18 Best Things To Do in Porto, Portugal
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Located in Northern Portugal, Porto has some of Europe’s best views. The vibrant city center has been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a phenomenal tourist experience. Lined with medieval houses that blow you away, overarching towers, and mouth-watering cuisine, this is the perfect place to destress from your daily routine.
With so many exciting places to visit, figuring out the best things to do in Porto can be confusing. But don’t worry; our travel guide to exploring Portugal’s second-largest city will provide you with everything you need to know.
In a Nutshell
Best Hotels in Porto
- Best Luxury Hotel: GA Palace Hotel & Spa
- Best Mid-Range Hotel: InterContinental Porto
- Best Budget Hotel: Oca Oriental Porto Hotel
Best Tours in Porto:
- Explore Douro Valley with a guided boat tour, delicious wine tasting, and a hearty lunch.
- Take a guided boat tour and explore six famous bridges in Porto.
Where to Stay
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When it comes to accommodation, there are many options to choose from, depending on your budget.
For people who want to enjoy a lavish experience, GA Palace Hotel is the best luxury hotel in Porto. Offering amenities like its in-house spa and wellness center, two swimming pools, coffee machines right in your room, and beautiful views from your private sun terrace, it has it all.
If you’re looking for mid-tier hotels with all the amenities at a more affordable price point, visit the InterContinental Hotel for the best experience. Their spacious rooms, with a gym and sauna, are some of the city’s best. Not only will you have a comfortable stay, but you’ll also save money due to its prime location near all the major attractions.
Visiting a foreign country on a budget can be difficult, but several options offer good value for money. Oca Oriental Porto Hotel is the most affordable and has free WiFi, plenty of parking spots, and cozy rooms. They even provide an airport shuttle, so you won’t need to hemorrhage cash on expensive taxis.
Enjoy the View From Clérigos Church
What is it?
The 76m-high Clérigos Church dates back to the 1700s and is a phenomenal place to visit. With a massive staircase to the top of the building and tall looming Clérigos towers, it’s one of the most visited landmarks in Porto.
Why go?
Once you reach the highest point of the church, you’ll witness a gorgeous view of the entire city with its colorful buildings and miles and miles of glistening blue waters. You can even enjoy a beautiful sunset sprawled across the clear skies.
Don’t miss
The luscious Jardim das Oliveiras garden is vibrant and colorful, so pack a delicious picnic basket and take it with you for the best experience.
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Explore the Ribeira, Baixa, and Bolhão Districts
What is it?
If you’re a history buff, these three districts are the best way to explore the city’s culture. Ribeira District is lined with exciting bars, cafes, and restaurants where tourists go to explore the vibrant Porto life. At the same time, Baixa and Bolhao are found above Ribeira, where you can enjoy places like Rua de Santa Catarina, Palácio da Bolsa, and a promenade at Cais da Ribeira.
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Why go?
Your Portugal experience will be incomplete without visiting these popular destinations. Whether exploring the historic center to learn more about its rich history or visiting the old town to make your taste buds dance, you’ll have the best time.
Don’t miss
You’ll find several street performances integral to the city’s culture, so be sure to check them out; they’re worth your time.
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Sail in the Waters With a Douro River Cruise
What is it?
Douro Valley is like a fairy tale, with its terraced vineyards producing the famous port wine and the pristine green waters adding a stunning contrast. A tiny train near the banks of the Douro River stops at multiple stations with magnificent blue and white tiles. You can also enjoy a delightful cruise through the river waters.
Why go?
Not only will you be able to witness the beauty of Porto, but the cruise travels through different Quintas, where you can get off and enjoy a beverage from their wine cellars and explore the area.
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Observe the Beauty of Porto Tiles (Azulejos)
What is it?
One of the most unique things to enjoy in Portugal is the distinct Azulejos. Traditionally, they’re white and blue tiles that tell a story through murals and intricate design patterns. Some of the best ones can be found at São Bento railway station, so be sure to check them out.
Why go?
These impressive pieces of art draw in several tourists from across the globe to witness the sheer mastery of this craft.
Don’t miss
You’ll spot these mesmerizing tiles sprawled across the city, lining various streets and corners.
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View the Beautiful Sé Cathedral
What is it?
Built in the 12th century, Sé Cathedral is one of Porto’s most important religious buildings. With high ceilings and Baroque-style architecture, it’s one of the most stunning pieces of history preserved in the city. This Porto cathedral was revamped in the 18th century.
Why go?
The Cloister inside the building is adorned with hand-painted tiles depicting scenes from the Bible. Visiting this historical sanctuary gives you a different perspective and leaves you feeling very spiritual.
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Bask in the Glory of Igreja de São Francisco
What is it?
Starting as a gothic building, Igreja de São Francisco has been continuously maintained to preserve the historical roots of the people.
Why go?
Once you enter the building, you’ll witness Brazilian woodwork laced with gold leaves and intricate altarpieces in true Baroque fashion. With three naves and the church of São Francisco in the center, this place is still reminiscent of the reign of King D. Fernando.
Don’t miss
If you’re not a fan of big crowds, you can take refuge in the catacombs here. They’re spooky yet intriguing and are often overlooked by first-time visitors unless accompanied by a local guide.
