Porto isn’t the most obvious city when you think about meeting trans people but it definitely isn’t a bad place.
While the scene here might not be as loud as in other places, there are plenty of welcoming and inclusive spots just waiting to be discovered.
That’s where this guide comes in handy. I’ll take you through some proven ways to connect with trans individuals in Porto.
But before we dive in, let me explain how I’ve gathered the info so you know you’re getting reliable advice.
Table of Contents
Methodology for Finding Trans Friendly Spaces in Porto
Here’s how our crew at WorldTransGuides has gathered the info to find trans-friendly places in Porto:
- Online Search: We look online to find places that people say are welcoming to trans individuals. This helps us make a list of potential places to check out.
- Talking to Locals: We ask our trans friends in Porto to visit these places and see how they feel there. They talk to people and get real feedback about how trans-friendly these places are.
- Listening to the Community: We also read what people say on websites like Reddit and Quora to get different opinions about these places from transgender people and their supporters.
- Finding LGBT Spots: We don’t just look for places specifically for TG people. We also check out places that are popular with the broader LGBT community to see if they’re welcoming and safe.
- Keeping Things Updated: From time to time, we make sure the places we recommend are still open and worth visiting. Plus, we’re always looking for new places to add to our list.
List of TG Friendly Venues in Porto
Porto isn’t very populous and only has around 238,000 inhabitants in the city itself, while 1.3 million in the metropolitan area.
While you wouldn’t find that exciting 24/7 party queer scene here, the city is still pretty exciting.
The LGBT+ culture is growing fast and you can get a glimpse of that if you visit the city in July during the Porto Pride festival.
The festival attracts over 10,000 people every year – which is a lot considering the city’s population
And don’t worry, even if you’re visiting during other months there’s still plenty to look forward to.
So get ready as we talk about some of the most trans-friendly spaces in the city.
1. Bars and Clubs
There isn’t a defined LGBT+ district in Porto, even though there’s a clear demand for it.
Areas like Galerias de Paris and Cândido dos Reis, located downtown, boast the largest concentration of bars and serve as popular meeting spots for everyone.
You can also find a few queer bars there, but they’re often overflowing with people.
But I guess that entirely isn’t a bad thing because that increases your odds of bumping into trans individuals.
So, if you’re ready to explore, then here are some of my favorite queer bars and clubs in Porto.
Invictus Café at Rua da Conceição 80 loja 8/9
One of my favorite queer bars in Porto. It has an inclusive atmosphere and draws plenty of crossdressers, trans, and enby folks on most nights.
They host drag shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday so you’re bound to have a fun weekend.
Reviews of Other People about Invictus Café
“Cozy little drag bar with nice trash music and very kind staff. Super authentic LGBTQ friendly place.
Highly recommended”
Bar of Soap at R. do Bolhão 132
If you want to have fun dancing and drinking with an LGBT+ crowd then this is the place.
They have talented drag performers and the owner Pedro is very friendly, and especially looks out for his trans patrons.
Reviews of Other People about Bar of Soap
TheMuffinpumperkale on Google Maps:
“Best gay bar in town if you prefer chilled, relaxed and laid back places. Also very great staff! Off course the drag queens have been a blast aswell, 5/5 would recommend!”
L’UOMO at R. do Bolhão N° 37 R/C
This venue attracts many queer people, but its dark décor may not appeal to everyone.
I also noticed a large number of its patrons were looking for hookups, and some were openly making out.
Reviews of Other People about L‘UOMO
“Great atmosphere, super nice and interactive people, super attentive and friendly staff. I will come back whenever I have the opportunity!”
Fabrik Bar at R. da Galeria de Paris 109
A great place to dance your heart out but it can be way too crowded at times, but the majority consists of queer folks.
Normally, I wouldn’t say this but avoid Saturday nights because there’s hardly any space to move.
Weekdays are better, things aren’t as chaotic so it’s easier to talk to transgender individuals.
Reviews of Other People about Fabrik Bar
Juan José Lafuente Cilla on Google Maps:
“I just had a great gay night. I was lovely drunk, I danced like no one was watching and I listened to the playlist I was expecting: so commercial and wonderful that it would put to shame my past 20 year old me. A bit too overcrowded when we left, but no complaints.”
2. Community Centers and Organizations
You can also meet trans people at the Centro Gis community center located at Rua de Brito Capelo 223.
The center is named after Gisberta Salce Júnior, a trans woman who was sadly murdered in 2006. This shows their commitment towards the trans community.
They host support groups and workshops that you can learn more about by visiting them. You can drop by anytime between 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Friday.
3. Online Groups and Pages
You can also meet Porto’s trans community online. One popular group is LGBTQ+ Portugal, with over 5K members, including many from Porto.
This group is great for expats and tourists who find it hard to connect due to language and cultural differences.
Plus, there’s the Queer Porto Facebook page, which shares updates about local queer events.
You can also find LGBTQ events on Meetup, like SNEAKY DRINKS: Queer Edition every Friday to start your weekend with the community.
4. Other LGBT+ Spaces
Much of Porto’s LGBTQ+ nightlife blends with the lively straight scene east of Rua Das Oliveiras and south of Rua da Conceição.
While you won’t see many rainbow flags, taking a walk down Rua da Galeria De Paris will give you a good sense of the LGBTQ+ presence.
One of my favorite spots is Café Lusitano at Rua de José Falcão 137. While it’s known for its diverse menu, from shrimp tempura to ribs, it’s also a hub for the LGBTQ+ community.
Even though it’s not officially labeled as “gay,” it’s managed by LGBTQ+ individuals and the crowd is definitely queer. Plus, they host drag shows, so it’s a nice place to visit even during daytime.
What It’s Like to Be Transgender in Porto
Porto is a rather peaceful city for trans individuals and you’re unlikely to encounter transphobia.
Anyone hardly cares about your gender identity, except for maybe young kids and older people.
But at most, what they’d do is stare at you, or laugh (the kids do that), which I know is kind of rude, but young adults are pretty chill.
And if you pass well as a trans person then you probably won’t face any of that, to begin with.
The good news is that Portugal has laws safeguarding individuals from discrimination based on gender identity.
I also talked about it in our Lisbon guide, it’s called the “self-determination” law and you should look into it to know more about your rights.
Wrapping Up: Enjoy Meeting Trans in Porto
Porto may not be loaded with trans-focused spots but there are a few decent options to work with.
I’ve highlighted both in-person and online spaces in this guide so explore different ways to find what’s best for you.
Keep in mind that the trans community here isn’t that big so it might take a while for you to connect, so don’t give up.
Anyway, that’s all from my side – I hope you enjoy meeting transgender individuals in Porto!
