15 Fabulous Things to Do in Porto

Are you thinking of visiting the sunshine city of Porto? Portugal’s second-largest city is a charming blend of history, culture, and eclectic architecture. Situated along the Douro River, Porto is known for its relaxed atmosphere, cobbled streets, and world-famous port wine.

Adding to the city’s appeal is the laid back atmosphere and the friendly people. Strike up a conversation with a local and see where it goes. I ended up making a few friends at a bus stop after the bus failed to show up we took it as a sign to go to a local bar!

The more I wandered around the city, the more I enjoyed it. Whether it’s the striking blend of old and new architecture or the beautiful gardens or the contemporary art, there’s also something to discover. Most of all, I simply enjoyed wandering round the quint streets and admiring tiled buildings and capturing the breathing views overlooking the Douro River.

When is the best time visit Porto?

Adding to the many reasons to visit Porto, is the great weather. I visited in mid November, and the temperature was still warm and the sun was still shining. During winter the temperature doesn’t really fall below 15 degrees, making Porto an ideal destination to visit all year round.

1. Visit the World’s Most Beautiful Bookshop

J.K Rowling used to visit Livraria Lello when she was living in Porto and it’s said she drew inspiration from this bookshop when she wrote about the library in Harry Potter.

Tip: Everyone wants to catch a glimpse of the stunning interior, adorned with walls of carved wood, a red staircase and a stained glass ceiling window, it’s no surprise why this place is so popular. Try to arrive in the early morning or evening to avoid the crowds.

2. Explore Ribeira – the Old Town

Filled with character and narrow alleyways, Ribeira is one of the oldest parts of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where you’ll set eyes on the magnificent Douro River and walk across the mighty D. Luis bridge.

Despite the region’s iconic status, you’ll still get an impression of local life, with people pottering about their day and washing lines sprawling across houses and clothes cascading over balconies. For any visitor, an exploration of Ribeira is one of the most scenic things to do in Porto.

Recommendation: Why not take a boat trip along the river to get a new perspective of the city from water? You have the option to book a 1 hour boat tour along the river (£15) or you can enjoy a full-day tour that includes a boat trip wine tasting and exploration of Duoro Valley (£75).

3. Drink Port & Go Wine Tasting

Bacchus would be frowning from his vineyards if you visited Portugal without drinking its most famous tipple. Beside the regular glass with dinner, why not head across the bridge to Gais on the left bank of the city, where you’ll find a selection of Port wine cellars?

The city is so proud of its homegrown drink that there’s even a museum dedicated to the drink. The Port Wine Museum is housed inside an 18th Century renovated warehouse at Rua Reboleira 37. Unfortunately I did not manage to get there myself, but next time I’m in the city I will. Check opening times be visiting.

Tip: If you want to take your knowledge of Port to the next level join a guided wine tour that includes tastings and pairing. Take a look at the full range of tours as some are more comprehensive than others.

4. See Modern Art at Serralves

A really, really, really good museum has the power to transform a city, and I think Serralves possesses such quality.

Located in Porto’s suburbia, it’s well worth the short bus trip or taxi to get there. As well as offering world-class exhibitions inside a contemporary building, the museum is set inside a stunning garden with a candy colour villa that looks good enough to eat.

Tip: Have lunch on the restaurant’s terrace. Delicious food – check, sunshine – check. You can prebook your entry ticket to them museum with this all day pass.

5. Talk to Locals

It’s often said a place is only as good as its people. Well if that’s true, it doesn’t get better than Porto. If you’re travelling solo, just as I was, it’s easy to spark up conversations with strangers… and who knows? Maybe you’ll end up on a night out with new friends! Porto has a reputation for having the friendliest people in Portugal, and I certainly found that to be the case.

Tip: Ask a local for recommendations. It’s a great conversation starter and the best way to find out information that might not otherwise be in guidebooks.

6. Enjoy Live Music

Porto has a lot of ways to enjoy music. Go all out with a concert at Casa da Musica or head down a little alleyway to immerse yourself in Fado. A girl I met took me to a great venue called Maus Habitos, located on the 4th floor of the building opposite the Coliseu. It has an awesome atmosphere – super cool and relaxed – featuring a variety of cultural events, workshops and live music.

Tip: Check out music and cultural events beforehand at VisitPortugal.com.

Further Reading: 5 contemporary buildings you should see in Porto

7. Stroll Around the Garden of Feelings

With a name like Garden of Feelings how could you not want to visit? This garden, complete with palm trees and the odd peacock perching on a bench, is set inside the large grounds of Jardins do Palacio.

I spotted a few amorous couples lapping up the romantic setting and enjoying the panoramic views. It has plenty of nooks and crannies if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. However, if you find yourself in Porto by yourself (like I was), it’s still the perfect place to retreat if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 

Tip: Come here for one of the best panoramic views of the city.

