Porto’s speakeasy scene remains smaller and more discreet than Lisbon’s, but don’t mistake quiet for boring. Here, you’ll find some of Portugal’s most atmospheric cocktail bars tucked behind unmarked doors and disguised shopfronts. There’s no need for theatrical gimmicks—just inventive drinks, moody lighting, and a sense of being part of something exclusive. Whether you’re crossing the river to Gaia or exploring the downtown alleys, these hidden gems are well worth the hunt.
1. Apotecário Speakeasy
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges 60
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 7:00 PM-1:00 AM
Arguably Porto’s most elusive bar, Apotecário doesn’t advertise and doesn’t allow walk-ins. You’ll need to message them on Instagram to request a reservation, and in return, you’ll receive directions to a discreet entrance somewhere in the city center. Once inside, the bar feels like a private retreat: dark, minimal, and focused entirely on expertly made cocktails using rare herbs, house infusions, and seasonal ingredients. There’s no menu—bartenders craft based on your preferences.
2. SALTY – Secret Shisha Speakeasy
- Address: R. António Luis Gomes 126, Vila Nova de Gaia
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9:00 PM-1:00 AM, Friday-Saturday, 9:00 PM-2:30 AM
SALTY doesn’t try to hide its name, but its entrance remains low-profile. Located across the river in Gaia, this secretive bar offers a unique twist—private shisha booths, lounge seating, and a full cocktail menu in a warm, amber-lit setting. Groups can reserve in advance, and the atmosphere walks the line between exotic lounge and clandestine hangout. It’s not a classic speakeasy, but it absolutely feels like one.
3. Plateia Bar
- Address: Rua de José Falcão area (exact location shared upon booking)
Hours: Wednesday-Saturday, 6:00 PM-2:00 AM
Plateia Bar is part of Porto’s mid-2010s wave of underground cocktail venues. Hidden behind ordinary façades, it plays with secrecy in a relaxed way. Once inside, you’ll find velvet furnishings, brass details, and an ambient, loungey soundtrack. Bartenders take their time here, serving up unusual cocktails with locally sourced infusions. Look out for back rooms or semi-hidden spaces—some of the best corners are tucked behind curtains or bookcases.
4. Radio AM
Address: Upstairs at Rádio Bar, Rua Cândido dos Reis 68
Hours: Thursday-Saturday, 8:00 PM-3:00 AM
Radio AM is a bar within a bar. Head upstairs from the lively Rádio Bar and you’ll find a quieter, moodier lounge designed for slow sipping and deep conversation. The space is compact but stylish, featuring mid-century furniture and ambient lighting. Cocktails rotate monthly and lean experimental. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a curated vinyl DJ set that fits the space perfectly.
5. Nomadik Bar
- Address: Rua de José Falcão 199
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 7:00 PM-2:00 AM
Nomadik Bar feels like a travel journal turned into a cocktail lounge. The entrance is disguised, often appearing to be a barbershop or boutique storefront. Inside, the bar leans industrial, with exposed brick and metallic details. Drinks are inspired by global destinations, pairing Portuguese spirits with ingredients like matcha, turmeric, or rosewater. The vibe is laid-back, and the crowd tends to be curious and local.
6. Era Uma Vez No Porto
- Address: Rua das Carmelitas 166
Hours: Daily, 6:00 PM-2:00 AM
Right next to Livraria Lello, this unmarked door leads to one of the city’s best sunset-view balconies. The name translates to “Once Upon a Time in Porto,” and the vibe is exactly that—nostalgic, cozy, and slightly surreal. Inside, the décor is retro and mismatched, and the drinks are classic with creative twists. DJs sometimes spin during weekends, but the pace remains chill.
7. Angel’s Share Wine Bar
Address: World of Wine, Rua do Choupelo 39, Vila Nova de Gaia
Hours: Daily, 12:00 PM-10:00 PM
Angel’s Share isn’t a speakeasy in the traditional sense, but it fits the mold of a hidden escape. Nestled in the World of Wine complex in Gaia, this wine bar offers dramatic views over the Douro along with rotating selections of Portuguese wines by the glass. Quiet jazz, tasting boards, and a lounge-like setting make this a perfect late-afternoon hideaway for wine lovers looking for a break from the tourist crush.
8. Dick’s Bar at The Yeatman Hotel
Address: Rua do Choupelo, Vila Nova de Gaia
Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM-1:00 AM
Perched at the top of The Yeatman Hotel, Dick’s Bar is named after one of the most prominent figures in port wine history. While it’s not exactly hidden, the bar maintains a private-club feeling thanks to its plush seating, soft lighting, and panoramic views of Porto. The cocktails are carefully prepared by trained mixologists, and the atmosphere is refined. Think of it as a speakeasy for the elegant traveler.
Porto Speakeasy Crawl
Begin your night with a reservation at Apotecário. From there, walk toward downtown and stop in at Plateia or Radio AM. Make your way to Era Uma Vez for a retro-cocktail and balcony moment. Cross over the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and finish your night at SALTY, Angel’s Share, or Dick’s Bar depending on your mood and timing.
Why Visit Porto’s Speakeasies?
They offer an escape from the ordinary. While Lisbon leans theatrical, Porto’s scene is built on intimacy, craftsmanship, and discretion. It’s not about being seen—it’s about being let in. And once you’re in, the city reveals some of its most creative cocktails, best views, and warmest welcome.
Practical Tips
- Reservations: Strongly recommended for Apotecário, SALTY, and Plateia
- Social Media: Follow bars on Instagram for reservation info or monthly passwords
- Dress Code: Smart casual is the norm—avoid flip flops or athletic wear
- Arrival Time: Be punctual; most venues have limited capacity
- Atmosphere: These are places to sip and talk—not for loud parties or dancing
- Opening Days: Midweek closures are common. Double-check hours before heading out
Final Thoughts
Porto’s speakeasies may be few, but they’re mighty. Whether you’re sipping under smoked glass at Apotecário or lounging in SALTY’s velvet booths, each space is a deliberate world within the city. They don’t shout for attention—they whisper. And that’s what makes discovering them all the more satisfying.
