Porto, Portugal: Best things to see and do on your visit

Porto is no doubt one of the coolest cities in Portugal, not to mention in Europe and should not be missed. The second largest city’s combination of historical charm, wine culture, friendly locals, and a vibrant atmosphere makes Porto a truly special destination for travellers.

Getting To Porto

Porto does have an international airport and sometimes it is cheaper to fly into Porto than it is Lisbon. I often tell people that if they have a chance to fly into Porto then they can make their way south and fly out of Lisbon.

Portugal also has a fast train system and you can get from Lisbon to Porto in about 3 hours. We have done this trip twice and recommend it. Buy your tickets at cp.pt in advance. We always opt for first class reserved seats. The wifi works and it is very quiet.

You can also drive of course, which is what we do now that we live here. However, driving and parking in Porto can be a pain and so we do recommend the train or bus when coming from another city in Portugal.

Is Porto Safe?

Yes, it is safe! Safer than many other European cities, HOWEVER, there is petty theft, pickpocketing, and phone grabbing in touristy and crowded areas. Just like any other city, keep an eye on your belongings or lock them down. We have never felt unsafe or threatened in any part of the city but we do keep our wits about us and usually take a Bolt back to our Air B&B when we have had a great deal of wine or port! This is mostly because the safety issue is us walking, not other people.

Getting Around

Porto has all kinds of public transport options and being as hilly as it is, we take advantage of many of them. They have a metro system that is fairly easy to navigate and you can buy tickets at any station. There is also a bus system, a tram system, and cable cars (that has become a little touristy) but fun to take. There is a funicular that will get you from the bottom of Porto wine row to the top where the metro station is.

Porto also has Uber, taxis, Bolt, and the occasional Tuktuk that will volunteer to take you around town. We always use Bolt. It is cheap, easy to use and has never let us down. If you are looking for a short tour around, a Tuktuk would be a great option.

When is the best time to visit Porto?

The best times are anytime between April and October, although I would recommend staying away from the end of July through August. The city is full of people during this time because it is the month that most Europeans vacation. We have been at the end of August and it was not so crowded. October was a perfect time because it was still warm during the day and restaurants and streets were not as crowded then either. March was cool and rainy.

What is there to do in Porto?

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LOTS! I would recommend 2 full days to see the highlights and 3-4 to immerse more into the culture. The city centre itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plus, you definitely want to take a day trip to the Douro valley and taste some wine!

If you are one that doesn’t necessarily want to plan too much, we suggestion you take a tour around Porto to get your bearings and an overlay of the city. Walking tours are great (but just keep in mind–hills). We enjoy Tuktuk tours but make sure that you are ready for them. Sometimes the roads are a bit rough in a Tuktuk and they are not the easiest to get in and out of. We like the Antique car rides the best for this.

Here are our favorite things to do in Porto.

Visit Livraria Lello

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is known for its stunning architecture and intricate design. The grand staircase inside is a work of art in itself. It was once thought that it was the inspiration for J.K. Rowling as she wrote part of the Harry Potter series while living in Porto, but those rumours have not been confirmed. It does however, resemble a scene of Diagon Alley which attracts Harry Potter fans daily.

There is a cost to get into the bookstore, but the price of the ticket often includes a free book or money off another book you wish to purchase. There is also a timed entrance and a long line so make sure you buy your tickets in advance.

After you finish the bookstore, walk around the corner and check out the Igreja do Carmo. The side of the church is covered in azulejos tiles and is incredible. You can enter the church to look around if you wish.

Climb the Clérigos Tower

Ok, so we have never climbed this tower. But , our close friend Corrina has and says it’s worth it. On the other hand, my niece said it was crowded and hard to see.

There are only 240 stairs and it is extremely narrow on the way up, but the panoramic views we hear are amazing. The adjacent Clérigos Church is also worth a visit. Click here to buy your ticket in advance.

Porto Sign

The Porto Sign (as seen in the picture at the beginning can be found in the Praça da Liberdade square, a short distance from the Clérgos tower and Lello book store. It is a great photo opportunity.

