There are so many fantastic things to do in Porto! I’d even go as far as saying it’s one underrated Portuguese gem that’s filled with stunning vistas, bars, historic monuments and amazing wine. Best of all, there are heaps of the best things to do in Porto dotted all across this hilly Portuguese city.
Now, everyone seems to be pretty clued up on how amazing a trip to Portugal is. After all, there are heaps of stunning places in Portugal that are honestly breathtaking to visit. That being said, lots of travellers still opt for city breaks in bigger cities like Lisbon. Lisbon is great, by the way, it’s amazing in fact – but there’s so much more to Portugal than its capital city.
This is where Porto comes into play! Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, one of the oldest in Europe, with the city centre being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the kind of Portuguese city that’s perfect for a city break and can easily be explored on foot.
So, to help you get the most out of your trip, I’m sharing our top things to do in Porto once you arrive. This way, you can focus all your energy on walking up and down those hills and securing all the best wine spots! Have the best time visiting Porto.
1.) Cais da Ribeira
Known for being the riverside quarter of Porto, Cais da Ribeira is the place to come if you want to stroll along sun-dappled streets. Now, this is probably the busiest part of Porto, at least in terms of those visiting the city. It’s gorgeous, and the whole riverfront is just beautiful.
Along the quayside, there is a plethora of cafes and restaurants to choose from, and fresh seafood is usually the order of the day. In terms of places to eat and drink, you’ll honestly be inundated with choice, but some are quite touristy and tend to be a little drab. So, I’m sharing a few places we love that are authentically Porto!
For some delicious wines, head over to Bacchus vini (Google Maps pin). They have an incredible port menu, and their cheese boards are so yummy. We also love Bacalhau (Google Maps pin), which is a lovely spot for lunch. Their baked cod is so yummy, and freshly caught! Just a little stroll from the waterfront is Adega São Nicolau (Google Maps pin). This is another gem of a restaurant to visit for lunch or dinner in Porto. Their grilled octopus was so good.
If you fancy learning more about the city of Porto, then make sure to stop by Casa do Infante. This museum, although relatively small, focuses on the long history of Porto and its place in the world.
Also, don’t forget to book this sunset cruise around the shores of Porto itself. Trust me, golden hour is incredible in the city, and this particular cruise is such a great way to whisk away the evening before dinner. Just make sure to book these tickets in advance; places fill up fast on this picturesque boat.
Looking for the best hotel in Porto? Make sure to book this room at GA Palace Hotel & Spa. It’s housed within a historic, XIXth-Century Villa and is absolutely stunning. Honestly, take a look, you will see what I mean. This historic villa is housed in its own private gardens and the rooms are as lux as you can imagine. They are so beautiful.
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
2.) Church of St Francis
Visiting the iconic 18th-century Baroque-style Church of St Francis (full name, Igreja e Museu de São Francisco do Porto) is easily one of the best things to do in Porto when you visit. To make it easy to find, I’ve popped the Google Maps pin, here, so you can walk to it easily from Cais da Ribeira.
The intricate Gothic architecture and long history have all culminated in this being recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is absolutely beautiful to explore. Once inside, make sure to check out the ornate wood carvings and halls. There is a small fee for entry, but it’s worth paying to explore this historic spot in Porto.
Afterwards, for a gorgeous fine-dining experience, book a table at sunset at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. It’s a little away from the city centre, so grab a cab to get there. Trust me, it’s totally worth it, and the views across the Atlantic Ocean are just incredible. Not only that, they focus on seasonal Portuguese food, which has been awarded Michelin-star status!
Read more: Best places in the Algarve to visit
3.) Clérigos Tower
You can’t go far in Porto without catching a glimpse of the Clérigos Tower. It dominates the skyline, and its Baroque architecture is so beautiful to see. Not only that, visiting is easily one of the best things to do in Porto if you’re already exploring the cobbled streets of the city centre.
Now, before you attempt to climb, make sure to book these tickets for the Clérigos Tower. This way, you won’t be disappointed by having to queue, which can get quite long at peak times!
