Everything You Need to Know about the Nightlife in Porto

Porto is a charming city on the banks of the Douro River in the northwest of Portugal. With its winding cobbled streets and bridges, you can experience the beauty of the old world with a modern twist. With a great variety of restaurants, bars, pubs, and music venues, it should come as no surprise that the nightlife in Porto is vibrant, exciting, and diverse. In this guide, we’ll explore the city’s nightlife to discover everything you need to know about partying in Porto.

When Does the Party Start?

Partying in Porto can start early in the evening, as early as 7:00 pm. Evenings begin with and informal drinks at traditional cafes or sidewalk bars. Alternatively, many locals frequenting more chic venues to relax and socialize in a relaxed atmosphere. People then move on to an array of bars, pubs, and music venues around town and the city often comes alive from around 10:00 pm, regardless of the day of the week. Anywhere from 1:00 am to 3:00 am is usually when it’s hopping, with some places staying open until dawn.

Where is the Best Nightclub?

There are lots of great nightclubs in Porto. One of the most popular is Play Club – a long-standing nightclub that is as much about the music as it is about socializing and partying. It’s centrally located, just off of iconic Aliados Avenue, and you can usually expect house music and consistent beats. Discoteca Copel has been around since 1993 and still attracts the city’s trendier clientele. It’s located in Copel Square and offers a variety of music: pop, hip-hop and all sorts of dance music. Finally, Plano B, an all-night club is an option for those looking for an unforgettable experience that often features live music performances and DJs from around Portugal and beyond.

Can I Do Anything Else?

If you want a different way to explore Porto’s nightlife, why not take a Porto Night Life Tour? This tour allows you to experience the city’s late-night culture while getting to see some of its best attractions with an experienced guide. You can sample traditional snacks and drinks while exploring the best spots in town and your guide will not only lead you through nightlife attractions but also important landmarks like churches or galleries. The tour usually last between 4 to 5 hours and allows you to have a great time while making some fascinating local connections. Highly recommended!

Where Can I Find Great Food On My Night Out?

Porto’s nightlife offers plenty of opportunities to sample some delicious local cuisine and street food. The Baixa District downtown has several bars and snack counters which serve up a variety of snacks alongside some of the local beer. Some popular dishes include bolinhas de bacalhau (codfish balls), francesinhas (sandwiches with meat, cheese, sausage, and egg), and bifanas (pork sandwiches). Other places serve lumumbas (fish sandwiches) pastéis de nata (custard pies), pregos (steak sandwiches)and for vegetarian options, there are plenty of cafes that offer fresh salads and soups.

Should I Bother Going out on Weekdays?

Depending on your preferences, you might opt for exploring the history or culture of Porto during the weekdays: there are tons of attractions to visit that make a very efficient use of your time. However, going out in Porto during the week can be just as much fun as going out on the weekends – particularly during the summer months when there are more live concerts going on throughout the city. During the week, you will find plenty of bars playing live music, such as jazz or traditional portuguese fado. Additionally there are numerous terraces where you can attempt to emulate the locals and indulge on typical Portuguese snacks while having a drink or two at sunset or later into the evening when it gets a little cooler.

What Is The Dress Code?

The dress code in Porto is relatively relaxed compared to other European cities and is mostly focused on comfort as opposed to style. During the day, locals wear trousers or shorts paired with t-shirts or shirts; on more formal occasions people might wear a blazer, but this isn’t very common. As for nightwear, there is no real dress code – although more upscale venues might restrict certain items like sports t-shirts. Jeans are acceptable for most places, but always check first if you’re unsure about dress codes anywhere specific.

What Should I Look Out For?

Portugal is generally considered to be a very safe country, however like any destination, there are some basic safety precautions that should be taken to ensure your safety is not compromised while travelling here. You should always avoid carrying large amounts of money or valuables while out on the town at night; additionally keep an eye on your drinks when out at bars or clubs since drinks can be spiked here as they can be anywhere else. Since taxis can be expensive in Portugal when booked via companies it’s always best to book with Uber or another ride sharing app instead; getting in a taxi without booking with one of these services can be risky since you might not get an official driver who may take advantage of you by taking detours and charging extra.

Enjoying the Porto Nightlife

Porto offers amazing nightlife options from small cafe holes-in-the-wall outfitted with cozy sofas for thirsty travelers seeking local beers to larger clubs with more international feel for those looking for a more unique experience. In summer months outdoor terraces are alive with locals dishing up salads and sandwiches for hungry foreigners looking for more adventurous nightlife options than just hitting up some bars. Ultimately when travelling in Porto, like anywhere else in Portugal it is important to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings so you don’t miss out on all this relatively small but vibrant city has to offer! And if you’d like something different than barhopping or visiting cafes why not book a Porto Night Life Tour, To see some of city’s highlights while experiencing its nightlife?