Porto for couples: the most romantic things to do

Porto for couples: the most romantic things to do

Float down the Douro on a sunset cruise, enjoy wine–tasting together, or be moved by an emotional Fado concert. From anniversary ideas to date ideas, here are 12 romantic things to do in Porto.

You're bound to fall in love with Porto, with its spectacular architectural landmarks, gorgeous summer weather, and amazing food. It's also a city packed with romantic activities to enjoy. If you're looking for unique, special date ideas, Porto is a great choice.

Among the couple's activities on offer, you'll find some that are special enough for anniversary ideas. Explore the beautiful Douro Valley, Portugal's UNESCO-listed wine country, or take a sunset cruise down the river. Go wild on quad bikes in the mountains, or enjoy a fun, giggle-filled date cooking traditional custard tarts together. Check out this guide to the most romantic things to do in Porto and start planning your trip.

The best things to do as a couple

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1. Enjoy a day of food, wine, and adventure in the Peneda-Gerês Park

This Peneda-Gerês Park tour with lunch is ideal if you love both food and adventure. You'll be able to work up an appetite as you explore Portugal's finest national park. Hike, swim, and live the adventure before your guide whisks you away to a charming old village for a hearty lunch.

Best time to go:

This exciting date is great in summer, but the weather is still good enough for you to enjoy it in spring and fall.

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2. Escape the city for a day trip to Portugal's most evocative town

Get out of the city and head north on this full-day trip to the Minho Region. You'll see some of the oldest and most traditional towns in Portugal, which remain steeped with a unique, romantic atmosphere. The cobbled streets of Guimarães and the stunning architecture of Braga will make the perfect backdrop to a remarkable date.

Best time to go:

You can go at any time of year, but for the best combination of good weather and fewer tourists, try spring or fall so you can stroll around hand–in–hand.

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3. Glide down the canals of the Portuguese Venice

Porto is a romantic city, but you can take a day trip to a destination that's even better for a date. Escape to Aveiro for a half day tour with a boat ride and explore the picturesque canals of the Portuguese Venice. This delightful fishing village is the perfect spot for a stroll along the canals, arms entwined.

Best time to go:

You can enjoy this day trip from spring to fall, although Aveiro will be more crowded in the summer months, so if you want to feel like you’ve got the place to yourselves, avoid it then.

The best date ideas

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4. Join a sunset cycle tour along the river

Want a beautiful date that will also get your heart rate up? Try a bike tour and enjoy the sunset while you explore Porto at night. You'll follow the course of the River Douro as the sun goes down, watching the blazing colors reflected on the surface of the water. Your guide will lead you into the City Park, where you'll cycle along flower-lined paths for a romantic night to remember.

Best time to go:

This tour is at its best in spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom in the City Park, adding an extra touch of romance to the occasion.

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5. Raise a glass at a wine-tasting session in the Douro Valley

If you're looking for an exceptional romantic day trip, it's hard to beat a wine tasting which also includes lunch. You'll head out into the heart of wine country, where you'll have some time to explore the lush, rolling vineyards. When you've worked up an appetite, it's time to indulge in one of the finest lunches of your life, with delicious local produce and plenty of fine wine.

Best time to go:

The Douro Valley is at its most beautiful in spring and summer. If you go in spring, you'll see the almond trees in full bloom, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

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6. Have an adrenaline-charged date in the Serras do Porto

Discover Porto’s mountain range together with this Serras do Porto Natural Park quad bike tour. The perfect date for thrill-seekers, it will take you to ancient Roman ruins, mysterious Neolithic sites, and a rustic stone village high in the mountains.

Best time to go:

This tour is best in spring and fall when the temperatures are moderate, but the weather is still sunny. The adrenaline rush will get those hearts pounding even faster.

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7. Cook Portugal's national dessert for each other

They say that the way to the heart is through the stomach. Test the theory by attending this Pastel de Nata cooking class. You'll learn the secret recipe behind pastéis de nata from an authentic Portuguese grandma, and at the end of the session, you'll be able to indulge in this tempting treat.

Best time to go:

You'll be indoors during this activity, so it's a great date for any time of year, just as long as you're hungry – and you can try feeding each other with your creations.

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8. Level up your sommelier skills at wine school

A Wine School workshop and tasting is the perfect date for foodies. There are several different workshops on offer, teaching you exactly how to pair wine with all kinds of food, from chocolate truffles to cheeseboards. If you like to indulge in the finer things in life, this is the date for you.

Best time to go:

As the workshops take place indoors, this date is suitable for any time of year; as chocolate is an aphrodisiac, you’ll have the best time.

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9. Have a romantic date in a historic bookstore

You may have heard of Livraria Lello, the famous Porto bookstore that inspired JK Rowling. Keep going down the street, and you'll reach the nearby Livraria da Baixa. This is another historic bookstore, but it's been renovated to turn it into a cocktail bar. Enjoy the hippest drinks in town, surrounded by classic volumes for a fun, quirky date.

Best time to go:

You'll be indoors in the bookstore, so this date is perfectly suitable for any time of year, and the giddy atmosphere caused by a few cocktails will definitely get the mood more romantic.

The best anniversary ideas

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10. See the center of Porto in the most stylish vehicle around

A historic center photo tour in Ford T Replica is a special occasion you’ll never forget. In a replica of Henry Ford's vintage vehicle, you'll see sights like the cathedral, Dom the Luis I bridge, and some of the city's best viewpoints. Make sure to charge your camera before you start.

Best time to go:

You can take this tour at any time of year, but it's probably best between spring and fall. For added romance points, opt for a sunset tour if you have the chance.

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11. Take a sunset cruise down the River Douro

What could be more romantic than a boat trip? How about a sunset sailboat cruise on the Douro River, complete with a complimentary glass of wine? See the city come to life as the sun sets. You may even spot dolphins in the water.

Best time to go:

You'll have the best weather for this activity in the summer months and as the sun sets, the romantic atmosphere will crank up.

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12. Surrender to the emotion of a Fado concert

With an intimate Fado concert, you’re in for a truly special evening. You and your partner will sip on a glass of wine as you listen to traditional Portuguese Fado performed live. Lose yourself as you listen to this deeply emotional music, then take the chance to chat with the musicians and singers and learn more about this uniquely Portuguese art form.

Best time to go:

This is an indoor event, so it's great for a date at any time of year; the music will conjure up an atmosphere for you both like no other.

FAQs

What are the most romantic activities to do in Porto?

Porto is known for its superb cuisine and, in particular, its fine wine. You can enjoy a romantic dinner here, perhaps while listening to live Fado music. There are also many options for wine-tasting sessions.

What are some offbeat romantic things to do in Porto?

Try attending a cooking class and learning to make pastéis de nata, Portugal's national dessert. You can also go quad biking in the Serras do Porto for an adrenaline-pumping date.

What are the most romantic spots to watch the sunset in Porto?

It's hard to beat the River Douro, so take a sunset cruise to see the city at its best. If you'd rather stay on dry land, go to the other side of the river to Vila Nova da Gaia and make your way to the Jardim do Morro for great sunset views.

What are some romantic day trips from Porto?

There are plenty of options. The Douro Valley is an excellent choice for wine tasting and indulgence, while the Peneda-Gerês Park offers unspoiled nature. The historic city of Braga has a lovely, old-fashioned atmosphere, and the picture-perfect canals of Aveiro make a great spot for a date.

What are the best places to take romantic photos in Porto?

The old town is a popular choice, with buildings like the cathedral and the Clérigos Tower. You can also get great photos overlooking the famous Dom Luis I bridge.