Things to do in
Porto

Portugal’s second biggest city doesn’t disappoint with locals and views as sweet as the region's Port wine.

Our most recommended things to do in Porto

Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise

1. Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise

Board the original boats used to transport the Port Wine barrels from the Douro Region to Gaia and Porto. The boats have been adapted with the most modern navigation equipment to transport passengers with maximum comfort. Enjoy a journey that stretches from the historic center of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, upstream to Freixo and then downstream toward the mouth of the Douro. Take the opportunity to admire the rich and breathtaking landscape while you learn the history of the 6 bridges that unite Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. Discover other points of interest in these two cities. 

From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch

2. From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch

Visiting the Douro is combining a unique experience between natural beauty and cultural and historical richness without ever forgetting the region's gastronomy. With us, you will have the opportunity to visit two distinct and emblematic places in the Douro. Learn about the wine production process and enjoy tastings of the best wines in the region. Admire century-old vineyards, terraced vineyards and the production methods that make Douro wines unique around the world. Embark with us on a boat trip (lasting 1 hour) along the Douro River, you will be able to enjoy the stunning landscapes, the vineyard slopes and the famous terraces. Moments of relaxation and contemplation while sailing along the calm waters of the river will remain in your memory. Complete this experience, with unique flavors that you won't forget, enjoy a lunch with traditional flavors, served at the table. Create a unique opportunity to explore the region, learn about its history, enjoy stunning landscapes and taste delicious local cuisine. It will be an unforgettable experience.

Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise

3. Douro Valley: Wine Tour with Lunch, Tastings & River Cruise

Explore the stunning beauty of the Douro Valley on a tour to 2 wine estates. Make a quick stop at the town of Amarante and taste regional wines at both wine estates. Sit down to a delicious lunch before sailing through the lush landscapes of the Douro Valley on a river cruise. Begin your tour in Porto and learn about the region's history and wine while driving to the Douro valley. Stop for a coffee break in the historic town of Amarante and admire the town's Church and Convent of São Gonçalo, or purchase some of the pastries at one of the iconic pastry shops. Continue to a wine estate in Sabrosa. Enjoy a guided tour of a family-owned wine estate. Learn about and try the estate's wines during a guided tasting. Savor a lunch paired with red and white Douro wines while overlooking the vineyards. After lunch, drive to Pinhão, with a photo stop at São Cristovão viewpoint. Take in panoramic views of the Douro valley. See where the Pinhão river joins with the waters of the Douro River before embarking on a cruise at Pinhão.  In the afternoon, take a guided tour of a famous wine estate (Quinta da Roeda – Croft/Taylor’s group or Quinta São Luiz – Kopke/Burmester group). Uncover the history of the vineyard and the secrets if the wine-making processes. Taste their fine wines before returning to Porto by one of the world's most scenic roads, the N222.

Porto: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

4. Porto: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Learn about the uniquely Portuguese musical form of fado with a live show in the intimate surroundings of the Casa do Fado. Enjoy a glass of port wine as you hear more about this aspect of Portuguese identity, declared ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity’ by UNESCO. Be transported to the Porto of old with a trip to Casa do Fado, a project developed by friends who love the music genre. Choose between three Casa do Fado venues in the historic center of Porto: A Casa do Fado - Ribeira, a 19th-century cellar, A casa do Fado - Sé, a former guitar luthier workshop, A Casa do Fado - São João Novo, located in the old pantries of the Convent / Church of São João Novo, dating from the end of the 16th century and located under the sacristy of the Church. Listen to outstanding musicians as they perform live in a venue with acoustics ideally set up for fado. Sip on a glass of port wine, the drink that Porto is famous for, as you hear more about the music and its origins.

Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise

5. Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise

Enjoy a traditional “6 Bridges Cruise” along the River Douro and follow in the footsteps of the old wine merchants that transported wine from the valley to the wine cellars. Get on board the boat and sail along the sparkling Douro River. Admire the beautiful landscapes and red-roofed buildings of the towns of Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia from the water. Let the old-fashioned charm of the Rabelo Boat (old wine transport ship) transport you back in time. Get to know the historic bridges that connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, as your boat glides under them. Learn more about their construction and curiosities, and upon arrival at the last bridge, see the sandy beaches of the seafront area Foz do Douro where the river pours into the ocean.

Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket

6. Porto: Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket

Experience one of Porto’s most iconic attractions at your own pace with an entrance ticket to the Torre dos Clérigos. Adjoining the baroque Igreja dos Clérigos, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points in the city and is one of its most emblematic symbols. Built for the Clérigos Brotherhood by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect and painter responsible for a large body of work in the north of Portugal during the 18th century, construction of the church began in 1732 and was finished around 1750. The monumental divided stairway in front of the church was completed in the 1750s. The main façade is heavily decorated with baroque motifs. Climb the monumental Bell Tower of the church for panoramic views across the entire city, and an up-close view of its most symbolic attraction. Then, go to the exhibition space in the Clerigos Building to admire the Irmandade dos Clérigos Collection and Christus Collection, where you can see pieces from the 18th and 19th centuries, including furniture, paintings and vestments.

Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days)

7. Porto Card with Transportation (1, 2, 3 or 4 Days)

See the sights of Porto at your own pace with a Porto Card plus transportation, valid for 1, 2, 3, or 4 days. Enjoy up to 150 discounts and benefits, such as free entrance to 7 city museums, 20% off cruises on the Douro River and up to 50% at Port wine tastings. The Porto Card is your key to the city, offering price reductions at shows, theme centers, tourist excursions in Porto and north Portugal, restaurants, wine shops, and fashion shops. The following is a short list of some of the benefits you can enjoy: • Free Metro Do Porto (all lines) • Free Bus STCP (all lines) • Free Train CP Porto (Urban to Paredes, Paramos, Lousado, Vila das Aves) • 50% of at Real Companhia Velha Port Wine Cellars • Casa Do Infante-Museu (free entry)* • Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro (free entry)* • Casa-Museu Marta Ortigão Sampaio (free entry)* • Museu Romântico (free entry)* • Museu Do Papel-Moeda (free entry)** • Museu Do Vinho Do Porto (free entry)* • Up to 50% off at the Casa Da Música • 25% off at the Tower + Exhibition Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos • 50% off at the Museu Da Farmácia Do Porto • 50% off at the Museu Da Misericórdia Do Porto • 50% off at the Museu De Arte Sacra E Arqueologia • 50% off at the Museu Militar Do Porto • 50% off at the Museu Nacional Da Imprensa • 50% off at the Museu Nacional Soares Dos Reis • 50% off at the Museu Das Marionetas • 50% off at the Museu Dos Transportes e Comunicações • 50% off at the Teatro Nacional São João • 35% off at the Catedral (cloisters) • 35% off at the World Of Discoveries, Interactive Museum & Theme Park • 30% off at Sea Life Porto • 25% off at Paço Episcopal • 25% off at the Igreja Monumento S. Francisco • 25% off at the Zoo Santo Inácio (individual tickets only) • 25% off at the Palácio Da Bolsa • 20% off at the Museu De Arte Contemporânea De Serralves • 10% off on Tour FC Porto Museum + Stadium *Closed on Mondays **Closed at the weekend

Porto: Guided City Tour by Tuk-Tuk and Douro River Cruise

8. Porto: Guided City Tour by Tuk-Tuk and Douro River Cruise

Embark on an electric tuk-tuk tour of Porto and discover the city's top sights. Choose between a private or shared tour and ride your tuk-tuk past Porto Cathedral in the city's historic center and down Aliados Avenue. Then, see Porto from the Douro river on a relaxing cruise. Begin your electric tuk-tuk tour in the historic city center. As you ride through the city, admire the exterior of some of Porto's most iconic landmarks, including the Sao Bento Train Station, Porto Cathedral, and the Clerigos Tower. Continue down Aliados Avenue and past Lello Bookshop to reach the banks of the Douro river. After admiring the beautiful river, finish your tour with a ride through the Stock Market Palace, passing by Miragaia on your way. After the 50-minute tuk-tuk ride, you can enjoy a ride on a rabelo, a traditional boat that will take you on a cruise on the Douro River. See the six bridges of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia on a 55-minute cruise.

