14 Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal
There are so many incredible things to do in Porto, and I’d go as far as saying it’s one of Portugal’s most underrated gems. Often overshadowed by Lisbon, Porto has a character all of its own, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, food and breathtaking views that make it an unforgettable destination.
This charming city is the second-largest in Portugal and one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a rich history that’s visible at every turn. Its beautiful old centre is filled with narrow streets, colourful buildings and traditional azulejo tiles, and it’s so special that it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering through the historic Ribeira district, strolling along the Douro River or simply stopping for a coffee at a local café are all part of the magic and just a few of the many things to do in Porto that I loved.
Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover or someone who enjoys slow travel and scenic viewpoints, you’ll find no shortage of experiences here. From tasting world-famous port wine to crossing iconic bridges and discovering hidden viewpoints, Porto offers something for every type of traveller.
Porto makes for the perfect weekend getaway, giving you just enough time to experience the highlights without feeling rushed. With its compact size, walkable streets and laid-back atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Porto continues to win over visitors looking for a short but memorable European escape.
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The Best Things To Do In Porto
1. Cais da Ribeira
The riverside quarter of Porto, Cais da Ribeira is the place to be if you want to stroll along sun-dappled streets, have a coffee or glass of wine al fresco or enjoy some fresh seafood. The quayside has a plethora of cafes and restaurants to choose and the view over the water to Gaia is gorgeous, particularly as the sun sets.
There are lots of things to see in Porto – especially around this bustling quarter.
2. Six Bridges Douro River Sightseeing Cruise
Jump aboard the 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise on a traditional rabello boat, and take in the charming postcard perfect views of Porto and it’s Ribeira district as the boat turns around, while passing many of its famous bridges and landmarks. City sightseeing tours often have the reputation of being super touristy, but this is a good one.
You’ll follow the old route once followed by wine merchants transporting Port from the valley to the cellars, pass under the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, admire the beautiful homes of the riviera from the water, and (if you’re lucky) soak up some sun.
Not taking in the views of the city from the water while in Porto would be a massive shame. Top tip – ensure to snap up a seat on the edge of the boat for the best scenery.
THE DETAILS
Where | Cruises depart from Ribeira Quay
Cost | £13 per person
3. Port Wine Tasting In Porto
This post was written in collaboration with Original Travel, however all views are entirely my own. Many thanks to Original Travel for hosting our visit to Sandeman.
A glass of wine beside the river is an important part of any trip to Porto. The Douro river feeds the famous Douro Valley – home to some of Portugal’s best wines!
Unsurprisingly, Port is Porto’s most popular export and a very proud favourite on everyone’s wine lists here. You might associate this sweet fortified wine with the after-dinner tipple of your grandparents’ choice, but to not try some while in Porto would be a disservice to your time here.
A visit to the famed wine cellars is one of the best things to do in Porto and you can combine that with a wine tasting with a Sommelier – we did just that!
Sandeman and other prestigious wine cellars can be found by crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge to the other side; Vila Nova de Gaia.
Keen to expand your knowledge even further? Take this full-day tour of the Douro Valley, which includes Port tastings at two different spots and a traditional Portuguese lunch on the Douro River.
THE DETAILS
Where | Vila Nova de Gaia
Cost | from €19 per person
BOOK | Port wine tasting
4. Half Rabbit
Now strictly speaking, the Half Rabbit isn’t in Porto, but just across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
This large sculpture on a random street corner is made entirely of trash. Portuguese artist Bordallo II who often creates animal art using repurposed materials, created this as a subtle yet scathing critique of society’s wastefulness and its consequences on the natural environment.
Note to self – stopping for a photo post-wine tasting probably wasn’t the best idea, but it’s worth taking a look when you’re in the area.
THE DETAILS
Where | Half Rabbit
5. Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is known as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. An awe-inspiring Neo-Gothic style bookstore in Porto and one of the oldest in all of Portugal. I’d say it is less ‘bookshop’ and more ‘grand hall’ with it’s intricate and ornately designed interior.
With global acclaim that Livraria Lello was an inspiration for J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter books (fyi, it wasn’t), this bookstore is more of a crowded museum than a peaceful space. You have to pay and queue (unless you purchase tickets online, in advance) to enter. This diminishes it’s lustre somewhat, but it’s still an insanely beautiful place to visit in Porto.
It’s certainly worth a gander, even if don’t care much for bookshops.
THE DETAILS
Where | Livraria Lello, Rua das Carmelitas
Cost | €5 entry (redeemable with any book purchase), purchased online or at the shop a few doors down
Book your ticket | Livraria Lello
6. Eat all the Pastel de Nata At Confeitaria do Bolhão
Portugal is the birthplace of one of the best sweet treats you could ever hope to sink your teeth into – the small yet mighty Pastel de Nata. Impossibly crisp and flakey puff pastry tarts filled with the creamiest egg custard and dusted with cinnamon, they are utterly addictive.
This stunning 120-year-old patisserie, Confeitaria do Bolhão, serves up Porto’s finest Portuguese tarts (along with many other tempting sweet treats), but these in particular are heavenly.