After arriving, you will need to climb its 240 steps to the top, so you might wanna limber up first. Don’t worry, you’ll be rewarded with a great view of the city once you get to the top. Just like most of the best things to do in Porto, they involve either climbing a hill or steps! You’ll realise that once you arrive in the city, so make sure to pack some comfy shoes for exploring.
Once you’ve got your feet back on solid ground, take a stroll over to Musa das Virtudes (Google Maps pin). This informal place is so good for Portuguese beers. They have heaps of craft beers, and I’d go as far as saying it’s one of the best spots in Porto to try the local beers. As I said, it’s nothing fancy, but that’s all part of its charm.
Also, don’t forget, the relatively nearby hotel of Wine & Books Porto, is an absolute gem to stay at. The whole property is stunning and it’s a little hidaway, tucked away in the historic streets of Porto. The rooms are beautiful. The wine is flowing and the books are plentiful. What more could you want from such a chic Porto hotel?
Read more: Best places in the Algarve to visit
4.) Luis I Bridge
Crossing over the Douro River, the Luis I Bridge (Google Maps pin) is one of the most iconic sights in Porto. Not just because of its sheer size, but also the views it has of the wider area. The bridge was built by a student of Gustav Eiffel, of Eiffel Tower fame, and is similar in style and design.
For me, walking the Luis I Bridge is easily one of the best things to do in Porto for views. You don’t need any fancy tour or expensive tickets to enjoy this spot, and it’s stunning. We always love strolling the bridge at sunset, but it’s honestly great at any time of the day.
Also, whilst you’re on this side of Porto, you’ll be able to see the Monastery of Serra do Pilar (Google Maps pin). It’s over half a millennium old and is pretty epic to see.
Afterwards, for an evening tipple, head over to the sophisticated cocktail spot of The Royal Cocktail Club (Google Maps pin). Their smoked cocktails are legendary, and they make one of the best Negronis I’ve had outside of Italy.
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
5.) Palácio da Bolsa
The former stock exchange of Porto, Palácio da Bolsa (Google Maps pin) building dates back to the 19th century. Although fairly young when you think of it and yet it is one of the city’s best-known historical gems. Visiting one of the best things to do in Porto, especially as you can take a peek inside!
Now, there’s a small entry fee for the guided tour, and you’ll need to book in advance on their website. Once inside, you’ll get to explore some of the iconic staterooms and the famous Portrait Gallery, so be sure to leave enough time to explore this place fully.
Afterwards, for an aperitif, pop over to Torto. It’s another hip little cocktail spot in Porto. Their peanut cocktail is honestly so yummy! I forget what it’s called, but it was so good.
6.) Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral (Google Maps pin) is one of the oldest sights to see in the city and one of its most important. You see, it’s almost 800 years old, and the architecture here is, without a doubt, quite the sight to behold.
There’s a small entry fee, but it’s worth it. Once inside, you’ll get to see the iconic gold and silver vaults in the Treasury. Also, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for the iconic azulejos blue and white tiles throughout the cathedral itself.
7.) Soares dos Reis National Museum
Porto’s national museum, Soares dos Reis (Google Maps pin), is not to be missed by those who are even vaguely interested in the history of Portuguese art. The comprehensive collection here dates from the 16th to the 20th century and features paintings, porcelain and even furniture. To mention but a few. Honestly, the sculptures inside and the Portuguese art are incredible.
If you find that it’s raining in Porto when you visit, this is easily the perfect place to while away the time as you wait for the rain to clear.
Also, to make things easier, get this Porto Card that gives you totally free transport whilst you’re in the city. Plus, you get around 50% off attractions when you present this card at places like the Soares dos Reis National Museum.
Visiting Portugal? Make sure you check out all these beautiful spots
8.) Carmo Church
Not too far away from the museum of Soares dos Reis, the Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo). It’s situated at this Google Maps pinpoint, and is easily one of the best things to do in Porto if you’re interested in the city’s religious history. Actually, scratch that, it’s great even if you’re not interested in religious history, the building is gorgeous.
Once inside, you’ll get to explore the nave and even visit the catacombs that are situated within the church itself. Also, don’t forget you’ve got nearby Clérigos Church that’s just a stone’s throw away from Carmo Church and is well worth a peek inside.