Porto: Bridges Cruise with Optional Wine Cellar Tour

9. Porto: Bridges Cruise with Optional Wine Cellar Tour

Admire the old city of Porto, with its typical houses and the hustle and bustle of the Ribeira population on a sightseeing cruise along the Douro. Take in the views of the Ponte da Arrábida that connects the two river banks. Embark on a sightseeing cruise across the Douro River and admire the scenic riverbank. Take advantage of the “Bridges Cruise” application for commentary available in 16 languages. You can choose a combined tour of the Cruzeiro das Pontes and a wine cellar with a tasting of different wines.

Porto: Cálem Cellar Tour, Interactive Museum & Wine Tasting

10. Porto: Cálem Cellar Tour, Interactive Museum & Wine Tasting

In a healthful balance between Port tradition and new technologies, you will discover Douro region and Port wine – from “terroir” to the wine grapes, from the categories up to the aromas, trough our recently interactive museum, with personalized and intuitive access. In the guided visits to Cálem caves you will learn about the Douro Demarcated Region, know how the Port is produced and stay abreast of all the details of the history of this House. The cellars themselves remain active and visitable. It is there that you will learn more about the unique characteristics of each type of Port, even next to the barrels where they grow old, protected from light and heat. Then, you will be invited to a Cálem wine tasting: a white Port and a Tawny Port. With one of your guides, you will have the possibility to learn some more Port secrets and taste our wines.

Food & drinks

Frequently asked questions about Porto

What top attractions are a must-see in Porto?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Porto?

The best day trips and excursions from Porto are:

Lisbon

Insider tips: Planning a trip to Porto

Megan & Aram is a travel blog that focuses mostly on travel in the Nordics and Eastern Europe with the occasional trip beyond those regions. We love coffee, promoting small businesses, and sports. To read more about what they have to say about Porto click here!

What should I do on my first trip to Porto?

You will find plenty of signficant attractions in Porto for a first-time visitor but one of the best things to do is to take in the iconic view of Ribeira from across the Luís I Bridge. This double-deck bridge passes over the Douro River and connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. Once you walk across the bridge, you will see the spectacular view of Porto that lands itself on so many postcards! When you make your way over to this side of the water, pop into Calem Caves for a port wine tasting through their extensive cellar and portfolio of the famous drink.

What are some hidden gems to see in Porto?

Porto is a maze of hidden gems and corners and one can't-miss stop for coffee lovers is to hit up Combi Coffee Roasters. They coffee shop was founded in 2015 and now includes two sops where they roast their coffee and work alongside ethical cooperatives and farms to source top-quality, single-origin coffee from all over the world. Another fantastic thing to do in Porto when visiting is to take a day trip to Sistelo, a mountain village known for its terraces and ability to adapt to the high topography. It is about 1.5 hours away from Porto and is easily reached by train for an 11 Euro ticket.

How much time should I spend in Porto?

You can see most of the highlights in Porto within two days easily, but if you really want to dive deeper into the city, it is recommended to stick around for a few extra days and explore its beaches and embark on some cool regional day trips. You can visit the Douro Valley, Braga, and Aveiro all rather easily from Porto and they are all some of the top destinations in the country.

What food is Porto known for?

Porto is synonymous with world-famous Port wine and you can enjoy a tasting at almost any bar or wine cellar throughout the city. Calem Caves is a popular choice for a night out. Don't leave without tasting the heavy, yet hearty Francesinha sandwich, a traditional sandwiches that stuffs two thick layers of bread with ham, steak, and cheese before topping it with beer gravy and a fried egg. Be sure to also visit the many markets throughout the city (or take a food tour)!

What is the best way to get around Porto?

There are plenty of ways to move about Porto and the best way to explore is on foot! You will stumble upon so many gems and hidden secrets this way! However, you can also take the Porto Metro light rail network around the city or buses. You will also get transportation discounts and freebies if you purchase the Porto City Card.

