21 Top Things to Do in Porto Portugal for an Unforgettable Trip
Porto is a historic city that has a mix of grandeur and grit with a beautifully tiled train station, soaring bridges, casual cafés, and, in the summer, the scent of grilled sardines drifting through alleyways.
Considered Portugal’s “second city”, Porto was never the capital of Portugal and never had a royal residence. It is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and was settled in the second century BCE as an outpost for the Roman Empire. It later became famous for its export of fortified wines, named after the area, Port.
We are a family of four who live here, so we’ve had the chance to explore it deeply, and yet there’s always more to see. This list of things to do is what we start with when friends ask about Porto.
We have included the top sights and highlights of this wonderful city. You’ll find the famous sights like Livraria Lello and the Dom Luís I Bridge, but also food to try, and spots to enjoy the riverside views.
Whether it’s your first trip to Porto or your fifth, these are the places you don’t want to miss.
This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All our recommendations are our own and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
21 Top Things to Do in Porto
Porto is so full of things to do and try, from iconic landmarks to tasty regional dishes. This list could be endless, but these are our top things to do in Porto, which we suggest to our friends and family when they visit.
This list is especially helpful for first-time visitors who want the most classic attractions that Porto has to offer. Not sure where to stay? Start with the historic downtown.
For detailed itineraries, check out our advice for 1 day in Porto, or a jam-packed 3 days in the city.
Done the highlights? Check our more activities on our list of things do on a rainy day. These are especially helpful if you are visiting in the rainy season!
1. Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge
If there is one sight that defines Porto, it is the double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge stretching across the Douro River. Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, you can cross the river using either level.
The upper deck is the most famous and offers sweeping views over the river and Porto. The upper deck is also where the metro crosses, so be sure to step out of the way, as there are no barriers between pedestrians and the metro.
From the upper deck, you will see the famous Ribeira district on one side and Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the Port wine lodges, on the other, with traditional rabelo boats bobbing at either bank.
When you cross the river, you are actually leaving Porto behind and entering Vila Nova de Gaia. Sunset from here is magical — the whole city glows gold and orange, and while this is one of our favorite times to bring guests here, it is also the most crowded!
Tip: Once you are across, head up to the steep ramp to Igreja do Mosteiro for a bird’s eye view of the bridge and the river, or sit on the grass in Jardim do Morro in Gaia to enjoy the view.
2. Climb the Clérigos Tower
The Clérigos Tower rises over Porto like a stone lighthouse and is visible from much of downtown. This iconic landmark is attached to the Clérigos Church, and your ticket covers the tower plus the small museum inside the complex. Expect 225 narrow steps, a few squeeze-by moments, and a wonderful view at the top over the terracotta rooftops and across the river.
Buy your ticket on site, from the entrance on the side of the church. You’ll turn right to start your tour, winding through the museum, looking down into the ornate Baroque church, and up into the bell tower. You’ll finish your descent in the church itself, which is a great place to stop and take a rest.
Tip: There is a free organ concert at noon inside the Clérigos Church every day. It lasts around 30 minutes and is a lovely moment to add to your day.
Arrive a few minutes early to find a seat. You do not need a ticket; enter at the same entrance as ticket holders, but turn left to enter the church directly.
Details: R. de São Filipe de Nery, open daily 9 am – 7 pm, tickets on site €8 adults, €4 children (under 10 free)
Travel Tip: If this is your first time in Portugal, make sure to learn a few easy Portuguese phrases to use throughout your visit.
3. Take a Walking Tour
A walking tour is a great way to learn a lot about Porto in a short time. You will get the layout of the city and can decide where to circle back later in the day.
We took visiting friends on this walking tour, and everyone had a great time. I honestly wished we had taken it sooner, as it brings together the main sights of downtown with the history of Porto and Portugal in general.
On this tour, you will explore Porto’s UNESCO-listed historic center with a local guide, walking past Roman walls, Moorish influences, and baroque churches. Stops include the Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and even Mercado do Bolhão.
It is a great way to tie together the city’s history while hitting many of the landmarks from this list in just a few hours.
Check Availability: 3 Hr Porto Walking Tour
Love to walk? Learn more about Porto’s famous Camino, where you walk from Porto to Spain!
4. Step Inside Porto’s Sé Cathedral
The Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, sits on the highest point of the city and has guarded the skyline for nearly 900 years. From the outside, it looks more like a fortress than a church, with heavy Romanesque towers and battlements.
