The 9 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. 

One of the city’s finest bars. It 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.

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. 

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.

Tendinha is among Porto’s legendary discos – it’s where a lot of people end up when they’re trying to extend their night all the way till dawn (don’t be surprised if you bump into tipsy folks along the way). It’s powered by danceable rock music. If you get there before the wee hours, you can also try HD Bar To Be Wild, a nearby biker bar at the Rua Galeria de Paris managed by the same owners as the Tendinha.

The Rua Galeria de Paris has many bars and a lot of people. If you’re bemused by all the possibilities, go to Café au Lait. Their music is selected by good DJs, some of them talented young Portuguese producers. You might get there in the middle of an EDM, hip hop or funk party, and if the dancefloor is swinging, it might end up being your night’s only port of call.