10 Unmissable Things To Do In Porto, Portugal’s most up-and-coming destination

Located in northern Portugal, a few miles from the river’s mouth on the Atlantic Ocean, Porto is a wonderful destination for a European city break.

It’s a hilly city with winding warrens of old lanes and charming riverside quarters where terracotta-tiled houses rise up from the waters of the Douro.

Its enviable position offers stunning viewpoints from which you can admire its iconic bridges and historic neighbourhoods, as well as the Douro River meandering through the city.

From visiting one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops to cruising down the river, Porto delights at every corner.

The city can offer many wonderful experiences you are looking for in a memorable vacation: beautiful architecture, plenty of entertainment, stunning culture, rich history and delicious cuisine and wine.

This list is by no means comprehensive, but it can help you start planning your list of things to see and do in Porto; if you don’t have time to see it all in one holiday, don’t worry—we’re confident you’ll want to revisit it again!

So, here are some of the top things to see and do when you visit the second-largest city in Portugal.

I’ve been to Porto a few times.

With my partner, wandering through galleries and museums and with our girls, scouring thrift shops in and around Rua de Santa Catarina and hiking up to Jardim das Virtudes in time for sunset.

And every time I visit Porto, I find something new — from secret vintage warehouses to beloved sandwich spots and cool cocktail bars.

Of course, there’s also the endless tile facades, the art museums, the riverside promenade, the historic wine cellars and, yes, even the beach.

All these fantastic things to do and more are why I never say no to a few days in Porto.

Walk across the Dom Luís I bridge

Dom Luis I Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Portuguese city of Porto, which connects neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto.

Designed by an acolyte of Gustav Eiffel, it is one of the most iconic spots to take in the sweeping views of the city, the Douro River and the colourful Riberia District.

With a length of 385 meters and a height of 45 meters, the stunning Dom Luis I Bridge is not only beautiful but also incredibly functional.

The lower level of the bridge carries vehicles such as buses and cars, but the upper deck is for the metro, and pedestrians are allowed to cross both.

How long does it take to cross the bridge? It may take only five minutes to cross the arched bridge, yet the opportunity to admire the surrounding views is quite exceptional.

The views from the bridge are incredible

Visit Porto’s Beautiful Churches

Porto is home to several wonderful churches, many of which are known for their intricate blue facades.

These architectural gems offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and culture and are perfect for architecture enthusiasts and those looking to explore Porto’s religious heritage.

As these churches are some of Porto’s best assets, it would be a shame not to visit at least a few of them.

Porto Cathedral | Our favourite was the Porto Cathedral, a wonderful mix of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque styles, a masterpiece with wonderful views of the city. Here, you’ll find an outstanding altarpiece made of silver, stunning cloisters and the iconic blue-and-white azulejo tiles.

Clérigos Church | You can also immerse yourself in the opulence of Clérigos Church, which was built between 1732 and 1750. The unique and impressive tower at the back of the church is 75.6 metres high, and there are 240 steps to be climbed to reach the top. If you’re lucky with timing, you can enjoy the nice bells ringing.

Church of Santa Clara | Don’t let the discreet Gothic facade fool you, as its interior is extensively decorated in golden gilded woodwork. You will be completely enchanted by the golden glow shining through the church as you wander around the recently restored building.

Learn about the history of Portugal at São Bento Railway Station

Even if you are not going anywhere, a visit to São Bento train station, where over 20,000 of the blue and white tiles depict scenes from Portugal’s past, members of the royal family, saints and rural scenes, is a must as it isn’t your average railway station.

Located in the heart of the city, the historical station was built back in 1916, and it took the artist 11 years to finish painting the breathtakingly beautiful scenes.

Nowadays, the station handles suburban trains and some InterRegional trains and offers travellers a unique and awe-inspiring experience thanks to its grand architecture and intricate design.

Once inside São Bento Railway Station, you can explore its impressive modern amenities, including several restaurants and cafes, as well as admire the popular Porto station’s traditional artefacts, like old trains and clocks.

The wonderful, sunlit interior of São Bento Railway Station

Step into a world of magic at Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world and one of the top tourist attractions in the city.

The unique bookstore was built in 1906 by Xavier Esteves. It is famous for its lavish neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau interiors and is a must-see for those who have a love for all things book-related.

