The tour lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes, starts at the elegant Praça do Marquês de Pombal, and includes a visit to a quiet yet breathtaking viewpoint before settling into a historic restaurant for dinner and authentic Fado music.

What I particularly like about this experience is the combination of stunning night-time vistas and genuine culture. The first highlight is the visit to the Miradouro Da Senhora Do Monte, one of Lisbon’s lesser-crowded viewpoints but with an incredible panoramic view of the city lit up at night—perfect for snapping memorable photos or just soaking in the city’s glow. The second is the dinner at a historic restaurant in the Palácio da Senhora de Murça, where regional Portuguese dishes are served along with performances by a 14-artist cast re-enacting local traditions. The authenticity of the Fado show adds a special touch, capturing the heart and soul of Portugal.

However, a note of consideration is that reviews suggest timing and pacing can impact your experience. Some guests mentioned that the musicians often take long intervals between sets, which can be a bit exhausting if you’re eager to enjoy the full performance. Arriving promptly for the reservation is advised to maximize your dinner and show time. Also, since the tour has a maximum of 8 travelers, it remains intimate but requires advance booking—on average, it’s booked about 24 days ahead, so plan accordingly.

Key Points & Takeaways

• Unique viewpoint: Senhora do Monte offers an excellent, less crowded spot to see Lisbon’s city lights, perfect for a peaceful yet stunning start.
• Cultural authenticity: The Folklore and Fado show re-creates Portugal’s traditional music scene, offering an immersive cultural experience.
• Gourmet regional cuisine: The dinner menu features hearty local dishes like roasted pork cheeks and lamb, paired with regional wine and a variety of tapas.
• Pacing of music: Some guests find the musicians’ long intervals between sets a bit tiring, so bring patience if you’re eager to enjoy continuous music.
• Price and value: At around $214.34 per person, the experience combines multiple rich elements—spectacular views, a good meal, and live music—but consider if the price aligns with your expectations for a cultural night out.
• Booking tips: Book at least 24 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak travel seasons.

Exploring the Night Tour of Lisbon: A Closer Look

Starting Point: Praça do Marquês de Pombal

The tour kicks off at 7:00 pm from a central Lisbon location, easily accessible via public transportation. The meeting point at Praça do Marquês de Pombal is a well-known hub, making it convenient for most travelers. From here, the group departs for the first stop—the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Miradouro Da Senhora Do Monte: A Quiet Gem

Despite being one of the most important viewpoints in Lisbon, this spot remains relatively quiet compared to more popular sites like Miradouro de Santa Catarina or Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. It’s a place where I could imagine few travelers, and the panoramic view of Lisbon’s illuminated rooftops and the Tagus River is truly breathtaking. The sunset or night views here are often less crowded, providing a peaceful moment to appreciate the city’s lights.

The Historic Restaurant in Palácio da Senhora de Murça

Next, the group heads to a historic building that survived the 1755 earthquake—an important detail that adds to the ambiance. Now a restaurant, it hosts regional cuisine and Fado shows that evoke Portugal’s soulful musical traditions. The restaurant’s setting, with the Cerca Velha de Lisboa visible, offers an authentic atmosphere that complements the cultural experience.

Dinner Menu & Cultural Performance

The meal includes Portuguese bread, butter, olives, and octopus salad as appetizers. For the main courses, expect hearty dishes like pork cheeks roasted in red wine with spinach and potatoes, and perhaps lamb—both traditional and satisfying. Guests often praise the good regional cuisine and attentive service, as noted in reviews that mention staff like Paulo (Metri) and Sandro, who serve with care and professionalism.

The Fado performance features a cast of 14 artists, re-enacting local traditions. While the overall experience is heartfelt, some reviews mention the musicians sometimes have lengthy intervals—up to 20 minutes—during which many guests become restless and leave early. Therefore, if you’re a dedicated fan of live music, arriving on time and setting expectations for the pacing can enhance your enjoyment.

Final Stop: End of the Tour

The experience concludes back at the starting point around 10:30 pm or so, allowing for a relaxed but meaningful night in Lisbon. With the small group size (up to 8 travelers), the experience feels intimate, enabling interaction and a more personalized touch.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is best suited for travelers seeking an authentic, cultural evening rather than just a touristy night out. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good food, beautiful views, and live music with a relaxed pace. If you’re a fan of regional Portuguese cuisine and want to experience an intimate Fado show, you’ll find this experience particularly rewarding.

It’s also a good choice if you prefer to combine sightseeing with dining and entertainment in one evening. However, if you’re sensitive to long musical intervals or prefer more energetic performances, you might find the Fado’s slow, soulful pace less engaging.

Price & Value Analysis

At around $214.34 per person, this experience is a higher-end option, but it bundles multiple elements—spectacular views, regional cuisine, and authentic music—into one evening. Considering the quality of the food, the intimate group size, and the cultural richness, many might see it as a worthwhile investment in an authentic night out in Lisbon. However, for budget travelers, some might prefer exploring these elements separately or choosing a more casual experience.

Final Thoughts

This night tour of Lisbon offers an elegant way to combine sightseeing, local cuisine, and traditional music in one evening. It’s a carefully arranged experience that emphasizes authenticity and intimate atmosphere, making it a memorable way to experience Lisbon’s lively soul after dark. Just keep in mind the pacing of the musical performance and plan your evening accordingly to maximize enjoyment.

If you love discovering local traditions and appreciate the warmth of regional dishes, this tour is likely to leave a lasting impression. For those seeking a relaxed, culture with impressive views and heartfelt music, it’s a solid choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
The menu features regional dishes like pork cheeks and lamb, so vegetarians might find limited options. It’s best to check directly with the provider or consider dietary restrictions beforehand.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the viewpoint, dinner, and Fado show.

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 7:00 pm from Praça do Marquês de Pombal and ends back at the meeting point later in the evening.

Is the group size small?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 8 travelers, fostering an intimate atmosphere.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Are there vegetarian options?
The provided menu is centered on meat dishes, so vegetarians should inquire beforehand, as specific options are not listed.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the tour is best suited for adults or older children who can enjoy the musical performance and dinner.

Do I need to book far in advance?
Yes, booking about 24 days ahead is typical, especially during peak seasons, to guarantee availability.

By choosing this night tour of Lisbon, you’re signing up for a richly textured evening that captures the city’s heart—beautiful vistas, hearty regional food, and the haunting beauty of Fado music. It’s perfect for those wanting to see Lisbon in a different light—literally and figuratively.