Are you planning a trip to Porto but unsure where to begin? You’ve come to the right place! Porto, often overshadowed by its big sibling Lisbon, is a city brimming with unique charm and character. Did you know Porto is home to one of the oldest bookstores in the world? While Lisbon dazzles with its cosmopolitan vibe, Porto captivates visitors with its rich history, stunning riverside views, and a slower, more intimate pace. From the colorful buildings lining the Douro River to the iconic azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) decorating every corner, Porto offers a truly immersive experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best things to do in Porto, unveiling both must-see attractions and hidden gems to make your trip unforgettable!
How long you should spend in Porto depends on what you want to see and do, but generally, 2 to 3 days is ideal for exploring the city at a comfortable pace. In two days, you can visit key landmarks like the Ribeira district, Clérigos Tower, and Livraria Lello, as well as enjoy a boat tour on the Douro River and visit a port wine cellar. If you have a third day, you can dive deeper into the local culture by exploring more neighborhoods, taking a day trip to nearby cities like Guimarães or Braga, or simply relaxing and soaking in Porto’s laid-back vibe.
What is it?
Taking the Gaia Cable Car in Porto was such a wonderful experience! Take in stunning views of Porto with a smooth ride on the Gaia Cable Car. This 5-minute journey offers breathtaking panoramas of the Douro River and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. It links the famous Jardim do Morro, perfect spot to watch the sunset, to Villa Nova de Gaia without tiring you out.
Our Opinion:
We loved capturing Porto’s beauty from above—perfect for photos! Tickets are €7 one-way and €10 round-trip.
What is it?
Dom Luís I Bridge is an icon of the city of Porto, designed by engineer Teofilo Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why go?
Walking across the bridge is a must-do when visiting Porto. As we made our way up the bridge, we were greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the Douro River and the city’s picturesque skyline.
Our Opinion:
Whether you’re strolling at sunset or during the day, the views are simply captivating. We found ourselves stopping frequently to take photos and admire the stunning architecture surrounding the river.
What is it?
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Jardim do Palácio de Cristal, a tranquil garden in the heart of Porto. This stunning garden features vibrant flowerbeds, intricate sculptures, and winding paths that invite exploration.
Why go?
The garden is free to enter, offering a leisurely stroll through lush greenery where you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Douro River and Porto’s city skyline
Our Opinion:
Jardim do Palácio de Cristal is a must-see destination and a great place to picnic with your partner or family and take some wonderful photos.
What is it?
Escape to Praia do Carneiro, one of the quiet jewels of Porto’s coastline. With its colourful pebbles and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this beach is the perfect place to relax after a day spent exploring the city.
Why go?
Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll along the shore, soaking up the sun, or enjoying the gentle breeze, Praia do Carneiro offers a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of Oporto.
What is it?
The Mercado do Bolhão is one of Porto’s most emblematic landmarks. It’s a lively market selling fresh local produce and crafts.
Why go?
If you want to discover traditional Portuguese cuisine, taste the famous Pastel de Nata, or just grab a fresh fruit smoothie, the Mercado do Bolhão is a must-visit.
Our Opinion:
We loved wandering through its vibrant stalls and ended up visiting three times during our stay, soaking in the sights, smells, and flavors that make Porto truly unique.
What is it?
A visit to São Bento station offers an unforgettable insight into Portugal‘s artistic heritage. The walls of the station are adorned with more than 20,000 azulejos (tiles), which depict in detail the country’s historical events.
Why go?
If you’re an art lover or a history buff, this magnificently tiled station is a must-see on your visit to Porto.
Our Opinion:
We were captivated by the craftsmanship of the station; it’s a beautiful place to explore, but be prepared for large crowds.
What is it?
Walking along the Ribeira on one side and Vila Nova de Gaia on the other, we came across some charming craft stalls. The atmosphere was lively, with artisans showcasing traditional Portuguese crafts, from hand-painted tiles to cork products.
Why go?
