The best 10 cafes in Porto, Portugal
Welcome to Porto, the city where coffee flows as freely as the river! If you're on a quest for the perfect caffeine fix, fear not – we've got you covered. From cozy nooks where time seems to stand still to hipster hangouts that will make your Instagram explode with envy, this article unveils the 10 best cafes in town. So, grab your cup and prepare to embark on a delightful journey that will leave your taste buds tingling and your heart craving for more.
Save destination1. Majestic Café
R. de Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal
Step into the time capsule that is Majestic Café in Porto and prepare to be whisked away to the golden era of glamorous charm. This grand dame of coffee houses unabashedly flaunts its Belle Époque architecture, as if to say, "I've got style, honey!" Sip on your caffeine fix while basking in the towering ceilings, ornate chandeliers, and opulent décor that will give even the most Instagram-obsessed hipsters a run for their money.
Learn more2. Confeitaria do Bolhão
R. Formosa 339, 4000-252 Porto, Portugal
Welcome to Confeitaria do Bolhão, a charming pastry shop in the heart of Porto that will transport your taste buds to dessert heaven faster than a sugar rush on steroids. Prepare to be dazzled by their irresistible assortment of pastries that brings joy to both your stomach and your inner child. With a menu that reads like a fairy tale and a decor that could make a unicorn blush, this sweet haven is a mandatory stop for any self-respecting dessert enthusiast visiting Porto.
Learn more3. Café Santiago
R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal
Nestled in the heart of Porto, Café Santiago beckons both locals and visitors with open arms, and a menu bursting with mouthwatering delights. As you step inside this culinary gem, prepare to be charmed by the cheerful ambiance and the sizzling aroma of Francesinha radiating from the kitchen. From the moment your plate arrives, piled high with layers of succulent meats, smothered in a blanket of gooey cheese and drenched in a tantalizing beer-based sauce, you will understand why the entire city seems to collectively worship at the altar of Café Santiago.
Learn more4. Noshi Coffee
R. do Carmo 11 12, 4050-164 Porto, Portugal
Nestled in the heart of Porto, Noshi Coffee is the ultimate caffeine sanctuary for weary travelers who seek solace from their sightseeing escapades. With its cozy and quirky atmosphere, this trendy café serves up a delightful array of brews that can awaken even the deepest sleeper - their coffee is so powerful it could make a sloth do the Macarena! The knowledgeable baristas at Noshi Coffee will guide you through their menu with witty banter and expert advice, ensuring you leave with a caffeinated smile plastered across your face.
Learn more5. Zenith Brunch & Cocktails
Praça de Carlos Alberto 86, 4050-158 Porto, Portugal
Welcome to Zenith Brunch & Cocktails, a sunny sanctuary for food enthusiasts masquerading as a ruggedly stylish brick-and-mortar structure in Porto. Imagine a place where the clinking of mimosa glasses harmonizes with the melodious laughter of satisfied stomachs—this is Zenith. Tiptoe through its doors and you'll feel like a Zen master in training, ready to indulge in a feast that combines heavenly brunch dishes with tantalizing cocktails, all while basking in hipster-approved décor.
Learn more6. Cafeína
Rua do Padrão 100, 4150-557 Porto, Portugal
Nestled amidst the vibrant streets of Porto lies Cafeína, a haven for caffeine addicts and food enthusiasts alike. With its chic and cozy ambiance, this delightful café is the perfect spot to recharge after a morning of sightseeing or a late-night escapade. Offering an eclectic mix of locally sourced coffee beans from around the globe, Cafeína serves up aromatic cups of java that will make your taste buds dance the samba.
Learn more7. Café Guarany
Av. dos Aliados 85 89, 4000-066 Porto, Portugal
Welcome to Café Guarany, the haven for caffeine aficionados and people-watchers alike, nestled in the vibrant heart of Porto. This iconic café, oozing with old-world charm and enough charm to out-charm your grandma, has been a go-to spot for locals and tourists since dinosaurs roamed the Earth (or so the urban legends say). With its chic ambiance, proudly vintage interior, and waiters sporting mustaches that would make Salvador Dalí blush, Café Guarany is the perfect spot to sip your espresso while pretending to be way more sophisticated than you actually are.
Learn more8. Casa Guedes
Praça dos Poveiros 130, 4000-393 Porto, Portugal
Nestled in the heart of Porto's culinary landscape, Casa Guedes awaits your taste buds with open arms and a twinkle in its eye. This unassuming yet legendary eatery carries the weight of a thousand rave reviews, thanks to its irresistibly juicy pork sandwiches that have been known to seduce even the pickiest of eaters. Be warned, however, as their secret sauce has been known to inspire fierce loyalty and a slight addiction, causing patrons to make questionable life choices—like considering a permanent relocation to Porto just to be closer to Casa Guedes.
Learn more9. Moustache Coffee House
Praça de Carlos Alberto 104, 4050-159 Porto, Portugal
Welcome to Moustache Coffee House, a haven for caffeine enthusiasts and unintentional Mustache mascots in the charming city of Porto. Here, you'll find an air of sophistication mingled with a hint of quirky charm, as though Salvador Dali opened a coffee shop and decided to showcase his collection of hipster facial hair. Mustache aficionados will rejoice at the eclectic décor adorned with mustache memorabilia, where every sip of their meticulously crafted brew transports them to a caffeine-induced wonderland.
Learn more10. Café Candelabro
Rua da Conceição 3, 4050-215 Porto, Portugal
Nestled snugly in the vibrant city of Porto, Café Candelabro is an enigmatic gem that tantalizes both coffee enthusiasts and booklovers alike. As you step into its cozy embrace, you'll discover a quirky haven where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles harmoniously with the scent of weathered pages. With its eclectic mishmash of furniture and artsy decor, this charming café effortlessly transports you to a whimsical realm where you can sip your latte while pondering the universe or simply engage in a friendly book battle with the resident cat, who appears to have a penchant for literary classics.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Porto, Portugal by plane is to fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) which is located about 11 kilometers northwest of the city center. Major airlines like TAP Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate direct flights to Porto from major cities in Europe and beyond.
Car
Driving is also a popular way to get to Porto with the A1 highway connecting Lisbon and Porto. The road trip takes about 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Portuguese countryside.
Train
Travelers can also reach Porto by train with its main train station being Campanhã Station, which is located about 5 kilometers east of the city. Trains from Lisbon to Porto are convenient and provide scenic views, but travel time can be up to 3 hours depending on the train you take.
Boat
While there are no direct boat routes to Porto, travelers can arrive at nearby towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos by boat. These towns have marinas and are just a short distance from Porto via public transport. The closest international cruise port is in Lisbon and travelers can take a train, bus or car to Porto from there.
Bus
Travelers who want to reach Porto by bus can take the Rede Expressos bus service which operates throughout Portugal. The trip from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3.5 hours and buses from other major cities in Portugal also operate regular routes to Porto.