30 Best Things to Do in Porto
Nestled on the banks of the Douro River, Porto is a city that feels alive with history, color, and flavors. From medieval stone streets to contemporary art museums, terraced vineyards to buzzing riverside cafés, Porto is a perfect slow travel destination. I spent just over 2 months exploring it’s many layers that unfold slowly, rewarding those who take the time to wander. Its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, full of winding cobbled streets, Baroque churches, and cellars stacked high with oak barrels of port wine.
Step across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, and you’ll find more port cellars, bustling with tastings and tours. If beaches call your name, the nearby Foz do Douro district offers coastal vibes, seafood restaurants, and the Atlantic breeze.
Here’s your guide to the 30 best things to do in Porto, in my favourite order, so you can jump to what interests you most.
Port Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
No trip to Porto is complete without tasting the drink from where the city gets it’s name: Port wine. The historic cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia are where you’ll discover why Porto became synonymous with fortified wine. Even if you’ve never liked sweet wine, a guided tasting can completely change your mind – it certainly did mine!
In my opinion, Graham’s Cellar is the best tour by far but book well in advance, as their tours sell out. My second best port wine tasting experience would be Calem’s combo of port wine tasting and Fado performance for a double whammy of cultural sophistication.
Walking through the warehouses, locally known as caves, feels like stepping back into the 17th century. British merchants, in search of wine that would survive long sea voyages, added brandy during fermentation. This gave birth to the rich, sweet style we know today as port.
Other famous houses like Taylor’s, Sandeman, and Cockburn’s still operate from their original sites. For a more intimate experience, Vasques de Carvalho offers tastings of older white and tawny ports that are simply unforgettable.
If you have extra time, a short drive upriver into the Douro Valley leads to estates like Quinta do Portal and Quinta do Crasto, where the vineyards stretch endlessly and the views are breathtaking.
Cross the Luís I Bridge
Few sights scream “Porto” like the Luís I Bridge, this double decker iron giant was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel and in 1886 and has been a key feature of the Porto skyline since then. Walk the upper level at golden hour for a sweeping panorama of the terracotta rooftops of the Ribeira and views of the wine cellars across the glittering river Duero. The lower level looks great at night and offers a more intimate perspective under the city lights with riverboats gliding past, it’s truly magical.
Porto Secret tip: Try the Bridge Elevator! Most people don’t even know there’s an elevator and what’s more is it’s completely free. You can locate it on Google maps as the elevador da Ribeira. It’s a great way to get to the upper part of the city if you feel like skipping all the stairs.
Get Lost in Bolhão Market
The Mercado do Bolhão captures the soul of Porto like nowhere else. Opened in 1914 and lovingly restored, it feels like stepping into a living postcard. The iron archways lead to a maze of merket stalls where locals sell fresh, delicious, high-quality produce like cheeses, fresh pasta, salted cod, mushrooms, flowers, and smoked meats, to name a few. This is a simple way to try some of Porto’s finest produce all in one place.
The scents are intoxicating: roasted coffee, cured meats, and just out of the oven pastries and bread. It’s truly a feast for the senses. Watch vendors calling out specials, local grandmothers haggling for tomatoes, and chefs hunting for ingredients. Even if you don’t buy anything, simply wandering the market and people watching is an utter delight.
Grab a pastry, some coffee and people watch for hours or assemble a picnic from olives, cheese, and vinho verde. Bolhão is Porto at its most authentic.
It’s open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, Saturdays from 8am to 6pm and is closed on Sundays and national holidays. You can check out the full list of stalls on the market’s website.
Get Arty at Serralves Museum & Villa
You’ll want to mix it up a bit after one too many cobbled streets and foodie delights. Serralves is a must-visit, where contemporary art blends with history and nature. The museum is a pastel-pink Art Deco dream, designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira and built in 1930’s. It houses ever-changing exhibitions that are ready to inspire and entertain for hours. Check out what’s on here or you can usually buy tickets on the door.
The gardens often host open-air concerts, installations, and festivals, including the famous Serralves em Festa during the last weekend of May!
