26 Best Things To Do In Porto Portugal – Updated 2024

Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Soumya

26 Best Things to Do in Porto Portugal

Travelers often debate between spending a few days in Porto versus doing a day trip from Lisbon to Porto.

In my opinion, you should spend at least three days in Porto – two days for the Porto must see attractions and one day for a day trip around Porto.

A day trip to Douro Valley is my favorite, but there are so many different heritage towns nearby to choose from. There are several beach day trip destinations from Porto if you are longing for sun and water.

But the city of Porto, itself, is chock full of amazing things to do and see. Let’s find out what they are.

✦ Pro Tip: Buy a Porto Card only if you’re planning to visit several Porto museums and historic buildings. For most Porto attractions mentioned in this guide, the Porto Card is not very helpful. You can see which attractions the Porto Card covers on the official website here.

Visit the Twin Churches of Carmo

The Twin Churches of Carmo (Google Maps) are an absolute must have on every Porto to do list. Whether you’re visiting Porto for one day or one week, you have to see these beautiful churches.

Known as Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas, these two churches lie side by side, separated by a narrow, 1-m-wide house in the middle.

Igreja do Carmo is a baroque church with a grand tile panel on its side facade. They depict religious scenes from Mount Carmel and the founding of the Carmelite Order.

The Carmo Church, often referred to as Porto’s prettiest postcard, is one of the top places in Porto to click beautiful pictures.

Igreja dos Carmelitas does not have a tiled facade but has an opulently decorated interior with gilded altars and abundant use of gold leaf.

✦ Pro Tip: Join a guided walking tour of Porto and learn about the Carmo Churches from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Marvel at the Chapel of Souls

Chapel of Souls, or Capela das Almas (Google Maps), is a beautiful Porto church from the 18th century.

It is also one of the most photographed attractions in Porto because of its magnificent azulejo facade.

More than 15,000 blue and white azulejo tiles adorn the side facade of the church. Added in the 20th century, these tiles depict the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the death of St. Catherine.

✦ Pro Tip: Love Portuguese azulejos? Check out the 10 Best Places to see the Blue and White Tiles in Porto.

See the Dom Luis I Bridge

If you are wondering what to do in Porto on a clear sunny day or a beautiful breezy evening, I recommend taking a walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge (Google Maps).

Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-decker arch bridge and is one of the most famous icons of Porto. It was built in the late 19th century by a student of Gustave Eiffel.

The bridge has two levels. The top-level carries Metro trains and has a walkway for pedestrians, while the lower level carries cars and buses and has a sidewalk that you can use to cross over to the other side.

Walking on the Dom Luis Bridge and enjoying the stunning city views from the top is one of my favorite things to do in Porto, Portugal.

Stroll through the Ribeira District

Simply walking down the Ribeira District or Porto’s riverfront is a wonderful way to learn about the culture and lifestyle of the people of Porto.

At the Ribeira, you can see Porto’s colorful houses overlooking River Douro, boats and cruises swaying gently on the river, and local musicians playing melodious tunes.

Vendors put out delectable Portuguese desserts and their collection of Portuguese cork products, blue tiles, and other Portuguese souvenirs.

Some adventurous guys take a dive from the Dom Luis I Bridge into Douro River.

Restaurants and cafes are packed with tourists eating and laughing.

Sit down, relax, and enjoy the vibe of the Ribeira neighborhood, one of the most happening places in Porto.

Do a Porto Walking Tour

I always love guided walking tours, especially in historical cities like Porto that have UNESCO-listed historic centers.

Discover the Historic Center of Porto on this guided tour with a local and admire the beautiful architecture of Porto. This tour allows you to see all the best Porto landmarks including some hidden gems.

Visit Porto Cathedral

If you’re a heritage and architecture enthusiast, you’ll love visiting Porto Cathedral. 

Known as the Sé do Porto, this cathedral is a beautiful mix of various architectural styles, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque. The cathedral’s imposing facade makes it one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. 

Inside the cathedral, you’ll see opulent gilded wood carvings and beautiful blue and white azulejo tiles that narrate religious and cultural stories. From the rooftop, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city. 

📖 Related Read: Visiting Porto, Portugal? Check out our epic 3 days in Porto itinerary.