Step inside, and you will find a mix of styles from different centuries, including a richly decorated Gothic cloister lined with blue and white azulejo tiles.
When we first visited Porto, we skipped the Cathedral, figuring we had seen many across Europe. Now, it’s one of the first places we take visitors. It has some of the best tilework in the city, ornate rooms, and a bell tower climb to wear out little legs.
The cathedral square in front of the Sé has been a gathering space for centuries. From here, you get sweeping views over the rooftops of Porto, across to Gaia, and the river below. From here you can take the stairs down to narrow old alleyways leading to the Ribiera.
Note: The main cathedral used to be free to enter, with the cloister and museum requiring a ticket. They’ve been working on restoring areas of the Cathedral, so there is only one (paid) entrance available.
There is sometimes a line, but it moves quickly, and you won’t find it crowded once you get inside. The price is very low, and it is well worth paying to see these spaces, which are some of the most beautiful in Porto.
Details: Terreiro da Sé, open daily 9 am – 6:30 pm, tickets on site, €3 adults, children under 10 are free.
5. Admire the Azulejos at São Bento Train Station
São Bento Station is one of the “must-see” landmarks in Portugal. The grand entrance hall is lined with over 20,000 blue and white azulejo tiles, painted in the early 1900s by artist Jorge Colaço. They tell sweeping stories from Portugal’s history, from royal battles to everyday rural life.
The lobby itself, despite the lofty description, is not large, and you can see it in just a few minutes. The station is still in use for local trains heading north, so expect a mix of commuters rushing through and travelers standing with their heads tilted back to take in the walls.
São Bento is free to enter, and a great stop on your way to the Time Out Market, which occupies one side of the station.
Currently, the tiles in the station, and many others around town, are covered with white paper to protect them from dust and vibrations due to the ongoing construction of the pink metro line.
Details: Praça de Almeida Garrett, open daily 5 am – 1 am, free entry
Love azulejos? Check out our article on where to buy tiles in Porto, as well as the best workshops to paint your own tile!
6. Visit the Famous Livraria Lello Bookshop
Often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is one of the most popular attractions in Porto. Inside this small bookshop, the dramatic red staircase is famously said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s moving staircases in the Harry Potter series while she was living in Porto, though the connection has since been debated.
I have never passed the bookstore without seeing multiple lines outside. Buy your tickets online in advance through the official Livraria Lello website, then line up at the sign for your designated time.
The cost of your entry voucher doubles as a credit toward any book purchase, though it can be hard to browse with the crowds angling for photos.
For some, this is a magical “must-do”; for others who are less familiar or enthralled with the Harry Potter connection, it’s a fun “spot and move on” attraction.
Details: R. das Carmelitas 144, open daily 9:30 am – 7 pm, tickets start at €10 for the most basic “silver” option (voucher redeemable for books).
7. Tour Palácio da Bolsa
Palácio da Bolsa, or the Stock Exchange Palace, is one of Porto’s most dazzling interiors. Once a convent, Queen Maria II gifted the remains of the building to the Commercial Association of Porto in 1842, and it became the city’s actual stock exchange until the 1990s. It was designed to impress, showing off Porto’s wealth and ambition to visiting merchants and dignitaries.
From the outside, it looks grand but restrained, but step inside and you will find sweeping staircases, ornate chambers, and bits of history along the way. The tour ends with the Arab Room, dripping with gilded decoration in the Moorish Revival style inspired by Moorish palaces. Don’t miss peeking into the library and bar on your way out after the tour.
The Bolsa Palace can only be visited on a guided tour. Tours last around 30 minutes and move quickly through the site.
Tickets can be booked online in advance on the official Palácio da Bolsa website or purchased at the ticket office when you arrive. Tickets do sell out, so book ahead or stop in to grab tickets for a time slot later in the day.
Details: R. de Ferreira Borges, open daily 9 am – 6:30 pm, tickets €14 adults, €9.50 for students and seniors, children under 12 free.
8. Explore the Ribeira District and Waterfront
The Ribeira district is one of the most famous and colorful parts of Porto, where narrow lanes lead down to the river and tall houses painted in yellows, reds, and blues lean against each other. This has been the busy heart of the city for centuries, once full of merchants unloading boats, and today full of cafés, restaurants, and tourists!
It is a great place for a slow wander through the narrow streets, or a spot to sit with a glass of vinho verde and watch the river traffic float by. The Ribeira often gets crowded with boisterous groups of performers and tourists. Be aware that there are no barriers between you and the drop-off into the river, so be cautious.