Try Portuguese Tart at Manteigaria
If Porto has a flavor, it’s the pastel de nata. The chain, Manteigaria still serve up the absolute best. You’ll see why there’s a constant stream of locals and tourists alike queueing out the door for their fresh custard tarts. The pastry is perfectly flaky, the custard still warm and creamy, the top caramelized with tiny golden freckles that tell you your future (ok, that last part might not be true, but I love seeing pictures emerging from the custard)
If you’re lucky enough to snag a standing table, the constant smell of butter and sugar wafts through the air as trays come out of the oven. Pair it with an espresso and savor the moment.
Other top spots for Porto’s Best Pastel De Nata’s include:
- Castro – Atelier de Pastéis de Nata
- Confeitaria do Bolhão
- Natas D’ouro
- Nata Sweet Nata
- Padaria Ribeiro
Porto Sé Cathedral
Sitting high above the city’s old quarter, Porto’s Sé Cathedral is one of the oldest and most important landmarks. Construction began in the 12th century, and you can still see the heavy Romanesque style in its thick walls and fortress-like towers. Later centuries added Gothic chapels and Baroque flourishes, so walking through feels like flipping through Portugal’s architectural history. The stone cloisters are adorned with those iconic blue-and-white azulejos, with stunning courtyards inside too. I felt like I was in Game of Thrones.
From the outside terrace, you get sweeping views over the Douro River and the tiled roofs of Ribeira.
The cathedral itself offers tours, and I really recommend one as it brought the building to life for me!
Try a Bifana at Conga
There’s one truly unmissable foodie delight in Porto…the bifana (no offence to the Francesinha). The only place I recommend you try it is Conga restaurant on Rua do Bonjardim.
Conga has been serving up these iconic juicy pork sandwiches since 1976 and they have been a city staple since then. The recipe is simple: thinly sliced pork soaked in a fiery, flavorful sauce sandwiched between freshly baked bread. Expect the vibe to be noisy, crowded, and alive with locals. Don’t panic if the queue pours outside the door, they know their craft and will get you seated and served super quickly. The menu has evolved over the years and they do offer a variety of dishes but trust me, you’ll want to still stick to the classic bifana.
They’re open from 11.30 am so it’s the perfect hangover dish to mop up the Port from the night before!
Stroll Along Cais da Ribeira
The Cais da Ribeira, is the Porto’s postcard looking historic riverside district. Featuring narrow, pastel-painted houses that lean over the cobbled streets, and spill their charm into artisanal shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. You can wander around to the sounds of clinking glasses, live music drifting from open windows, and boat horns echoing across the Douro. It’s not to be missed and especially comes alive in the early evenings until around midnight.
You get one of the best views of the iconic Luís I Bridge from here too, perfect for photos at any time of day.
Hot tip: If you want to experience Porto at its most lively, colorful, and chaotic, Festa de São João is the night to be in the city and the Ribiera is one of the best locations for it. Held every June 23rd in honor of St. John, the streets come alive with music, fireworks, and playful local traditions that have been cherished for generations. Crowds of all ages take to the streets, swinging plastic hammers in good-natured fun, sharing sardines grilled on open flames, and dancing to live music that echoes through the alleys!
Ride a Vintage Tram through the city
The old wooden trams still rattle through Porto like it’s 1920. Line 1 hugs the river, creaking past stunning tiled facades and washing lines strung between old balconies, while Line 28 winds you up steep streets (you’ll be glad you’re not walking). The seats are polished smooth from decades of use, windows clatter as they slide open, and every so often the driver leans on the bell to clear a path. It’s definitely not the fastest way to get around, but that’s the charm. Hop on and watch the city pass you by!
The best tram rides Porto has to offer:
Tram Line 1 – Ribeira to Foz do Douro
This is the most scenic. Starting near Ribeira in the city center, the tram follows the Douro River all the way to the Atlantic coast. Windows open, breeze coming in, the river slowly widening until it hits the ocean, it’s the ride that feels like stepping back in time.
You’ll end up in Foz do Douro so you can stroll the seaside promenade, grab seafood, or just sit on the rocks and watch the waves crash in.
Tram Line 18 – City Center to Carmo & Museu do Carro Eléctrico
This line snakes through some of Porto’s prettiest central streets, climbing from the riverside up past Miragaia to Carmo. You’ll pass churches dressed in azulejos, narrow climbs, and plenty of daily street life.
You end up at The Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico), set in an old power station, full of beautifully restored trams that once ran through Porto!
