Gizane Campos Portugal is one of those countries that’s easy to enjoy and hard to leave. And then there is Porto. Once you’ve taken a look at our list of things to do in Porto, you’ll quickly realize that even if you spend two months there, you can’t possibly see and do everything.
Like many other Portuguese cities, Porto is walkable, full of character, and packed with great views. If it’s your first time in this beautiful northern city, whether for a weekend or a bit longer, this guide covers the highlights and digs a bit deeper into hidden gems.
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What You Need to Visit Porto
You’ll need a tourist visa to visit Portugal on a passport from a non–European Union country. However, there are some exceptions to this.
For example, citizens of Brazil, the UK, the US, and Australia can visit Portugal visa-free for up to 90 days. For longer stays, several Portugal Visas allow you to work, study, or obtain residency in the country.
Once you’ve arrived in Portugal, assuming you landed in Lisbon, getting to Porto is relatively easy. Walk through the airport terminal to the metro and take the red line to Oriente station.
From there, go up a few floors and look for a green Comboios de Portugal (CP) ticket booth. You can change the language of the electronic kiosk if it’s in Portuguese, making it a bit easier to navigate.
Then, simply buy a one-way ticket with Porto Campanhã station as your destination.
CP trains to Porto are relatively frequent and you can even see their stations on Google Maps. The journey from Lisbon should take between two and a half hours and three hours, depending on the departure time.
The price also fluctuates depending on the carriage class, but it’s usually between €30 and €50.
Check out our Portugal Visa Entry Requirements Guide
10 Must-See Things to Do in Porto, Portugal
As with many cities and towns in Portugal, there are a few iconic things you absolutely must do when visiting. Porto is no different, and even though some attractions can be incredibly busy with sightseers, these five are still worth doing.
1. Dom Luís I Bridge
This double-deck iron bridge links Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia and offers one of the best views in the city. Walking across the top level gives you a clear shot of the Douro River and the tiled rooftops of Ribeira. It only takes a few minutes to cross, but you’ll likely stop to take photos along the way. It’s especially beautiful at sunset.
Pro tip: Start on the cathedral side and walk toward Gaia for the best angles.
2. Ribeira
Ribeira is Porto’s riverside postcard of an old town. It’s full of narrow lanes, old buildings, and colorful façades facing the water. You can grab a drink, watch the boats, or walk the promenade. It gets busy, but the energy is part of the appeal.
Pro tip: Walk a bit uphill for quieter streets and better food at local spots.
3. Livraria Lello
Often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is a short but memorable stop. The carved staircase and stained glass ceiling are the main draw, not the books. Legend says that the bookstore was the inspiration for the moving staircase in the Harry Potter franchise. It’s usually crowded, so book a timed ticket online before you go.
Pro tip: Early morning slots are quieter. Your ticket price goes toward a book if you want a souvenir.
4. Port Wine Cellars
Porto’s namesake drink is aged just across the river in Gaia, where rows of historic cellars are open for tours and wine tasting. Each offers a slightly different vibe, giving a solid overview of how the port is made and stored. It’s relaxed, informative, and a nice contrast to the busy streets of Porto.
Pro tip: Don’t overdo it—two wine tasting visits in a day are plenty. Graham’s and Taylor’s are good starting points.
5. Eat a Francesinha
This local sandwich is a full meal in itself. Stuffed with layers of meat, covered in melted cheese, and drenched in spicy sauce, the francesinha is as over-the-top as it sounds. It’s a Porto staple—hearty, messy, and best tackled with a fried egg, fries, and a cold beer.
Pro tip: Try Café Santiago or Brasão. It’s rich, so plan a slow walk after.
6. Clérigos Tower
You’ll spot this Baroque tower from all over the city, and climbing it gives you the full 360-degree Porto view. It’s 225 steps to the top, but the skyline and river scenery are worth it. The attached church is free to enter, but there’s a small fee for the tower climb.
Pro tip: Go early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the heat and the queues.
7. São Bento Train Station
Even if you’re not catching a train, pop into the São Bento train station to see the massive azulejo tile panels. The station walls are covered in blue-and-white scenes from Portuguese history, from battles to royal ceremonies. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city and a quick stop right in the center.
Pro tip: It’s busiest in the late morning, so go early if you want clearer photos.
8. Palácio da Bolsa
This 19th-century former stock exchange is all about impressive interiors. The guided tour takes you through grand halls, with the Arabian Room being the standout. It’s over-the-top in the best way, with ornate ceilings and detailed craftsmanship throughout. You’ll need to join a tour, but they run often in multiple languages.
