20 Best Things To Do in Porto Portugal [Awesome Guide]
Although Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, it often gets overshadowed by Lisbon. Nevertheless, this historic city has a lot to offer tourists, from its stunning architecture to its delicious food. With this guide, you'll be able to uncover some of the best things to see in Porto.
There are many things to do in the Portuguese city of Porto. Visitors can explore a number of churches, visit the Lello Bookstore, walk along the riverfront, visit Peneda-Gerês National Park, visit Vila Nova de Gaia, visit Douro Wine Valley, watch the sunset, explore Ribeira District, climb the Clérigos Tower, and explore Porto city by trams.
A Guide to The Best Things to Do in Porto
Portugal has a lot to offer to tourists, from the beaches of the Algarve to the Douro Valley, and its capital city of Lisbon. There are many amazing cultural attractions in Porto, and they make it one of the best destinations in Portugal. Porto is a fascinating place with many historical sites and museums, which makes it a great destination for history lovers and architecture buffs. It's also a great place for shopping and dining out.We're going to show you the best things to do in Porto and around it. It's a really romantic city with a ton of history and of course some really tasty wine.
Porto, located in northwest Portugal along the Douro River, is the second-largest city in the country. Porto city has played an important role in Portugal's history and was a flourishing trading port from early on. But only in the 18th century did Porto really establish itself as a key trading hub.
This was all thanks to the export of port wine to England and the rest of the world. While Porto is still famous for this type of wine, there are also a ton of other reasons why this is a must-visit travel destination. From its stunning old town to its authentic cuisine and romantic viewpoints, Porto has so much to offer.
In this article, we highlight some favorite activities in and around the city. Whether you're religious or not, visiting the churches of Porto is a great way to get to know the city's history and architecture. There are dozens of beautiful churches in Porto but a few stand out, such as Clerigos Church and Tower, St. I'll list the 20 best things to do in Porto.
Francis Church, the Church of Carmo, and the Porto Cathedral. If you're looking for a historical landmark to visit in Porto, the Porto Cathedral is a great option. It's one of the city's oldest monuments, and it's full of interesting history. The Porto Cathedral is located just a few minutes away from the Douro river and the Palácio da Bolsa, and it's easy to find.
1. Visit the Churches
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| Cathedrals in Porto |
Francis Church, the Church of Carmo, and the Porto Cathedral. If you're looking for a historical landmark to visit in Porto, the Porto Cathedral is a great option. It's one of the city's oldest monuments, and it's full of interesting history. The Porto Cathedral is located just a few minutes away from the Douro river and the Palácio da Bolsa, and it's easy to find.
The church itself was built between 1147 and 1514, but the original building was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake. The church was rebuilt and expanded in the 18th century, but it wasn't until 1883 that the building we now see today was completed. The Porto Cathedral is a must-see attraction for any visitor to Porto.
One of the most visited attractions in all of Porto is undoubtedly the enchanting Lello Bookshop. The building dates back to 1906 and is often nicknamed "the most beautiful bookshop in the world" due to its blend of different architectural designs. The unique wooden staircase, ceiling piping, and stained glass skylight are just mesmerizing.
2. Visit Lello Bookstore
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| Lello Bookstore in Porto |
One of the most visited attractions in all of Porto is undoubtedly the enchanting Lello Bookshop. The building dates back to 1906 and is often nicknamed "the most beautiful bookshop in the world" due to its blend of different architectural designs. The unique wooden staircase, ceiling piping, and stained glass skylight are just mesmerizing.
However, the shop is small and the queue to get inside can be very long. If you want to avoid the long line, we recommend visiting outside of opening hours. We recommend buying a skip-the-line ticket voucher which comes with a free book. In this way, you'll potentially avoid hours of waiting.
3. Try Local Food
There's more to Porto than just its traditional port wine. The city has a lot of great food to offer. You can try local and national specialties, such as "Tripas", which is a hearty stew made with white beans and beef stomachs. |
| Francesinha Sandwich |
Try cod fish and grilled sardines for a change. Our favorite regional dish, Francesinha, is made with various types of meat, bread, melted cheese, and sometimes an egg. So this is one of the most traditional Porto dishes and it's called "Francesinha" and you can try it anywhere in any restaurant in Porto.