Tram Line 22 – Carmo Circular Route
More of a loop than a destination, it’s great if you want a quick orientation of Porto’s historic center. It rattles you past Clérigos Tower, Aliados Avenue, and down some narrow streets you might miss on foot. This is a circular line, so you end up back where you started which is handy if you’re short on time.
Step Back in Time at Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro
Surrounded by the Cathederal and Sao Bento Station, Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Portuguese life. This was once the home of the influential poet and writer Guerra Junqueiro. It was donated to the city in 1940 and carefully preserved as a museum since then.
Inside, the rooms are filled with exquisite furniture, fine ceramics from Nuremberg, delicate faience from Viana do Castelo, and a collection of religious art, including intricate silverwork all laid out in situ like stepping into a time capsule. Every piece tells a story of taste, culture, and the lifestyle of Porto’s elite in the 1800s.
The garden is an equally charming and quiet spot where peacocks roam aroud freely and centuries of history seem to whisper from the walls themselves.
Take a Douro River Trip
No visit to Porto is complete without experiencing the city from the water. A Douro River trip offers a peaceful, scenic escape while giving you a new perspective of the city and it’s surrounds.
Whether you choose a short one-hour cruise around the six bridges or a longer journey upriver into the UNESCO World Heritage Douro Valley, the views are totally unforgettable. Longer journeys upriver like this tour offer views of vineyard-covered hills, charming local villages and usually include lunch and a Port tasting. I’d recommend splashing out if you have time.
Taste Porto’s Best Francesinha at Brasão Cervejaria Aliados
You have to try the famous francesinha at least once! This towering sandwich filled with layers of cured meats, steak, and melted cheese, all smothered in a rich tomato-and-beer sauce and topped with a sunny side up egg is not for the faint hearted. At Brasão Cervejaria, you’ll find arguably the best francesinha in the Porto served up to locals and tourists alike. At Brasão, the fries are crispy, the sauce deeply flavorful, and the portions very generous so make sure you arrive hungry. Expect a lively atmosphere in a stunning Ruch wooden tavern with locals chatting over lunch and travelers eagerly diving in for their first bite.
Fun fact: The Francesinha was created in the 1950s by local, Daniel David de Silva. After a trip to France where he sampled croque-monsieur, he was inspired to make his own heartier, saucier and uniquely Potuguese version.
The second-best Francesinha can be found at Café Santiago.
Climb Clérigos Tower
Dominating Porto’s skyline, Clérigos Tower is impossible to miss. This Baroque masterpiece, completed in 1763, was the tallest building in Portugal at the time and for the full experience make sure you climb the 240 narrow steps to the top. It’s a decent workout, but the panoramic views are worth it. From up here, you’ll see the winding streets of Ribeira, the Douro River sparkling in the sunlight, and the terracotta rooftops that make Porto instantly recognizable.
The church below is equally impressive. Inside, the Baroque interiors dazzle with gilded altars, delicate frescoes, and extremely intricate woodwork. Whether you’re a history buff, architecture lover, or simply after the perfect city shot, you’ll want to make a visit.
Step Inside the Livraria Lello Book Shop
Often topping the list of the world’s most beautiful bookstores (for obvious reasons). Livraria Lello is an Art Nouveau wonder. Wooden staircases twist like ribbons throughout the store, stained glass filters soft light, and it’s carved balconies give every corner a truly magical feel.
Legend has it J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from Livraria Lello for Harry Potter, and it’s easy to see why. Even without buying a book, the atmosphere alone makes you want to put open to paper and daydream.
Note: this place gets mobbed alive with tourists so if you’re going to go, get there before it opens at 8am to skip the queues and have a nicer experience, if you can’t get there early, I’d say don’t go at all!
Wander Through Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
If you need to take a breather in Porto, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is the perfect spot. Designed in the 19th century to complement the long-lost Crystal Palace, the gardens are a blend of formal terraces, winding pathways, and panoramic viewpoints over the Douro River.
Enjoy the leafy avenues of camellias, pines, and ginkgo trees where peacocks wander freely, adding some magic! It’s a place where locals come to jog, picnic, or simply sit and watch the river. It’s the perfect spot to soak in Porto’s natural beauty without leaving the city.
Foz do Douro & Matosinhos: Porto’s Coastal Escapes
If you’re on the hunt for some next level seafood and that sweet sea breeze. Matosinhos & Foz do Douro are just a short ride from Porto. These charming little fishing towns offer a refreshing break from the city’s bustling streets. Known for long sandy beaches and excellent seafood, they’re the perfect place to unwind, breathe in the Atlantic breeze, and watch the local fishermen at work.
