The best new bars in Porto

After a month of refurbishing, Adega Sports Bar opened mid March in lieu of the former Armazém do Chá. And it’s not just the name that changes: the concept and ambience are also completely different, following a much more “sportsy” theme. After all, this is a sports bar, which means there are scarves from various football clubs on the walls, a hockey stick and, of course, foosball and snooker to entertain the crowd.

The third floor of the La Vie commercial centre has become lively. At least in warm months. About Rooftop is the setting of busy summer nights with a privileged view over the city. The music (house and lounge) starts at 5pm, curated by resident and guest DJs, and there are also theme nights and concerts. The cocktails stand out on the drinks list.

The rooftop of the Porto Coliseum Hotel is open to the public, and is a great spot to grab a drink at the end of the day with a view over Baixa. The good news is that it is not dependent on the weather: it is open year-round, with a glass protection and heaters for when the days get cold. On Fridays and Saturdays there are DJs, on Sundays there’s live music, and the venue also organises wine and gin tastings.

Mirajazz is a new project linked to the Miragaia Music Group. Jazz dominates the theme, whether in the weekday playlist or in the live music on Saturdays between 6pm and 8pm. It’s open air, has a great view of the river and wonderful light: Mirajazz is the perfect end-of-afternoon-bar, and closes at 9pm.

Founded by two Portuguese, a Norwegian and an Irish, Arca Pub, in Baixa, serves Russian vodkas, Polish liqueurs and even Czech beers. For beer aficionados, there are five options on tap, but also craft cider, liqueurs made of strange but delicious mixtures, a series of shots with carefully chosen names, fresh fruit cocktails and, of course, snacks. All with a soundtrack of good jazz and bold soul.