The best clubs in Porto

Located in another of Porto’s major nightspots, the Rua Cândido dos Reis, Plano B is a city landmark for locals and tourists alike – and the kind of club that makes for great Instagramming. There’s three main rooms and several smaller spaces, each with its own distinct vibe, and there’s even a fountain statue on the ground floor. As for music, hop from pop in the ‘stage’ room to EDM in the ‘cube’ room. 

Address: R. de Cândido dos Reis 30, 4050-151, Porto

Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday from 10pm-6am, closed Sunday to Wednesday

One of the city’s finest bars, Maus hosts a monthly program including parties we vividly recommend (Hard Ass Sessions, GrooveBall, Arena, CandyWaves), plus gigs by both Portuguese and foreign bands, film screenings, tango nights and art shows by local independent artists. There’s also a pizzeria named Vícios da Mesa, serving lunch, dinner and brunch (Sundays only, noon to 4pm). And it’s just across from another bar, the Passos Manuel – so try both of them.

Address: Rua Passos Manuel 178, 4th Floor, 4000-382, Porto

Opening Hours: Monday from 6pm-midnight; Tuesday and Wednesday from noon-midnight; Thursday from noon-2am; Friday and Saturday from noon-6pm; closed Sunday 

This venue has one of the best agendas in the city, and as a result, one of the busiest dancefloors, going on into the early hours. Jeff Mills, Ben Klock, Nina Kraviz and Helena Hauff are just some of the names that have played there. 

Address: Rua da Madeira 182, 4000-330, Porto

Opening Hours: Friday to Sunday from 11pm to 6am; closed Monday to Thursday

One of Porto’s most iconic bars, Passos Manuel is found in an old movie theatre. Most of the regulars are connected to the city’s cultural industry, and the bar has a queer-friendly environment. Passos Manuel is a place both for quiet evenings of chatting with friends in the upper floor or in private rooms (those tiny rooms hidden behind the counter) and for going wild on the downstairs dance floor.

Address: Rua de Passos Manuel, 137, (ao Coliseu), 4000-385, Porto 

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday from 11pm-4am; closed Sunday to Tuesday

If your friends have different musical tastes, this is where you want to go. Maria Pistolas has five rooms, each with different vibes and music genres. It's one of the newest, and better dance clubs in Porto, that hosts famous DJs in the city, such as Farofa and Peter Castro, both regulars in the house.

Address: Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre 175, 4050-000, Porto

Opening Hours: Thursday to Saturday, from midnight-6am; closed Sunday to Wednesday

There is no way to lose your way: Era Uma Vez em Paris (Portuguese for Once Upon a Time in Paris) is right next to the famous Livraria Lello. Here, the party starts early with house cocktails and conversation. At night, when those cocktails start to hit, people dance to the rhythm of different DJs, or the jazz bands that are a frequent presence in the house. And if electronics isn't your thing, don't worry, the twin club Era Uma Vez no Porto is five minutes away, on the street parallel to São Bento station, and in it synthesizers are the kings of the night.

Address: Rua da Galeria de Paris 106 108, 4050-284, Porto

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday, from 8pm-2am; closed Sunday and Monday