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.
The 34 Best 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 offers a variety of attractions, from historical landmarks to vibrant markets and delicious food and wine experiences. Porto’s popular things to include exploring the historic Ribeira district, visiting the Dom Luís I Bridge, and enjoying Port wine tastings.
You can also visit the famous Lello Bookstore, the Clérigos Church and Tower, and the São Bento Train Station. Even though some attractions can be incredibly busy with sightseers, these are all worth doing.
01/ Dom Luís I Bridge
Built in 1877 by Teófilo Seyrig, who was a partner of Eiffel Tower designer Gustave Eiffel, this double-deck iron bridge links Porto’s city center 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. Start on the Porto cathedral side and walk toward Vila Nova de Gaia for the best angles. Several Porto walking tour groups also travel this way.
02/ 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 and a pastel de nata, watch the boats, or walk the promenade along the Atlantic Ocean. It gets busy, but the energy is part of the appeal.
03/ Livraria Lello
Often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is a short but memorable stop.
Founded in 1869, 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 by author JK Rowling. It’s usually crowded, so book a timed ticket online before you go. Early morning slots are quieter. Your ticket price goes toward a book if you want a souvenir.
04/ 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.
05/ 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 the best way to tackle it is with a fried egg, fries, and a cold beer.
You don’t need to go to the best restaurants to find it. Simply try Café Santiago or Brasão. It’s rich, so plan a slow walk after.
06/ Clérigos Tower
You’ll spot this Baroque tower from all over the city, and climbing it gives you the full 360-degree Porto view. Standing 76 meters tall, it’s the tallest campanile in Portugal, and 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.
07/ São Bento Train Station
Even if you’re not catching a train, pop into the São Bento train station to see the massive 20,000 azulejo tile panels.
The first stone was laid by King Carlos I in 1900, and the station walls are covered in blue-and-white scenes from Portuguese history, like the Battle of Valdevez (1140), the meeting of the knight Egas Moniz and Alfonso VII of León (12th century), the arrival of King John I and Philippa of Lancaster in Porto (1387).
It’s one of the most photogenic spots in the city and a quick stop right in the center. It’s busiest in the late morning, so go early if you want clearer photos.
08/ 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.
09/ 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.
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. Built in the 19th century and inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, 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.
11/ Explore the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia
No trip to Porto is complete without spending time along the Douro River. Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you’ll find the world-famous port cellars. From the other side of the river, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Porto’s historic skyline — a beautiful view especially at sunset. Take the cable car do Morro down to the riverside for a totally different perspective of the city.
12/ Discover Porto’s churches
Head back to Porto’s city center to visit the Porto Cathedral and the Igreja do Carmo.
These two churches are among the city’s top attractions, showcasing different architectural styles and centuries of Porto’s history.
Just a few minutes away, the Igreja de São Francisco impresses with its intricate gold interiors and the famous Arab Room.
Architecture fans should plan a Porto walking tour to see these landmarks and the narrow streets that make downtown Porto so charming.
13/ 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.
It’s not as big as the Porto Cathedral, but still impressive.
14/ 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.
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.
21/ 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.
22/ 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.
23/ 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.
24/ 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.
25/ 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.
26/ 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.
27/ 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.
28/ 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.
29/ Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
Portugal’s leading contemporary art museum sits inside a sleek, minimalist building designed by architect Alvaro Siza and is surrounded by landscaped gardens.
It holds over 4,300 works in its main collection, but the rotating exhibitions are bold and varied, and the grounds are just as impressive as the art.
30/ 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.
31/ National Museum Soares dos Reis
Housed in the Carrancas Palace and built at the end of the 18th Century by a wealthy family, this is Porto’s main fine arts museum, with a collection that spans painting, sculpture, and decorative arts. Housing a selection of ten items classified as Assets of National Interest, it’s quiet, traditional, and a good change of pace from the modern art scene.
32/ 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.
33/ 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.
34/ Day trips to Braga and Guimarães
Taking a day trip to Braga and Guimarães from Porto will give you the opportunity to explore two of Portugal’s most historically significant cities. Braga is known for its religious landmarks, while Guimarães is celebrated as the birthplace of Portugal and boasts a stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center.
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.
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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