It has elaborately carved archways and columns, a sweeping staircase, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and elegant stained-glass skylights.

Over the last few years, the bookshop has gained fame and turned into one giant tourist attraction, so it’s not a place where you can curl up with a book in hand.

One of the ways to skip the lines is to book an organised walking tour of the city, where you can visit the stunning Lello Bookstore with a private guide.

Opening Hours – Monday: closed, Tuesday to Sunday: open 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Good to know – You have to pay an admission fee to go inside.

*Top Tip – Book tickets online well in advance and try to visit right when the bookstore opens or just before closing to avoid crowds.

The magnificent Livraria Lello bookstore in Porto

Go On a Cruise Under Porto’s Six Bridges

Six magnificent bridges join the two banks of the Douro River.

If you wish to rest your legs after walking up and down the city hills, then jumping on a wooden Rabelo boat to enjoy city panoramas from a slightly different perspective is a good idea.

Sailing along the banks of Porto is a wonderful way to discover the beauty of the peaceful waters of the Douro River, as the scenic and relaxing ride takes you through the heart of the city, showcasing its architectural beauty, rich history, and vibrant riverside atmosphere.

The 50-minute cruise usually starts either from Gaia or the Ribeira side of the river and passes under all six bridges, including the modern Arrábida Bridge and the mighty Dom Luís I Bridge.

Good to know – Porto’s weather can be unpredictable, and even on sunny days, it can get chilly on the water. Make sure you bring a cosy cardigan to keep you warm

*Top Tip – Arrive ten minutes early to grab the best seats

Discover the Charm of Porto’s Premier Wine Cellars

Walk across the Don Luis I Bridge to visit Vila Nova de Gaia, which sits on the opposite bank of the River Douro to Porto, and take in the stunning view across the river.

The historic centre of Gaia is much smaller than Porto’s, but it offers a very relaxing setting when you walk in the alleys between the cellars.

If there’s one thing Vila Nova de Gaia is famous for, it is the world-renowned Port wine. A perfect way to learn about how Port production started in the 17th century is to visit one of the cellars

This way, you can learn lots about growing and harvesting grapes and, of course, do a tasting.

Other noteworthy things to do in Gaia are to take in the views from the Sierra del Pilar Monastery, catch a sunset at the Jardim do Morro, and go for a stroll on the beach.

Top wine cellars you can check out:

Graham’s, a cellar which has been making Port wine since 1820

Savour Colourful Street Art

Porto is a haven for street art.

History and food aside, Porto also has a very strong urban art scene, with some of the most picturesque walls often tucked away off the beaten track.

While you could book one of the engaging street art tours available to explore this aspect of Porto culture, it’s not too difficult to find these works on your own.

Once you arrive in the city and start roaming around its cobbled streets, you’ll notice right away all the giant murals covering many of the walls in the city.

If you need some guidance, just grab a map with the locations of murals and try to track them down at your own pace.

Some of the famous murals not to be missed are :

The Trindade mural by Hazul and Mr Dheo is opposite the Trindade metro station.

Blue cobalt cat or perspéntico by liqen on Afonso Martins Alho street

Mira by daniel eime in rua nova da alfândega

The half rabbit by Bordalo II in Gaia

Mural da Trindade painted by Hazul Luzah and Mr Dheo

Take a Ride on Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto’s Cable Cars

What better way to enjoy stunning views of its iconic bridges and bustling city life buzzing below than to take a ride in a cable car?

Operating since 2011, it is a means of transport integrated into the decor of Porto, which allows tourists and locals to be whisked between Jardim do Morro and Vila Nova de Gaia with ease.

The cabins can accommodate up to 8 people, and it takes just five minutes to reach a height of 35 meters.

As you gain height, you get to enjoy splendid views of the city of Porto, the Louís I bridge, and the old district of Vila Nova de Gaia.

Opening times: every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., except Sundays

Admission: The return ticket costs Adult €10.00, Child (5-12) €5.00

The Gaia Cable Car is a fun and worthwhile experience

Marvel at the opulence of the Palácio da Bolsa

Located on the Rua de Ferreira Borges, the wonderful nineteenth-century neoclassical Palace of the Stock Exchange is one of the most lavish buildings you can visit in Porto.

