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40 best things to do in Porto (Portugal) – with photos

Last updated on August 22, 2022 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

I am so excited to show you my favorite city in Portugal with my selection of the best things to do in Porto.
Plus, to save you time, I have curated for you the different options of Porto tours (walking, city and wine tasting). 
This way you can become more intimate with this soulful city!

Pin Best Porto Tours - Things to do in Porto Portugal Travel Guide

Table Of Contents
Why visit Porto? 
#1 to 8 - Best things to do in Porto - enjoy the best views
#9 to 18 - What to see in Porto
#19 to 23 - Porto Beaches, seafront & forts
#24 to 27 - Best places to visit in Porto - the museums
#28 to 36 - Porto tours and activities + unique experiences
#37 to 40 - Best day trips from Porto - Douro Valley and Beyond
1, 2 or 3 days in Porto itineraries
Where to stay in Porto
How to get to Porto
FAQs

โ

Best travel guide I have ever read!

Silvian about ZIgZag

In this article, no ads, no sponsored posts. Just some affiliate links.
If you purchase through them, I get a commission at no extra cost to you (Disclosure).


Why visit Porto? 

Is Porto worth visiting?

Yes. Porto is a vibrant city with a lot of soul and history.
No wonder why it made it on the Unesco World Heritage list. Simply walking the streets is fascinating. And I am in love with the Dom Luis Bridge I. I know I am exaggerating a little bit. But this is not the Port wine talking!

Porto is worth visiting

Its old center is mesmerizing with colorful old houses and a unique atmosphere by the river.
There is so much you can see and do. I am excited to show you my 40 curated places and activities.

Porto riverfront

Virtual visit - video

Below is a short video to get an overview of Porto:

Visiting Porto - Map overview

Here is a very simple map to help you understand the layout of Porto:

Best things to do in Porto map


How to get around Porto

  • Walking

Porto has a lot of hills, but you can visit the historical center on foot. Just wear good and comfortable footwear.

  • The Hop-on Hop-off bus

Stops are next to all the great places to see and best views without wasting time in between. The main loop is not too long.
Plus, there are a river cruise and a wine tasting tour included, as well as a second loop that takes you all the way to the beaches and forts.
I don't recommend the Hop-on Hop-off bus in every city. I think for example it is a waste of money in Lisbon. But in Porto is was really great!

Get your Hop-on Hop-Off Bus ticket

  • Taxi

They can be found everywhere. They can take you to your next stop much faster than the bus.

  • Car

I don't recommend driving while staying in Porto. Renting a car is great to explore the country. But once in the city, parking can be a nightmare.

Hop on Hop off bus Tour Porto

Need to rent a car in Portugal?

Renting a car Portugal tips

See my 36 practical tips
to choose the best car to rent
from Lisbon, Porto or Faro
for the roads in Portugal
and find the best deals

+ read more

or directly see the best deals on my favorite platform


#1 to 8 - Best things to do in Porto - enjoy the best views

The old town of Porto is one of the most scenic towns I have seen.
Therefore, in my opinion, the best things to do are simply to walk around and enjoy the various viewpoints.
The bridge allows you different perspective of these colorful and historical buildings.

#1 - Walking around the river

One of my favorite activities in Porto is to just stroll by the Douro river on both sides and to cross the Dom Luis Bridge. The views are fantastic from every angle!

Walking in Porto Portugal

#2 - Serra do Pilar

In Vila Nova de Gaia, walk up to the Serra do Pilar Monastery. It can be visited. But the best part is the view from the park around (photo above). It was one of my favorite views of Porto.

Best views in Porto - Serra do pillar

#3 - Cable Car - Teleferico de Gaia

This cable car rise is a short trip but definitively a fun thing to do.
From the cable car, you get extensive views of the town across the river.
It takes you to Miradouro do Teleferico and Jardim do Moro.

Teleferico de Gaia

#4 - Cross the lower bridge on foot

Right at the beginning of Dom Luis I Bridge on the lower section, you can enjoy a closer view at the historical river front.

View from lower Dom Luis I bridge

#5 - Cross the upper bridge on foot

And if you don't suffer from vertigo, you can also appreciate the view from the top section of the bridge.
It is not that bad and well worth the walk. Even if you only enjoy the beginning and turn around quickly.

Crossing the Porto bridge
View from upper Dom Luis I bridge

#6 - From the Sรฉ cathedral square

From here, you can enjoy a closer look at the orange roofs and some of the buildings.