Stroll along the promenade, dotted with palms and cafés, and you’ll find restaurants serving freshly caught fish grilled to perfection, from sardines to octopus. Surfers often take to the waves here (it’s beginner friendly if you’re down for a lesson).
Whether you’re seeking a beach day, a seafood feast, or a taste of traditional Portuguese coastal life, Matosinhos and Foz do Douro deliver a relaxed escape with a local flavor that’s hard to beat.
For the foodies, check out Heróis de França street in Matosinhos, there’s a large selection of restaurants there to eat barbecue-style fresh fish.
Best Seafood Restaurants in Porto:
Explore the Palácio da Bolsa
Step inside Palácio da Bolsa and you’ll instantly feel the grandeur of Porto’s mercantile past. Built in the 19th century on the site of a former convent, this neoclassical palace was the city’s stock exchange and a hub of commerce, and its interiors tell the story of wealth, power, and artistry.
The standout is the Salão Árabe, a Moorish Revival hall so ornate it almost overwhelms the senses. Gilded woodwork, intricate plasterwork, and glittering chandeliers create a space fit for royalty. Don’t miss the Pátio das Nações, a sunlit courtyard with a soaring octagonal metal-and-glass roof that frames the sky beautifully.
Guided tours offer a glimpse into the palace’s history and the lavish craftsmanship that decorates every corner. Even if you’re not a history buff, walking through Palácio da Bolsa is a feast for the eyes and a reminder of Porto’s elegance, ambition, and enduring love for art and architecture.
Discover Portuguese Art at Soares dos Reis National Museum
If you love art, be sure to visit the Soares dos Reis National Museum, Portugal’s first national museum of fine arts. Founded in 1833, it was originally created to house religious art confiscated from convents but today it’s a treasure trove stacked full of the finest Portuguese paintings and sculptures spanning the centuries.
Named after the 19th-century sculptor António Soares dos Reis, the museum showcases his work alongside pieces by other renowned Portuguese artists like Silva Porto, Domingos Sequeira, and Vieira Portuense. From delicate religious carvings to dramatic oil paintings, every room reveals a slice of Portugal’s rich artistic heritage.
The museum itself is worth a visit for the architecture alone, housed in a grand 18th-century palace, it’s as much a part of the experience as the art hanging on the walls. Wander through elegant halls, admire ornate staircases, and take a moment in the gardens outside to ignite the artist within. Whether you’re an art history buff or just curious about Portuguese culture, Soares dos Reis offers history through the artists eyes.
Igreja do Carmo
This Baroque church is known for its blue-and-white tiled façade depicting Mount Carmel. Inside, you’ll find gilded altars, delicate woodwork, and side chapels that demonstrate Rococo elegance. It’s a feast for photographers and a quiet sanctuary amid the bustling streets of Porto.
Porto Bridge Climb
For thrill-seekers, Ponte da Arrábida offers a guided arch climb with harnesses. Inch your way up as the city spreads beneath you with Douro, Ribeira, and Luís I Bridge in every direction. Adrenaline and awe collide for an unforgettable perspective.
Street Art Tour
If you love street art, Porto doesn’t disappoint. Cedofeita and the surrounding neighborhoods are sprinked with murals, graffiti, and experimental art from artists all over the world. A guided or self-led tour uncovers vibrant voices expressed through paint, sticker, and stencil. Each alley offers surprises that turn a casual walk into a cultural scavenger hunt.
Visit the hidden Fernando de Castro House-Museum
Porto’s kept secret, the Fernando de Castro House-Museum is by booking only. From the street, you’d never guess what lies behind its humble looking front door but step inside, and suddenly you’re in a world overflowing with art, books, sculptures, and endless flashes of gold leaf.
This was once the home of Fernando de Castro, a passionate collector who filled every inch of his house with treasures. it feels less like visiting a museum and more like stepping into someone’s eccentric imagination. It’s not a place you stumble upon by accident, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Book a guided tour by email here.
Make your own Fancy Food and Wine tour down Rua Das Flores
Rua das Flores is a favourite street among Porto foodies. The street buzzes with small, higher-end restaurants and wine bars. Spend an evening tasting northern Portuguese specialties: fresh cod, grilled octopus, or hearty meat stews, paired with wines from small producers.