Head to Vila Nova de Gaia for Port Wine
What is it?
A municipality in Porto, Gaia, has some of the best cafes serving freshly brewed coffee, restaurants with perfectly seasoned food, delicious wine, and magnificent beaches to kick back and relax.
Why go?
If you’re a self-proclaimed wine connoisseur, visiting Nova de Gaia is an absolute must. With cellars stocked with aged wine, you can taste test the boozy beverage here. Some cellars have entire museums inside, and you can even book a wine tour, which includes samples of different alcohols.
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Visit the São Bento Train Station
What is it?
One of Europe’s most beautiful train stations, visiting São Bento is a great way to discover the hidden street art. Beautiful Portuguese tiles highlighting integral parts of the country’s history make it a dream-like place to explore.
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Gain New Insights at Livraria Lello
What is it?
Lello is a famous bookstore lined with an endless amount of books. Since it’s one of the most popular things to do here, there’s a long line every time you visit. You must also get an entry ticket, but it’s refundable once you buy a book.
Why go?
For Harry Potter fans, there’s nothing more exciting than a visit to Livraria Lello. The stairway here is known to be the inspiration behind the grand staircase at Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series, which makes hoards of fans visit the location.
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Explore the Igreja Do Carmo
What is it?
Dating back to the 1700s, Igreja Do Carmo is a stunning piece of architecture. Statues sculpted outside the building give it a classic Baroque feel.
Why go?
Inside this religious building, you’ll find seven altars made by the famous sculptor Francisco Pereira Campanha and vibrant oil paintings that enamor the viewer.
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Walk on the Ponte de Dom Luís I
What is it?
Constructed in 1886, Ponte de Dom Luís I is more than just a bridge. When the passage between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia was precarious, this bridge served as a gateway for travel between the two places, making it much more accessible for locals.
Why go?
The bridge is designed to catch your eye yet still maintains structural integrity. When you cross it, you can see the hustle and bustle of the city, which makes for a stunning view. People often come up here to take the perfect vacation selfies.
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Devour Some Delicious Pastéis de Nata
What is it?
Pastel de nata is a Portuguese custard tart made with egg, flour, cinnamon, and butter. The gooey egg custard nestled inside a crispy pastry exterior is heavenly and will satisfy your sugar cravings.
Don’t miss
Places like Majestic Café, with its romantic ambiance, and Fábrica da Nata serve the best custard tarts you’ll ever eat. Beware, you might buy a dozen and take them home with you.
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Seek Out Miradouro Da Vitória
What is it?
In Portuguese, Miradouro means viewpoint. From this vantage point, you’ll see colorful houses, Dom Luis, the dome of Palacio da Bolsa, and the entire city spanning as far as the eye can see.
Why go?
If you have a knack for photography or love enjoying scenic views, this is the right place for you.
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Shop at Mercado Do Bolhão
What is it?
Mercado Do Bolhao is a traditional market in Porto where you can find fresh produce, meat, fish, and flowers. When you visit the location, you’ll see that the place is divided into four separate areas depending on the product.
Why go?
To fully immerse yourself in the culture of Porto, visiting this market is essential. Small restaurants serve mouth-watering traditional cuisine and souvenir shops to buy memorabilia for back home.
Don’t miss
Across the place, you’ll find several women selling various products, each marketing their business with something like an outcry known as pregão. This is quite common in the city, but it’s a unique experience for foreigners on a holiday.
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Look at Art at Jardim Do Palácio de Cristal
What is it?
Thick, luscious cypress and olive trees, snow-white magnolias, large fountains, and intricate sculptures are some of the characteristics of this botanical garden. Once you’ve explored the monuments and buildings of the city, taking a picnic basket to Jardim Do Palacio de Cristal is a great way to enjoy a relaxing evening.
Don’t miss
The Crystal Palace Garden has beautiful peacocks with divine feathers that you must witness once you’re there.
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Go on a Guided Tour at FC Porto Museum & Stadium
What is it?
The interactive museum of all things football is located on the first floor of Dragão Stadium. With 125 years of history packed in 200 trophies and several in-depth videos, you can take a guided tour of the entire stadium and museum for a small fee. It’s one of the best things to do in Porto.
Don’t miss
If you’re worried about missing out on parts of the tour due to language constraints, you can take earphones with translation to a few languages to aid you along the way.
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Enjoy the Beauty of Foz Do Douro
What is it?
Foz Do Douro District has a seafront where visitors often go on romantic walks with a spectacular view of the sandy beaches and bottled green waters. The beaches have been given the blue flag because of their hygienic conditions and cleanliness, which makes this place even more special.
Don’t miss
Pergola da Foz stretches across the beach, making it perfect for an intimate spot for you and your partner to enjoy the beautiful sunset.
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Take a Day Trip to the Douro Valley
What is it?
Douro Valley is known for its enigmatic vineyards and panoramic views. Located at a 1.5-hour drive from Porto, you’ll see undulating plains lined with greenery, cotton candy clouds covering the sky, and a gorgeous river twisting and turning in the middle. It’s so surreal to visit that you’ll be left speechless as you enjoy the view.
Why go?
Whether you choose to use public transport, rent your own car, or take a structured tour with a tour guide, you’ll have a blast.
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