View from the Sรฉ cathedral square

#7 - Watch the sunset from the bridge

From the bridge you can look over the river towards the West. Perfect for sunsets!

Sunset in Porto

#8 - Hop on a cruise

Another way to get a different perspective of a city is from the water.
If you have a hop-on hop-off bus ticket, a tour is included

If you did not, you can book a special cruise in one of the traditional boats.
During the 50min you will discover the many bridges above the Douro River and learn more about the history of Porto.

Check out program and availability


Looking for the best place to stay in Portugal?

Portugal Accommodations - where to stay in Portugal 2

See my selection of the 15 best areas in Portugal to enjoy beaches, attractions, culture, history...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

#9 to 18 - What to see in Porto

#9 - Sรฉ do Porto Cathedral

I think the Se cathedral was one of my favorite locations and one of the best things to do in Porto.
It is situated at the end of the Upper platform of the bridge. Even if you don't have time to visit, you should go to the esplanade in front of it to admire the view.
It is one of the oldest monuments in Porto. Started in the 12th century, it was finished in the 13th.
Altered during the Baroque era, you can see many heavily decorated chapels inside. Turn around and donโ€™t miss the organ.

Porto attraction - Se Cathedral 2

#10 - The cloister and chapter house

If you have time, enter the 13th century cathedral and pay to visit the beautiful cloister with many azulejos tiles and the surprising ceiling of the Chapter House.
One of my favorite visits in Portugal.

Porto attraction - Se Cathedral

#11 - Carmo Church

This building is actually 2 different churches.
On the left, with the bell tower, is the Carmelite Church, built in the first half of the 17th century. It is a mix of classic and Baroque styles.
On the right is the Carmo church built in the 18th century. 

Notice:

  • The particularity of the 2 churches and the differences in faรงades
  • The 1 meter-wide house in the middle is there because of a law that stated that no 2 churches could share a wall.
  • The Azulejos tiles on the side of the Carmo church
  • The rich interior of both churches with Baroque and rococo styles
  • The white ceiling of the Carmelite Church
  • The difference in atmosphere in both churches

Avoid mass times to be able to look at the dรฉcor details.

Things to do in Porto Portugal - Carmon Church

#12 - Lello Bookstore

Open since 1906, the library is a fascinating building with a neo-gothic faรงade.
Inside are beautiful wood and glass decors like entering another world!
If you are a Harry Potter fan, the twisted staircase in the middle of the shop is said to have inspired JK Rowling.

Just buy an entrance ticket across the road before heading to the door, and admire the fascinating decor. 

Things to do in Porto Portugal - Lello Bookstore

#13 - Clerigos Tower

The Clerigos Tower dominates the Skyline of Porto. Built in the mid 18th century in Baroque style, its height reaches 75m (246ft).
At the top is a viewing platform to admire the roofs of Porto.
And adjacent are the church and museum in the House of Brotherhood.
Website

What to do in Porto - Clerigos Tower

#14 - St Francis Church

A little bit hidden by the side of the Bolsa Palace, the St Francis church (Sao Francisco) dates back to the 14th and 15th century.
It is very austere from the outside but once inside, you realize that every inch is covered in baroque decors with gold. Estimations vary between 100 and 300kg of gold used.
No photos allowed inside for visitors.

What to see in porto - St Francis church

#15 - Bolsa Palace

In the lower part of Porto stands the Bolsa Palace. Not my favorite location, but I am listing it because it would be a nice visit for many people.
The building is neo-classic, and some rooms offer unique decors with Arabic influence.

Places to visit in Porto Portugal - Bolsa Palace

#16 - Serra do Pillar Monastery

I wrote about the view at Serro da Pillar, one of the most impressive in Porto.
You can combine with a visit to the monastery with its church and cloister (and a circular plan!).

#17 - Old town

And just walk around the old town of Porto.
Locals still live there, and the atmosphere is so unique!

Porto old town

#18 - Visit one of the Porto Caves in Gaia

But the main attractions of Nova Gaia are all the Porto wine caves.
Across the river from Porto is the city called Vila Nova de Gaia or Gaia. It is famous for its cellars where the Port Wine is stored and aged.

There are so many. And all with a title (LOL): the oldest, the biggest, the oldest in the same family etc etc.

If you don't know which one to visit, the Hop-on Hop-off bus includes a ticket with a visit to one of the caves. Their choice of partner may change overtime.
When I was there, I visited the Cockburn cave and had a really good time.
There was a great atmosphere, the staff were really nice, and my dad was happy with the tasting (I don't drink).