8. Uncover the city’s dark side…

If you’re looking for something unusual to do, let it be the Catacomb Cemetery of the Museum of the Order of Sao Francisco. This catacomb cemetery was built as a burial site for the brothers of the order who died before the existence of public cemeteries. It has lateral crypts and barrel vaulted ceilings lined in wood carvings. Look out for the bones and skulls.

Tip: Don’t forget to venture opposite to the Church of S. Francisco for an exquisite example of Gothic architecture. The gold interior is a rather blinding sight.

9. Spoil Your Taste Buds

Just like Lisbon, Porto’s foodie scene is bursting with flavours and freshness. The seafood is on point, with some of the largest prawns I’ve ever set my eyes upon. Seriously, seriously, huge prawns. For an eclectic overview of what’s on offer, visit the local food markets: For something really local and traditional go to Mercado Bolhao, and for something new visit the recently renovated Mercado Do Bom Sucesso.

Eating is a very social activity in Porto too, and this is best expressed through Petiscos. Petiscos are to Portugal what tapas are to Spain, and thanks to their small size, you can taste a wide array of local dishes in a single meal.

Restaurant recommendation: Looking for somewhere to go on an evening? Though you won’t be short on options, I loved La Ricotta, a centrally located Italian and Portuguese fusion restaurant. The food is so scrumptious I visited twice during my trip. Yum, yum!

Food tour: Explore the flavours of Porto through your taste buds. Take at look the array of food tours created by Eatwith, a site designed to bring people together over their love of food.

10. Climb up Torre dos Clérigos

Clérigos Tower is one of the most iconic feature of Porto’s skyline and provides fantastic views of the city. After hiking 74 metres up 240 narrow steps, you’re rewarded with a breathtaking view of this colourful city. Schedule your visit for mid-to-late afternoon when the whole city is bathed in an orange hue.

Tip: Avoid wearing heels, the stairs get very tight and rather steep!

11.  Admire the Tiles

Just like Lisbon, many of the buildings in Porto shine like jewels. The facades of Ribeira are perhaps the most decorative, but I encourage you to walk and discover more.

Tip: Don’t miss the decorative tiles inside São Bento Train Station!

12. Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge

This bridge is impressive for so many reasons and not just because it’s huge. The bridge was named after King Luís I of Portugal and was completed in 1886. It was designed by the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, who had previously worked with Gustave Eiffel, and the bridge bears some resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, particularly in its construction and ironwork.

Most of all, I love how this wrought metal feat of engineering juts out from the side of Ribeira’s precious little historical buildings. Make sure you walk across the top and the bottom platform for some of the city’s best views. Spanning the Douro River, it connects the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, linking the Ribeira district with the port wine cellars on the southern side of the river.

13. Soak up 1920s Glamour at Café Majestic

Travel back in time to the Portuguese Belle Époque and have a cup of tea at Café Majestic. The café was founded in 1921 and still maintains that old glamorous atmosphere.

The café is located on Rua de Santa Catarina, one of the main pedestrian walkways in the city and where you’ll find lots of high street names if you’re looking to do some shopping.

It easily stands out from all the other buildings on the street with it’s elaborate exterior, however, once you step inside, the time travelling begins. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a Portuguese treat with none other than a pastel de nata. If you want to go out all, swap the tea for hot chocolate!

14. Explore Further Afield

Head out on a day trip to nearby places; the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guimaraes, with its castle and historical city walls has a lot to offer. If you still have more time, head to Braga, famed for 18th Century houses and gardens, in particular the garden located inside the Bishop’s Palace.

Tip: The cost of travel in Porto and the whole of Portugal is very price-friendly and worth taking advantage of by taking a day trip out to one of the near by town if you have time.

15. Go with the Flow – You’re in Porto!

There’s something about Portugal that let’s you unwind and Porto is no exception. Take it easy, stroll around, relax in a café with a coffee or glass of Port, browse bookshops, admire the colourful tiles, take photos, explore the museums, eat till your heart’s desire, fall in love with the city.

Tip: Relax on the city’s beaches, from the Foz waterfront with its lively promenade to the long stretch of sand at Matosinhos.

Practical information

Where to stay in Porto

For first-timers to Porto, I recommend staying in Ribeira. as previously mentioned, Ribeira is the historical old town of Porto, bestowing many of the city’s top attractions.

Located along the waterfront of the Douro River, Ribeira features colourful buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and lively cafes and restaurants. Staying here puts you within walking distance of major attractions like the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Ribeira Square, and the Port Wine Cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Hotels – Top Picks

Splurge – Torel Palace Porto is a completely refurbished former palace transformed into an exquisite boutique hotel with no expanse to detail spared. The design is around a literary theme with each bedroom named after an author.

Good Value – Moov Hotel Porto Centro is located between Riviera and the Down Town area, within walking distance to most of the city’s highlights. The stunning Art Deco facade makes a stunning first impression. 

Tours: To get the most out of your trip see what tours you can do here.