Are you looking for the best cafes in Porto during your Northern Portugal adventure? From quaint and cozy and to famous and flashy, our comprehensive round-up guide has got it all.
Porto, a captivating city known for its stunning architecture and rich history, is also a haven for coffee lovers and food enthusiasts.
Among its most treasured spots are the Majestic Cafe and Cafe Guarany, both boasting not just exquisite brews but also a taste of Porto’s vibrant culture.
These cafes serve as perfect backdrops for indulging in Porto’s signature dish, the Francesinha, accompanied by a hot, comforting espresso.
Whether you’re seeking the comfort of a traditional Portuguese coffee experience or looking to savor the local cuisine, these cafes embody the essence of Porto’s culinary scene.
Join us as we explore the charm of Porto, one cafe at a time, where every sip of coffee tells a story, and every bite of Francesinha leaves you wanting more.
Best Cafes in Porto
1. Majestic Café
Best for: Harry Potter lovers
Nestled on the bustling Rua Santa Catarina, Majestic Café is centrally located in the heart of Porto’s City Center.
Rumors have long swirled about J.K. Rowling frequenting Majestic Café, finding inspiration for Harry Potter among its Belle Époque interiors.
Some debate the authenticity of these tales, but the cafe’s magical ambiance is undeniable.
Majestic transports visitors to a historic era. Decor like ornate mirrors, gilded woodwork, and leather upholstery are a treat.
Majestic Café is not just a place for excellent coffee but a historical artifact that offers a unique glimpse into Porto’s cultural heritage.
Its proximity to key attractions, such as the Bolhão Market and Clérigos Tower, offers visitors a blend of culinary delight and cultural exploration within walking distance.
The Harry Potter vibes of Porto are one of the reasons people think Porto is worth visiting!
🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 11:00pm. Closed Sundays ⏐ Website ⏐
2. Cafe Guarany
Best for: Fado Music
Café Guarany is one of the most beautiful and historic establishments in Porto.
Originally built in the early 1900s but then later restored in the early 2000s, the decor is inspired by the tribes from Brazil and Uruguay.
Café Guarany is known for being the musician cafe of Porto, hosting Fado and Cuban music nights every weekend.
This cafe is great for a traditional Portuguese breakfast and signature cafe pingo (an espresso with drops of milk). The café doubles as a restaurant in the evening.
Found on Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s central hub, Café Guarany is conveniently located a 1-minute walk from Aliados Metro Station and a 3-minute walk from D. João Parking lot, where 2-hour parking costs 14 euros.
As Café Guarany is centrally located in the heart of Porto, it provides the perfect starting point for exploring a day in Porto, rain or shine.
Following a delightful breakfast, embark on a walking tour with Porto Walkers, visit the azulejo tiles of São Bento Railway station, or indulge in a Harry Potter-themed experience at Livraria Lello.
🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 11:30pm. Closed Sundays ⏐ Website ⏐
Experienced by Joanna at Plan Before Land
3. Cafe Douro
Best for: Exploring Ribeira
Cafe Douro, nestled in the heart of Porto, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and culinary delights.
Established in the 1930s, this charming cafe has a traditional Portuguese ambiance with its vintage decor and very friendly staff.
What makes Cafe Douro truly special is its dedication to preserving the rich flavors of traditional Portuguese cuisine and offer authentic dishes.
Their specialty, the “Bacalhau à Brás,” a savory codfish dish, is a must-try for visitors looking to experience authentic Portuguese flavors.
After indulging in a delicious meal at Cafe Douro, stroll along the Douro River or explore the charming streets of Ribeira.
With its perfect blend of history, cuisine, and ambiance, Cafe Douro is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the vibrant city of Porto.
Getting there: Located in the historic Ribeira district, Cafe Douro is easily accessible by public transportation, with several bus and tram stops nearby.
For those driving, parking can be found in the surrounding streets or nearby parking lots.
However, the easiest way to get there is on foot since the little alleyways are great to explore on foot.
🕑 Hours: Hours and website not available for this cafe
Experienced by Victoria at Guide Your Travel
4. Combi Coffee Roasters
Best for: Specialty Coffee
I recently stumbled upon a gem in Porto, Portugal, that new-age coffee lovers will appreciate: Combi Coffee Roasters.
Situated in the vibrant Bonfim neighborhood, this café is a sanctuary for specialty coffee lovers, from smooth espressos, and Aeropress to rich, flavorful pour-overs and flat whites.
Combi is renowned for its dedication to the art of coffee, offering a variety of beans roasted on-site, crafting the perfect cup of coffee.
You’re around the corner from iconic spots like Mercado do Bolhão, Chapel of Souls, and Church of Saint Ildefonso, making it a perfect starting point for a day of exploration.
Price-wise, Combi Coffee Roasters is reasonable, considering the quality on offer. Expect to pay around 3.50 euros, on average, for your beverage. Trust me, the taste experience is unparalleled!
Getting there: Getting there from the historic city center is a breeze. A short 12-minute ride from São Bento subway station will do the trick.
If you’re driving, parking can be tricky in Bonfim, but you’ll find paid parking options along the street.