What are the best months to visit Porto?

While it may be the high-season and hotels may be pricier, the best time to visit Porto is from May until October. During this time, you will experience a lot of sun and the temperatures are warm but the close proximity to the ocean helps things stay relatively manageable.

What is neighborhood Ribeira known for?

The most famous neighborhood in Porto is Ribeira, the old city that sits along the Douro River and is lined with cozy bars, eateries, and charming buildings. This is also where you will find colorful homes from the 18th-century and neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa, one of Porto's most famous attractions.

What are the best neighborhoods for food?

If you wander about Ribeira, you will find plenty of restaurants but many cater to tourists and the prices are proof of that. If you're looking for fine dining and an interesting take on Portuguese cuisine, opt for a place in Vila Nova de Gaia across the river from Ribeira. The Yeatman is a Michelin-star restaurant located in the neighborhood. If you're seeking overall diverse food options, head to Baixa. There are also plenty of markets in the area where you can grab ingredients for cooking at your accommodation if the place allows it.

What are the best neighborhoods for shopping?

Porto is a goldmine for shopping and you will find boutiques, high-end shops, thrift stores, and many food markets throughout the city. Around the Bolhão Market, you will find many mercerias, or old fashioned grocery stores that sell traditional ingredients and fare. Book lovers will love Livraria Lello, one of the world's most beautiful book stores. You will also find several of the city's most famous shopping along Rua de Santa Catarina street in the city.

What neighborhood should I stay in when I visit Porto?

You will find hotels, guesthouses, and hostels all throughout Porto but the top neighborhoods to stay in as a traveler are Ribeira, Bonfim, Marques, Cedofeita, and Baixa. Each has its own perks and own drawbacks. If you opt to stay in Ribeira, do be aware that it is busy and can be noisy. However, it may be a great option for those who are older or those unable to walk far distances.

What is the best thing to do in Porto for couples?

Porto is so beautiful and aesthetically charming that it is a fantastic place for a romantic getaway with your signficant other. One can't-miss activity is to check out a Fado show in Porto. There are plenty of places to enjoy this but you can combine it with a Port wine tasting at Calem and other cellars in the city. Another fantastic place to visit is Serralves, a contemporary art museum that is surrounded by extravagent parks and gardens. You can have a picnic here or just enjoy a stroll. Another top pick is to take a cruise on the river or to bolt out of town and enjoy a day trip to the Douro Valley!

What are the best beaches around Porto?

Porto has so many beaches nearby that it is hard not to feel the lure to visit one when you are in Portugal's second city. One of teh best beaches to visit during your time there is Praia dos Ingleses, a city renowned for its long boardwalk and natural beauty. Another one, and perhaps the most accessible and largest is Praia de Matosinhos, a port area konwn for being only 15 minutes away from the center of the city.

Explore Porto

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What people are saying about Porto

Overall rating

4.5
(45,996 reviews)

This tour was a highlight of our trip to Porto. We are still talking about it a month later. Our guide, Vinicius aka Vinny was engaging, knowledgeable and passionate. He showed us some beautiful, unique and important sights of Porto that also had Harry Potter significance. It suits all ages. Be sure to book your ticket for the Livaria Lello (via their website) for the end of the tour. Enjoy!

The tour meeting place was easy to find. Our tour guide, Gregório, was very knowledgeable and shared many facts and stories about the history of places we visited and Portugal in general. He had a great sense of humour and was pleasant to be with. It was a nice surprise to be treated to a tasting at the end of the walk.

Fun class. Teresa is amazing and funny. Fun way to spend 2 hours in Porto. Pastry tasted great. (Burnt my lip lol.). Would love a thinner dough. Due to timing they use store bought for dough which is delicious but I’d recommend doing half a much so it’s more like a pastry than a croissant Recommend

I really enjoyed the wine and Fado. It was difficult to hear the tour guide and guests brought small children who were disruptive

It was a fantastic experience. The guitarists and singer were excellent. We had a wonderful time and would definitely recommend.