18 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Wondering what the best things to do in Porto, Portugal are? Well, you’ve come to the right place! I spent 2 weeks here and loved every minute of it. Out of the 50+ countries I’ve traveled to, Porto remains one of my absolute favorites. It has a charm that’s hard to describe until you experience it yourself.

Porto is just one of those special places to explore. It’s the gateway to the Douro Valley, it’s where Port Wine was born, there are tons of beautiful buildings full of blue tiles (azulejos), and the sunsets are some of the best you’ll experience in the world. Hopefully, after visiting, you will fall in love with the city too!

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Where to Stay in Porto

For your stay in Porto, I recommend staying close to the Ribeira or São Bento Train station. That way, you can easily walk to all the main attractions. I’d also recommend staying in Gaia for the best views. I stayed in both areas. I personally loved staying at Porto River Soul Hotel in Gaia. It was affordable and very nice. The views from the room were amazing! My room had cable cars running right past.

Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

1. Stroll along the Ribeira Waterfront

The number one thing to do in Porto is to stroll the Ribeira waterfront. This is the most lively area in Porto, and you won’t want to miss it. The area is full of restaurants, colorful tiled buildings, and the most amazing views of the Dom Luís I Bridge.

It’s the perfect place to sit along the river and watch the boats pass by. If you visit for sunset, even better. You will also find a market selling crafts and other goods along the river. It’s open Thursday–Sunday from 10 am to around sunset.

2. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge

The Dom Luís I Bridge is one of the best free things to do in Porto and the most iconic landmark. This double-deck iron bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. As you cross it, you’ll find incredible views over the Douro River with the colorful Ribeira buildings in the backdrop.

If you go to the upper level, the views are even better, especially at sunset.

3. Ride the Gaia Cable Car

The Gaia Cable Car is another fun activity to do in Porto. It’s a really short 5-minute ride, but it offers some of the best views of the city. I took it one way, but you can definitely do it round trip. One way was perfect for me as it drops you off at Gaia, where all the wine cellars are.

The cable car operates daily from 10 AM until 6 PM–8 PM depending on the time of year.

If you want the best photo of the cable cars passing by, like I’ve got pictured above, then head to R. do Gen. Torres, which is on the Gaia side.

4. Explore Gaia & Visit a Wine Cellar

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, located just across the Douro River from Porto. This is where you’ll find Porto’s famous Port wine cellars, along with a beautiful riverside promenade. I really enjoyed the best views from here, as you can see Porto’s colorful Ribeira district across the way.

It was one of my favorite spots to take beautiful photos with the boats docked with the colorful buildings in the background.

Spend some time wandering along Cais de Gaia, stop for a drink overlooking the river, and then visit one of the historic Port wine cellars to learn how this famous Portuguese wine is made.

Many cellars offer guided tours followed by tastings, making this a must-do experience for wine lovers and one of the best things to do in Porto. I recommend Taylor’s Port, and you can book a wine tasting with them here.

5. Admire the views from Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal was probably one of my favorite things I did in Porto, and it’s somewhat of a hidden gem. The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a beautiful botanical garden dating back to the 19th century. Inside, you will find free-roaming peacocks, chickens, and birds. If you’re lucky, you will see the peacocks opening up their feathers. They are so beautiful. I spent about 3 hours here because I loved it so much. It was simply beautiful, and the views of Porto were absolutely stunning.

The gardens are free to visit and open daily from 8 am-9 pm.

6. Enjoy Sunset at Jardim do Morro

Watching the sun set over the Porto skyline from Jardim do Morro was easily one of the best things I did here.

Every single evening, this hill completely transforms into a whole event. People gather on the grass with drinks, and after the sunset, everyone starts clapping. People dance, sing, and cheer. It’s one of the happiest moments. It’s something you truly can’t miss when visiting.

Plus, if you head up to Miradouro da Serra do Pilar just across from the grass area, you will get views of the tram passing by from above with the sunset.

7. Hunt for azulejos around the city

Azulejos are the beautiful blue painted ceramic tiles you see decorating the buildings around Porto. It’s one of the most iconic features of the city. You’ll find them covering churches, train stations, and historic buildings. Most of them will depict Portuguese history and religious scenes.

Some of the best places to see them include São Bento Train Station, Igreja do Carmo, Capela das Almas (the Chapel of Souls), and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso.

They are all so photogenic. I loved standing in front of the Chapel of Souls, for example, and getting portraits in front of it with all the blue detail behind me.

8. Visit the most beautiful bookstore, Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is the most beautiful bookstore in the world! It was on my bucket list to visit for a while because I loved the design, and the red staircase looks so pretty.

However, this place is insanely busy, which may take away from the experience if you don’t plan right. I passed by at the time the store opened and already saw a massive queue forming way before opening time.

You have to buy tickets to visit this bookstore ahead of time, as it does sell out. The ticket price fortunately contributes to a book of your choice inside. I purchased the Ticket-Voucher Livraria Lello for €15.95.

