It’s not difficult to fall in love with Porto. Breathtaking views, romantic streets full of beautiful tiled buildings and port. I can guarantee that if you take three days or even a whole week here, you probably won’t get enough of this Portuguese port city.What are the best things to do in Porto? In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do, see, and eat in Porto.
How to get to Porto
If you don’t feel like driving for three days like we do, the easiest way to get to Porto is by air.
How to get to the centre of Porto from Francisco Sá Carnerio Airport
- Francisco Sá Carnerio Airport is easily accessible from the city centre via the purple line E of the local metro. The price depends on exactly where you’re going, but to the centre the normal price is around two euros and the ride takes about 40 minutes. The metro operates from 6:00 am to about 1:00 am. If you’re interested in specific times, check out the website Metro do Porto.
- To ride the metro and city buses, you need to buy an Andante card, which costs €0.60 and is always charged per zone. But we walked comfortably through the centre. You can buy a single ticket or a day pass for the beach and more distant points of interest.
Please note that the Andante is not valid on cable cars and the historic tram – you must buy individual tickets there. A ticket on the historic tram costs 3.5 euros one way. A two-day ticket will cost €10.
Where to stay in Porto
If you’re a frequent traveller and enjoy the discounts and benefits of Accor hotels, there are several properties in Porto.
- The Novotel Porto Gaia is further away from the centre but has good parking, an excellent breakfast and a swimming pool in summer. Novotel also has Ibis Porto Gaia (cheaper) and Ibis Budget Porto Gaia (cheapest).
- In the centre, you will find Ibis Porto Centro. We always had an excellent breakfast in these hotels and they accommodated us with our dog. Breakfast is usually key for us when we go on shorter trips so we don’t spend the morning looking for food.
- For those of you who are in Porto for a longer period of time, want to cook for yourself or try one of our recommended cafes in the morning (below in the article), check out Vitoria’s Terrace Apartments, which are centrally located, as well as the Cozy Studio Apartment.
- For those looking for cheap hostel-style accommodation in Porto, the very stylish The Passenger Hostel is located in the iconic UNESCO-listed S. Bento train station.
Weather in Porto: When to go to Portugal?
Porto’s coastal location makes it pleasant all year round. In the summer, it doesn’t get extremely hot (although that’s changing a lot now that the planet is warming up) and in the winter, don’t expect sub-zero temperatures.
However, it rains heavily during the winter (October – January) and the most ideal time to visit is spring, summer and the end of autumn (May – September). We visited Porto in mid-February and it was a beautiful 17 degrees and partly cloudy.
22 Best Things to Do and See in Porto, Portugal
The introduction has concluded, and now we’ll explore the essential sights you won’t want to miss in Porto. Below is a map pinpointing all the locations we’ll be discussing.
1) Livraria Lello
Whether you’re a Harry Potter enthusiast, an avid reader, or just someone who appreciates stunning interiors, this enchanting bookstore is likely irresistible to you.
You have to buy a ticket to get in. We recommend that you purchase a ticket in advance online. It is purchased locally at the shop around the corner to the right of the bookstore. Entry costs five euros and you can use your ticket as a discount on the purchase of a book.
When we read about Porto, many foreign travelers advised us to avoid bookstores. It’s true that there are a lot of people there. Don’t go there during the day, we went around about 10 times and each time there was a line of over 50 people.
If you want to see the bookstore, head here half an hour before opening time (it opens at 9:30). We got here at 9:07 and we were fourth. We were among the first to see the bookstore and enjoy it to the fullest.
Inside the bookstore, treasures await, such as first editions of “Oliver Twist.” Ascend to the second floor to discover bookends crowned with the busts of renowned philosophers, artists, and writers. Additionally, Livraria Lello offers exclusive editions of classic literature, published in-house and available for purchase.
When Rowling lived in Porto, she reportedly came here very often, and the Livraria Lello bookshop became a great inspiration for her. There’s a room in the bookstore today dedicated to Harry Potter.
- Opening hours: 9:30 – 19:00
- Admission: 5 EUR (this is a voucher that can be deducted from the book)
2) Church of Igreja do Carmo
As you make your way to Livraria Lello, the Baroque splendor of Igreja do Carmo is bound to capture your attention with its exquisite tile-adorned facade. Upon closer inspection, you’ll discover a curious detail: it is not just one church, but two. Only a slender, one-meter-wide passageway separates it from its twin, Igreja dos Carmelitas.
3) Tower and church of Igréja e Torre dos Clérigos
If you have a few days in Porto, consider allocating one morning to explore Livraria Lello and another to soak in the panoramic views from the Clérigos Tower. Be prepared; the vista is a sought-after experience, and it’s likely, even on your tenth visit, you’ll be sharing the space with a crowd at the summit.
Admission is 6 euros, if you’re here on Valentine’s Day you might get 1+1 FREE like we did. The entrance fee includes a tour of the church and a small exhibition about the construction of the tower and the Baroque church.
- Opening hours: 9:00- 19:00
- Admission: 6 EUR
4) Taste the pasteis de nata in Manteigaria
It’s hard to avoid the traditional pastel de nata in Portugal. But you won’t find one as delicious as the one in Manteigaria, not far from the Clerigos tower. Despite adhering to a low-carb diet during my time in Porto, I made an exception just once—and it was a decision that I was delighted to have made.
Here, the traditional dessert is elevated to the height of perfection. The flaky pastry, paired with its creamy filling, simply dissolves on your palate. Additionally, you get the delightful opportunity to observe the bakers as they skillfully craft the pasteis de nata.
One piece will cost you 1.30 euros (now maybe more!).
5) Sao Bento Train Station
Those who are crazy about blue tiles will have to go to Sao Bento station. The blue paintings on the tiles depict the country’s historical events and there are also rural scenes from the regions.
Crafted by Jorge Colaco and finalized in 1916, these designs grace the station, which itself has been a fixture since 1904, standing proudly for just 12 years longer.
6) Mercado de Bolhao
Lukáš and I have a fondness for exploring markets across the globe. There’s no storyteller quite like food when it comes to revealing the essence of a place.
The Mercado de Bolhão has joyfully returned to its original home after a temporary relocation in February 2020 due to renovations. Should you find yourself visiting, embrace the market in all its restored glory!
The market offers fruit, vegetables, freshly caught fish and meat. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan diet, be sure to stop by the stall NaturaBolhao Cafe where they have a great selection of vegan food. We had a delicious spinach quiche and a wrap with tempeh.
7) Capillas de las Almas
Adjacent to Mercado do Bolhão lies the central hub of pedestrian commerce: Santa Catarina Street. This bustling thoroughfare is lined with an array of shops, eateries, and cafés, and it guides you towards the Capelas das Almas. This church is adorned with 16,000 azulejos, the iconic blue tiles, which depict the death of Saint Francis of Assisi.
8) Church of Santo Ildenfonso
It is hard to miss the church of St. Ildenfons, which is decorated with beautiful white and blue tiles.
The church was built in the 18th century. century in Baroque style and the altar was created by the Italian artist and architect Nicolau Nasoni, who was involved in many other buildings in Porto, designing for example the tower and the church of Clerigos.
9) Sé do Porto Cathedral
The grand Porto Cathedral, constructed in the 12th century, once served as the palatial seat of Portuguese royalty. Notably, it was within these venerable walls that the parents of the esteemed King Henry the Navigator, John I and Philippa of Lancaster, were wed in 1387.
Henry the Navigator was baptised here in 1394. The cathedral also offers a magnificent view of the city.
10) Mercado Ferreira Borges
On the square Praca to Infante D. Henrique is a building where you can discover a small market with local products. From what I’ve read of the reviews, it’s not always there, but when we were there they had jewelry, spices, clothing, and also handmade dream catchers. All stylish and well priced.
11) Palacio da Bolsa
From the moment you cross its threshold, this exquisite palace captivates with its stunning interiors, which are lavishly appointed and awe-inspiring at every turn.
The crown jewel of the tour is undoubtedly the splendid hall, adorned in an Arabic style with Alhambra-esque stucco, complemented by Maori-style furnishings. This architectural masterpiece was constructed in the 19th century to serve as a stock exchange palace.
- The tour lasts 45 minutes
- Admission: adult 12 eur / student / senior 7,5 eur
- Children up to 12 years free of charge
12) Igrejo Monumento de Sao Francisco
Adjacent to the Stock Exchange Palace stands the Franciscan Church, a 14th-century edifice that is Porto’s foremost Gothic landmark and one of the city’s most significant places of worship. This church is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, underscoring its historical and cultural importance.
13) Cais da Ribeira Promenade
Lukas and I found ourselves humorously conceding that this riverside has a charm that even Prague’s (Europe’s most beautiful city) can’t match. A stroll along the Douro River is an essential part of any Porto itinerary.
As boats glide gently down the river, they tempt you to indulge in a leisurely cruise, while the vibrant facades of riverside houses compel you to capture their beauty through your lens time and again, promising multiple returns to fully appreciate the picturesque setting.
Allow yourself a moment to take in the panoramic views of the Luis I Bridge, the serene Douro, and the scenic sprawl of Vila Nova de Gaia on the far bank.
14) Bridge of Louis I (Ponte de Dom Luís I)
After a walk along the Cais da Ribeira, you will reach the beginning of the Luis I Bridge, which, with its structure, strikingly resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The bridge was designed by a student of Eiffel, Théophile Seyrig.
In my research on the bridge, I discovered an intriguing historical footnote: Gustave Eiffel had originally designed a different bridge for this location, but his proposal was ultimately not accepted.
The bridge is two-storeyed and you can reach the second floor either on foot or by cable car. If you have a dog with you, you can take it to the cable car. The second floor of the bridge has a great view, so I recommend going one way up and the other way down.
15) Claustros do Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (Monastery of Serra do Pilar)
Crossing the bridge, you’ll encounter the hilltop Monastery of Serra do Pilar, offering spectacular views. Be sure to also dedicate time to exploring the monastery itself.
This edifice is yet another listed on the UNESCO World Heritage roster. Dating back to the 17th century, it stands at the crossroads of the Renaissance and Mannerist architectural styles.
16) Cable car – teleferico de Vila Nova de Gaia
For those who enjoy a scenic cable car journey or if you’re feeling a bit weary, there’s a convenient cable car located just a short stroll from the Serra do Pilar Monastery. It glides you down to the terminus of the Avenida de Diogo Leite promenade.
The cable car overlooks the Duoro River and you can buy a ticket in combination with a boat trip.
17) Exploring Port Wine: The Best Places to Visit
If you like port wine or wine in general, you should definitely spend at least one evening visiting the local cellars or wine bars located in Vila Nova de Gaiga.
The most famous are Cálem, Taylor’s, Graham’ s , Porto Cruz, Offley, Quevedo, Ferreira and Ramos Pinto. Cellar tours and wine tastings are not expensive, prices don’t vary much and range between 10-20 euros.
If a cellar tour doesn’t appeal to you but you’re still eager to savor some wine, rest assured. Every restaurant boasts a selection of wines, with a typical glass priced between 3 to 6 euros.
18) Day trip to Duoro Valley
Excursions are available from the city to the vineyard-laced region along the Douro River. Opting for an organized tour will invariably include a session of wine tasting. However, anticipate an investment of several tens of euros per person for such an experience.
However, you can organize the trip yourself and rent a car (use Rentalcars for best experience!).
We’ve been thoroughly charmed by the scenic beauty of this hilly viticultural landscape during our drives, and we’re already planning a return visit. This enchanting valley meanders gracefully, its vineyards dotted with pristine white houses and churches, creating a tapestry of rural elegance.
19) Escape to the Seaside
Although the beach is not right in the centre of town, just take a bike, a car or public transport to reach Praia de Matosinhos.
The choice is yours: spend the day swimming, catch the waves with some surfing, or simply come to bask in the glory of the sunset.
20) Jardins do Palacio Cristal
The oasis of peace full of greenery, where we experienced a beautiful sunset, is located a little further away from the center. If you have more time or your own car, be sure to take a stroll here.
The gardens are large enough to accommodate a large number of people, so even if they are full, you will always find a spot for yourself. Admission is free.
21) Casa da Musica
Situated away from the hustle of the city center, this modern structure offers a panoramic cityscape from its rooftop. For aficionados of contemporary architecture, this is a must-visit destination. The ground floor houses a café often filled with the ambiance of live music, while the upper level features a restaurant.
Tours are also available, but I couldn’t find their times online anywhere, but they are posted on the ground floor of the building.
22) Where to eat and have a good coffee
- Esquires Coffee Porto – A very modern interior that offers pleasant seating, food and good coffee. You can go here for breakfast and a light lunch, and if you’re looking for a great coffee, there’s a delicious flat white and latte.
- Zenith Brunch & Cocktails Bar – A very popular bistro just a short walk from Igreja do Carmo. The excellent food, which is beautifully presented, attracts locals and tourists alike, so there are often queues and a half-hour wait for a table. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. They don’t take reservations.
- Moustache – A cafe that’s close to Zenith. If you like eggs for breakfast, they have a pretty decent menu here. Their coffee is excellent, alternative milk is a must.
- D Norte Café by Hungry Biker – Café with hipster interior, where you can have waffles with your coffee. It is often crowded, so expect to wait a while.
- Mesa 325 – Excellent coffee and breakfast. You can have porridge or yoghurt with fruit, croissant, or a light lunch.
- Combi Coffee – One of the best coffees in Porto can be found right here. Alternative milk is available and you can also enjoy the Portuguese speciality pastel de nata.
- About Paparico – For those who want to taste Portuguese cuisine of the highest quality, make a reservation at O Paparico. This is a high-end business where it is immediately clear what you are paying for: The high quality of the food, which is also masterfully presented, the beautiful surroundings and the great service.
Read also the article about what to do in Porto when it rains.
Where else to go on holiday in Portugal?
Our most popular destination in Portugal is Algarve where we go every year for a whole month and we still can’t get enough of this destination! However, we recommend spending 2-3 days in Lisbon.
