Sarah Hopkins (she/her), Service Manager – LEVEL
Some places make you feel like you can breathe a little easier. For me, Porto is one of them.
There is something about arriving in the city (we arrived by Train from Lisbon) and seeing the colourful buildings climbing the hills, the Douro stretching out in front of you and people filling the cafés and streets. Porto feels relaxed, creative and full of character. Add Primavera Sound to the mix, and you have the perfect excuse to spend a few days discovering this vibrant city.
What I love about Porto is that its personality is everywhere. It’s in the tiled façades, the tiny bars, conversations spilling onto pavements and the mix of old and new that gives the city its energy.
There is also a growing LGBTQ+ cultural presence, with events such as Queer Porto in November bringing queer cinema to the city, alongside Porto Pride in September and other community events. Porto’s tourism strategy also recognises LGBTQ+ tourism as part of its approach to diversity and inclusion.
But you don’t need an itinerary built entirely around LGBTQ+ spaces to enjoy the city. Some of the best moments are much simpler: a long lunch, wandering through Ribeira, sitting beside the river with a drink, browsing independent shops or strolling through some of the city’s stunning parks. Porto invites you to slow down.
And then there’s Primavera Sound. There is something special about a music festival. For a few days, everyday routines disappear and everyone is there for the same reason: music. Primavera Sound brings together established artists, new discoveries and an international crowd, creating an atmosphere where individuality feels completely natural.
For LGBTQ+ visitors, that sense of openness can make the experience even more enjoyable. The festival has worked with Queer Destinations and its admission policies prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. There is a safe zone for example, easy to spot and available for anyone who needs some calm reassurance and security. But beyond the policies, it’s the atmosphere that stays with you.
It’s dancing with your friends late into the night, discovering an artist you’ve never heard before, watching the sun go down over the festival and finding yourself singing along with thousands of strangers.
One of the things I like most about Primavera Sound in Porto is that the festival doesn’t have to dominate the whole trip. You can spend the morning exploring the city, have lunch somewhere by the river, head to the coast in the afternoon and then make your way to Parque da Cidade for the evening.
That contrast is part of the magic. One moment you’re walking through centuries-old streets; a few hours later, you’re surrounded by music, lights and people from all over the world. And when the festival finishes, Porto is still there waiting for you.
LGBTQ+ friendly travel isn’t simply about finding queer nightlife. It’s holding your partner’s hand without overthinking it. Going out for dinner together. Meeting other travellers. Feeling able to dress, talk and behave naturally without wondering whether you need to tone yourself down. That’s what makes Porto appealing. You can enjoy the city as an LGBTQ+ traveller without your identity having to define the entire experience. You can explore, eat, drink, dance, relax and simply enjoy being somewhere new.
Maybe that’s what makes Porto and Primavera Sound such a good combination. You get the excitement of one of Europe’s biggest music festivals, but you also get a city with its own rhythm, culture and character. You can come for your favourite artists and leave with memories of something much bigger: late nights, new friends, beautiful streets, good food, music and the freedom to be yourself.