How to avoid crowds in Porto: Simple swaps and tips

Porto is a vibrant city famous for its beautiful riverfront, historic and vividly colored architecture, and its namesake Port wine. But its popularity can cause crowding, especially in peak season. With a few clever swaps and insider tips, you can enjoy the charming city without going shoulder-to-shoulder.

From sipping Port in quieter cellars to having Porto’s peaceful gardens and hidden museums almost to yourself, this guide will show you how to avoid crowds in Porto and enjoy the city’s best sights at a more relaxed pace.

1. Discover a great alternative to Porto Cathedral

Rather than battling through throngs of people at Porto Cathedral, visit the underrated Monument Church of St Francis (Igreja de São Francisco), a beautiful attraction in the city’s historic center that many visitors overlook. In contrast to its grand Gothic exterior, it’s beautifully Baroque inside, full of gold and intricate carvings.

Insider tip

A ticket is required to enter, which can be purchased in advance or at the door. In addition to the church, the catacombs, and the bell tower, your ticket also includes a fascinating museum about its history that most visitors miss.

Address

Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto

Opening hours

9:00 AM–8:00 PM every day

2. Watch the sunset at Jardim do Morro

Miradouro da Vitória is one of Porto’s top sunset spots, but the observation deck is often crammed with tour groups and street vendors. Instead, head to Jardim do Morro just over the river, a park with an equally impressive view of Porto’s old town and the Douro River.

Best time to go

Jardim do Morro is popular with locals but rarely feels overcrowded. Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to claim a good spot and bask in the golden-hour glow.

Address

Jardim do Morro, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

3. Sip Port wine when the cellars are quiet

Tasting Port wine is a must in Porto, and the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia are the place to do it. To avoid the busiest cellar tours and tastings, visit after 5:00 PM — or before 11:00 AM if you’re down for an early tipple — and you’ll have a much more relaxed, intimate experience.

Insider tip

Choose lesser-known cellars like Burmester, Poças, or Quevedo to avoid the crowds who tend to flock to the bigger-name producers, like Taylor’s, too.

4. Skip the cellars for a day at a vineyard

For an even more peaceful wine-tasting experience, book a tour of the Douro Valley or Vinho Verde regions. Private or small-group tours often include guided tastings with winemakers, food pairings, and maybe even a boat cruise.

Insider tip

For the most relaxed experience, look for day trips with hotel pickup and a group size under 10. If you’re short on time, you can choose a half-day tour with one winery instead of a full-day tour with two.

5. Trade Ribeira for the peaceful Foz do Douro

Porto’s iconic Ribeira district is beautiful, but it’s also wall-to-wall with people during peak season. For a more peaceful experience, visit Foz do Douro. One of Porto’s best neighborhoods, this upmarket coastal area feels like a different city, with wide promenades, charming cafés, and ocean views instead of packed riverbanks. It’s a favorite spot among locals who’ve mastered the art of beating the crowds in Porto.

Insider tip

You can reach Foz do Douro in 20 minutes on tram 1, but a more scenic option is cycling along the flat, car-free riverside path from the city center, which takes 30–45 minutes at a relaxed pace.

6. Take a day trip to Guimaraes

Just an hour by car or train from Porto’s São Bento Station, Guimaraes is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s often called the birthplace of Portugal, as the country’s first king, Afonso I, was born there. With its well-preserved medieval history and architecture, it provides a fantastic crowd-free alternative to Porto with just as much charm.

7. Explore the underrated Casa do Infante museum

Skip crowded museums like World of Discoveries and head to Casa do Infante — a lesser-known museum housed in one of Porto’s oldest buildings. Once a royal customs house, it now tells the story of the city’s medieval history and maritime trade, with exhibits ranging from Roman ruins to ancient city maps.

Best time to visit

Weekday mornings are especially quiet, perfect for taking your time with the exhibits.

Address

Rua da Alfândega 10, 4050-029 Porto

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM–5:30 PM

Closed Monday

8. Go for a drink along Galerias de Paris

It’s hard to find a quiet spot to enjoy a drink at Ribeira’s riverside bars. Instead, head along Galerias de Paris, where smaller, trendy bars are lively but less packed. This area is a popular nighttime spot in Porto among locals and expats, with a relaxed vibe and good music.

Insider tip

Look for rooftop terraces and cozy side streets just off the main avenue. These spots have great views and a more intimate atmosphere.

9. Browse Mercado do Bolhão early on a weekday

After years of renovations, Porto’s iconic Mercado do Bolhão is back and more popular than ever. While the market is busy throughout the day, arriving early on a weekday (around 8:00 AM) means you’ll miss the midday rush and only be browsing the stands with locals. Grab something for breakfast at one of the traditional food counters, and something to go for a picnic later.

Insider tip

You’ll find quieter cafés, regional snack counters, and small eateries on the upper floor. Try local specialties like bifanas (spicy marinated pork sandwiches) and pastéis de bacalhau (cod fritters).

Address

R. Formosa 322, 4000-248 Porto

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

Closed Sunday

10. Relax in the Palácio de Cristal gardens

While most tourists go to Clérigos Tower and wait in line for its epic city views, the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal offer equally stunning vistas without a long wait. From these peaceful gardens, you can see the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, co-designed by Gustave Eiffel before his namesake Paris landmark.

Address

Rua de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto

Opening hours

April-September: 8:00 AM–9:00 PM every day

October-March: 8:00 AM–7:00 PM every day