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Bonaparte Downtown
© João SaramagoBonaparte Downtown

The ten best bars in Porto

There are lots of lovely bars in Porto: these are our top recommendations

Written by
Time Out Porto editors
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There’s nothing more therapeutic than a night out drinking with friends – so whether it’s port wine or craft beer that’s your tipple of choice, all Portuenses and visitors alike should know where to find the best bars in Porto. Here we’ve selected our top ten places to drink in the city, so you can start the evening on the right foot or linger over drinks all night long. Because if you’ve spent a hard day admiring the views over the Douro and ticking off all the great things to do in Porto, then you definitely deserve a drink.

Drank somewhere on this list and loved it? Share it with the hashtag #TimeOutDrinkList. You can also find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews bars.

The ten best bars in Porto

  • Bars and pubs
  • Cedofeita

To passers-by, it’s just an old nineteenth-century chapel. But step inside and you’ll realise this is indeed a place of worship– to Bacchus, the god of wine. At Capela Incomum, you can admire the inside of the church, complete with altar, while enjoying a glass of wine: the star of the menu, though other popular drinks include craft beer and sangria. And every other Thursday, this charming place reverberates with live fado performances.

  • Bars and pubs
  • Baixa

Porto loves football, and if you’re after a place to watch it (or most other sports), Adega Sports Bar is your jam. The décor matches the vibe, with scarves from different football clubs and roller hockey sticks lining the walls and the ceiling. Why not play a round of snooker or table football before the game starts? And, of course, they serve a variety of Portuguese, international and craft beers to go with the all the fun.

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  • Bars and pubs
  • Miragaia

As the name suggests, jazz rules this bar, and it’s the only music genre you’ll hear while you’re there. There’s live jazz every Saturday and Sunday, between 5pm and 7pm, and shows take place more frequently in the summer. Drinks-wise, you can order wines from different regions in Portugal by the glass, to wash down one of the bar’s tasty grilled sandwiches while you enjoy the music. You can also buy bottles of wine to take home. The best part is the setting, on a balcony overlooking the Douro river.

  • Bars and pubs

The first Bonaparte bar opened in Foz in 1977, and this Downtown spin-off Irish bar followed in 2016. From its older sibling, the bar inherited features such as the antique-covered walls and the dim lighting, making this an appealing choice on grey-skied days. It serves a range of beer, whiskey, cocktails and wine, which you can enjoy on their own or pair with one of the dishes prepared by chef Mário Rodrigues.

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  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • Baixa

Zoom up to the seventeenth floor of Hotel Dom Henrique to find not only a panoramic view of the city but also one of the best bars in Porto. 17º Restaurant & Bar takes up the two top floors of the building, serving signature cocktails like the Basil Flirt – with gin, Triple Sec, passionfruit juice and basil – or the OMG – with bourbon, lime juice, agave, mint, orange bitter and strawberry jam – alongside classics and alcohol-free options. There’s a DJ setting the vibe on Friday and Saturday evenings.

  • Bars and pubs
  • Café bars
  • Bonfim
  • price 1 of 4

Terraplana became famous for its spacious terrace, which is perfect on a warm summer’s night – but it also has an indoor area for chillier days. The drinks menu is extensive and includes many signature cocktails, changing frequently thanks to the bar’s use of seasonal ingredients. Alternatively, you can pick from many different international beers, wines and vermouths – all while vibing on some rock, blues or Portuguese music. For the hungrier folk, between 7pm and 11pm, they serve pizza. Otherwise you can get sharing platters and snacks all night.

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  • Bars and pubs
  • Cocktail bars
  • Galerias

This former bookshop has been converted into a Porto nightlife classic. At Casa do Livro, where previously only books were sold – they now feature in the décor – you’ll find cocktails, wine, beer and even some hot drinks. You can dance to tunes picked by one of the many guest DJs, but if you’re after a more chilled out evening, they often have jazz, samba or soul gigs.

  • Bars and pubs
  • Baixa

Porto’s original early-evening drinking spot, Candelabro was founded in 2009 and quickly became an essential post-work stop. So it remains: any evening you’ll find locals hanging out by the door, chattering and relaxing after a busy day. Known for its Portuguese wines and gins, as well as its delicious grilled sandwiches, this is also an ideal place for book lovers: there’s an in-house bookshop where you can pick up a second-hand read to pair with your drink.

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  • Bars and pubs
  • Craft beer pubs
  • Santa Catarina
  • price 2 of 4

Unsurprisingly, Letraria is a craft beer lover’s haven. You’ll find over 100 types of draught and bottled beer here to try, organised alphabetically – from Portuguese brands like Sovina Lupum and the bar’s namesake Letra to foreign beers like the Japanese Kiuchi. There are two indoor areas with seating for you to have a drink, but most people flock to the back garden. Letraria also has a snack and appetiser menu, and waiters are happy to advise on the best nibble-and-tipple combinations.

  • Bars and pubs
  • Porto

Miradouro Ignez has become a regular hang-out for many locals thanks to its splendid river view. The open terrace facing the city – great for photosynthesising on sunny days – invites you to contemplate the boats crossing the Douro while enjoying a classic cocktail. Keep an eye out for the bar’s regular sunset parties too.

Discover the city

The 31 best things to do in Porto
  • Things to do

We are absolutely in love with this city. For its narrow streets and colorful houses, breathtaking views from both the city and the Douro river, its galleries full of ancient and contemporary art, its gardens and museums, and its restaurants with both traditional food (don't miss the francesinhas and the cachorrinhos) and inspirations from around the world. Invicta is a box full of surprises, even if those aren’t always in plain sight. 

  • Attractions

Of all the cities in Portugal, the capital is often the favourite, but Porto is fast becoming the destination of choice. While it may be smaller than Lisbon, Porto packs a feisty little punch when it comes to the best attractions. First of all, it's the home of port and the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia are a must-visit (and must-taste).

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