The answer to the question I know you’re thinking about.. Yes, it is totally socially acceptable to devour sugary pastries for breakfast in Portugal, it is almost expected.
We did just that – and may have indulged in two each. They were that good!
Alternatively, and this is what I would do next time, you can learn how to make this beloved pastry at a local’s home – these cooking classes are one of the best things to do in Porto and they are always highly rated. Check them out for yourself:
THE DETAILS
Where | Confeitaria do Bolhão, R. Formosa 339
Cost | € 1.20 each
7. Mercado do Bolhão
One of the best things to do in Porto is to visit the wonderful Mercado de Bolhão. Bustling with stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, smoked meats, fresh fish, fresh bread, cheeses, artisan olive oil and so much more.
We bought some unusual (new to us) fruit that they kindly cut up for us to eat there and some of the sweetest strawberries I have ever eaten.
The market is so unlike any other I’ve been to; newly renovated with large open spaces, incredibly clean and with some of the freshest produce I have seen. It truly provides a great place for tourists to people watch and really get a feel for daily life in Porto.
It isn’t open every day of the week, so you need to factor this into your Porto itinerary when you are planning your trip.
THE DETAILS
Where | Mercado do Bolhão: Rua Formosa
Hours | Mon – Sat: 8:00am – 20:00pm, closed Sundays and public holidays
8. Explore Ribeira, Baixa and Bolhão
Porto’s most charming, historic and touristy areas where you’re likely to spend the majority of your time are the three suburbs of Ribeira, Baixa, and Bolhão.
Ribeira is the heart of Porto, where cobbled streets lined with colourful houses shadow the Douro River. Baixa is home to many key landmarks and some of the city’s most atmospheric bars like the Casa do Livro; a former bookshop turned into a stylish drinking den.
Wandering the adorable steep cobblestone streets that weave through these areas was one of our favourite things to do in the city. With quaint bookstores, fabulous restaurants and bars and artsy stores selling beautiful pottery – it’s great to stroll around.
I’d recommend spending an afternoon with some comfortable shoes, no map or phones and just getting lost amongst the charm of Porto’s historic areas.
9. Dom Luis I Bridge
Crossing over the Douro River, the Dom Luis I Bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Porto due to its sheer size. This has to be one of the biggest things to see in Porto; at least by size.
The bridge was built by a student of Gustav Eiffel, (the man who designed the Eiffel Tower) and so it is similar in style and design.
You can walk across the top of the bridge and I’d highly recommend it for when the sun is setting as it has one of the best views in the city – sunsets in Porto are absolutely magical!
THE DETAILS
Where | Dom Luis I Bridge
10. São Bento Train Station
The São Bento train station is so much more than merely a transport hub for Porto’s residents; it is a beautiful example of stunning Portuguese architecture. Complete with azulejo (traditional painted blue and white) tiles on the walls at the grand entrance which depict Porto’s history in breathtaking beauty.
If you didn’t see it on arrival, take the time to check it out when you’re in Porto.
Telling you to go to Porto and spot the many beautiful azulejo tiles is a little redundant, considering they’re everywhere and are one of the most famous things to see in Porto. The tiles are very much a ubiquitous feature of the city.
THE DETAILS
Where | Praça de Almeida Garrett
11. Igreja do Carmo
Igreja do Carmo (Carmo Church) is one of the most iconic churches in Porto thanks to the glorious azulejo tiles that make up its façade.
The inside is equally as beautiful so do pop in when you’re walking around the city.
THE DETAILS
Where | Igreja do Carmo
12. Clérigos Tower
You can’t go far in Porto without catching a glimpse of this Baroque tower that dominates the skyline.
It is possible to climb to the top of the tower but it is a long 240 steps to the top and you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the city once you get to the top.
THE DETAILS
Where | Clérigos Church And Tower
Opening hours | 9:00am – 19:00pm daily
Cost | €6 per person
13. Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest sights to see in the city and one of its most important.
It’s almost 800 years old and the architecture here is without a doubt, quite the sight to behold.
Possibly not the main reason to visit but it’s still a pretty good one.
THE DETAILS
Where | Porto Cathedral
14. The Church of São Francisco
This stunning Baroque style church is one of the most emblematic religious buildings in the Northern Capital. Renovated in the 18th-centure, the building has on the whole retained its original Gothic style. It is adorned with twisted columns as well as a statue of Saint Francis and the rose window is the only remainder of the original facade.
The intricate Gothic architecture and long history have all culminated in this being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As well as pretty mandatory travel viewing.
THE DETAILS
Where | Church of St Francis
Best Time to Visit Porto
The best time to visit Porto is in the shoulder seasons, in May or September. This is when you get the best mix of generally good weather and fewer crowds, outside of the European school holidays. You are guaranteed good weather from June to August, but prices tend to go up due to demand around that time, and the city is certainly more crowded.
Porto tends to have fairly mild temperatures throughout the year though, so you can generally plan to visit any time of year without it being too hot or cold. We visited in January, and though it was cold, it wasn’t too bad – and most importantly, there was no rain!
Porto is known for having a fair bit of rainy weather, so plan your trip accordingly – and take a raincoat or an umbrella!
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