Mercado do Bolhão

The iconic Mercado do Bolhão in Porto is a historic market found in the Rua De Santa Catarina district and an absolute gem. I was amazed at the amount of goods and produce being sold here as well as meats, cheeses, seafood and crafts.

The best part is getting a glass of wine while you explore all the goodies. You can even eat lunch here at one of the restaurants upstairs or just grab a cheese plate from one of the local vendors. You can get to it easily on the metro and there is a Multibanco machine located in the market for easy access to cash, though most vendors have card machines.

The Majestic Cafe is also located close by so you can stop in and have a pastel da nada and take some great pictures of this cafe. This place tends to get a little crowded so book a table if you have time.

Miradouro da Vitória Lookout

As you are making your way down the hill to the Ribeira District, stop and take a pic of the city from this lookout.

Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral is one of the oldest structures in the city and is a great representation of the religious history of Porto. The cathedral houses a wealth of religious art and artifacts, including sculptures, paintings, and religious relics. These treasures contribute to the cultural and artistic heritage of Porto. Make sure you climb to the top of the tower to get amazing view of the city.

Visit São Bento Railway Station

The first time I walked into the São Bento Station, my mouth dropped open. I am not sure there is a way to describe the beauty of the intricate azulejo tile work depicting historical and cultural scenes. It is almost like a museum. Make sure you stay aware of your surroundings or lock your bags down while you are in there. It is distracting enough that a pick pocket would go unnoticed.

Completely unrelated to this beautiful station, just up the street and around the corner is one of the most beautiful McDonald’s I have ever seen in my life. It used to be a grand restaurant and hotel, but McDonalds now owns it. If nothing else, just stop in for a look.

Explore Ribeira District

This historic district, located along the banks of the Douro River, is famous for its colourful buildings, narrow streets, and vibrant atmosphere, and street shopping and restaurants. Just taking a stroll through the area is enough but if you need that rooster magnet or some decorative tiles for souvenirs, make sure you walk through the local markets lining the streets. It is a great place to find all those souvenirs you will need!

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge

Walk across this iconic double-deck iron bridge for breathtaking views of Porto and the Douro River. You can walk from the river level or the upper level. The upper level is no doubt one of the best places to take a sunset pic or get a 360 view of the banks of the Douro River.

There is a funicular (Funicular dos Guindais) that will take you from the top of Porto to the foot of the Luis I bridge, but last time we were there, it was out of order.

Vila Nova de Gaia

The best views of the city are on top of the Luis I Bridge and the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. The Monastery is permanently closed but the views are amazing. There is also a lovely cafe Esplanada do Teleférico that has a lovely view of the city and a great place to sit and watch the sunset.

Then take the funicular down to the river front and walk the streets. There are shops, open markets, restaurants and indulge in the many Port wine tastings.

Sample Port Wine in Vila Nova de Gaia

Take a tour of the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto, and taste the famous Port wine. There are so many to choose from and each wine is a little different from the next. Make sure you make a reservation for a tour since they sell out quickly in the summer months. We have toured both Sandeman and Ferreira and each one had great things to offer for a reasonable amount of money. We ended up bringing home a Tawny from Sandeman and a Ruby from Ferreira as well as a greater knowledge on the port wine industry.

To find out more, check out our blog post on Port wine cellars and wine tours of the Douro Valley.

Check out the Local Street art

Porto, just like Portugal as all sorts of art painted on walls, buildings and stairs. You can even find a Bordalo II on the Gaia side.

Other Places we should mention (but we have not been to)

• Casa de Serralves: If you love art deco design, you may want to check this place out.
• Igreja de São Francisco: One of the many amazing churches in Porto built in the 11th century.
• Douro Boat cruise: Beth has taken the 7 bridges boat tour from Gaia and said that it was ok. You ride up the river viewing the bridges from the water, but unless you just really like riding on a boat, it was not really worth it.
• Casa da Música: Fantastic venue that features many local artists. You can also get a guided tour of this unusual looking building.
• Palácio da Bolsa: This spectacular room is the highlight of the palace. It features exquisite Arabic Gothic revival style decorations with intricate carved stuccowork, gilded walls, and a jaw-dropping domed ceiling.

