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If you are visiting Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, your itinerary shouldn't end when the sun sets. Porto at night offers a completely different perspective, and the city is very safe and easy to navigate on foot, making it perfect for late-night adventures. Here are 15 things to do to ensure you experience everything Porto has to offer after dark.
First: Store Your Bags with LUGGit
Porto is famous for two things: its beauty and its incredibly steep hills. If you have arrived before check-in or need to check out hours before your flight, use LUGGit. A LUGGit Keeper will come to you, whether you are at an Airbnb, hotel, airport, or train station, collect your bags, and deliver them back to you later at your chosen location.
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1. Watch the Sunset at Jardim do Morro
Every evening, hundreds of people gather in Jardim do Morro, on the southern side of the D. Luís I bridge, in Gaia. There’s usually live music, pop-up beer stalls during summer, and a café. The best part is, of course, the beautiful views of the Douro River and the Ribeira.
To get there, walk across the bridge or take the Metro (Yellow Line) to the Jardim do Morro stop. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to find a seat on the grass.
2. Have a Francesinha for dinner
If you’re planning on staying up late in Porto, forget light bites - a Francesinha is exactly what you need to fuel your energy. The Francesinha is the city’s legendary sandwich with steak, ham, and sausage, covered in cheese and in a spicy beer sauce.
Go to Brasão for a chic setting, Yuko Tavern or Francesinha Café for the classic experience.
3. Grab a Drink at "Galerias de Paris"
If you are looking for the party, follow the noise to Rua da Galeria de Paris. This is the epicenter of Porto nightlife. While new local laws have cracked down on drinking freely in the middle of the street to curb noise, the energy here is still unmatched. The bars open their large doors and windows, and the crowds pack into the terraces and outdoor seating areas.
4. Dive into alternative culture at Maus Hábitos
Located on the fourth floor of an Art Deco parking garage, Maus Hábitos is the darling of Porto’s alternative scene. It’s hard to define: part pizza restaurant, part art gallery, part club, and part concert venue. If you want to mingle with Porto’s creative crowd, this is the place.
5. Walk the Dom Luís I Bridge (Top Deck)
You may have walked it during the day, but returning at night gives a whole new perspective of Porto. Walk the top deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge, and to your right, you’ll see the cascade of lights from the Ribeira district; to your left, the glowing neon signs of the Port wine lodges in Gaia. It’s windy, high up, and unforgettably romantic.
6. Take a Night Cruise on the Douro River
Seeing Porto from the water offers a completely different perspective. You drift under the arch of the Dom Luís I Bridge and see the lights of the Ribeira district reflecting on the water. The classic "6 Bridges Cruise" runs all day, but taking one at sunset or after dark is a whole new experience.
You can look for sunset cruises (usually departing around 18:30 in summer) or dinner cruises, which run later and include a meal. If you’re in the mood for partying, there are also sunset party boats that include a DJ and drinks.
7. Explore the Ribeira Promenade
This UNESCO World Heritage riverfront is Porto’s most famous image. The energy here is lively, with terraces and performers set against the backdrop of the Douro River.
However, treat this as a sightseeing spot rather than a dining destination. Due to the high volume of tourists (especially during the Summer), restaurants are often overpriced. We recommend enjoying the walk and the music here, then heading deeper into the city for a more authentic dinner.
8. Find a cozy "Tasca"
For authentic local food, skip the polished restaurants and look for a tasca. These are small, often noisy, family-run taverns where the food is hearty and the prices are low. Expect dishes like Tripas à Moda do Porto (tripe stew) or Rojões (pork chunks). Try:
- Taberna Santo António: Located in the Virtudes area and famous for its friendly service and home-style cooking.
- Casa Guedes: A city legend, famous for the Sandes de Pernil - a slow-roasted pork sandwich often served with sheep cheese.
9. Sip cocktails at a rooftop bar
Porto’s geography is a natural amphitheater, meaning the rooftop game is strong. You aren't just looking at a skyline; you are looking down into the city’s heart. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Espaço Porto Cruz: Located across the river in Gaia, this terrace offers a 360º view. It’s sophisticated and modern, and the perfect spot to sip a premium Port Tonic.
