A night out in Guimaraes calls – perhaps it’s a spontaneous gathering, perhaps you’re near the historic center, perhaps someone craves craft cocktails with their petiscos. Someone will suggest a familiar spot. And you’ll wonder, “But… where do the locals really go?”
Pregaria de Guimarães
What’s that? The quick lunch is now a sandwich feast? Do it at Pregaria de Guimarães. We still aren’t wild about it here during peak dinner hours, but it’s a perfect midday move, especially considering you can grab a table without much wait. Most sandwiches cost less than €12, and with its simple wooden tables and casual vibe, it feels like a neighborhood spot you’d probably like to frequent.
Poncha’s Bar
If we had to guess, we’d say this bar came about when the people behind Madeira’s traditional punch culture had a conversation that went something like this: ‘Let’s bring the heart of the island to Guimarães’ historic center, but keep it real—friendly, efficient, and with a terrace that feels like a cozy escape.’ And they nailed it. Francisco and the team are exemplary, making every visit smooth and welcoming.
The punches pack a strong, authentic flavor, so approach with caution, but that’s part of the charm. It’s the ideal spot for a drink, blending tradition with a laid-back vibe that just works.
Morocco: House of Tea
At first glance, Morocco: House of Tea might seem like just another bar, but it stands out as a genuinely welcoming spot to unwind. Sure, they serve burgers like many places, but Morocco: House of Tea feels cozier and more relaxed than your typical pub. If you’re looking to meet friends or just decompress after work, you’ll find the perfect atmosphere here.
But what makes Morocco: House of Tea special is that it’s an attractive, relatively casual place where you can easily drop in and enjoy some crowd-pleasing snacks with a group. Everyone can grab a satisfying burger and drink for around €15, and no one will question your choice for planning an evening here.
Salado Bar
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If you’re looking for the perfect spot to unwind in Guimarães, Salado Bar is pretty much it. This isn’t the sort of bar where you just grab a quick drink and leave. Here, you can settle into the terrace, enjoy a fantastic cocktail, and listen to good music in the best spot in the city. Cocktails cost about what you’d expect for a prime location (in the €9-€12 range), and much like other great bars, this place offers Aperol and other fantastic meals.
Salado Bar just happens to do all these things with excellent service at very reasonable prices.
El Rock Bar
You know that feeling when you stumble upon a place that feels like your favorite dive bar, but with better sangria? Well, El Rock Bar is that place. The difference is, most bars just play music, but El Rock Bar actually lives it. It’s a small, cozy spot in Guimarães, it’s open for hanging out, and it feels very welcoming (relaxing atmosphere, beautiful decor, etc.).
So if you recently told yourself you’d find a unique hangout that doesn’t break the bank, but you’re having a hard time committing, come here. It’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Kasablanca Restaurante Sushi Bar
You need to find a memorable spot in Guimarães for a group with varied tastes. Head to Kasablanca Restaurante Sushi Bar. It’s in a beautifully designed space, and the menu offers everything from top-notch sushi and quality meats to fantastic teas with Arabic aromas. The food will impress, everyone will be satisfied, and at least one person will mention how welcoming the knowledgeable staff is. And if that doesn’t sound like a spectacular evening, we don’t know what does.
Cervejaria Martins Sports Bar
Cervejaria Martins Sports Bar doesn’t have a motto, but if it did, it could be something like “Sports and snacks? We have that.” This Largo do Toural spot serves classic dishes, traditional bites like bolinhos de bacalhau and chamuças, as well as some pub favorites. Exciting? Not so much. Useful? Very. As an added bonus, the big space has counter seating and a terrace outside the tourist area. Try it for game days, when there will most likely be a ton of fans cheering around.
Despensa do Marquês
Despensa do Marquês is essentially a more refined version of the typical tourist spot near Guimaraes castle that decided to settle down and offer something truly special. The food here is similarly Portuguese and focused (francesinhas, small snacks, sangria, etc), but everything is a little more elevated and a little more serene than what you find at the usual castle-side establishments.
If you’re looking for a peaceful dinner or drink with a charming atmosphere and have to accommodate a desire for both relaxation and quality, this is an excellent choice. Just be sure to enjoy the back terrace while you can.
Taberna Londrina
What’s the francesinha of Guimarães? That would be Taberna Londrina, a restaurant on a relatively quiet street where you can find that local specialty with its well-prepared sauce that’s not too spicy. All of this is actually pretty solid at Taberna Londrina (especially the francesinhas), and unlike other spots, this place serves some great kid-friendly options. Which brings us to another point. Why don’t more restaurants have such accommodating staff?
