Porto at Night: 15 of the Best Things to Do
While there are countless European cities that are great for discovering in the evening, there’s something extra special about Porto at night.
After living in Porto for a month and visiting several times prior to that, I can easily say that it’s one of my favorite European cities to explore after dark! Imagine cobblestone alleyways set aglow by street lamps, twinkling cityscapes, and cozy wine bars to find respite from the coastal mist.
From catching a traditional fado performance to watching the sunset from the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, Porto is even more magical as night falls.
This guide details some of the best things to do at night in Porto and answers a few questions about visiting the city after dark.
Best Things to Do in Porto at Night
1. See a traditional fado performance
Fado is the musical heart and soul of Portugal. A somber, melancholic, and incredibly moving style of song and traditional instrument, fado originated in the early 1800’s.
These passionate performances typically focus on a singular female (although also male!) vocalist, accompanied by a small band playing Portuguese guitar, cello, and other string instruments. Authentic experiences also usually take place in a small bar area.
Added to the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, there are over a dozen places to see a fado performance in Porto. Some of the most popular are Taberna Real do Fado, O Fado, and Ideal Clube de Fado.
2. Enjoy drinks and sunset views at Mirajazz
Perched overlooking the Douro River, Mirajazz is a romantic spot to enjoy a drink and live jazz music as the sun sets on the city.
Try to get here early to snag a seat close to the edge of the terrace with sprawling views of the river and pedestrians below. This is also an awesome spot to order a port wine flight (just €16) and typical Portuguese petiscos (small bites, similar to tapas) like serrano ham and Azorean cheese,
Mirajazz can be fairly difficult to find as it’s hidden among the steep staircases and hill-clinging homes of the Miragaia neighborhood. Google directions can get confusing but you’ll want to look for their sign about halfway up (or down) the staircases on Escadas do Caminho Novo.
3. Check out the Spiritus Multimedia Show
A multimedia show set inside the iconic Clerigos Church, Spiritus is an immersive experience that takes visitors on a journey through color, light, and sound.
Step inside the Baroque Igreja dos Clérigos and be transported to another world via 3D animations, orchestral music, colorful lasers, and narration by Portuguese actor João Reis.
Hours range from 6:00 PM to 9:15 PM, making this one of the best things to do in Porto at night!
Each show lasts about 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into your busy Porto itinerary.
4. Watch the sunset from the Dom Luis I Bridge
One of the most iconic landmarks in Porto, the Dom Luis I Bridge also doubles as a great sunset spot. Watch the city come alive like thousands of twinkling fireflies and admire traditional rabelo boats floating down the Douro River from the top deck.
If the architecture of this beautiful double-deck, iron bridge looks familiar, it was designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel himself. Look west for distant ocean views or east to the rolling hills of the Douro Valley.
5. Have dinner at Vinum
While port wine lodges close between 6:00 and 7:00 PM, you can still sip — and dine — at Graham’s Port Lodge. The Vinum restaurant offers elevated Portuguese favorites like wild sea bass and port cream or entrecote with Francesinha sauce, using local ingredients.
Of course, you’ll also get to taste Graham’s most delicious port wines, from tawny to ruby. If you don’t want to splurge on dinner, you can also head to the Vinum Wine Bar for a glass and appetizers with gorgeous views of the city and river.
6. Take a sunset boat tour on the Douro
Whether you opt for the more traditional (and romantic!) rabelo boat, which used to transport barrels of wine up and down the Douro, or a more modern mode of transport, you can’t go wrong with a sunset cruise in Porto.
Set sail from the banks of the river, cruising beneath all six of the city’s bridges. You’ll sip on port or even the local white wine, vinho verde, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.
7. Climb the Clerigos Tower at sunset
A towering Baroque monument and the highest point in Porto, the Clerigos Tower offers up some of the best sunset views in the city. Finished in 1763, the tower sits 246’ tall and is connected to the Catholic church of the same name.
You’ll have to climb over 240 stairs to reach the top, but once you do, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Porto.
Tickets to climb Clerigos Tower are just over $11 and you can choose time slots starting at 9:00 AM.
The final entry of the day is at 6:30 PM. In fall, winter, and spring, this is the perfect time to head up the tower and watch the entire city painted in shades of golden light. Summer visitors won’t quite be able to make it for sunset (which is around 9:00 PM).
8. Grab a late-night bite at Mercado do Bom Sucesso
After a few hours of hopping between port wine bars, the place to go for late night snacks or a full blown meal is Mercado do Bom Sucesso.
Tucked in the Massarelos neighborhood, near Casa da Música, Mercado Bom Sucesso is a modern alternative to the famous Mercado do Bolhão.
You’ll find both traditional bites, global fare, and a surprising amount of vegetarian and vegan options. Dig in to entire roast chickens, empanadas, or a classic Portuguese rissol, breaded pockets traditionally filled with shrimp but with lots of modern takes.
If you’re looking for something a little less off-the-beaten-path, the restaurants associated with the more central Mercado do Bolhão also generally stay open until 12.
9. Go on a food tour
Instead of tucking into dinner at one Porto restaurant, why not hop between foodie hubs around the city? Opt for a food tour, following in the footsteps of the locals at tavernas and wine bars.