9. Take a Douro River Cruise
One of the best ways to see Porto is from the water. The classic option is a “six bridges cruise,” which takes about 50 minutes and runs up and down the Douro River. You will pass under the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Arrábida Bridge, and several others, getting a lovely view of the city and Vila Nova de Gaia from the river.
Most cruises use flat-bottomed rabelo boats, replicas of the traditional boats once used to carry barrels of Port wine down the river. Tours usually leave from the Ribeira docks, and you can buy tickets on the spot from several different operators.
For something a little more special, finish your day with a sunset sailing trip. This two-hour sailboat ride on the Douro includes a Port tonic cocktail and snacks. You set sail at 6:30 or 7:00, depending on the season, so you are on the water as the sun sets. The boat heads downriver to its mouth, where the Douro meets the Atlantic Ocean, then back into the city, with plenty of time to enjoy the views.
We have sent friends on this tour when visiting us, and they all love it. It is a relaxing ride, with a max of 24 people on board, bathrooms available, and blankets if it gets chilly. The boat leaves from a marina in Vila Nova de Gaia, so plan about a 15–20 minute Uber ride from the Ribeira to the dock in Gaia.
Book Now: Sunset Douro Boat Ride
10. Visit a Port Wine Cellar or Two in Vila Nova de Gaia
Across the river from Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia is home to the famous Port wine cellars. Many of the big names you see on the riverfront, like Sandeman, Graham’s, and Taylor’s, offer guided tours that explain how Port is made, along with a tasting at the end.
Each cellar has its own character. Some focus on history and tradition, while others have more modern visitor centers. Even if you are not a big drinker, the Port cellars are a major part of Porto’s story and worth experiencing.
If you want to sample a variety in one go, this three-hour Port Wine Tasting Tour gets amazing reviews. You will meet in front of the Dom Luís I Bridge on the Porto side, then walk over to Gaia with the group. Along the way, you will visit three different venues and try seven different tastings. Children six and up can join the tour (but not drink, of course.
Book your tour in advance, especially in summer, since spots can fill quickly. Some cellars welcome families and will let kids join for no additional cost, while others have an age restriction.
We have visited Calem, Cockburns, and Ferreira, and found each one to be a unique experience.
Book Now: 3 Cellar Port Wine Tasting Tour
11. Wander through Serralves Museum and Gardens
Serralves is the most respected contemporary art museum in Portugal, and is situated on an estate with a sculpture park, treetop walk, art deco house, and more. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions of international and Portuguese artists, while the surrounding gardens stretch across 44 acres with shady paths, which make a nice change of pace from downtown Porto.
One of the highlights for families is the Treetop Walk, a raised wooden pathway that lets you stroll among the branches for a different perspective. During the year, the gates of the park are open to the public for several events, including the Autumn Festival in late September.
Serralves is located outside the city center, so plan on a 15–20 minute Uber or bus ride.
Details: R. Dom João de Castro 210, open daily 10 am – 7 pm; Tickets include both the museum and the gardens, general admission is 24€ per adult. Children 12-17 are half price, children under 12 enter free.
12. Take a Day Trip to the Douro Valley Vineyards
The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage wine-growing region, and this is where all Port wines begin. Grapes are grown and harvested in the valley, and the barrels were traditionally floated down the river to Porto for storage in the wine lodges.
Today, the valley also produces excellent unfortified wines, both red and white. Unlike French or American wines, Portuguese wines are labeled by region rather than by grape.
The Douro Valley is a series of small towns about two hours east of Porto that form a UNESCO World Heritage site. Public transportation is limited, so your best bet is to rent a car (with a designated driver) or join a guided tour. Taking a day tour is one of the most popular activities for visitors to Porto; you’ll find incredible scenery to go with the wine.
This highly rated Douro Valley Day Trip includes everything. You will be picked up in a nine-person van, visit two wineries, enjoy a traditional lunch with unlimited wine, sample local olive oil, and take a ride in a traditional rabelo boat. Children are welcome to join the tour as well.
Book Now: Douro Valley Day Trip
If you prefer a private tour of the Douro Valley, we recommend this tour. For something slightly cheaper with more people (up to 25), check out this tour, which also gets excellent reviews.
Interested in more day trips? These are the best options that are all under two hours from Porto.