Some of my personal favourite restaurants to visit:
Sip a Coffee with artists at Café Majestic
Step inside Café Majestic and travel back to the Belle Époque era. it’s gilded mirrors, crystal chandeliers, and carved wood create an opulent backdrop for a coffee, or light snack.
It’s the kind of place where you linger and time slows down. Watch waiters in crisp uniforms deliver espresso, pastries, and hot chocolate to patrons who are an equal mix of locals, tourists, and artists. Even if just for one cup, Café Majestic is an experience of Porto’s elegance and charm.
Check out the Modern Mercado Temporário da Ribeira
For a modern market twist, check out the Mercado Temporário da Ribeira. A lively, contemporary food hall, it’s perfect for sampling local dishes, street food-inspired bites, and inventive cocktails.
Sit at a shared table, watch chefs at work, and let the music and chatter wash over you. Unlike Bolhão, this market feels youthful and experimental, a place where tradition meets Porto’s ever-evolving culinary scene.
Sample Porto’s Best on a Food Walking Tour
This one’s for the foodies who like to know the stories behind dishes. A food tour turns Porto into a feast for the senses and will set you up with the best restaurant recommendations in town right from the get-go. Picture a pastel de nata glistening in morning light, grilled sardines smoking in the kitchens, and markets bursting with people and produce.
Your local guide will show you not just the best dishes, but the stories, traditions, and people behind them. By the end, you’ll have memories and photographs that feel as alive as the city itself.
Explore Hidden Tascas
Porto is dotted with local taverns that serve simple, hearty food (otherwise known as Tascas). Hidden gems like Taberna dos Mercadores, A Bolina, or Voltaria are where you taste authentic northern Portuguese dishes without the tourist fanfare.
Another favourite of mine is Casa Guedes. Order a few ‘sandes de pernil’ (the sandwiches that made this place famous!) and a glass of vinho verde at Casa Guedes Tradicional (the original one), and let the flavors tell the story of Porto. The atmosphere is always lively, the food honest, and the experience unforgettable. Wandering into this hidden tasca feels like stepping back in time for a 100% Portuguese experience.
Catch a Concert at Casa da Música
Casa da Música isn’t just Porto’s most striking modern building, it’s also one of Europe’s top concert halls too. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the futuristic, geometric shape rises out of Avenida da Boavista like a giant white spaceship that somehow landed in the middle of the city.
Inside, the acoustics are world-class and the programming is wonderfully diverse: from classical symphonies and jazz nights to fado, electronic sets, and even children’s concerts. Even if you’re not catching a show, the guided tours are well worth it. You’ll get to peek inside rehearsal rooms, learn about the designs that make the sound so unique, and stand on the main stage looking out at the grand hall.
On sunny days, the wide outdoor steps double as a casual hangout spot for locals, with skateboarders and students often hanging out here. Whether you come for the music, the architecture, or just the atmosphere, Casa da Música shows off Porto’s more modern and creative side and is a perfect contrast to the city’s centuries-old churches and palaces.
Take a Day Trip to Guimarães
Just under an hour from Porto by train, Guimarães is considered the birthplace of Portugal. Its medieval streets, ancient castle, and gothic churches transport you to a time of knights and kings. Wander the town square, sip coffee under shaded arcades, and imagine the lives of people who shaped Portuguese history.
The city is small enough to explore on foot but packed with stories, from grand palaces to tiny artisan shops. A day here is like stepping into a living history book, and the journey through rolling hills and vineyards adds to the magic.
Take a Day Trip to Braga
Another must-do day trip, Braga blends religious heritage with vibrant city life. Known for its stunning Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary, with its dramatic Baroque staircase, Braga invites both contemplation and exploration.
Walk through manicured gardens, admire ornate chapels, and climb the terraces slowly, savoring the views of the valley below. Braga’s old town is equally charming, filled with cafés, local markets, and streets where history whispers from every doorway.
Final thoughts on Best things to do in Porto.
Porto is a city of layers; historic, culinary, artistic, and coastal. From the Douro’s banks to the Atlantic waves, every street, café, and wine cellar offers a different story. This 29 best things to do in Porto guide blends history, food, culture, and adventure, but the best experience is simply slowly wandering, tasting, and feeling the heartbeat of Porto at your own pace. Enjoy!
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