If the sound of music is what moves you, then Porto is the ideal city to lose yourself in unforgettable chords and melodies. Whether it’s in the hidden bars, on the imposing stages that host international artists or in the alleys where fado echoes with nostalgia, there’ s no shortage of plans for music lovers – because here, every note tells a story and every visit deserves its own soundtrack.
In this article, we’ve put together plans with tips for music lovers in Porto. Grab your diary and start planning your next sound adventures!
1. Quiet, there’s fado to be sung
No visit to Porto is complete without experiencing the melancholy and beauty of fado. Casa da Mariquinhas, R. de São Sebastião, 25, founded in 1968, is the oldest Fado House in Porto and offers a unique gastronomic experience.
Ideal Clube de Fado, R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 32, is an alternative away from the usual tourist routes, with intimate concerts and an introductory session where visitors can learn more about the history of fado, the styles and variations accompanied by a complimentary glass of port wine during the performance.
2. Immerse yourself in Sounds and Vinyl
For music aficionados, exploring Porto’s vinyl stores is like a treasure hunt. In addition to classic vinyls, many of these spaces become meeting points for musicians and fans. Louie Louie Records, R. do Almada, 536 , is one of the best known, offering a vast collection of vinyls from all genres. Porto Calling, R. da Conceição, 80, is one of the most popular stores for vinyl fans in the city, perfect for those who want to discover new sounds and rarities.
3. Spend the night in a music-themed hotel
Porto has a choice of accommodation that celebrates the art of sound, the Hotel da Música, located near Casa da Música, offers an immersive experience, with themed rooms and even live music concerts.
4. Immerse yourself in the world of musical instruments
If you’re a fan of musical instruments, Porto has something for everyone. The Casa da Guitarra store is one of the best places for those looking for traditional Portuguese musical instruments. The Garage & Stage musical instrument store specializes in strings and bows, keys, wind and percussion instruments.
5. Experience the magic of a candlelit concert
In a room lit only by thousands of candles, where a talented string quartet performs tributes to Coldplay and Queen to evenings dedicated to Vivaldi or Ludovico Einaudi. Candlelight Porto concerts transform some of Invicta’s most emblematic places into truly enchanted stages.
The fusion of an intimate atmosphere with high-quality musical performances provides unforgettable moments for the audience. These intimate sessions invite you to disconnect from the world outside and immerse yourself in a unique sensory experience.
6. Explore cool live music venues
From grand historic theaters to intimate bars, the city is full of options. A highlight is the Casa da Música, which is not only an architectural landmark, but also one of the best venues for concerts of all styles.
If you’re looking for something more alternative, the Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club offers an intimate atmosphere with low lighting and vintage decor and performances by local and international artists. Maus Hábitos, on the other hand, is one of those secrets that Porto reveals only to those who know how to look for it. It’s the ideal place for those looking for good music and uncomplicated food, where you lose track of time – and that’s a good thing.
7. Experience the energy of a festival
Attention, festival-goers! The year 2025 promises to be a vibrant one for the people of Porto. Attracting crowds of music fans of all styles, the 2025 edition of Primavera Sound Porto will feature names such as Deftones, LCD Soundsystem, SZA and Lana Del Rey. With its eclectic program, the festival promises a perfect fusion of electronic energy, deep R&B emotions and the cinematic atmosphere of alternative pop.
MEO Marés Vivas is back for another exciting edition, with big names such as Scorpions and Thirty Seconds to Mars, making it one of the most eagerly awaited music festivals of the summer and promising to draw in the crowds.
Whether it’s an intimate concert in a cozy bar, a night of fado or a huge open-air festival, the options are endless. Music is one of the purest forms of art, capable of awakening a multitude of emotions in each of us, and Porto is a city that pulses to the rhythm of music.