You’ll munch on petiscos, small traditional Portuguese plates that are similar to Spanish tapas, paired with delicious drinks.
Just a few of the local specialties include Francesinha, a Portuguese take on the croque monsieur, and cachorrinhos, often called Portuguese hotdogs — but so much better!
Wash it all down with everything from port wine to locally brewed beer and vinho verde, locally produced “green wine”.
10. Attend a concert at Casa da Musica
The contemporary architectural masterpiece of Casa da Musica is the perfect spot to catch a show in Porto. Be delighted by musical performances from Tchaikovsky to in-house orchestras, all within the immaculate acoustics of this state-of-the-art concert hall.
Alternatively, you can also opt for the Teatro Nacional São João instead, which also puts on plays, concerts, and more.
11. Walk along the Cais da Ribeira
Porto’s waterfront promenade on the northern side of the Douro River, Cais de Ribeira is a vibrant corner of town to take a walk — especially at night!
Lined with riverfront bars and restaurants, this waterfront promenade on the northern side of the Douro River is the perfect spot to sip a glass of port wine and people watch. You’ll also find a few boutiques that are fun to pop into along the way.
12. Hunt for azulejos
If you’re a lover of architecture and all things color like me, you’ll love seeking out Porto’s iconic blue tiles or azulejos.
Luckily, you can easily see most of the azulejos after nightfall and in fact, many of them are lit up after dark. Some of my favorite azulejos to see at night are at Capela das Almas and Santa Iledfonso which both come aglow in the evening with spotlights.
You can also head inside the São Bento Train Station, where some of the most picturesque azulejos are in the city, at night. The train station stays open late, typically until around midnight.
There are countless tile-clad buildings across the city. I spent lot’s of my time finding the most beautiful azulejos in Porto when I lived in the city!
13. Shop on Rua de Santa Catarina
One of Porto’s busiest shopping hubs, the Rua de Santa Catarina is a pedestrian street lined with boutiques and name brand stores. You’ll also find the ViaCatarina mall which has three stories of clothing and homegood stores, along with fast food chains.
This bustling thoroughfare is also just a short walk away from the Mercado do Bolhão and some of my favorite restaurants like Brasão and Oficina dos Rissois. The famous Majestic Cafe is also located on this street.
Most shops are open until 8:00 or 9:00 PM, depending on the day of the week (earlier closing hours on Sundays typically).
If you’re looking for a unique souvenir, head to Ricami Veronica for custom embroidered keepsakes like aprons, oven mitts, and more! We brought one back for my mother-in-law who loved it.
14. Watch the masters make pasteis de nata
No visit to Porto — or Portugal for that matter — would be complete without trying a pastel de nata (pasteis = plural form of pastel).
As they say, a pastel de nata a day keeps the doctor away. Or maybe that’s just me? Either way, I make sure to eat at least one pastel de nata a day when I’m visiting Porto!
So, like a moth drawn to light, when I saw pastry chefs making pasteis de nata by hand in the glowing windows of Manteigaria I knew I had to pop in to try one. After watching the masters at work, head inside to order one…or three, served warm from the oven.
Seeing as they’re open until 9:00 PM, this is the perfect late-nite snack or impromptu dessert after a night of exploring in Porto. There are several Manteigaria locations around the city.
15. Catch a live musical performance by Porto’s tunas
A 13th-century tradition that’s carried on throughout the country, tuna’s are groups of Portuguese students who busk in lively corners of the city. Decked out in their school uniforms or trajes, complete with black cloaks, these college undergrads sing, play traditional instruments, dance, and even throw flags.
You’ll find both male and female tuna’s performing around the city, but I always had luck along the Cais de Ribeira. Toss them a few euros (which will likely go towards dinner or a few drinks), sit back, and watch the show!
This is one of those experiences you can only have in Portugal and just another reason that I love this sultry country.
What time do things close in Porto?
Porto’s metro closes at 1:00 AM and buses run limited service from 9:00 PM to 1:00 AM.
Most wine lounges and restaurants in Porto close sometime between 8:00 PM and 12:00 AM, while dedicated bars might stay open until around 2:00 AM. Port wine lodges also typically close from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Convenience stores, including supermarkets, typically close from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, depending on the day of the week.
Like most clubs in Europe, you can easily party until the wee hours of the morning in Porto’s music venues and nightclubs.
Is it safe to walk around Porto at night?
In general, Porto is a safe city to walk around at night. Violent crime is very rare, although petty crime like pickpocketing is a bit more common.
That being said, exercise your usual precautions and avoid walking alone late at night.
Is Porto good for nightlife?
Porto has a wonderful bar scene, with unique wine lounges, taprooms, music venues, comedy clubs, and more. Nightclubs are a bit more few and far between than other major European cities.
Final Thoughts
Porto is a wonderful city to explore after dark! Whether you’re looking to hop between wine bars and tavernas or you’re looking to take a romantic cruise down the Douro at sunset, Portugal’s northern enclave is ideal for night-time experiences.
I hope that this guide helps you plan your evening adventures in Porto. If you’re looking for more information on how to plan the perfect quick trip to Porto, check out my one-day in Porto itinerary!
Excited about planning what to do at night in Porto? Save this post for later!