Recommended Day Trips from Porto

If you are staying in Porto for more than a day or two, and you should, there are also several day trips that we recommend.

Douro Valley Wine tasting

We have taken this tour twice and it was somewhat different both times. The first one was in August and it was HOT. The second was in March and it was chilly–I had on a coat and hat and it rained some. BUT the tour was similar in the activities such as driving to the Douro Valley, visiting 2 wineries and having a tasting at each, eating an authentic Portuguese lunch, and taking a boat ride along the Douro River. What makes these tours great is the guide. We booked our trip here: Douro Valley Wine Tasting Tour. To read more about it, check out our blog post and podcast on the tours.

Aveiro

Aveiro, also known as the Venice of Portugal is just a quick train ride down the coast from Porto. But the best way to do it is with a tour. They pick you up, take you to the city, show you around and give you some time to explore it on your own. Aveiro is a very walkable city and easy to navigate. You can even take a gondola ride! Plus it has some great seafood restaurants! We recommend Maríe Chaia for a more elegant meal.

We also stayed here for 5 nights when we were apartment hunting. We loved the city and wanted to live there, but there was not much available there that would take dogs, so we moved on. But it is one of our favorite cities! Check out our podcast and blog post on it.

Braga and Guimarães

Many people who visit Porto also take day trips to Braga and Guimarães located northern Portugal. We have done it and highly recommend it! I think both are hard to do in one day, but if you have a sound itinerary or a good tour guide, it is doable.

Braga is one of the oldest Christian cities in the world and their celebrations of Holy Week are famous. The highlights include the Sé Cathedral, one of Portugal’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture, and the Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary with its iconic zigzag staircase.

Guimarães is like Braga with its medieval architecture, narrow streets and monuments like the 10th century Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. It is also considered the birthplace of Portugal since its first King, Alfonso Henriques was born here.

Guimarães is also known for its unique traditions like the Festa de São Torcato folk festival and the lively Noite Viva street party. The local cuisine also highlights specialty dishes like roasted kid goat.

Yum! Make sure you walk the Rua de Santa Maria where you can buy shops selling local products including embroidery, cutlery and other handicrafts that make great souvenirs.

Restaurant/Food Recommendations

Make sure you try the Francescas! We recommend you try them at A Regaleira . We had our first ever sardines at Restaurante Teresa in Matosinhos. Amazing food, amazing staff, and the homemade wine is soooooooo good.

We live in Portugal and often want something a little different when traveling. We highly recommend Frida’s, a New Mexican restaurant that has opened in Porto. The owner uses Portuguese ingredients with a Mexican twist and it is fantastic. Try the queso fundido!

In Vila de Gaia we have eaten at DeCastro Gaia several times. It is the big building that says Porto Cruz on it and it’s on the 3rd floor. They also have a rooftop bar that has great views of Porto and the river.

Also in Vila de Gaia, we loved Pip which is located in the World of Wine building. I will say it is a steep walk up stairs if you are coming from the river front in Gaia, but a Bolt or Uber would gladly drop you off closer.

Beth also LOVED éLeBê Baixa. There are 3 of these restaurants and they are very upscale, medium priced. They do an artistic taste on Portuguese dishes. The octopus is highly recommended as well as the black pork. The chocolate mousse is “to die for” according to Beth (pics below).

Ready to Visit Porto?

Porto is most certainly one of our favorite cities in Portugal and we always discover new things every time we visit. There are many great tours out there. You can get anything from a short TukTuk tour to a half day whole city tour. We highly recommend that you take the Douro Valley Wine tour as it is the best! Make sure you book your tours whether they be for wine or places in advance. They often sell out quickly.

If you do get to Porto, let us know in the comments or on our social media pages what you liked best about the city! We would love to hear from you!