4. Walk the Riverfront
But the recommendation from our guide was to try it at Café Santiago, so let's try it. We have the riverfront promenade along the Douro where we can take in the stunning views of the river. It's one of the liveliest parts of Porto and a great place to walk, dine, and sightsee. Here, you'll observe beautiful views of the river and the iconic Dom Luís 1 bridge.When we were there, it was the busiest day of the year: St John's Fest. At this festival, the city commemorates its Patron Saint on the 23rd of June, with live music, drinking, grilled sardines, lots of dancing, hitting each other with plastic hammers, and tons of fireworks.
If you have the chance to visit Porto on that day, we highly recommend it!
Porto is a wonderful city to explore and one of the best ways to see everything it has to offer is by taking a cruise of the six bridges cruise on the Douro River. This cruise will take you through the city’s historic center, past all of the major landmarks, and provide you with stunning views of the riverfront.
5. Cruise of the 6 Bridges
Porto is a wonderful city to explore and one of the best ways to see everything it has to offer is by taking a cruise of the six bridges cruise on the Douro River. This cruise will take you through the city’s historic center, past all of the major landmarks, and provide you with stunning views of the riverfront.
From the water, you can admire the beautiful landscapes and red roof buildings of Porto as well as Vila Nova de Gaia. All while learning about the historic bridges that connect both cities. The crews will take you to the seafront, where the river meets the ocean.
There are many different companies that offer this cruise, so be sure to shop around and find one that suits your budget and needs. The cruises typically last around 1-2 hours, depending on the company, and depart from various locations throughout the city.
6. Enjoy the Porto Viewpoints
Similar to Lisbon, Porto is a hilly city with many breathtaking viewpoints. The Vitória viewpoint is among the best-known ones with views over the Old Town and the river. The Porto Cathedral and the Virtudes Promenade and Park offer stunning views, as does the waterfront Vila Nova de Gaia.Porto is a beautiful city it is known for its stunning views, wonderful food, and rich history. Here are just a few of the many activities that you can enjoy while visiting this amazing city.
One of the best things to do in Porto is to simply walk around and take in the sights. The city is filled with gorgeous architecture, charming alleyways, and stunning views of the riverfront. Be sure to stop by one of the many viewpoints located throughout the city for an incredible panoramic view of Porto.
If you're looking for something a bit more active to do, there are plenty of options available as well.
7. Visit Peneda-Gerês National Park
Our favorite sunset view was from the Ribeira viewpoint. We're right now walking the Luís 1 Bridge, and if you cross it you actually come into a new city, which is called Vila Nova de Gaia. The Peneda-Gerês National Park, located near the Spanish border, is a two-hour drive from Porto. From there, you can watch the incredible sunset over the city of Porto.It's the oldest protected area and the only national park in Portugal, covering about 695 square kilometers. From authentic mountain villages to amazing landscapes with numerous viewpoints and waterfalls, this place is truly breathtaking. There are many roads that connect the remote villages and beautiful viewpoints in the park, making it easy to explore by car.
However, the best thing to do is to get out in nature and take it all in. You can find a link to a 4x4 day tour from Porto in the description below. One of the best things to do near Porto is to visit Portugal's most beautiful wine country The Douro wine valley sits on the banks of the Douro River, upstream from Porto and almost to the border of Spain.
8. Visit Douro Wine Valley
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| Douro Valley Wineries |
However, the best thing to do is to get out in nature and take it all in. You can find a link to a 4x4 day tour from Porto in the description below. One of the best things to do near Porto is to visit Portugal's most beautiful wine country The Douro wine valley sits on the banks of the Douro River, upstream from Porto and almost to the border of Spain.
This region is where the famous port wine is produced and it's known as the first demarcated wine region in the world. But besides its wines, this valley is also worth visiting for its incredible landscapes, nature, and history. We spent two days in Peso da Régua and enjoyed wine tasting, hiking, and learning all about the region.