13. Visit the Igreja do Carmo and the Hidden House
Igreja do Carmo is one of Porto’s most photographed churches thanks to its massive blue and white tiled side wall, decorated with scenes from Mount Carmel. Right next door is the Igreja dos Carmelitas, and between the two sits the “hidden house” — a skinny, one-meter-wide building that was lived in until the 1980s. It was built to keep the two churches separate, since one belonged to monks and the other to nuns.
Inside, Igreja do Carmo is richly decorated with gold leaf carvings and paintings, though most visitors come for the tiles outside and the novelty of the hidden house. Today, the house is part of the church museum, and you can step inside to see its tiny rooms and learn more about its history.
The tiled outer wall makes for a great photo spot and is often not crowded.
Details: R. do Carmo, open daily 9 am – 6 pm, tickets are 7€.
14. Ride a Historic Tram and Visit the Tram Museum
Porto’s vintage trams are a fun way to see the city, especially for kids or anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia. These wooden trams date back to the early 20th century and still rattle through some of the streets, particularly along the riverfront.
The most popular ride is Line 1, which runs from the Ribeira district west along the Douro River, passing bridges and colorful houses before reaching the beachside town of Foz do Douro.
You can catch Line 1 at the Infante stop, located just below the Igreja de São Francisco near the Ribeira waterfront. You’ll often see a line form here; it’s fun to watch the tram stop, flip its seats so it can head in the other direction, then fill up again.
Tram tickets are not included in standard transit passes, so you will need to pay the conductor as you board.
For a deeper look at Porto’s tram history, stop by the Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico). Housed in an old power station, it displays beautifully restored trams from different eras and explains how the network once covered much more of the city. The museum is located outside the city center, but you can take the tram to get there! Just get off at the stop Museu do Carro Elétrico.
Details: Tram tickets €6 adults, €3.50 children (4–12); Tram Museum, Alameda Basílio Teles 51, open Saturday 10 am – 1 pm, Tue–Sun 10 am – 1 pm and 2 – 6 pm, Tickets €8 Adults, €4 Children, Children under 6 free, discounts when showing tram tickets.
15. Taste a Francesinha
The Francesinha is Porto’s most famous dish, and it is unlike anything else you will find in Portugal. This giant sandwich is stacked with layers of steak and sausage, covered in melted cheese, and drowned in a slightly spicy tomato and beer sauce. It is often served with a side of fries and has become an icon of the city.
There is debate about who makes the best francesinha in town, but Café Santiago is one of the most popular spots and consistently serves up a good one.
Check out our guide to traditional dishes in Porto and our favorite places to eat traditional food in town.
Porto has plenty of other local specialties worth trying, including tripas à moda do Porto (tripe stew), grilled sardines, and caldo verde (a green soup with potato and collard greens). Tripe is so popular that people who live in Porto are sometimes called “Tripeiros”.
Coffee is also very popular, don’t miss our article on ordering coffee in Porto!
16. Browse and Sip at Mercado do Bolhão
Mercado do Bolhão has always been Porto’s most famous food market. For years, it was a traditional spot where locals came for fish, produce, and flowers, but after a major renovation, it now serves both locals and tourists.
You will still find the classic stalls to buy meats, fish, or vegetables, a knife sharpener, and a seed store, but now there are also plenty of stands selling souvenirs or single servings of food and drink, so you can snack as you browse.
It is a great place to try regional cheeses, cured meats, local pastries, or just enjoy a glass of Vinho Verde while wandering the aisles. The mix of old and new makes it lively and fun, though it is often quite crowded and seating is limited. On the upper level, you will find a mix of sit-down restaurants that offer meals from fresh seafood to fully vegetarian.
Details: R. Formosa, open Mon–Sat 8 am – 8 pm, closed Sundays, free entry
17. Enjoy the Sunset from Jardim do Morro
Jardim do Morro sits at the top of the hill in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Dom Luís I Bridge from Porto. From here, you get one of the best sunset views in the city, looking back over the Douro River, the bridge, and the rooftops of Porto.
The park itself is small, with grassy areas where people gather in the evenings with a full picnic, snacks, drinks, or just to hang out. Street performers and live musicians often add to the atmosphere, and it is common to see both tourists and locals enjoying the end of the day here.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before sunset if you want a good spot on the grass. Bring a blanket or jacket — it can cool off quickly once the sun goes down.
18. Admire the Igreja de São Francisco
Igreja de São Francisco is one of Porto’s most striking churches. Attached to the back of the Bolsa Palace, the Gothic exterior is plain compared to what you will find inside.
