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Nestled in the North of Portugal, Porto is a bustling city filled with jaw-dropping views, mouthwatering wine, and irresistible desserts that will call your name from every street corner.  From the stunning riverfront to the colorful tiled buildings, Porto is a feast for your eyes that should not be missed on your trip to Portugal.   

Watch our full Porto video below to see the beauty of Porto come to life!

We spent 10 jam-packed days in Porto exploring the city and taking some amazing day trips to some surrounding cities as well.  Although you will not need 10 days to experience Porto, allowing at least 3-4 nights is best because I can honestly say that Porto has a lot to offer the traveler.    

So, in this article, we’ll cover 15 fun things to do in Porto, how to use public transportation to get around like a local, and the food and beverages that you must try while in Porto.  

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How to Get Around Porto Portugal

Porto is very convenient to get to because it has its own airport.  We flew in from Malta to Porto with Ryanair, which is one of the most popular budget airlines in Europe.  And with plane tickets at the low cost of $64 per person, it was a very affordable way to get there.  

Once you are in the city, it is very easy to navigate with Google Maps, taking the metro subway, buses, and/or trains everywhere you want to go.  A rental car is not necessary, however, if you prefer driving, you can find affordable car rentals here.    

Just make you that have an international data plan, so you’re ready to navigate Porto with ease.  You can use our code lucasworldtravel to save 5% on your eSim purchase here.   

15 Fun Things to Do in Porto

I find that one of the biggest mistakes that travelers make is thinking that Porto is a small city that can easily be seen in a day or thinking that they can see Porto as a day trip from Lisbon.  But, I really think to do Porto justice, you should allow 3-4 nights in the city.  So, below are 15 of the best things to do while you are in Porto.    

1. The Chapel of Souls

When I think of Porto, I think of the signature blue tiles that adorn the city and the Chapel of Souls has that in abundance.  It was built in the 1700s, but the blue tiles that make this church so famous weren’t added until 1929.  The tiles beautifully depict the life of St. Francis of Assisi and each vignette is a real work of art.  Be sure to take a moment or two here to appreciate the intricate details and the stories these tiles hold.

2. Enjoy the Shopping & Street Performers on Santa Catarina Street

Next, head south down Santa Catarina Street which is one of the main shopping streets in Porto.  Here, you will see crowds of locals and tourists alike shopping and enjoying the cafes and restaurants.  On this street, you will also find the famous Majestic Cafe which is known for its beautiful facade and Art Nouveau interior.  

Our favorite part of this street, however, was watching the talented street performers who will serenade you with music and mesmerize you with their dance tricks.  It’s a delightful experience that really helped us to feel the pulse of this lively city.  You won’t want to miss it!

3. Sao Bento Train Station

The Sao Bento Train Station is art and functionally merged effortlessly together. The interior of this busy train station is adorned with stunning azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) that will transport you back in time.  The tiles depict historical scenes of battles, royalty, and country life.  It’s absolutely lovely, and worth a trip inside even if you don’t have a train to catch!

We got to visit this train station several times during our stay, once just to admire the art, and then three additional times to take day trips from Porto to surrounding towns like Braga, Coimbra, and Aveiro.  I can highly recommend the train system as a quick and easy way to navigate around the country. 

4. Porto Cathedral

From the train station, the Porto Cathedral looks like an enormous castle on a hill.  It’s so picturesque.  However, as you approach the cathedral, you realize that it is indeed a regular-sized church with some majestic architectural features.  

Not only will you enjoy seeing the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace here, but the cathedral’s terrace also has some breathtaking views of the city as well. You’ll feel a sense of tranquility and serenity as you explore this spiritual gem and its history.

5. Take a River Cruise

Next, hop aboard a charming river cruise to see the incredible bridges and city landscapes from the Douro River.  This 50-minute boat ride is both relaxing and informative as you get to learn about who built the 6 bridges that connect Porto and Gaia, and how they came into being. 

We took the Duomo Acima River Cruise and they have riverboat rides every 30 minutes.  You can schedule your 6 Bridge River Cruise here.  

You might also like to take a full boat tour through the Douro Valley to see the picturesque scenery and to have a delicious wine tasting in one of the oldest wine regions in the world.  So, be sure to explore your tour options below!

6. Luis I Bridge

Next, witness the magic of the sunset from the Luis I Bridge, an iconic symbol of Porto. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city comes alive with a golden glow, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.

Just be careful, as this bridge still is an active train track! Despite the passing trains and large crowds, the views from the top of the bridge more than make up for it!  

7. Morro Garden

Another place that we enjoyed for its lively atmosphere is Morro Garden.  This place is loaded with locals listening to live music sung by street performers.  There are also stands to get drinks and snacks.  The energy is high here and so is the vibe.  It’s definitely worth a quick stop while you are in Porto.  

8. Livraria Lello – The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World

Book lovers, this one’s for you! Step into the enchanting Livraria Lello, a literary haven boasting neo-gothic architecture, incredible wood inlays, and impressive stain-glass windows.  This bookstore was built in 1902 and really is the most beautiful bookstore in the world.  Although the line to get in really does get long, it is definitely worth seeing!  

I do recommend booking your Livraria Lello reservation online here because the online price is a bit cheaper and the online line moves a bit faster as well.  The good thing is if you decide to buy a book, your admission ticket price is applied to the price of the book.  