9. Visit Vila Nova de Gaia
You can also do a day trip to this region by embarking on a boat cruise from Porto. Find more info about that via the link in the description. If you don't have time to go to the Douro Valley, there's also a closer option. While less idyllic, Vila Nova de Gaia is also known for its port wine.In fact, all of the port wine that's produced in the upper Douro Valley was historically transported here in barrels on traditional boats. This is why the riverbanks of Porto today are filled with wine cellars and tasting rooms. Most wine cellars offer wine tastings and guided tours, during which they'll explain more of the history.
10. Porto Free Walking Tour
But besides the wine cellars, this waterfront is also home to numerous restaurants and offers some of the best views of Porto. There is no better way to get to know Porto and the history of Portugal than by taking a free walking tour. During two and a half-hour guided tour, you'll see the main highlights of the city like São Bento train station, Café Majestic, Aliados Avenue, and much more.But you'll also get some recommendations for where to eat, go out, and just have fun. The tour we did leaves a few times per day from Liberty Square. Find more info about it via the link in the description below. So my name is Jorge and I'm from a small town very near Porto, actually, it's called Sever do Vouga.
Porto is located on West Coast, at the intersection of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Douro River, You can watch the epic sunsets. As the sun sets over the picturesque city of Porto, Portugal, take a moment to enjoy the view. This beautiful city has so much to offer, and watching the sunset is one of the best things to do.
11. Watch the Sunset
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| Douro River |
Porto is located on West Coast, at the intersection of the North Atlantic Ocean and the Douro River, You can watch the epic sunsets. As the sun sets over the picturesque city of Porto, Portugal, take a moment to enjoy the view. This beautiful city has so much to offer, and watching the sunset is one of the best things to do.
Some tips on how to make the most of your sunset experience in Porto. Find a spot with a great view of the city. The best place to watch the sunset is from one of the many bridges that span the Rio Douro. Another great option is to head up to one of the viewpoints, such as Miradouro da Serra do Pilar.
Once you've found your perfect spot, take a seat and relax. If you're watching from a bridge, you can enjoy the cool breeze blowing off the river.
12. Explore the Ribeira District
If you find yourself in Portugal’s second city, Porto, be sure to explore the historic Ribeira District. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the banks of the Douro River and is full of things to see and do. Here are some of the best ways to experience the Ribeira neighborhood.Wander the narrow streets and enjoy the architecture. The buildings in the Ribeira District are some of the oldest in Porto, dating back to the 14th century. They are made of beautiful patterned tiles and have intricately wrought iron balconies. Spend some time simply walking around and admiring the views.
Visit one of Porto’s most famous landmarks, Palacio da Bolsa. This neoclassical building was once a stock exchange but is now open to the public for tours.
13. Find Kind Gift Ideas at the Mercado do Porto Belo
In the heart of Portugal's second city, Porto, is the Mercado do Porto Belo. This vibrant city market is a great place to find unique gifts and souvenirs. From hand-painted pottery to locally made wines, there are plenty of options to choose from. And if you're looking for something truly special, the market's knowledgeable vendors can help you find the perfect gift.Join a wide cross-section of Porto society while digging for treasures amid stalls of records, vintage clothing, elegant stationery, antiques, crafts, handmade jewelry, and old-fashioned toys.
Porto is home to many historical landmarks, including the Clérigos Tower. The tower was built in the 18th century and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
14. Climb the Clérigos Tower
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| Clérigos Tower in Porto |
Porto is home to many historical landmarks, including the Clérigos Tower. The tower was built in the 18th century and is one of the city's most recognizable landmarks.
The 76 meters high (249ft) Torre dos Clérigos, designed by Nicolau Nasoni in the 1700s, is Porto’s signature landmark. From the top of the 225 steps, visitors can see far-reaching city views.
Visitors can climb the Clerigos to the top of the tower for a panoramic view of the city. The tower is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission to the tower is 4 euros for adults and 2 euros for children under 12 years old. Climbing to the top of the tower takes about 30 minutes.