Enter on the left to buy your ticket, which includes entry to the church museum, the adjacent chapel, and the catacombs below. You’ll start with the museum and the chapel, which is richly decorated in its own right. You’ll then descend into the catacombs, where you’ll see rows of burial niches and some human remains.
From here, you’ll leave through the door you entered, and cross the courtyard to the church, which is the most richly decorated of all the spaces. Considered one of the best examples of the Portuguese Baroque style, it is estimated that more than 300 kilos of gold leaf were used. Photographs are not allowed inside the church.
Details: R. do Infante D. Henrique, open daily 9 am – 7 pm, tickets €9 adults, children under 12 free.
19. Hunt for Street Art
Porto has a wonderful street art scene, with murals tucked into alleys and spread across building walls around the city. Some are large, colorful works commissioned by the city, while others are smaller, more spontaneous pieces that you might stumble across while exploring.
One of the most famous is the Half Rabbit by Portuguese artist Bordalo II in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is a dimensional mural created entirely from recycled materials.
Around Porto itself, look for works near Rua de Miguel Bombarda, a street known for its art galleries, or along Rua das Flores and smaller side streets. Part of the fun is not knowing what you will find — each turn can reveal something new.
Details: Find Half Rabbit at the corner of Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes and R. Dom Alfonso III in Gaia.
20. Stroll Along the Sea in Foz do Douro
At the point where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, you will find Foz do Douro. This upscale neighborhood is known for its beaches, seaside cafés, and long promenade that stretches along the water. It has a very different feel from the historic center of Porto, and is a nice way to see another side of the city.
The walk along the promenade takes you past rocky beaches, the Felgueiras Lighthouse, and plenty of spots to stop for a coffee or ice cream with a view. On warm days, locals come here to swim or sunbathe, and in the evenings, the sunsets are often spectacular. Take tram 1 from Infante to Riberia, or take the 500 bus line.
21. Enjoy Coffee and a Pastry in a Traditional Café
Porto has a proud café culture, and stopping for coffee and a sweet treat is part of daily life here. The most famous café in the city is Majestic Café, a Belle Époque gem on Rua de Santa Catarina, where chandeliers and gilded mirrors make it feel like you have stepped back in time.
Prices are higher than average, but the atmosphere is worth it for at least one visit.
For something more local, try one of the smaller pastelarias scattered around the city. The most famous pastry is the pastel de nata (cream tart), but you will also find other regional sweets like bola de Berlim (cream-filled doughnuts) or jesuítas (flaky pastries with icing).
For ideas of where to stop, check out our list of favorite coffee shops.
Details: Majestic Café, R. de Santa Catarina 112, open Mon–Sat 9 am – 11 pm, closed Sundays
What’s the Best Time to Visit Porto?
Porto has a mild climate, making it a year-round destination; however, spring and fall are considered the best times to visit. From April to June and September to October, the weather is warm without being too hot, and the city feels lively without the heavy summer crowds.
November through February is the quietest season, and while you may need a rain jacket, you will have popular sights mostly to yourself. If you can, try to visit in late June, when the city hosts its biggest party for São João with fireworks, floating lanterns, music, and dancing in the streets.
FAQ
Many of Porto’s best experiences do not cost anything. Walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge, exploring the famous Ribeira district, or enjoying a sunset at Jardim do Morro are all free. São Bento Station, with its tiled hall, is also free to enter.
Porto is most famous for Port wine, the Douro River, and its historic center with colorful tiled buildings and winding streets. Iconic landmarks like Clérigos Tower and the Dom Luís I Bridge are also icons of the city.
Most of Porto’s museums charge admission, and the free days that they offer are usually only for Portuguese residents, not tourists. However, children under 12 are often free, and students and seniors usually receive discounts.
There You Have It
Porto is a city that blends history, food, and everyday life in a way that is easy to enjoy. You can climb towers, wander through old cobblestone streets, enjoy a Port tasting, or just sit in a garden with a beautiful view.
There are so many things to do in Porto and the surrounding neighborhoods, but these are the top experiences we recommend starting with to get a true feel for the city.
Don’t miss our 1 day and 3 day Porto itineraries for more ideas about how to explore Porto!
Need more things to do? Take the metro to Matosinhos for beachside activities, from surfing to a sardine factory tour!
Is it raining? Here’s all the indoor activities to keep you busy.
Don’t miss our full guide to using the metro and other transport around Porto.