This unique bookstore really is a paradise for both readers and architecture lovers alike and gets our highest recommendation as a must-see sight in Porto!  

9. Clerigos Tower

Another attraction that we really enjoyed was the Clerigos Church, Museum, and Tower.  Although the church and museum are lovely, the true highlight of your visit will be the climb up the Clerigos Tower.  If you can handle the narrow stairwell and over 200 stairs, you will be rewarded with ornate spires and tremendous views of Porto’s skyline.  

10. Eat Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria

Another must when you come to Portugal is to eat Pastel de Nata, which is egg custard pie that is sweet, creamy, and absolutely delicious.  You can find these delicious pastries on almost every corner in Porto, but the best pastel de nata that we could find was at Manteigaria, a local pastry shop serving up irresistible custard tarts. Be sure to sprinkle some cinnamon on the top for a taste explosion that will have you craving more.

11. Try Francesinha (Cafe Lado B)

One of the most unique things you can try in Porto is the sandwich Francesinha.  This sandwich is not like any other because it’s layered with beef, sausage, and ham, covered with cheese, eggs, and a tomato-based beer sauce rich in flavor.  

Even if you are not a big meat eater, you can try a vegetarian version of this sandwich at Cafe Lado B, something that we tried and enjoyed.  I will say that I don’t think tofu is a good substitute for beef, so the meat version definitely has more flavor, but it was a nice healthy alternative to the real thing.   

12. Visit the Gaia Riverfront for the Best View of Porto

For a postcard-perfect view of Porto, head to the Gaia Riverfront. From this side of the river, you can marvel at the city’s colorful rooftops and the stunning Douro River winding its way through the landscape.  

This area is filled with bars and restaurants as well, so it’s nice to eat and drink by the river and enjoy the view.  

13. Drink the Wine

Porto is famous for its wines and is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, going on 2000 years of production.  For that reason, no visit to Porto is complete without savoring some of the wine.  

Porto is most famous for its port wine which is sweet red wine fortified with brandy creating a stronger 16-20% alcohol percentage. Although you can easily try some port wine at any restaurant, in order to learn more about the port wine tradition in Porto, we visited the iconic Sandeman wine cellars in Gaia that has a delightful tour and wine-tasting that will ignite your senses. We got to sample three of their port wines and they were absolutely delicious.

Although I really did enjoy the port wine, my favorite wine in Porto was definitely the green wine or Vinho Verde.  Now, if you’ve never heard of green wine before, just know that the wine is not actually green in color.  Green just means that the wine is young and is bottled and released after just 3-6 months of aging.  Because the wine is so young it’s light, fresh, sweet, and slightly fizzy.  The crisp flavors will tickle your taste buds and are an absolute must when you are in Porto!  

14. Eat Pastel de Bacalhau at Casa Portuguesa 

Not far away from Sandeman is Casa Portuguesa, a restaurant that specializes in the Portuguese snack called Pastel de Bacalhau. This tasty codfish pastry is soft and savory, filled with cod, potatoes, and cheese.  It’s absolutely delicious and will leave your mouth watering.

15. Praia do Carneiro (Carneiro Beach)

If you are seeking relaxation after several days of sightseeing, a beach day may be just what you need!  With an easy 20-minute bus ride on bus 500, you can spend the day at the tranquil Carneiro Beach where you can unwind, soak up the sun, and let the waves wash your worries away.

This beach has a nice boardwalk that is great for walking and a lighthouse that’s nice to walk to.  We found that it was nice to have a bit of nature after so many days of city life.  

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto offers an array of accommodations to suit every taste and budget. If you crave the vibrant atmosphere of the city center, look no further than the Ribeira district, where you’ll wake up to stunning river views and find yourself just steps away from Porto’s iconic landmarks. 

You can also stay a bit further North of the river by Sao Bento train station.  These neighborhoods are the most central and will put all of your sightseeing within easy walking distance.  

Click here to search for your Porto hotel.

When is the Best Time to Visit Porto Portugal

Anytime is a good time to visit Porto.  We visited in February and while jackets were necessary the weather was still pleasant and people were out and about.  So, the city’s charm truly shines year-round, but the ideal time for your adventure depends on your preferences. 

If you love the buzz of festivals and events, consider visiting during the summer months from June to August.  Summer is the time you can enjoy outdoor dining and warm weather. 

For a more tranquil experience with still pleasant weather, the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are fantastic choices. During these times, you can admire blooming gardens, explore the city comfortably, and even catch the picturesque fall foliage. 

If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind the cooler temperatures, winter (December to February) offers a unique charm with its festive decorations and the chance to cozy up in local cafes. 

Is Porto worth visiting?

Absolutely, Porto is undeniably worth visiting! Porto has a great vibe that really draws you in.  It’s not only gorgeous with its colorful tiled facades and jaw-dropping landscapes, but it’s also so much fun because of its warm and friendly people and mouthwatering food and beverages.  Once you get a taste, we are sure it will have you craving to return again sooner rather than later. 

Now that you know about Porto, check out these other Portugal destinations below!

• Lisbon Portugal – The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary
• Braga Portugal – The Perfect Day Trip from Porto
• Aveiro Portugal – The Venice of Portugal
• Coimbra Portugal – The Former Capital of Portugal
• The Best Travel Gear for Easy Packing
• How to Plan the Perfect Trip
• How to Afford to Travel Full-Time

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