5 Best Bars in Baixa and Ribeira, Porto

A cozy Spanish corner in Porto's bustling downtown where locals and visitors mingle over authentic tapas and Spanish wines. The rustic-chic decor creates the perfect backdrop for sampling their vermouth-infused drinks. Come early evening to secure a spot—tables fill quickly with a fashionable crowd seeking pre-dinner drinks or a full tapas experience. The convivial atmosphere turns livelier as the night progresses, making it an ideal starter for your evening adventures.

Porto may be awash with opportunities to enjoy a craft beer, but Catraio is where the trend began. Leading the charge for a new wave of laidback spaces serving Portuguese and international artisanal beers, Catraio opened in 2015 to an enthusiastic welcome from Porto's hop-loving community and has been a favorite ever since. You can hunker down in the cozy interior during winter, or enjoy the lively beer garden when the sun shines.

Part collectibles and photography shop, part bar and live music venue, Embaixada do Porto is wholly unique. Peer in at the colorful collection of vintage dolls and pop artifacts before wandering upstairs to catch a local band or taking a seat on the terrace for a glass of wine.

As the name suggests, this kiosk bar is situated at the heart of Porto's sightseeing and nightlife action. Set in leafy gardens next to the famous Clérigos Tower, the popular bar serves everything from 11 am espresso to midnight caipirinhas. There's no food on the menu, but if you want to relax with a drink beneath sun or stars, there's no better place to do it.

At this bohemian bookstore-turned-bar, you can sip wines and cocktails at the bar or take a seat at the pleasant outdoor terrace. There's a small, vegetarian-friendly menu of snacks to soak up some of the alcohol.