Foz do Douro is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. With its beautiful beaches and stunning views, Foz do Douro is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
15. Relax in the Sunny Surroundings of Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sun. With its beautiful beaches and stunning views, Foz do Douro is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
There are plenty of things to do in Foz do Douro, from exploring the local shops and restaurants to enjoying the many activities available on the beach. When the sun shines, enjoy the atmosphere on Foz do Douro for a bit of beach time followed by drinks at terrace cafes overlooking the ocean.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or an exciting adventure, Foz do Douro has something for everyone.
16. Discover the Lore of Porto’s Favorite Drink
If you're looking for things to do in Porto, Portugal, why not start with the city's favorite drink? Port wine has a rich history dating back to the 18th century, and there are plenty of ways to discover its lore. Here are just a few ideas:Visit a port wine lodge - Many of the city's port wine lodges offer tours and tastings, so you can learn all about Portugal's best wines, and how this delicious fortified wine is made.
Explore Vila Nova de Gaia - This picturesque town across the Rio Douro from Porto is home to many of the region's port wine cellars. Take a walk along the riverfront or take a cable car up to one of the viewpoints for stunning views of the city.
You can delve deeper into the World of Wine, a vast cultural complex that contains various museums, a wine school, and a dozen restaurants and bars.
If you're looking for an amazing concert experience while in Portugal, look no further than the Casa da Música. This world-class concert hall offers a variety of musical performances throughout the year, ranging from classical to contemporary. You’ll find a broad mix of programming, featuring grand symphony orchestras, jazz groups, and the occasional rock icon.
17. Enjoy the World-class Concert Inside the Casa da Música
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| Casa de Musica in Porto Portugal |
If you're looking for an amazing concert experience while in Portugal, look no further than the Casa da Música. This world-class concert hall offers a variety of musical performances throughout the year, ranging from classical to contemporary. You’ll find a broad mix of programming, featuring grand symphony orchestras, jazz groups, and the occasional rock icon.
No matter what your musical taste may be, you're sure to find a performance that you'll enjoy at the Casa da Música. So if you're looking for things to do in Porto, be sure to add this must-see venue to your list!
18. Enjoy a Porto Picnic
You can see tons of ducks and geese in Parque da Cidade's ponds. For pure romance, time your visit for the late afternoon, and you can enjoy yet another fine spot to watch the sunset.Porto's city beaches are a delight. The water is clean and the sand is soft. The most popular beach by far is in front of Praça dos Poveiros (aka Largo da Ribeira), alongside the Douro River.
19. Join the Locals When in Baixa
Start your day with a cup of coffee at one of the many cafes lining the streets of Baixa. You can seek out the heart of Porto’s nightlife, or head to the cobblestone lanes just west of Avenida dos Aliados. On Sundays, the corridor (especially Rua Galeria de Paris) becomes a venue for a significant party that continues late into the night.20. Explore Porto Portugal by Tram
Trams are among the oldest electric passenger transport systems on the continent. The trams remain a lovely and handy way to travel throughout the city.If you're looking for a unique way to explore the city of Porto, Portugal, then take a ride on one of the trams Porto. These vintage streetcars offer a great way to see the sights and get around town. Here are some tips for making the most of your tram experience.
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| Porto Tram |
Hop on the famous Tram 28. This iconic streetcar runs through many of Porto's most popular neighborhoods, so it's a great way to get a feel for the city. Be sure to get off at stops like Praça dos Leões and Miradouro da Vitoria for some great views.
If you're looking for something more leisurely, try the Tramway Touristique de Porto. This scenic route takes you along the Douro River and past some of Porto's most famous landmarks.
Conclusions
In your opinion why do you think people should visit Porto? Oh wow, I think this speaks for itself right? And this is a very very beautiful town not only because it's a historic city, but because it's very much alive. This is basically where Portugal was born. The city, the name of Porto, actually originated in the name of Portugal.In conclusion, Porto is a beautiful town that should be visited by everyone. The city is full of life and history, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. so what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Porto today!
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