9.) Cafe Majestic
Probably one of Porto’s most famous cafes is Cafe Majestic. You can’t miss Cafe Majestic, especially if you’re already strolling the city centre of Porto itself.
Now, Cafe Majestic might be a popular tourist spot, but its roots are totally authentic, and it’s been a firm favourite in the city ever since its opening. Yes, it does typically cater for tourists, but the cafe is gorgeous and well worth stopping by for a pastry and coffee to refuel before exploring more of Porto.
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
10.) Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (Google Maps pin) not only has one of the best views of the city. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site to boot. Best of all, it’s not too far away from Jardim do Morro and is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll in Porto.
Also, whilst you’re on this side of the River Duoro, pop over for an informal lunch at Restaurante Cozinha da Ci (Google Maps pin). It’s a small, family-run joint that makes the tastiest pataniscas de bacalhau.
When you’re done here, you should definitely walk across the Dom Luis I Bridge (if you haven’t already).
11.) Douro River Boat Tour
A glass of wine beside the river is an important part of any trip to Porto. That being said, to up your game, book this boat tour on the Douro River that runs through Porto itself. You’ll pass. the six iconic bridges of Porto, and it’s honestly such a great we to see the city.
Also, if you want to explore more of the region’s legendary wine heritage, then book this tour. We absolutely loved the Douro Valley wine tour from Porto. We had the best day.
You see, on this tour, you get to explore two Douro Valley wineries, where you’ll have lunch and heaps of wine tasting along the way. It’s incredible and a perfect way to spend a day in the world-famous wine region of Portugal. Just be sure to book this tour in advance; tickets sell out fast at peak times. It’s easily one of the best things to do in Porto, especially if you love your wines.
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
12.) São Bento Train Station
I would normally not recommend visiting railway stations – partly because they’re not always that pretty. This is the exception to that rule.
To be honest, it is also partly because chances are that you arrived there in the first place, but São Bento Train Station (Google Maps pin) is definitely an exception to the rule. This station is a beautiful example of stunning Portuguese architecture. Visits will take like 10 minutes, and it’s really easy to tag onto your day of visiting Porto, especially if you’re already in the city centre.
Plus, nearby, you have the gorgeous Church of Saint Ildefonso (Google Maps pin), which you can visit, too. The azulejo tiles on the exterior of the church are just stunning to see.
Also, for a great cafe nearby, head on over to Do Norte Café (Google Maps pin). They also do a delicious French toast for breakfast.
Finally, if this is your thing, there’s a really unique McDonald’s (Google Maps pin) just across the road from the train station itself. Yes, I said McDonald’s! It’s probably one of the most famous in all of Europe, specifically because of the stunning building it’s within. Love it or hate it (it tends to divide opinion), it’s become a legendary spot to see in Porto.
13.) Lello Bookshop
Visiting the Lello bookshop is one of the best things to do in Porto, even if you’re not a bookworm. It’s actually incredible, and the bookshop in Porto is a rather special one. It’s one of the oldest, not just in the city but in all of Portugal.
Best of all, it’s so intricately and ornately designed inside, it’s worth a gander, even if you don’t care much for bookshops. Now, you will need to grab one of these specific tickets to enter the bookstore – and I suggest you get the ticket as soon as you know your plans. Tickets sell out at peak times.
The bookshop is absolutely stunning. Though, don’t think you’ll have this place to yourself. It gets super busy. If that’s not your vibe, maybe give this one a miss.
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
14.) Funicular dos Guindais
If you don’t care much for climbing mountains but still want a great view of the city, the Funicular is the way to go. There’s a small price to go on the funicular, and they tend to only accept cash – so keep that in mind.
Not only will this save you the hike up the hill to the top of Dom Luis I Bridge, but it also offers pretty great views of the city as you ascend the mountain. Trips take about 5 minutes. Short and sweet.
Afterwards, make sure to pop into Pérola do Bolhao (Google Maps pin). This gorgeous shop is where you can buy some locally tinned sardines and try the famous cherry liqueur, in chocolate cups, too.
Read more: Best things to do in Lisbon
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