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This top European tourist city has introduced a new alcohol ban

Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
Porto has tightened alcohol sales and public drinking rules.

Porto, the coastal city in northwest Portugal, is renowned for its wine culture, which is central in its history. Residents and visitors alike enjoy imbibing local port or sipping sangria by the Douro River from the afternoon to well into the evening – but under new regulations, alcohol sales will now face restrictions.

In a significant move to curb alcohol-related disturbances, Porto has imposed new rules around the sale of alcohol in public spaces. From Wednesday, 25th June, purchasing alcohol is prohibited from retail establishments, including supermarkets, convenience stores, wine shops and souvenir stalls between 9:00pm and 8:00am in Porto’s Containment Zone. During this time, alcohol can only be purchased from certain venues such as cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. 

People drinking besides The Douro River.
Residents and visitors alike enjoy imbibing local port or sipping sangria by the Douro River. (Image: Lauren de Sousa)

The crackdown on public drinking at night is part of an updated set of rules to the Movida do Porto regulation, which governs nightlife activities in Porto. According to Portugal.com, city officials have warned that without proper regulations, the unique atmosphere of the Movida Zone and its neighbouring areas could be diminished.

The new restrictions aim to help balance Porto’s vibrant nightlife with community well-being, improving public safety, managing the growing nightlife scene, and curbing disruptive drinking practices. Portugal.com also reported that previous enforcement measures had not served as effective deterrents, according to officials. If venues fail to follow the new regulations, they may face immediate closure or temporary shutdowns. 

A person holding a glass of wine by the Douro River.
The crackdown on public drinking at night is part of an updated set of rules to the Movida do Porto regulation. (Image: Getty/

The updated policy enlarges Porto’s Containment Zone, which now includes nearly the entire downtown area. St. John’s Day and New Year’s Eve will be exempt from the restrictions.

In addition to restricting alcohol sales, the updated rules also limit how late outdoor terraces can stay open; however, there’s some flexibility depending on which part of the zone you’re in (Movida Core, Protected Zone and Containment Zone).

For most tourists, the restrictions won’t dampen their experience, but they might need to plan nights out a bit more carefully. 

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Rachael Thompson
Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist, editor and hotel addict based in the UK. She was formerly International Traveller's Evergreen Editor and was responsible for the foundational content ahead of its website relaunch, as well as managing and growing the brand’s destination guides. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to creating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love and Bed Threads. Next on her travel wish list is Malta.
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What the European heatwave means for your summer travel plans

    Rachael Thompson Rachael Thompson
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    Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK. 

    Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

    And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

    Why is it so hot in Europe?

    Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

    France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

    In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

    The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

    Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

    How travel is impacted

    A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius
    A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

    During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

    If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

    Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

    people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris
    People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

    With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

    Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

    How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

    Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

    Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

    Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.