Things to see in Porto - Port Caves

#19 to 23 - Porto Beaches, seafront & forts

When tired of the city sights, the seafront is just 20 minutes away by bus.
There is a long walk from Castelo do Queijo to Fortaleza de Sรฃo Joรฃo da Foz, which allows you to enjoy the fresh air and views of the beaches and their rock formations. 

#19 - Forte de Sao Francisco Xavier (Castelo do Queijo)

At one end, enjoy the open views of the Castelo do Queijo (literally castle of the cheese) built in the 17th century.
You can enter the fort, get to the top and appreciate its strategic location and cannons.

Forte de Sao Francisco Xavier

#20 - Praia de Matosinhos

North of the fort is the long beach Praia de Matosinhos.
It is made of fine sand.

Praia de Matosinhos

#21 - The Porto Seafront Promenade

All along a you walk South, you can enjoy the promenade.
You will see small sandy coves, rocks and restaurants.
In a short time, you will walk past:

  • Praia do Homem do Lene
  • Praia do Molhe
  • Pria do Gondarem
  • Praia dos Ingles
Porto Seafront Promenade
Porto Seafront Promenade waves

#22 - Praia do Carneiro & lighthouse Felgeuiras

As you reach the mouth of the Douro River, the main beach is Praia do Carneiro with a mix of sand and rocks.
You have views of the dikes and small lighthouse.

Porto Seafront Promenade waves

#23 - Forte de Sao Jao Baptista

At the other end where the river mouth is, stands the Sรฃo Joรฃo  Baptista fort from the 16th century.
A citadel on the remains of a fortified abbey.

Forte de Sao Jao Baptista

#24 to 27 - Best places to visit in Porto - the museums

#24 - Museum of Vinho do Porto

To learn more about Port wine
see official website

Museum of Vinho do Porto

#25 - Casa do Infante 

In the Ribeira neighborhood by the water.
You can visit the House of the Prince
Enjoy the historical building, customs Houses, archives, โ€ฆ.

Casa do Infante

#26 - Museu do Carro Electrico

if you are a big fan of trams
see official website

#27 - Saores do Reis

if you want to learn more about Portuguese art.
Oldest museum in Porto about the evolution of Portuguese art from 18th to 20th century

and more museums about war, art, puppets...


And keep track of your own trip!

Portugal Travel journal

#28 to 36 - Porto tours and activities + unique experiences

There are the 'classic' Porto Tours where you learn about the history of the city and its general architecture.
But you might be interested in one specific aspect of Porto, and I have found original tours of Porto for you.

#28 - Best of Porto city tours

Porto has so much history, that I think a guided tour is a fantastic idea to discover the city. This will help you have another perspective on what you are seeing.

You can enjoy:

  • a walking tour - see program and availability
  • a bike tour - see program and availability
  • a Segway tour - see program and availability

#29 - Porto Wine Tasting Tours

A classic in Porto is a wine tasting tour.

if you want a more in-depth experience than just visiting a cave, opt of a dedicated Porto Wine tasting tour.
There are not that many ways to organize a wine tasting Tour, so they are all similar. They take you to 2 or 3 cellars for visits and tasting.

Check out details and availability

Porto tasting

And if you are looking for a very UNIQUE experience with wine in Porto, you can also enjoy a bath in wine!!! Intrigued? Read this article about the Porto wine spa by Travel Bliss now, to learn more about Vinothรฉrapieยฎ.

#30 - Porto Tiles Tours

This is a tour I wish I had done. The Azulejos tiles are everywhere and are stunning. I would have really loved to learn more about their history and fabrication.
This 3-hour walking tour will take you to some of the best displays in the city, as well as the museum and some depots and stores.
Check out program and availability

#31 - Porto History Tour

Want to learn more about how Porto resisted the attacks of Napoleon and the French soldiers? And the rest of the fascinating history of Porto? This could be a great option.
See details and availability

#32 - Porto Street Art Tour

Discover the work of local and foreign artists on the walls of Porto. This is a great way to discover off the beaten path Porto, away from the tourists

See program and availability

#33 - Fado and Night lights Tour of Porto

Porto is beautiful during the day, but it is also sparkling during the night!
Plus you can enjoy a Fado experience.
See details and availability

Porto at night

#34 - Porto Football Tour

Football fan? This tour takes you to the FC Porto Museum and Stadium

See details and availability

#35 - Porto Food Tour

Porto has a great food culture.
There are these small eateries with set menus which are very tasty and offer a great atmosphere.
Want to learn more about gastronomy in Porto and Portugal?
Join one of the many food tours focusing on:

  • Coffee, pastries, cheese, sausage, wine, olive oils, spices... You might be an expert by the end of the tour LOL - see program and availability
  • the Tascas (the local pubs) where locals meet to eat and discuss - see program and availability
Porto Food Tour

#36 - Cooking Class

And finally, another idea is to learn to cook Portuguese specialties with a workshop-lunch!
See details and availability

or learn to cook the traditional Pastel de Nata - see details and availability.


