Porto’s hills and ancient stone steps that lead from the colorful boats in the Douro River to each of the city’s extraordinary landmarks provide quite the view, but there’s nothing quite like basking in the city’s glorious sights from a rooftop. Why not head over to one of these popular terrace bars and enjoy more than a drink? Since this is the land of vinho verde and port, a taste-worthy glass is rarely far away, but the vantage points that these bars offer are hard to beat.
One of Porto‘s top spots for sunny afternoons and social evenings is also among the newest to hit the scene: the Graça Rooftop Bar. You’ll find it on the fourth floor of the Rivoli Cinema Hostel, one of Porto’s coolest budget accommodations where the rooms’ decor is inspired by movies. The terrace bar is cozy and discreet but offers wonderful views towards Avenida dos Aliados, as well as a range of Portuguese snacks (petiscos), in addition to wine and cocktails.
If listening to live jazz while snacking, drinking wine, and chatting with an eclectic group made up of locals and in-the-know visitors sounds like the plan for you, it may be a good idea to check out Mirajazz. You’ll need to climb up some of those historic stairs first, but the view of the Douro River and the relaxed environment are worth the effort.
At the top of the Porto Cruz building, you’ll find the 360° Terrace Lounge, a trendy bar that’s open during the day for lunch, as well as in the evening for snacks, andis an ideal place to catch a sunset while enjoying a glass of port wine. The entire building is dedicated to port, the famous locally-produced sweet wine, and customers can learn about its culture and history, plus enjoy a tasting, before heading up to the bar for the night. Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, just by the Dom Luís Bridge, visitors will be able to enjoy views of Porto from across the river.
From the terrace at 17° Restaurant & Bar (otherwise known as Decimo Setimo Restaurant & Bar), at top of the Hotel Dom Henrique, you’ll be able to look down on the city as it sprawls out in front. Fashionable yet laid-back, this is a beautiful terrace for anyone who doesn’t mind spending a bit more. Why not enjoy a pre-dinner aperitif before heading inside to enjoy delicious dishes?
The Portobello Rooftop Bar & Lounge Terrace is on the top floor of the 4-star Hotel Premium Porto Downtown and offers a lovely place to sit and look out over Porto. This place is quite cozy, meaning that finding a seat may be difficult depending on the night, though it’s also a nice spot to visit during the day when there’s less of a crowd.
For a VIP experience, visit the 5-star Porto Palácio Hotel and take the elevator to the 19th floor. Elegant, stylish, and classic, the VIP Lounge offers a unique Sunday brunch and turns into a hot spot for late night cocktails. And get ready for the view from the floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as from the outdoor terrace, which just reaches the river.
Last but not least is the sophisticated terrace at The Yeatman Hotel, a 5-star offering in Vila Nova de Gaia. This luxury spot doubles as a wine bar, and since The Yeatman Hotel is connected to the local port wine scene (the owners also own a few port wineries), trying port is an unspoken must. And you can also enjoy the view over the Ribeira from the outdoor pool.
