Summer in Porto: 6 Best Bars in Porto
Are you looking for a summer escape that fuses Lisbon’s heritage with Barcelona’s lively bar scene? Porto could be your ideal city break! Wander its charming old town, drink in views of the Douro River, and relish iconic Port wine cellars, without having to avoid Lisbon’s crowds or Barcelona’s well-trodden paths.
Indulge your senses in Porto’s summer charm at these top bars. From classic taverns to cutting-edge cocktail bars, discover where to sip, socialise, and create lasting memories this Summer.
Cozinha das Flores, Ribeira
Cozinha das Flores is absolutely my favourite bar in Porto, if not Europe. It’s the kind of place you dream of finding when you land in a new city. The bar is located in a well trafficked square at the bottom of the Rua das Flores, a people-watching hub, and always filled with music. The cocktails are at the cutting edge, using local and off-the-wall ingredients to create memorable drinking experiences, even adding amazing theatre to your favourite cocktails. If you’re feeling adventurous, why not ask for the barman’s choice? They’ll ask what you usually like and concoct something in front of your eyes, in a beautifully designed bar, that will leave you wanting to ask for the step by step instructions. We spent hours here, charmed by the barman to try some incredible bar-snacks, and just watching the world go by. This is the kind of place you want to get a seat in early and stay in all day.
Terrace Lounge 360, Gaia:
Okay, so this one isn’t officially in Porto as it’s across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, but for chilled vibes and the best views of Porto climbing up from the river, there’s no better place than this. Terrace Lounge 360 is on top of Espaco Porto Cruz, a multilevel modern Port-house right on the bank of the Douro. After exploring the interactive museum and Port-tasting, follow the beat up to the rooftop bar for inventive port based cocktails, chilled DJ sets, and world-beating views of the Ribeira, Dom Luis Bridge and the River curving away into the distance. Bring a sunhat, expect disco remixes to morph into trance classics as the sun goes down, and grab a seat next to the bar to drink in the surroundings here.
Wine Quay Bar, Ribeira
Almost exactly across the river from Terrace Bar 360, tucked just around the corner from Ribeira Square and above the crowds that throng along the Cais de Ribeira lies the Wine Quay Bar. Its lofty position can be easy to miss, but the views from the wallside outdoor seating are stunning. Book early to grab an outdoor seat and indulge in some of the finest Portuguese wines (I now exclusively drink Vinho Verde and will turn my nose up at anything else) and watch the lights twinkle on the river as the sun sets from this romantic vantage point.
Base Porto, Aliados
Towards the top of the Ribeira, after a leg-trembling climb up from the riverside, you’ll need a place to stop, refresh and catch your breath. Laying in the shadow of the Torre dos Clerigos, on top of a shopping plaza, and seemingly within an Olive Grove (stay with me on this), lies Base Porto. A very popular hotspot with a mixed crowd, good tunes, and the most inventive seating arrangement in the city. On hot and busy days there is nothing better than grabbing a cushion, finding a shady spot under an ancient olive tree, and sipping a cold Super-Bock.
Era uma vez a Paris, Galerias
The uncontested nightlife hotspot of Porto is the area around the Rua da Galeria de Paris, three streets packing in some of the most cutting edge and vibrant nightlife in all of Portugal. Of these, my favourite is Era uma vez a Paris, (Once upon a time in Paris) which exudes a chic ambiance and attracts a cool, bohemian crowd. Expect plush velvety red interiors, swishing curtains, dark quiet corners, and sipping sweet cocktails to live jazz music.
Miradouro Ignez, Massarelos
Relatively new to the scene, and occupying a spot overlooking the Douro (but thrillingly off the track of most tourists), Miradouro Ignez is a favourite local hotspot, and the kind of place to while away hours at a time watching boats float blissfully by. Come for the views and stay for the weekend sunset parties, where the best of Porto’s upcoming talent spins tunes well into the night.
Whether it’s cosy wine bars or boundary pushing cocktail hotspots, Porto’s bar scene stands among the finest in Europe. Prepare to be swept away by the nightlife here, with its blend of flavours, changing ambiance, and Portuguese hospitality this summer.