#37 to 40 - Best day trips from Porto - Douro Valley and Beyond

Porto is a good base to explore the North of Portugal.
You can book guided day trips or rent a car to explore on your own and see more.

Need to rent a car in Portugal?

Renting a car Portugal tips

See my 36 practical tips
to choose the best car to rent
from Lisbon, Porto or Faro
for the roads in Portugal
and find the best deals

+ read more

or directly see the best deals on my favorite platform

#37 - Douro Valley tour from Porto

A great classic is to head East along the Douro River.
Many viewpoints offer views of the river and the wineries and the slopes.
Most wineries can be visited. 

This is a popular place in Portugal. There are many Douro Valley day trips available from Porto. Here are 3 different options:

  • A tour focusing on wine tasting with the visit of two different vineyards to compare and satisfy your taste buds - 
    Check out program and book
  • A tour focusing more on visits and history of the region... but still with tasting  
    Check out program and book
  • A private tour to adapt to your preferences and allow you to stop when you are inspired by the view
    Check out program and book
Douro Valley

#38 - Braga and Guimaraes

Discover stunning historical landmarks and buildings during this tour.
It will take you to:

  • Old town of Braga: the cathedral, the archbishop palace and the many museums
  • Incredible zigzag Baroque staircase at Bom Jesus do Monte (see my photos)
  • The Historic Center of Guimaraes, a Unesco site, with the castle and the Ducal palace

See group tour options and book

Braga and Guimaraes

#39 - Penada Geres National Park

Often overlooked, this park is absolutely splendid and gives you a nice break in nature.
Highlights include

  • One of the Most beautiful views in Portugal: the Mirador of Pedra Bela (photo above)
  • The meeting of the river arms at Adpropeixe
  • And if you are ready to drive more, you can also enjoy another part of the national park with Lindoso and its castle

See group tour options and book

Penada Geres

#40 - Aveiro (the Venice of Portugal)

For a town completely different from Porto, head South to Aveiro and its canals.
Highlights include:

  • The canals and salt pans of Aveiro 
  • Enjoying a cruise on the canals aboard a traditional boat which is why it is called the Venice of Portugal
  • The interesting houses in the city center
  • The 'Avereio Beach' at Costa Nova with the colorful houses on the lagoon side and beautiful white sand on the seaside

See group tour options and book

Aveiro

or Check out my suggestions for
the best day trips from Porto Portugal

All my favorite locations are included (with GPS coordinates, map of location and planning info) in my travel guide eBook that helps you easily plan your Portugal road trip:

Plan your ideal road trip around Portugal

Portugal road trip guide ebook cover
  • 13 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 120+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Planning tips to make the most of your time
  • 200+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE


1, 2 or 3 days in Porto itineraries

1 day in Porto

If I had only one day, I would:

  • Start at the Serra do Pillar viewpoint
  • Walk across the upper bridge 
  • Visit the Cathedral and its chapter house
  • Walk around the old town down to the riveira
  • Enjoy a boat tour
  • Cross the lower bridge
  • Visit one of the wine caves

2 days in Porto

Day 1 -

  • start at the Serra do Pillar viewpoint
  • Walk across the upper bridge 
  • Visit the Cathedral and its chapter house
  • Walk around the old town down to the riveira
  • Enjoy a boat tour
  • Cross the lower bridge
  • Visit one of the wine caves

Day 2 -

  • Spend the morning visiting the Carmo church and Lello bookstore and that area
  • Enjoy the seafront walk and forts in the afternoon

3 days in Porto

Day 1 -

  • start at the Serra do Pillar viewpoint
  • Walk across the upper bridge 
  • Visit the Cathedral and its chapter house
  • Walk around the old town down to the riveira
  • Enjoy a boat tour
  • Cross the lower bridge
  • Visit one of the wine caves

Day 2 -

  • Spend the morning visiting the Carmo church and Lello bookstore and that area
  • Enjoy the seafront walk and forts in the afternoon

Day 3 -

  • Option 1- visit some museums or join a guided tour to better understand the town
  • Option 2 - take a day tour either to the Douro Valley (if you like wine) or to Braga and Guimaraes (if you enjoy history and beautiful buildings)

Where to stay in Porto

While you enjoy the best Porto has to offer, you might need a place to stay.
Here are some suggestions I have collected for you.