Climb Clerigos Tower for Porto’s Best Views

The 18th-century Clerigos Church (Google Maps) is one of the most beautiful Baroque churches in Porto. Built by an Italian architect, Nicolau Nasoni, the church has an ornate Baroque façade.

Its bell tower, called the Clerigos Tower or Torre dos Clerigos, is the tallest in Portugal often considered the symbol of Porto. You can get stunning views of the city and the Douro River from the top.

Despite that, Clerigos Tower is one of the least visited monuments and still remains a Porto hidden gem.

✦ Pro Tip: Book your Clerigos Tower entrance tickets here.

Marvel at Bolsa Palace

Palácio da Bolsa, or the Stock Exchange Palace (Google Maps), is an impressive Neoclassical monument located in the historic center of Porto.

The palace is home to a beautiful, glass-domed Hall of Nations (Pátio das Nações) and its exquisite mosaic flooring.

Spend a moment in the beautiful Arabian Hall (Salão Árabe) inspired by Alhambra in Spain. My eyes were wide open by the stunning Moorish designs and gilded gold embellishments.

Only guided tours are allowed at Bolsa Palace. Guided tours are available in Portuguese, English, Spanish, and French and last 45 minutes.

Pro tip: The Arabian Hall is sometimes closed to visitors because of special events. Be sure to check the opening hours on their official website before visiting.

✦ Pro Tip: You can buy the tour tickets at the palace or pre-book your Bolsa Palace tour here.

Take the Cable Car Ride in Porto Gaia

A cable car ride in Porto is a great way to get a bird’s eye view of Porto City. Known as Teleférico de Gaia (Google Maps), the cable car is a fun thing to add to your Porto itinerary.

The ride takes you on an aerial ride over Porto. You can peek below for stunning views of the Douro River, Dom Luis Bridge, and the Ribeira District.

The ride starts at Cais de Gaia by the river bank and ends at the Metro Station by the bridge. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Portugal with kids.

Once done with the cable car, do not forget to do a much-sought-after Porto wine tour. Cause all the port wine cellars are located on this side of the city.

Sample delicious food at Mercado Bom Sucesso

Mercado Bom Sucesso (Google Maps) has more than 44 food stalls under one roof, all specializing in gastronomic delights from different regions of Portugal.

Here, you can find everything from freshly baked Pastel de Natas, handmade chocolates, and Port wine to traditional Portuguese food.

We discovered a great vegetarian buffet chain at this market – da Terra. They serve delicious vegetarian Portuguese food and have tons of vegan options, too.

If you are a lover of local markets, you can also check out Mercado do Bolhão (Google Maps) – another interesting, more touristy, urban Porto market.

Tour a Wine Cellar and Taste Some Port

When visiting Porto, Portugal, you cannot miss doing a cellar tour and tasting some Port Wine.  

Porto is renowned as the home of Port Wine. Port is a rich fortified wine that has been produced in the Douro Valley for centuries. 

You can learn more about the history and tradition of Port wine-making by touring the cellars where it is aged. These cellars provide a cool, dark environment ideal for the slow maturation process that gives Port its distinct flavors. 

Tasting sessions allow one to appreciate the subtle differences between wine varieties, such as Ruby, Tawny, and Rose Port. 

Most cellars are across River Douro, on the Villa Nova de Gaia side. Calem, Cockburn’s, and Burmester are some of the best cellars to tour.

✦ Pro Tip: Find all the fantastic wine cellar tours in Porto here.

Enjoy a Live Fado Show in Porto

Listen to live Fado music while sipping a glass of Port and learn all about this poignant musical form of Portugal. 

Fado originated in Portugal in the 1820s and is often characterized by profoundly melancholic tunes and expressions. It was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2011.

Even though Fado originated in the Alfama district of Lisbon, several venues in Porto offer live Fado music. The best Fado shows in Porto happen at the House of Fado (A Casa do Fado).

✦ Pro Tip: Book your Live Fado Show at the House of Fado in Porto here.

Visit the Church of Saint Ildefonso

Built in the 18th century, Church of Saint Ildefonso or, Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, features an exquisite azulejo facade.

Over 11,000 blue and white tiles adorn the facade of the church.

Since the Church of Saint Ildefonso is not on usual tourist itineraries, you will almost always find the space in front of this church empty making it an excellent photography spot.