It’s the perfect place to slow down and buy a souvenir of the city. There are also several restaurants that will give you the opportunity to try Portuguese specialties such as the Francesinha, Porto’s iconic sandwich, made of meat and melted cheese with spicy sauce.
What is it?
Experience a sunset at the Jardim do Morro. This garden has plenty of concrete benches where you can sit and admire the views over the river and the city.
Why go?
It is one of Porto’s best spot to watch the sunset and we found it to be the ideal spot to take a moment and reflect on our adventures.
Our Opinion:
However, this is a highly popular spot, so we recommend arriving well before sunset to secure a place to sit.
What is it?
The Via Catarina shopping centre is a bustling place with a fantastic variety of dining options, making it the perfect place for a quick meal or a leisurely lunch.
Why go?
With a variety of eateries offering Portuguese and international flavours, there’s something to suit every palate. Whether you want to grab a bite after shopping or enjoy a meal in a lively atmosphere, Via Catarina is the place to be!
Our Opinion:
We were captivated by its unique, urban-inspired interior and loved the variety of fast-food options and restaurants available.
What is it?
Porto boasts one of the most unique McDonald’s in the world, located in the historic Imperial building. It’s an Art Deco building with elegant architectural details that hark back to the café’s origins in the 1930s.
Why go?
This McDonald’s is strategically located close to some of Porto’s iconic landmarks, making it an ideal place for a quick meal or a quick visit.
Our Opinion:
We recommend including McDonald’s Imperial in your Porto itinerary; it’s a beautiful building worth seeing.
What is it?
A visit to Porto would not be complete without a visit to the enchanting Livraria Lello, often considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world.
Why go?
Beyond its architectural splendour, Livraria Lello boasts a vast collection of books, including many titles in Portuguese and English.
Our Opinion:
The place is very busy, especially during the high tourist season, so we recommend visiting early in the day or later in the afternoon if you want to avoid waiting a long time to enter.
What is it?
The Miradouro da Serra do Pilar offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of porto, perched high above the city.
Why go?
This vantage point offers a breathtaking view of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the colourful Ribeira district.
Our Opinion:
Although there are several viewpoints in Porto, we found the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar particularly charming, and the short climb up to the viewpoint is certainly worthwhile.
What is it?
Sailing on the River Douro is a must when visiting Porto. Boat trips offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and monuments such as the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Ribeira district.
Why go?
During these excursions, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with guides who share fascinating anecdotes about the city’s history.
Our Opinion:
We thoroughly enjoyed the boat ride; it was delightful! While many vendors offer boat tours, for the best options, be sure to check out Douro River Tours and Visit Porto for more information.
What is it?
Although the Estádio do Dragão is a little out of the way from the city centre, we couldn’t resist the opportunity to visit it during our trip to Porto. This iconic stadium, home to the famous FC Porto, boasts striking architecture that reflects the essence of Portuguese football.
Why go?
Even if you’re not a football fan, the grandeur of Estádio do Dragão makes it a worthwhile stop. Just be sure to wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk there, as we did! For more information on tours and ticketing, including options like the FC Porto Museum combined with a stadium tour, at the price of €20.00 for an adult, visit the official FC Porto website.
How to go?
You can take public bus or taxi, but we opted for a walk to the stadium, enjoying the local neighbourhoods along the way.
Why go?
A trip to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a stroll through the city’s historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of captivating charm. As you explore the narrow-cobbled streets, you can admire the buildings with their colourful tiled facades. You can also do some shopping in one of the many shops and admire the local souvenir boutiques.
Our Opinion:
The atmosphere is delightful, making it the perfect way to wrap up your Porto adventure! You can explore the many boutiques and find unique items to take home.
Porto offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning views, making it a must-visit destination. From the iconic Livraria Lello to the picturesque Ribeira District, there’s something for every traveler. What’s your favorite spot in Porto, or is there an attraction you’re eager to visit on your next trip?
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