Pro tip: If you’re short on time, skip the full tour and just visit the exterior courtyard and café.
9. Ride the Historic Tram to Foz do Douro
Hop on the old wooden Tram 1 for a scenic ride along the river to Foz, where the Douro meets the Atlantic. It’s a slow, rattly ride but a relaxing one. Once in Foz, you can walk along the seafront, grab a coffee, or catch the sunset.
Pro tip: Board the tram at the start of the line near Infante to get a seat by the window.
10. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Despite the name, there’s no crystal palace here anymore, but the gardens are still one of Porto’s best green spaces. You’ll find shaded paths, fountains, peacocks, and some of the best river views in the city. It’s peaceful, well-kept, and good for a quiet break from sightseeing.
Pro tip: Head to the upper terrace around golden hour—it’s a great photo spot without the crowds.
10 Hidden Gems in Porto
With so many tourists passing through Porto, it is easy to get overwhelmed with the crowds. However, if you want to take a few steps off the beaten path, there are plenty of unique things to do in Porto.
11. Capela das Almas
Tucked into a busy shopping street near Bolhão, this small chapel is covered in striking blue-and-white azulejos from top to bottom. It’s easy to walk past without noticing how detailed the tile work really is. Step inside for a quiet moment or just admire the outside while heading to the nearby market.
12. Rua Miguel Bombarda Art District
This street is home to independent galleries, design shops, and rotating exhibits—some quirky, some thought-provoking. It’s less polished than Porto’s museums, but that’s part of the appeal. New shows often open on Saturdays, and multiple galleries sync their calendars.
13. Passeio das Virtudes
A local favorite for catching the sunset. This small terrace park overlooks the Douro and the Gaia riverbank, but without the big tourist crowds. People bring drinks, sit on the low walls, and hang out until the sky turns pink.
14. Miradouro da Vitória
It’s not marked with signs, and it’s technically private land away from the old town, but this open viewing area offers some of the best views over Porto’s rooftops and the river. It’s free, central, and usually quiet—great for a quick photo stop.
15. Fábrica Social
A creative space that sells handmade items created by people supported by the city’s social programs. You’ll find ceramics, textiles, and home goods with a story behind each one. If you’re looking for a unique gift or souvenir, this is one of the most meaningful places to buy.
16. Portuguese Centre of Photography
Set in a former prison, this free museum is often missed by tourists. It houses rotating photography exhibits—some from major Portuguese artists, others international. The building itself is worth a visit, with old cells turned into galleries.
17. Fontainhas Viewpoint
A more low-key viewpoint east of the center with views down the Douro and across to Gaia. You’ll find locals walking dogs, chatting on benches, and enjoying a slower pace. It’s quiet, relaxed, and easy to reach by foot.
18. Casa Museu Guerra Junqueiro
This historic house museum, just behind the cathedral, features ceramics, furniture, and art collected by poet Guerra Junqueiro. It’s compact and quiet and has a small courtyard café ideal for a coffee break. The entrance fee is minimal, and the museum only takes about 30 minutes to explore.
19. A Pérola do Bolhão
This traditional grocery store is easy to miss but worth stepping into. The tile-covered façade is classic Porto, and inside you’ll find a mix of cured meats, canned fish, and local products. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s worth popping in to see a slice of daily life that hasn’t changed much in decades.
20. Jardim das Virtudes Vertical Garden
Built into a slope just below Passeio das Virtudes, this garden feels hidden in plain sight. It’s layered, shaded, and quiet—perfect for a mid-day break with a view. There are benches, trees, and paths to wander.
30 Best Things to Do in Portugal
Things to Do in Porto at Night
21. Listen to live fado
While Fado is more closely tied to Lisbon, Porto has a few intimate venues to catch live performances. Casa da Mariquinhas and Ideal Clube de Fado offer a small, authentic setting with traditional music and candlelit vibes.
22. Sip cocktails at Mirajazz
A local jazz group runs this hillside wine bar near Virtudes. It’s casual and scenic and often features live acoustic sets. You don’t need a reservation—just grab a glass and enjoy the city lights over the Douro.
23. Watch the lights from Serra do Pilar
For one of the best nighttime views of Porto, walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge and climb up to Serra do Pilar Monastery. The whole city glows from this vantage point, and it’s usually quiet after sunset.
24. Catch an indie film at Cinema Trindade
If you’re after a low-key night, this independent cinema near Trindade metro shows subtitled films in their original languages. It’s cozy, affordable, and a great way to take a break from walking.
