Café Piolho Porto
A century old students' caffè
Vasco from Porto
The Café Piolho ("piolho" is its nickname and... is the Portuguese word for "hair bug"), which is actually called "Âncora d'Ouro", has been the centre of students' (night)life in Porto for more than a century. The University's main old building is just across the square (also worth a visit, and holds the University shop), and there used to be several faculties around that area. It's the place where lots and lots of students gather to study, eat, or drink, now like generations before.
As a curiosity it was the first café in Porto to have electricity, the first to have TV, and the first to have the machine to make Italian espresso coffee. Ask for the "cimbalino"! So, it's really a living piece of the city's history. It has been recently refurbished, but has kept the main decoration from back in the old days. On the wall you can see many signs celebrating old faculty courses and students.
It still holds a lot of its "student-esque" character and atmosphere, and often it's possible to watch Tunas (traditional student music groups, all dressed in black with capes) performing live there. Now, with the nightlife trend around that area, the café is busier at night and a great place to grab a beer to start the night in that very student environment. But of course, it's also a place to eat, as Piolho is also famous for its francesinhas, although it may be difficult to get a table during busier hours.
Porto Spotter Vasco
About this spot
Our Porto City Guide
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Chocolataria Equador
Chocolate dreams
"Chocolataria Equador" Porto is more than a shop - it's an experience. Whenever I enter the shop, the smell of chocolate is so dense I can almost taste it...
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Il Pizzaiolo
The real Neapolitan pizza in Porto
Il Pizzaiolo in Porto is one of the best Italian pizzerias around. I heartily recommend their Margherita. It's a classic and one of their best!
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Venham mais 5 (Original)
Keep 'em coming!
Venham mais 5 in Porto is definitely not about a fancy atmosphere. It is all about experiencing the 'prego'. This is a place, where you'll want to return!
by
Marta
Macedo
Gelados Neveiros
Ice cream like it "used to be"
"Gelados Neveiros" is probably the oldest and one of most well known ice cream shops in Porto. REAL traditional recipes, homemade with fresh ingredients..."
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Mercado do Bom Sucesso
New life to the old market
"Mercado do Bom Sucesso" used to be a decaying market for fresh goods in Porto, but now it's got new life: so many restaurants to choose from!
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Two:su.shi
Bargain sushi!
"Two:su.shi" is a Japanese restaurant serving delicious sushi with great service and a cosy yet small atmosphere. Excellent place to satisfy your crave!
by
Tiago
Magalhães
Castiço da Sé
Panados is love, panados is life
"Castiço da Sé" in Porto is the perfect place to get some 'panados' -- the Portuguese version of Wiener Schnitzel! And the owners are a delight to talk to.
by
Tiago
Magalhães
Conga
World class bifanas!
"Conga" Porto is where you can find world-class bifanas, ones that taste the way they should; moist, spicy pieces of pork meat in a bread; delicious!
by
Tiago
Magalhães
The Happy Nest
Hidden garden in Porto's heart
"The Happy Nest" in central Porto is a coffee shop that makes breakfast, lunch or brunch enjoyable. Everything's amazing, but definitely try the croissants
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Padaria Ribeiro
Pastry perfected over 100 years
"Padaria Ribeiro" isn't just a bakery - it's an icon of the city! I imagine they have been perfecting their pastry recipes since the 19th century...
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Portuguese Centre of Photography
Go to jail!
"The Portuguese Centre of Photography" in Porto is located in an ex-prison in the centre. Protip: go all the way down the street at the building's left side.
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
CC Bombarda
Not your regular shopping mall
"CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality, concept and products. My favourite shop there is Vertigo.
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Heading to Porto?
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 136 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Porto
Get to know our other Spotters from Porto
As featured on:
