15 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal You Won’t Want to Miss
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Although not as well known as Lisbon, the smaller city of Porto is the kind of place I’m almost certain you’ll want to go back to time and time again. (I certainly do!) That’s the thing about it — there are so many incredible things to see and do in Porto that one trip really isn’t enough.
But, you can certainly give it a try! This is why I wanted to share some of the best things to do in Porto on your trip to the city — so you take advantage of every second of your time there.
Don’t worry, whether you’re visiting the city for a weekend, a week, or a night during your Camino Portugues, Porto is worth the trip!
This being said, here are our picks for the top 15 amazing sights and must-do activities in Porto, Portugal.
Vamos começar! Let’s get started!
15 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal
Take a look at some of the best things to do in Porto, below. We’re so excited for you — have the best time!
1. Explore the Cais da Ribeira
Porto has a lot of unique and lively areas to explore, but there are some that really stand out. Cais da Ribeira is truly at the top of the list in that respect!
Known for being one of the most picturesque parts of the city, the Cais da Ribeira (the riverfront promenade) is easily one of the best places to visit in Porto if you want to get a feel for the heart of the city.
Since the main promenade is located on the riverbank — ribeira means riverside in English — you can catch a glimpse of the many cruise boats that depart from the port, watch the teams of people crossing the Luis I Bridge, and get a nice view of Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank (where you can go port wine tasting, should you like.)
Some other things to look out for are the colorful, terraced homes, barcos rabelos (flat-bottomed boats), and of course, plenty of souvenir shops. You can also get a good vantage point for people watching at any of the cafés and restaurants, which are, expectedly, a little pricier in this area.
It’s also prudent to note that nighttime is when this part of town comes alive. Whether you’re just up for a stroll, want to enjoy some fresh fish at a tasca (tavern), or watch one of many street performances, head to Cais da Ribeira for the evening.
If you want to get a good photograph of the area, head to the upper level of the bridge or try a photo from Gaia on the opposite side.
2. Check out the art at the Serralves Museum
The foremost museum for contemporary art in Portugal, Serralves is a must-see for art lovers. You might even say it’s one of those places you may want to see once in a lifetime even if art isn’t your main interest.
Here, you have works from Portuguese artists such as Maria José Aguiar, Helena Ameida, and Manuel Baptista, just to name a few of the best known.
Additionally, the building, inaugurated in 1999, is a dazzling architectural feat. In other words, you don’t just go to see the art, you go to see the architecture and how it works to display the art pieces in the best possible light.
The museum is accompanied by a villa and a park in Foz do Douro, which is a destination in itself (see below). The park features the Treetop Walk, an elevated walkway amongst the trees.
Admission to the museum is 8.5€ for adults,4.25€ for seniors, and children are free. Buy your ticket at the door, or reserve the full Serralves experience by clicking here.
3. Climb the tower at the Clérigos Church
Take a wander around (and inside) Clérigos Church and its adjoining tower. The tower has been standing tall and proud in Porto since the mid 1700s.Truly, it’s one of the most recognised and best things to do in Porto that you won’t want to miss.
Inside the baroque-style church, you’ll find some lovely frescoes, sculptures, and a crypt.
But, what you really don’t want to lose out on is the view from the top of the campanile! Well worth the 200 steps to the top, you’ll get a spectacular view of the city and the Douro river. You can easily spend 30 minutes admiring the views and taking pictures.
By the way, once inside the Torre dos Clérigos , don’t be frightened if the bells go off!
The entry to the tower is €6 for adults (children free) and is timed. Plan to pick up your ticket and return at your allotted time slot. There is a park and cafés nearby where you can wait, as well as the stunning exterior where you can get some great photos. Or, purchase your ticket ahead of time.
There is also a fascinating light show that you can attend inside the cathedral! Skip the line, and get your tickets here.
If you’d like to attend mass inside the church, there are services in English every Saturday at 5pm. Entry to the church is free.
Editor’s Note: Don’t forget to insure your trip, whether you’re planning to do some light exercise or not. Travel insurance can cover trip interruptions, injury, and other mishaps. Don’t leave home without out it; we certainly don’t! Get a quote here.
4. Walk the promenade at Foz do Douro
A highlight of any trip to Porto is a walk along the seaside in affluent Foz do Douro. Located where the river meets the Atlantic ocean, the boardwalk is a peaceful (aside from the occasional crashing wave, that is) and romantic place to take a stroll any time of day!
But, we do particularly love it at sunset. We recommend you head there for a walk before settling into a waterfront café to watch the spectacle. Praia da Luz comes highly recommended for seafood, if you’re in the mood for something tasty.
Two centuries-old forts to visit along the water are the Fortress São João Baptista da Foz and the Fort of São Francisco do Queijo, (aka the Castle of the Cheese). The latter offers a nice view of the waves crashing against the rocks.
Of course, the Felgueiras Lighthouse (Farolim de Felgueiras) is a stunning monument. Stop by for some photos, but be sure to watch out for splashing waves!
To get to Foz do Douro, take the iconic #1 tram or bus 500.
5. Feast your eyes on the Igreja de São Francisco
Interestingly, Igreja de São Francisco is the last Gothic monument in Porto! It’s also considered one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Portugal.
However, like many churches, it underwent many renovations in its history. Thus, the interior was completed in the Baroque style. It’s filled with gilded wood carvings made of Brazilian wood. Seriously, with nearly 800 lbs (363 kgs) of gold leaf, hardly a surface goes untouched inside this cathedral! In fact, you’ll hear some people refer to it as the “gold church.”
Admission to tour the Church of São Francisco is $ (€7.50) for adults. For the ticket price, you can visit the nave, a small museum exhibit of religious artifacts, and the catacombs. The catacombs, meant for members of the Franciscan order as they await judgment day, are especially eerie.
Don’t miss the Tree of Jesse, an intricate wooden sculpture tracing the lineage of Christ that took three years to carve!
Igreja de São Francisco is located in the Ribera, just behind the Palacio da Bolsa. São Bento metro stop is nearby.
6. Cross the Ponte de Luís I
The Luís I Bridge was once the longest of its type in the world and possibly the most recognisable bridge in Portugal. Perfect for a stroll, expect crowds of tourists making their way across for a view of Porto from the other side, Vila Nova de Gaia.
That being said, it’s still one of the best things to do in Porto, especially if you haven’t been before.
The bridge is a double deck metal bridge with one big arch stretching across its center. It was completed in 1886 by a student of French civil engineer Gustave Eiffel (yes, of the Eiffel tower fame). In the early 1990s, the top deck was renovated to allow for metro access. Today, only the metro and pedestrians cross the top deck, and that’s where you’ll want to head for impressive views. (The lower deck allows cars and has a narrow area for foot traffic.)
Make sure to wander the banks of the river Douro, too. From both the winemaking district of Gaia and the Ribera, you’ll get some stunning views.
Of course, Ponte de Luís I may be best admired from a cruise along the Douro river, glass of Port wine in hand!
Truly, with over a century of history, Ponte de Luís I is a must-see when visiting Porto.
7. Read at the Livraria Lello
You can’t go all the way to Porto without getting tickets to see Livraria Lello.
Called “the most beautiful bookstore in the world,” Livraria Lello is said to have inspired the look of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter series. (Once you step inside, you can easily see why). It’s one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal (1881) and is certainly worth visiting when in Porto if you’re a fan of Harry Potter, bookstores, or architecture.
After visiting, or if you don’t want to fight the crowds inside, don’t forget to snap some pictures of the impressive Gothic façade, which was restored in 2016.
The bookstore is open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Tickets cost $5.35/€5 and may be purchased online. You can also use your €5 towards the purchase of a book, but remember most of the books are in Portuguese. The selection is also limited.
Located near the Clérigos Church, Livraria Lello is dismissed as a tourist trap. While we don’t like tourist traps or crowds either, we still think it’s worth the small entry for a look around!
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you might also be interested in Porto’s Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour. Tickets to the bookstore are not included.
8. Picnic at Parque de Cidade
The Parque de Cidade is a large public park and one of Porto’s best attractions to enjoy a few hours away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The park covers 205 acres, making it the largest urban park in Portugal. Consisting of green space, footpaths, natural flora and fauna, and ponds/lakes, I highly recommend you take a stroll through Parque de Cidade’s 6.2 miles of paths!
Don’t be surprised to see many locals out doing exercise: playing soccer, doing yoga, running, biking, kids playing in the play area, etc.
Wildlife lovers will also enjoy the many birds (including ducks, geese, and chickens), turtles, and the like. Wild in a different way are the many dogs whose owners bring them to get some exercise in the park!
Parque de Cidade is a place to wander in nature, sit and read on one of its many benches, and take a picnic (there’s a bar for drinks/snacks, but better to bring your own if you want something more substantial). You’ll find lots of tourists and locals there, especially on weekends.
You can get to the (free) park by taking a bus (1M, 205, 500, or 502), or hop a tourist bus. The aquarium is just outside the park and is a great Porto activity if you have kids (or you love sea life!). Get tickets to SEA LIFE Porto here.
9. Cruise down the Douro River
Did you know that Porto is the only city in Europe with six bridges? That’s right, the Douro river cuts through Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, and Ponte de Luís I isn’t the only masterpiece in sight. If you have the time, a cruise on Douro is a great way to see the city from a different angle.
The 6 bridges cruise leaves from Cais da Estiva near the Ribera. Here, you’ll board historical boats that were once used to transport port wine barrels from the neighboring Douro region and Porto and Gaia. From here, you’ll travel between Freixo and the mouth of the Douro, learning all about the history and points of interest in the area.
What a fun way to get a different view of Porto! Book the 6 Bridges Douro River Tour.
10. Marvel at the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
The Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) is Porto’s most important religious building, which, in our opinion, makes its location in the highest part of the city quite fitting.
With walls that once protected the city nearby, its Romanesque façade is practically reminiscent of a fortress!
But don’t let the bold exterior fool you. Inside, you’ll find the 12th Century cathedral itself (free) as well as the Cloisters, which you can tour ($3/€ 3). It’s truly a magnificent structure, and visiting it is well worth your time in Porto.
The Porto Cathedral is also the starting point of the Camino Portugues route of the famed Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. Pilgrims may purchase their pilgrim’s passports at the church before setting off from the nearby waymaker on their 250 km thru-hike to Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
If you see a pilgrim (recognizable by the shell that adorns their backpack), don’t forget to wish them a good journey with a friendly, “Bom Caminho!”
11. See the glass-domed patio at Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)
Named a National Monument, no trip to Porto is complete without a stop at the surprising Palácio da Bolsa.
The massive Palácio da Bolsa is a historical building that took nearly 70 years to complete. It once acted as the city’s stock exchange.
Inside, you’ll find many interesting design and architectural feats. A favorite is the glass-domed Pátio das Nações courtyard. Light pouring in from the octagonal metal and glass is just spectacular.
The ornate Arab Room, reminiscent of the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain, is also worth a look. The Moorish-style room is so fantastical, it took 18 years to complete!
A guided visit to the palace costs $10.65 (€10) for adults and $6.95 (€6.5) for students and seniors. Children under 12 enter free. You may also reserve your tickets online. Tours are available in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.
12. Visit the São Bento Train Station
If you’ve ever been to a train station in Europe, you know that they can be absolutely spectacular. The French-inspired São Bento Train Station in Porto is no exception. Some even say it’s one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe!
If you’re traveling through there, make sure to pause to see the breathtaking azulejo tiles that adorn its interior walls. These tiles (over 20,000 of them) depict Portugal’s history.
And if you’re not traveling through there, step inside to check it out!
The train station is centrally located, just steps from the Clérigos Church & Tower and the Porto Cathedral. The nearest metro station is São Bento. Admission is free — unless you hop a train, that is!
13. Tour Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas
Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas are beautiful churches which overlook the intricate fountain of the lions (Fonte dos Leões) and the University of Porto.
From the outside, it’s easy to mistake the two churches for one — they are only separated by a 3.28 foot (1 meter) hidden house!
The Igreja dos Carmelitas was built first in the 17th Century in the Baroque style. Later, in the 18th Century, the neighboring church was built, this time in the Rococo style.
While the two churches themselves are quite curious, the side of the Igreja do Carmo is what usually receives the most attention. It was redone in 1912 with a magnificent display of blue and white tiles. The tiles, azulejos, depict scenes from the foundation of the Carmelite Order.
The churches are free, but if you’d like to visit the hidden house, the catacombs, sacristy and other points of interest along the tourist circuit, you may pay a small fee that goes towards ongoing restoration.
Getting to explore the hidden house (Casa Escondida do Porto) is a neat experience, completely worth going inside.
14. See the azulejos outside Capela das Almas
One of Porto’s top attractions is its abundance of azulejos. Located in the city center, the Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) is one place you must visit if you love the blue and white tiles as much as we do.
Built in the 18th century, the Capela das Almas is a small and intimate church, especially when you compare it to the others nearby.
You will be impressed by the façade, covered almost entirely in azulejos depicting the lives of St. Francis and St. Catherine. While you may only be interested in taking photos of the stunning exterior, it’s free to visit inside the church, which is plain in comparison.
Make a small donation, light and candle, and say a prayer, if you wish.
The chapel is centrally located on the Rua de Santa Catarina, right next to the Bolhao metro station.
15. Wander through the Casa São Roque
Casa São Roque is a mansion from the late 1700’s that is a fun place to see in Porto. Here, you can examine Porto’s architecture and design as it would have been in the early 1900s, when it was remodeled by Portuguese architect Marques da Silva.
Inside, you’ll find examples of decorations, stuccos, tiles, wood finishes, etc. from the era. Its glass winter garden is perhaps the highlight of the home.
The House is surrounded by the Jardim do Parque de São Roque. At this public park, you can check out the interesting hedge maze, its centuries-old camellias, cave and arbor. There’s also a beautiful view of the river from the gardens.
The mansion itself has been restored and since 2019 has also hosted exhibitions of contemporary art and cultural events. Through early 2023, they hosted an enchanting Andy Warhol exhibit.
To visit Casa São Roque when in Porto, you may purchase a ticket in advance for $8.56 (€8). The house is closed every Tuesday. It’s located near both the Campanhã train station and the stadium (closest metro is Estádio do Dragão).
Where to next?
This guide to our favorite things to do in Porto is one of many guides to help you plan your time in this incredible city and country. Be sure to check the following posts too!
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