25. Bar-hop in Galerias de Paris
This nightlife street comes alive after dark, packed with casual bars, music, and people spilling into the road. It’s social, laid-back, and walkable.
26. Take a night boat ride on the Douro
Several boat operators offer short evening cruises. The bridges and cityscape are lit up, and the pace is slower than the daytime tours. It’s a peaceful way to see the river from a new angle.
Porto Museums Worth a Visit
If you prefer a historical or cultural experience primarily indoors and undercover, one of the best things to do in Porto is pop into a museum.
27. Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
Portugal’s leading contemporary art museum sits inside a sleek, minimalist building surrounded by landscaped gardens. The rotating exhibitions are bold and varied, and the grounds are just as impressive as the art.
28. FC Porto Museum
This museum is surprisingly engaging, even if you’re not a football fan. It traces the history of FC Porto with interactive displays, trophies, and media exhibits. It’s housed at Estádio do Dragão, with the option to add a stadium tour.
29. National Museum Soares dos Reis
This is Porto’s main fine arts museum, with a collection that spans painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. Housed in a former palace, it’s quiet, traditional, and a good change of pace from the modern art scene.
30. World of Discoveries
Part museum, part theme park, this family-friendly spot explores the Portuguese Age of Exploration with life-sized boats, maps, and multimedia exhibits. It’s fun, interactive, and surprisingly informative.
31. Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha
Often overlooked, this small museum near the Crystal Palace Gardens recreates a 19th-century bourgeois home and offers a glimpse into how upper-class Porto families lived. Plus, it’s got a great garden view.
Why should you visit Porto?
Porto is one of the oldest cities in northern Portugal, and it’s packed with character. From the historic center to the views from the Dom Luís I Bridge, there’s something here for everyone—whether it’s your first trip, a quick visit, or part of a longer two weeks in Portugal.
Start your day with a walk through Ribeira Square and the hilly streets of the city center, then cross the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a wine tasting in one of the traditional wine cellars. The Gaia promenade offers sunset views over the river, and a ride on the cable car gives you great angles from above.
Porto is a coastal city, but it feels like a small city—you can explore beautiful churches, stop for a pastel de nata, and take in stunning views all in one afternoon. The baroque bell tower of Torre dos Clérigos is one of the most iconic sights, and Livraria Lello bookshop (often just called the Lello bookstore) is a must for book lovers.
Don’t miss the Stock Exchange Palace, the ornate São Francisco church, or a visit to Casa de Serralves—also known as the Pink Palace. If you have limited time, a guided walking tour or food tour is a good option to cover the essentials. And if you’re staying longer, great day trips include the Douro Valley, Matosinhos Beach, and Mosteiro da Serra.
Getting around is easy—public transport is reliable, or you can walk between Rua das Flores, Santa Catarina, and São Bento Station with ease. For a bigger adventure, take a full-day trip across the Douro to Casa da Música or head out to explore Planet Cork.
Whether you’re planning a Porto itinerary for one day or several, this absolutely gorgeous city delivers a huge number of great things to see and do. The Portuguese people are welcoming, the city’s food is a highlight (don’t miss the best francesinha), and the best part—you’ll always leave wanting more.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Porto
Are there things to do in Porto with kids?
Yes, there are lots of activities and sights to see with kids. Ride the historic tram along the river, grab ice cream at Gelataria Portuense, or try Sea Life Porto for a low-key indoor option with sharks, tunnels, and touch pools.
Is Porto worth visiting?
Yes, Porto is worth visiting. It’s smaller and more relaxed than Lisbon but still packed with history, views, great food, and a strong local feel. There’s plenty to enjoy, whether you’re into architecture, wine, or just slow walks by the river.
What is Porto, Portugal best known for?
Porto is best known for its port wine, the Dom Luís I Bridge, tiled buildings, and the colorful Ribeira district along the Douro River. It’s also known for its steep hills, historic trams, and hearty local dishes like the francesinha.
Is Porto prettier than Lisbon?
It depends on what you like. Lisbon is brighter and more polished, while Porto has a more lived-in, layered charm. Porto feels older and a bit rough around the edges, but that’s part of its beauty. Many visitors say it feels more authentic.
Is two days enough to see Porto?
Two days is enough to see the main highlights like Ribeira, the bridge, Livraria Lello, and a port wine cellar, but you’ll miss some of the hidden gems. Give it three if you want a deeper experience or a slower pace.
What is the best month to visit Porto, Portugal?
May, June, and September are ideal. The weather is warm but not too hot, the city is lively, and you’ll avoid the busiest crowds of July and August. Spring and early fall also tend to be more budget-friendly.