Pro-tip: Most people say visit at opening time for fewer crowds, but I actually recommend booking for closing time. You might have a chance at some empty photos as the store closes.

9. Shop for Sardines at A Pérola do Bolhão

Sardines are a must-try in Portugal. The country has a huge fishing tradition and sardines are abundant in the country. They became popular because of how affordable it is and how easy it is to preserve. They can be eaten all year round when canned. You will find the sardine cans in these cute containers across many shops in Portugal.

A Pérola do Bolhão is one of the prettiest sardine shops in Porto. The store dates back to 1917. It’s famous for its cute Art Nouveau façade in which many people stop by to take a photo. It’s a heavily trafficked street so come early if you don’t want to wait for a clear moment to photograph it. You’ll be waiting ages, trust me!

But don’t just take a photo and leave. I highly recommend visiting inside as the inside is just as cute and they have some wonderful souvenirs.

I am not a fan of sardines, so I actually left with some pastel de nata flavoured tea, and I’m obsessed with it. It tastes and smells so good!

Plus, buying something here really supports the store – I could tell how annoying it could be that so many people take a picture and don’t buy anything.

10. Day trip to Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is Portugal’s famous wine region and I just can’t believe how many people miss it on their trip to Porto. So many people haven’t even heard of it, but it’s so amazing.

I highly recommend taking this tour, which takes you there, allows you to ride the scenic train overlooking vineyards, and takes you to wine tastings all in one day from Porto.

If you don’t want to do the tour, you can also take the scenic train to Pinhão. I actually go into detail on how to take this vintage train here.

And if you want my full itinerary, check out my Douro Valley guide.

11. Try a Pastel de Nata

Trying a pastel de nata is a must while in Portugal. It’s s a flaky egg custard tart and is the most famous dessert in Portugal.

Castro or Manteigaria have some of the best pastel de nata in the city.

12. Have lunch with a view of Porto

This restaurant in Porto has one of the most beautiful views over the city. And let me tell you, the food was incredible.

I tried the Portuguese meat dishes and had the most incredible dessert (the rhubarb was very good).

This place is a must-add to your Porto itinerary if you’re looking for a memorable meal with a view overlooking the Douro.

It’s called Digby Restaurant and is located inside the Torel Avantgarde Hotel, a 5-star boutique hotel.

13.

The Porto Cathedral is a beautiful cathedral dating back to the 12th century. It’s free to visit the main church inside. However, I almost skipped paying to visit the Gothic cloister. And I’m so glad I didn’t! The €3 entry fee was so worth it. The inside is super stunning, and it’s covered in the blue azulejos. The roof has some views of the city, too.

14. Check out the São Bento Train Station

The São Bento Train Station is one of the prettiest train stations in the entire world. It’s covered in beautiful blue tiles known as azulejos.

Inside the main entrance hall, you’ll find more than 20,000 of these tiles covering the walls. They depict scenes from Portugal’s history and day-to-day life. Even if you’re not taking a train, it’s absolutely worth stopping by to see this incredible place. I would recommend going before 8 am for a calmer experience, as it can get busy since trains are arriving constantly throughout the day.

15. Have lunch at Bolhão Market

Mercado do Bolhão is the most famous market in Porto. You will find everything here from produce to seafood and food you can order to enjoy right at the market. They sell canned sardines, cheeses, and other Portuguese specialties. The atmosphere is lively, and you can sit on the steps or stand at one of the standing tables to enjoy all the foodie things that are here. I also loved the fresh fruit smoothies, so don’t miss getting one of those.

16. Drink a coffee at Majestic Cafe

Majestic Cafe is a historical cafe in Porto that opened in 1921. It’s one of the most beautiful cafes in the city. I loved sitting outside in front of the beautiful building exterior. It’s located on Rua de Santa Catarina, so there’s plenty of people watching to do here. I enjoyed a coffee and a pastel de nata, but they have a wide range of food and drinks available.

17. Get your photo printed on a newspaper

Right across from Majestic Café, you’ll find a little stand with a photographer holding a vintage camera. They offer to take your photo for free (a tip is recommended). The photo is then printed on the front page of a Portuguese newspaper. It’s such a unique souvenir and a fun photo opportunity to remember your time in Porto. You can see mine in the photo above with my pastel de nata!

18. Drinks at Terrace Lounge 360

This might just be the best sunset spot in Porto for a cocktail in the evening.

Located inside Espaço Porto Cruz, the panoramic views over the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Douro River at golden hour are unmatched.

It’s called the Terrace Lounge 360 (Inside Espaço Porto Cruz).

Watch my Instagram reel to see the sunset views at this lovely rooftop bar.

For more reading, you may also like:
🚂 Porto to Douro Valley Scenic Train Ride
🍷 Best Douro Valley Day Trip from Porto
🏰 The Ultimate Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon
⭐ 8 Hidden Gems in Lisbon
☕ My Favorite Cafes & Brunch in Lisbon