🕑 Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm ⏐ Website ⏐
Experienced by Haley of Where to Stay Portugal
5. Cafe Santiago
Best for: Famous Franceshina
Cafe Santiago in Porto is famous for its Franceshinas, so famous in fact that you’ll sometimes have to wait for a table.
So what is a Franceshinas exactly? It is a special local dish in Porto which is essentially a very large sandwich.
It combines layers of toasted bread with different meats (usually beef or pork) with slices of cheese on top and is topped off with a fried egg.
Then to melt it all together a boiling light beer and tomato gravy is poured all over it which melts the cheese.
I have to say, it tastes pretty good and is super filling! The Franceshinas costs between 8-15 euros depending on the filling.
You could even follow it up with a port wine tasting which is just a 15-minute walk away in Vila Nova de Gaia- one of the best views in Porto!
We enjoyed that Cafe Santiago had lots of outside seating as are fans of people watching.
It also has plenty of tables inside too. If you do arrive and there is a line for tables then don’t be put off. It doesn’t take long for a table to open up and it’s very much worth the wait!
Getting there: Cafe Santiago is centrally located in the Bolhao neighborhood.
It is an easy walk from most tourist attractions which makes it a convenient stop during a day of sightseeing.
For example, it’s only 10 minutes walk from the cafe to Sao Bento Train Station, Miradouro das Fontainhas, or Se Do Porto.
🕑 Hours: 12:00 – 10:45pm. Closed Sundays ⏐ Website ⏐
Experienced by Sara of Big Adventures with Little Feet
6. Confeitaria de Bolhão
Best for: Classic
Confeitaria de Bolhão has been in the Bolhão neighborhood since 1896.
Many visitors choose to visit the famous Mercado d Bolhao and miss out on this gem, tucked away on a side street across the way.
They’ve kept the design as it once was, with dark and lime green walls and tiled flower accents.
I love that they have an old-school seating area if you want to sit down and savor your pastries or coffee or a separate “to-go” counter if you’re trying to snack on the run.
When in Portugal, you must try the Pastel de Nata, but I love that they do mini versions of some of their most popular items, so you can sample the variety!
I love the small almond pie but do NOT forget to ask what is on special. It’s not on the menu, and it’s always delicious!
Prices are affordable, around €1.50 to €3.50 per pastry or sandwich.
Tip: If you plan to sit and eat, know that you order first, they bring it to you, and then you pay for everything at the end!
Getting there: To get there, walking or hop on bus #901 or #906 is best if you are near the water. There is no parking at the cafe.
🕑 Hours: Monday – Friday 6:00m – 8:00pm. Saturday 7:00am – 7:00pm. Closed Sundays ⏐ Website ⏐
Experienced by Taylor at Culture Craving Couple
What is Pastel de Nata?
Pastel de Nata is a creamy, custard egg tart.
It is traditional to Portugal, and oh so delicious. You can grab them all over Portugal, from Lisbon to the island of Madeira.
7. O Porto Dos Gatos
Best for: Adopting Cats
O Porto Dos Gatos is one of the most unique cafes you can visit in Porto! There are several reasons for this.
First of all, the place is teeming with cats. And not just any cats. They are all rescues waiting for their forever homes!
You can spend time with them indoors, but also on the terrace and in the backyard.
If you fall in love with one of these fluffballs, it’s possible to start the adoption process and take it home with you!
While O Porto Dos Gatos is decorated as a cozy coffee shop, it was also designed with the cats in mind. That means lots of scratching posts, cat toys, climbing furniture, cushions, and more.
O Porto dos Gatos is also a 100% vegetarian restaurant. The menu is quite diverse, though, with veggie dishes such as seitan steaks with vegan cream and tofu skewers.
They also have cat-inspired desserts and a variety of hot and cold beverages. Fridays are dedicated to vegan “francesinhas” (a Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto), and advance reservations are necessary for group dinners on other evenings.
It is located close to many must-see attractions in Porto, including Bolhão Market, Praça da Batalha, Capela das Almas, and Rua de Santa Catarina.
You can easily combine all of these activities on a 2-day Porto trip. The nearest metro station is Camp 24 Agosto.
It’s one of the best things to do in Porto if you love cats!
🕑 Hours: Monday – Thursday 10:00am – 8:00pm. Friday 2:30pm – 11:30pm. Saturday 10:00am – 8:00pm. Closed Sundays ⏐ Website ⏐
Experienced by Vanessa of Traveling Cats
Conclusion
This guide highlights some of the most captivating and unique cafes in Porto, each offering a distinct experience that caters to various interests and tastes.
From the cat-loving ambiance of O Porto Dos Gatos to the Harry Potter vibes of Cafe Majestic, Porto features a vibrant cafe culture that is both inviting and innovative.
These cafes are not just places to savor a good cup of coffee; they are experiences that enrich your visit to the city!
Conveniently located near Porto’s main attractions, incorporating these cafes into just 24 hours or 3 days is effortless.
Whether you’re looking for a quick espresso, a place to relax, or even a new furry friend, these cafes are sure to enhance your Porto adventure.