Visit the Beautiful Sao Bento Train Station

Porto has abundant azulejo tile facades. Some of the best ones are at the Sao Bento Train Station.

Built in 1900, the Sao Bento station showcases more than 20,000 beautiful ceramic azulejo tiles (added between 1905 and 1916). They depict the history of Portugal, kings, queens, wars, and the country’s transportation legacy.

You will probably be at the Sao Bento Station a number of times – to catch your trains for day trips nearby. But make sure you take your time in the main hall, look up and appreciate the blue beauties, and of course, click a few pictures with them.

Spot Azulejos on the Streets of Porto

Porto has so many beautiful azulejo panels to discover. In fact, there are so many that Porto is often touted as one of the bluest cities in the world!

One of my favorite things to do in Porto was to wander around the streets and look for azulejos on the facades of houses, churches, offices, and numerous other buildings.

📖 Related Read: Find the 10 Best Azulejo Spots in Porto.

Join a Tile-Making Workshop in Porto

You should not leave Porto without experiencing the traditional art of ‘Azulejos,’ the iconic Portuguese ceramic tiles. 

While there are several places to see and buy azulejos in Porto, nothing beats the experience of learning how to make these beautiful tiles on your own. 

Join a tile-making workshop and immerse yourself in the centuries-old art form of Portuguese azulejos. 

In this workshop, you’ll not only learn about the significance of the designs but also get hands-on experience creating your own tile, which you can take home as a souvenir from Portugal.

✦ Pro Tip: This is my favorite tile-making workshop in Portugal.

Eat Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria

When in Portugal, do not miss trying these cute, little Portuguese tarts available at every pasteleria in the country.

The iconic dessert of Portugal, Pastel de Nata, definitely lives up to its fame.

Manteigaria is one of the best places in Porto to try the famous pastel de Nata.

I loved how they made their tarts right in front of your eyes. Through a glass wall, you can see Pastel de Natas being prepared and baked. Then they are served warm and crispy in front of you.

Sign up for a Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop

Do you love Portuguese desserts? Especially the delicious egg tart from Belem near Lisbon? Yes, I am talking about the famous Pastel de Nata. 

The beloved Pastel de Nata, known for its flaky crust and creamy custard filling, is a delight for the palate and an integral part of Portuguese culture. 

Sign up for a Pastel de Nata pastry-making workshop in Porto and learn how to make this iconic Portuguese pastry on your own. 

Taste your own fresh pastries right from the oven and pair them with a glass of Port Wine (complimentary on this tour). 

See the Catacombs of Church of São Francisco

The church of São Francisco is one of the most exquisite churches in Porto, with a heavily-gilded baroque interior. More than 300 kg of gold dust was used to decorate the church’s interior.

However, what caught my attention here was not the gold but the seemingly unending rows of catacombs that lay inside the church’s cellar. They belong to Franciscan monks and wealthy families.

Keep walking to arrive at a glass floor below which you can see thousands of human bones – this totally freaked me out.

The church was closed down for a few years because it was considered too extravagant, making it one of the most controversial historical sites in Porto.

Visit Livraria Lello – Porto’s Most Popular Attraction

One of the most popular things to do in Porto is to visit the bookshop named Livraria Lello (Google Maps).

The bookstore is a huge draw for Harry Potter lovers because of how much it inspired J.K. Rowling when she was writing her first book.

The architecture of the bookshop is quite stunning, with a spiral red staircase and a stained-glass ceiling – straight out of a Harry Potter movie.

However, the number of people inside it may make you wonder if you did the right thing by going there.

The bookshop is extremely crowded during all times of the day and we literally had to jostle for space. Only recommend if you are a Potter fan! But go really early in the morning.

Visit Porto’s Tram Museum

Museu do Carro Eléctrico, or Porto’s Tram Museum (Google Maps), is another interesting place to visit in Porto. It is an absolute delight for train and tram lovers of all ages.

Located a little further away from the historic center, the Tram Museum usually does not figure in tourist itineraries. And that is why it is such a non-touristy thing to do in Porto.

Calm and peaceful, away from the crowds of the city center, Porto’s Tram Museum houses several heritage trams, a horsecart, and a couple of tram maintenance vehicles.

You can climb on many of these, sit on those chairs, and ring the clanging bells to indicate your stop. Isn’t that super fun?

