Porto Moments

Bom dia from Matt and Max, two of our amazing Fabul'Hosts in Porto. With French and Belgian origins, they work as travel reporters and therefore decided to settle in this beautiful gay city facing the ocean. They share their tips to enjoying the best Porto has to offer: amazing views, nice weather, well-priced beer and excellent wine. Read their suggestions for experiencing porto as a gay local.

How gay-friendly is your city? What’s gay life like there?

Portugal is one of the most Catholic countries in Europe, it was also one of the first to have adopted gay marriage and adoption for gays. This is not contradictory, Portuguese people make the distinction between religion and life in society. In Porto you feel comfortable and also safe, it is one of the most secure cities in Europe along with Zurich and Bern. Gay travelers will enjoy this gay-friendly atmosphere, which is comparable to countries like the Netherlands. Do not hide yourself, do not hide your love, welcome to Porto!

What are the best gay events that take place in your city each year?

Porto does not host big gay events, but all the main events of the city are gay-friendly. The most important event in Porto is certainly the Sao Jao, which takes place every year during the third week of June. Hundreds of thousands of lanterns float in the sky, there are concerts, fireworks, and strange but fun traditions like this one: all the people have colorful plastic hammers and pound each other on the head. During this event you can even tap your hammer on the head of your boss or the mayor of the city. It’s a way of showing that everyone is equal.

We only have 48 hours in your city. What can’t we miss?

The best thing to do in Porto is... to get lost! When you arrive in the city center, do not try to see the most important places but simply lose yourself in the alleys. Porto is not such a big city, you will always find your way. You will discover small authentic shops, tiny cafés, traditional bakeries, you will discover the soul of Porto, its inhabitants. Anyway, our favourite places in Porto, and the most authentic, are found in the district of Santa Marinha where you’ll discover all the great wine houses of Porto (Sandeman, Porto Cruz, Graham's).

The most beautiful views of Porto are also on this side of the shore, on the side of Gaia. The Castello district and the Afurada district (fishermen village) are still little-known to tourists, and you may feel like you have made a leap into the past. Along with this, you shouldn’t miss: the Crystal Garden, the Serralves Foundation, the beaches of Porto and Gaia - especially the beach of Capela do Senhor da Pedra, which was awarded among the best beaches in Europe.

What’s your favorite gay place to grab a bite for lunch? A nice dinner?

Without hesitation, Maus Habitos which means 'bad habit'. This trendy restaurant is quite hard to find. It is located in the city center, near Rua Santa Catarina, but it is partly hidden. You have to go up to the top floor of a carpark to find this gay and vegan-friendly restaurant. The cocktails are delicious and cheap, and several times a week they organize theme parties (David Bowie, Electro). The pizzas are delicious, and are each named after celebrities. I often take their Madonna pizza because I can never decide between that and the Brigitte Bardot lasagna. As Brigitte Bardot is not the most gay-friendly person in the world I always choose the Madonna Pizza - but I think Brigitte Bardot's lasagna tastes much better.

A gay place for brunch on weekends?

Located in the city center, Zenith Brunch & Cocktails is the perfect place to brunch at any time of the day. This is the ideal spot to blow up your Instagram account, the products are so healthy and fresh that you will spend your time photographing them rather than eating them. Situated on the square Praça Carlos Alberto, this is the ideal starting point to visit the district of Miguel Bombarda, a district of creators who host a small market of designers and organic food every Saturday, called the 'Porto Belo' mercado.

Best gay place and day for a cheap beer or happy hour?

Porto is the city of cheap beer and happy hour. Portuguese boys like 'Sagres' a beer brewed in the South of the country, which is wild and refreshing. 'Super Bock' is also a popular lager which tastes a little like honey. Be careful when you order your beer, many portuguese boys will order "um fino" which is a very small beer of 20cl. If it's hot, it will evaporate before reaching your mouth.

If you are thirsty and do not want to go back to the bar every two minutes, ask for "uma cerveja grande/a big beer" and you will have a beer of 33cl. If you want to regularly see the bartender throughout the evening, then go for a 20cl beer by all means! The best place for a cocktail is for sure the rooftop of the Porto Cruz building on the docks of Gaia. For a beer and some mingling with gay locals, you can go to the Invictus Bar, but you need to be patient, it only opens at 10pm. 

We’re ready to party! What are the best gay clubs?

The best gay club for us is for sure Café Lusitano. It is exactly what we love, a true and pure party with incredible dance shows, good music, two different bars and two contrasting atmospheres. Be careful, many nightclubs in Porto will give you a sheet of cardboard at the entrance, on which the bartender will note all your drinks (you will pay only at the exit). If you lose this little paper you will have to pay the fixed fee of 75 euros. Many gays in Porto also go to the Zoom Club, where the music is more intense and the people are less dressed. We have never been there since the club opens too late (the party starts around 2am) and as we want to be fresh for our guests, we prefer to go out earlier.

What are the best alternative gay bars and clubs where you live?

Located near the Casa da Musica in Porto, the Labirinthio is a trendy bar that offers a great mix of culture and party. While it is a little far away from the city center, it is accessible by metro in 15 minutes.

Can you share a secret or little-known place to visit in your city?

The best place for us are the Miradouro, places where you have a 360-degree view of the city. Our favorite place is the Miradouro da Vitoria, which is hidden behind the Clérigos Tower. This place will probably be a 4 or 5-star hotel in the coming years, so do not waste time - come discover it!

Any beaches, parks or best other places to chill out?

The Daikiri Bar is located on the seafront of Gaia. Go there by bike or after a jog, they have delicious acai bowls. Another great bar is Praia da Luz, which is 'surprisingly' located at...Praia da Luz in Porto. It's the perfect spot for a chill-out afternoon in front of the sea.

Where can we get the best view of Porto?

We decided to buy this house when we saw the views from the top floor. This house is from 1893, we renovated it floor to ceiling, and the views are even better now as you can enjoy the best part of Porto from one of the two terraces in our top-floor apartment.

Thinking of visiting Porto? Check out Gay Accommodation and Travel Guide page for this great gay city!  

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