Discover Porto – Where Tradition Meets Underground Beats 

Portugal — the country of tiles, great food, wine and electronic music. After exploring Lisbon’s vibrant scene, this Porto travel guide for electronic music lovers takes you on a weekend through Portugal’s northern gem — featuring local insider tips for restaurants, bars, clubs and festivals.

The people of Porto, affectionately called Portuenses, are known for preserving tradition while embracing modern subcultures such as techno and house music. The result? A city full of character, creativity and rhythm.

Where to Eat in Porto

In Porto you can find the variety of Portuguese food reaching from products from the mountains to the sea: Fish, fresh vegetables and meat as well as a lot of sweet pastries. The city is famous for it’s Port wine, which mainly got produced at Vila Nova de Gaia, the city on the other river side of Porto. A sweet and strong wine with a long tradition. If you’d like to do a wine tasting, Ferreira is a good address, as it’s the most traditional one that also is still 100 % Portuguese.

Taberna dos Mercadores

A tiny but fine restaurant hidden in the narrow streets of Porto — with only around 20 seats, reservations are essential. Expect traditional Portuguese dishes served by witty waiters.Try the flambéed gilthead in a crust of salt — prepared right at your table.

Museu D’Avo

Open until 4 a.m., this rustic spot serves Portuguese tapas and comfort food — ideal for a late-night bite after clubbing. True to its name, Grandma’s Museum, the eclectic decor is a nostalgic smorgasbord of vintage treasures.

Confeitaria do Bolhão

One of the oldest bakeries in Porto, located right across from the famous Bolhão market.Have breakfast like a local: espresso (café), a croissant with ham and cheese, and a sweet Pão de Deus. 

Combi Coffee Roasters

Independent specialty coffee brand from Porto in a very cool neighbourhood.

Insider tip: The best pastéis de nata can be found at Manteigaria, also featured in our Lisbon Travel Guide which is available here.

Local Recommendations by Tiago Fragateiro

DJ and producer Tiago Fragateiro shared his favorite Porto spots in our interview about the city’s techno scene.

Restaurants: Casa de Pasto da Palmeira, Reitoria, Panca
Snacks: A Bagalhoça, A Casa Guedes, Xico Queijo
Bars: Base, Porto Cruz, Casa do Livro

Porto’s Electronic Music Scene

While Porto is deeply rooted in tradition, it’s also home to a thriving underground techno culture.
As Tiago puts it:

“Porto is Portugal’s capital of techno and still quite underground. This might be due to the fact that it’s located in the North — a little darker, moodier, and deeply authentic.”

Tiago Fragateiro has been instrumental in building the scene, working with Gare Club and Neopop Festival while releasing on respected labels like Composite, Cocoon and Compost.
He continues to push local and international artists — shaping Porto into one of Europe’s rising cities for electronic music.

The Best Clubs in Porto

Gare Porto