Ride a Tram

When in Porto, ride a vintage tram. The trams of Porto are picturesque and make for a quintessential Portuguese experience.

The good news is that Tram 18 starts right in front of the Tram Museum at a stop by the same name. And you don’t have to squeeze yourself into an overcrowded buggy.

Practical Information for Visiting Porto Portugal

Best Time to Visit Porto Portugal

The best time to visit Porto is in spring and summer or the months between May – September. The weather is pleasant, and the city is home to several amazing festivals.

For example, Porto Wine Fest is usually held in July, whereas the International Puppet Festival happens in September. June is probably the month with the highest number of festivals. Check out the entire list here.

That said, this is also the time when accommodation in Porto is super expensive. Be sure to book your hotel well in advance if you are planning to visit Porto between May – September.

Best Places to Stay in Porto Portugal

It is a great idea to stay in the historic center so that you can easily walk to most Porto attractions. You don’t need to pay for commute or spend time on it.

Both Ribeira District and Avenida dos Aliados are great places to stay. Here are some great accommodation options in the area.

• Ribeira do Porto Hotel: This 3-star hotel is located in the Ribeira District and overlooks the Douro River. Dom Luis Bridge is just 2 minutes away. They have wonderful, clean rooms, friendly staff, and a sumptuous breakfast. Ribeira do Porto Hotel is a great choice if you are looking for something right across the river.

• Mo House: Another great place located in the heart of the city, Mo House offers stunning views of the river and city center. Do not forget to ask your host about the best places to visit in Porto and + the best places to eat. Reserve your stay at Mo House now.

• Happy Porto Hostel & Apartments: This is a good budget accommodation in the city center with nice rooms and rustic décor. They feature dorms and apartments. Ideal if you are looking for a bunk bed to crash into. Check prices and availability here.

Stay for cheap in Porto Gaia

If you are looking for something more budget-friendly without compromising on quality, I suggest staying in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite side of Douro River.

• Hotel Ibis Porto Gaia: We stayed here on our last trip and absolutely loved their clean rooms and decent breakfast. It is not very far away from the city either because we could easily get there in 10 minutes. I highly recommend booking your stay at Hotel Ibis Porto Gaia when visiting Porto.

Getting to Porto Portugal

Porto is serviced by an international airport called the Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (OPO) located only 7miles (11km) away from the city center. Several low-cost carriers such as EasyJet and Ryanair fly in here. Find a complete list of airlines that service Porto Airport here.

Once you arrive at the airport, you can take the metro, bus, shuttle, or taxi to get to the city center. Explore all the options here or pre-book a reliable and safe airport transfer here.

If you plan to arrive by train from interregional and international locations, Campanha Train Station in Porto is the best.

Planning to take the bus? Check out Rede Expressos, which services both national and international destinations.

✦ Pro Tip: Click here to plan your journey on OMIO.

Getting around Porto Portugal

The best way to get around Porto is on foot. The historic center is quite walkable, and its charming lanes make for interesting detours.

If you wish to rest your legs for a bit or need to get out of the city center, you can easily hop onto a bus or Porto metro. There are also trams and funiculars. Check details of Porto buses and trams here.

Public transport is easier to manage if you have a Porto Card with Transportation. It covers all local transport and includes several discounts.

If you plan to drive, you can easily pick up a car from Porto airport and explore the city and beyond.

Porto Portugal Travel Essentials

• Use Get Your Guide to find great deals and discounts on tours, attractions, and more across the city. I highly recommend it and use it all the time.
• Find the best hotels in Porto.
• Get a good pair of walking shoes because you will have to walk a lot in and around Porto Ribeira and the historic district.
• Porto has pleasant weather. But it can get hot during summer. So, carry sunscreen, a hat, and lots of water.

Experience more of Porto and Nearby Read our posts on Perfect Porto Itineraries | From spending one busy day in Porto to enjoying a Porto trip of 3 days, our itineraries are definitely going to wow you. Visiting Douro Valley | Plan the perfect Douro Valley day trip from Porto by train. Best Azulejo Tiles in Porto | Grab this list of the best places to see Portuguese blue tiles in Porto. Porto Day Trips | Spend some more time in Northern Portugal with these epic Porto day trips.

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