Where I Stayed

I stayed in a really great apartment perfectly located called Go2oporto Apartment rentals. They have a several rentals. 

The same rental agency also has amazing rentals on Booking.com with a direct view on the Douro River:

  • Check out the photos and prices for the [email protected]a apartments
  • Check out the photos and prices for the Go2oporto River apartments
  • Check out the photos and prices for the Go2oporto River front apartment
Porto Accommodation Portugal

Best places to stay in Porto - other suggestions

  • Luxury
    Located along the Douro River, the Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel is established in a 16th century building - history, heritage and style
    Check out photos and book
  • Boutique hotel
    Right in the heart of the Ribeira, the Descobertas Boutique Hotel is decorated with a lot of taste and provides a fantastic breakfast
    Check out photos and book
  • Good value for money
     Porto de Rio is centrally located by the Douro River and the studios have really nice design
    Check out photos and book
  • Hostel 
    Only 50m from the Clerigos Tower, the Yes! Porto Hostel has a very friendly staff and great facilities
    Check out photos and book
Check out the best Rated accommodations in Porto

Looking for the best place to stay in Portugal?

Portugal Accommodations - where to stay in Portugal 2

See my selection of the 15 best areas in Portugal to enjoy beaches, attractions, culture, history...
+ fantastic accommodation options

+ read more

How to get to Porto

By Plane

The Porto airport is quite active and there are many flights to arrive directly in the capital of North Portugal.
To facilitate your arrival, you can book you private transfer right now.
And, if your budget is tighter, no worries. You can also book a shared transfer.

By Train 

Porto is easily accessible from Lisbon by Train.
It will take you between 2h35 and 3h depending on the train.
You can check times and book your seat on Rail Europe.

By Car

One of the best way to visit a country is on a road trip - So rent a car and explore more of Portugal.
Or just drive from Lisbon to Porto on the Motorway. It will take you 3 hours.

You can compare rental prices on discovercars.com

By day trip from Lisbon

Not really.
It is a 3 hours drive in each direction.
So that would not be worth it to drive 6 hours just to have 3 to 4 hours in the town.


FAQs

How many days in Porto is enough?

2 days is the bare minimum to enjoy all that Porto has to offer.
3 days would be better and longer if you want to explore the region.

Can you do Porto in 2 days?

Yes, you can enjoy a lot in 2 days and see the main highlights the town has to offer.
But of course, it will only be a snapshot. 

Is Porto or Lisbon better? 

The town cities are extremely different.
My preference goes to Porto because of its soul. 
But it depends on what you are looking for.
Check out my detailed comparison article: Porto vs Lisbon

Is Porto safe at night?

Like in any cities, there are better neighborhoods than others.
The old center is overall safe. Just stay in well-lit areas.


Want to see more of the best Portugal has to offer?

  • 30 Most beautiful landscapes in Portugal - read article
  • Best things to do in Portugal - read article
  • The best beaches in Portugal  - read article
  • The best villages in Portugal - read article
  • Lisbon vs Porto - where to go? - read article
  • Driving in Portugal - read article
  • The best of the Algarve region - read article
  • The highlights of Sintra and the Sintra-Cascais Nature park - read article

Planning a trip to Portugal?

Check out my travel guide to help you plan:

Plan your ideal road trip around Portugal

Portugal road trip guide ebook cover
  • 13 easy-to-plan Maps
  • 120+ pre-selected scenic locations
  • Planning tips to make the most of your time
  • 200+ large photos to decide where to go
  • GPS coordinates direct to the carparks

LEARN MORE


Want to see more of PORTUGAL?

PREVIOUS: 

Renting a car in Faro & Algarve

NEXT: 

SE CATHEDRAL PORTO

Portugal Travel Guide - Portugal destinations

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Best Porto Tours - Things to do in Porto Portugal Travel Guide
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Patricia Greene says

    April 8, 2019 at 11:47 PM

    Thank you Claire.. This was very informative and helpful. I am planning a trip to Porto, this Fall and really want to make the most of my 6 days there;
    experience the culture, and the people, and take some day trips.

    • Claire, the Travel Planning Geek says

      April 9, 2019 at 2:35 PM

      Thanks. I am glad you are finding it useful.
      I wish you a wonderful trip!

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