- Graça Rooftop Bar: Perched halfway up the hill, this bar puts you eye-level with the Clérigos Tower. It has a cozy, bohemian vibe and is ideal for a sunset drink before heading out to dinner.
10. Listen to Fado - Northern Style
Fado music is usually associated with Lisbon, but Porto has its own interpretation. The venues here tend to be very intimate. Try:
- Casa da Mariquinhas: The oldest Fado house in Porto, featuring a candlelit dinner accompanied by several sets of Fado performance.
- Ideal Clube de Fado: Perfect if you want to focus purely on music. There is no dinner service here, just a 1-hour concert, with a glass of Port wine included.
11. Go clubbing at Plano B or Pérola Negra
If you want to dance until 6 AM, Porto has you covered. Plano B is located near Clérigos, and features two separate dance floors with different vibes (ranging from techno to disco and jazz). Pérola Negra was a cabaret in the 70s and 80s, and has been reborn as one of the coolest clubs in the city, retaining its retro, red-velvet aesthetic and vintage neon lights, but now plays electronic and alternative DJ sets.
12. Late-night craft beer
Porto is the craft beer capital of Portugal. If you are tired of wine, head to the "Art District" (Miguel Bombarda area) or the center to find specialized taprooms. Catraio and Letraria are local favorites, both with beer gardens that are perfect for warm evenings.
13. Catch a show at Casa da Música
The Rem Koolhaas-designed Casa da Música looks like a meteorite landed in the city. It is stunningly lit at night. Check their agenda, they host everything from classical orchestras to jazz club nights and electronic sessions in their bar area.
14. Take a "Dark Tourism" Tour
Porto’s history is ancient and occasionally dark. Some tour companies offer night walks that focus on the city’s legends and crimes, like this free tour. Walking the misty, narrow alleys of the Sé district while listening to spooky stories is a thrilling way to see the city from a different angle.
15. Join a Pub Crawl
If you want a wild night out, cheap drinks, and to meet other travelers, a pub crawl is a good way to do it, especially if you’re traveling alone. They usually include entry to a few bars and a nightclub, plus drinks. Expect drinking games (beer pong, flip cup) and a crowd mostly made up of backpackers, students, and younger tourists.
Practical Tips for a Night Out in Porto
- Bring a jacket: Porto is cooler and damper than the south. Even in summer, the breeze from the Atlantic can be chilly at night.
- Wear grip shoes: The streets are paved with granite and can be slippery, especially when misty. Leave the high heels at home, this is a sneaker and boot city.
- Dining hours: Dinner is late in Portugal. Most restaurants are empty at 7 PM and full by 9 PM.
- Transport: The Metro runs until 1 AM. After that, Uber and Bolt are very affordable and safe options to get home.
- Safety: The city is safe, but be mindful in the very narrow, dark alleys around the Cathedral (Sé) and São Bento station late at night if you are alone.
FAQs about Porto at Night
Does Porto have a good nightlife?
Absolutely. While it is more relaxed compared to Lisbon's frenzy, the nightlife in the Galerias district is intense, and the dinner scene is lively every night of the week.
What is the best area to stay for nightlife?
If you want to be close to the action, stay near Clérigos or Aliados. If you prefer a quieter evening with nice dinners, look at the Ribeira or Miragaia areas.
Can I cross the bridge at night on foot?
Yes, both decks of the Dom Luís I bridge are open to pedestrians 24/7 and are very safe.
Are shops open late in Porto?
Most retail shops close by 7:30 PM, but shopping centers (like ViaCatarina or NorteShopping) stay open until 11 PM.
Experience the Night in Porto
Porto transforms completely when the sun goes down, so don’t let heavy bags cut your night short. If you have checked out of your accommodation but your flight isn't until the next morning, use LUGGit to collect your luggage from your hotel or Airbnb and deliver it to you at the airport or train station when you are actually ready to leave.
Use code BLOG10 for 10% off your booking in Porto