One can mistakenly see the Palácio da Bolsa as a palace for royals. But it is, in fact, the old stock exchange building of Porto where, to this day, economic business activity is conducted.

It’s a must-see place, as each of the rooms is more ornate, intricate, and extravagant than the one before.

Here are some of the top things not to miss:

Commercial Court Room for the gorgeous murals

Hall of Nations for the huge iron and glass dome skylight

Noble Staircase for the ornate details

Bolsa Palace library to see the carved furniture, historic tomes, and celestial globes

*Good to know – You can only visit Palacio da Bolsa on a guided tour, which costs € 12 for an adult.

The historical Stock Exchange Palace in Porto is a must-see

Wander Around the Historic Ribeira District

With its prime waterfront location, the vibrant Ribeira district is a must-see place.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a medieval riverfront neighbourhood where you can feel the pulse of the city.

It is one of the city’s oldest, most historic neighbourhoods and a fantastic area to visit if you enjoy lively and picturesque places.

The postcard-perfect row houses and the narrow streets will make you feel like you stepped back in time to when this was an important trading port, filled with commerce and merchant ships from around Europe.

Start by visiting Ribeira Square, where you’ll find a big fountain built in the 1780s. It is about 3 stories high and engraved with the Portuguese coat of arms.

The colourful Ribeira district in Porto city

Go On A Day Trip

Porto is a great place to base yourself to explore the surrounding area.

From the stunning Douro Valley and the historic town of Braga to the colourful seaside town of Aveiro, there is something for everyone.

If you’re staying in Porto for longer, we’d highly recommend picking a day trip or two.

Duoro Valley – Famous for its rolling hills and vineyards as far as the eye can see, the Douro Valley is arguably one of the best day trips. The best way to see the Douro Valley is to book a boat cruise along the winding river, which can be easily done from the town of Pinhão.

Braga – As one of Portugal’s oldest cities, Braga is full of history and charm. Here, you can wander the cobblestone streets, stopping in quaint cafés and admiring the beautiful buildings.

Aveiro – With its historic architecture, charming canals, and vibrant culture, Aveiro is known as the “Venice of Portugal”. It offers many wonderful experiences for travellers seeking an authentic Portuguese adventure, such as going for a ride on colourful, gondola-like vessels

Coimbra – Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most historic cities. It is home to Europe’s oldest university. Here, you can visit the Machado de Castro Museum, stop by Santa Cruz Monastery and admire hundreds of rare and exotic plants from around the world at the Botanical Gardens.

Colourful houses in the Costa Nova district, Aveiro

Quick FAQs About Porto

When Is The Best Time To Visit Porto?

The best time to visit Porto is from early spring until late fall. April and May are great for avoiding summer crowds, and September is fantastic for wine lovers because it’s when the harvest in the Douro Valley takes place. June is best for experiencing traditional celebrations in Porto.

How Many Days Should I Spend In Porto?

We would recommend spending a minimum of three days in Porto, though if you are new to the city, four days would be ideal, as it would allow you to relax, soak in the chilled atmosphere and even take a day trip.

Three full days would allow you to explore the city’s charming streets and neighbourhoods, see all the main attractions without being too rushed, and also spend an afternoon at the beach if you wish.

We had five days to explore the city

Parque de São Roque is a lovely park that is located close to the famous Dragon Stadium of FC Porto

Is Porto Worth Visiting?

With a laid-back atmosphere, friendly locals, incredible views, and so much to see and do, Porto makes the perfect European city break.

Whether you spend your days sipping port wine with views over the Douro River or exploring the narrow winding streets of Ribeira, we are sure you will have the best time in Porto.

Is Porto Safe?

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, and Porto is no exception to that rule.

The crime rate is low, and we always felt incredibly safe while exploring the city. Of course, you should always exercise the same caution as you would in any city, such as keeping an eye on your belongings.

And that’s a wrap!

As you can see, Porto is an amazing destination for those who want to experience the unique charm and traditions of Portugal on an incredible scale.

From its striking architecture to its glorious beaches, there’s just something magical about Porto City that offers quite a lot for every type of traveller.

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Now, over to you!

Have you been to Porto? Let us know in the comments below!

Please let us know if you plan to visit Porto and have any travel-related questions.

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10 Unmissable Things To Do In Porto, Portugal’s most up-and-coming destination – OUR CROSSINGS