Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and culinary delights. Nestled along the Douro River, this vibrant city seamlessly blends its rich past with a lively modern vibe. From gilded coffee houses, to intriguing vintage bookshops, and countless wine cellars tucked away into the terraced hillside, the city of Porto has a very mystical feel to it. We seem to fall more in love with this city each time we visit!

Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just someone looking to soak in the beautiful scenery, Porto has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to the top things to see and do in this enchanting city.

You might see university students walking around wearing traditional long black cloaks like the legendary label on Sandeman Port or be mesmerized by the stories depicted on the vintage tiles in the São Bento railway station. It’s said that JK Rowling lived here for a while, and if she did, you can definitely see how she’d be inspired to write such a celebrated tale of a young wizard.

Walking through the streets of Porto is like taking steps through an ancient story, and each bend in the winding cobblestone streets reveals a another intriguing chapter. It’s no wonder that it’s a World Heritage Site. If you plan to visit, here are a few things you shouldn’t miss.

Best Things To Do In Porto

1 – The Majestic Cafe

But first, coffee! Named as one of the top 10 most beautiful cafes in the world by several  publications, The Majestic sits on a bustling street that’s great for sitting down with an espresso and getting a real feel for life and history in Porto. Built in the 1920s, the art nouveau style cafe is gilded with mirrors where socialites at the time would come to see and be seen. And while the interior is magnificent and worthy of photos, relaxing outside on their terrace with a cappuccino is the perfect place to be on a beautiful day.

Even though it has become a bit of a tourist stop, it still hasn’t lost its original charm. During our most recent visit to Porto, we had no problem getting seated quickly, and even got a coveted table by the window. Order a pastel a nata and coffee!

Location:  Rua Santa Catarina
Website: cafemajestic.com

2 – Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore)

Lonely Planet named Livraria Lello the third best bookstore in the world, and once you visit, you might wonder why it’s not at the top of their list. The ornate embellishments on the exterior might lead you to believe you’re entering a pastry shop, but once inside, you’ll believe you’ve walked into a bookstore on the set of your favorite fantasy movie.

Front and center is a curvy staircase painted a dramatic shade of red.  And it’s actually made of reinforced concrete, not wood, so it can handle the bookstore’s popularity and extra foot traffic. Surrounding it, from floor-to-ceiling are intricate hand carved shelves filled with books. There’s rail tracks guiding wheel barrows full of even more books across the floor. It’s a book lover’s dream.

When we first visited, no photos were allowed (but I still snuck in a few!), AND there was a cafe on the second floor. Times have changed! Now, not only are photos allowed, but Instagram and other social sites have made Livraria Lello extremely popular and you’ll need to purchase a ticket for entry. But we have a great tip for you on that below!

Despite the rumors, JK Rowling actually did not visit Lello Bookstore while writing Harry Potter. Though, it is easy to see why the rumor started since the bookstore’s design and architecture looks like it could be straight out of a fantasy novel.

Tip For Skipping The Line At Lello Bookstore

Purchase a Gold Ticket Voucher direct from Lello Bookstore’s website. At the time we went, it was approximately $14 Euros. This ticket will allow you to select a timed entry, and if you plan ahead, you can grab a spot to be one of the very first people to enter the bookstore in the morning.

Our timed entry when we went was 9:30am, the second time slot. A little busier, but still worth it. All those Instagram and TikTok videos you see where the bookstore looks empty, it doesn’t look like that in real life. Those are just the first 15 minutes or so.

The Gold Ticket Voucher includes a souvenir book and asks you to select a title when you purchase your ticket. But, you can choose a different book once inside. Just ask for guidance to the available voucher selection from someone who works there.

Location:  Rua das Carmelitas
Website:  Portoportugal.com/lello-bookshop

3 – Mercado Bolhao Food Market

If you’re a foodie, then this market is a must-visit. This historic market is housed in a neoclassical building that has been recently renovated. Go early in the morning to wander through the stalls get a taste of local life.

It’s a great place to pick up some fresh fruit, olives, local cheeses, and meats. You can either bring these back to your vacation rental or the park for a charcuterie picnic. Or, some vendors now sell a sample plate that you can walk around with as you’re strolling the market.

Buyer Beware

During our first visit here, I remember the local produce being amazing and the grapes here were the most flavorful I’ve tasted in my life — like little pops of juicy wine.

But our second visit to the produce stands were not as favorable. Beware of imported produce at Bolhao Market and check the labels. Also, if you purchase produce, make sure what you select is what goes into your shopping bag. I had one vendor switch out our apricots and we didn’t notice it until we got back to our apartment and saw that two were soft and moldy and definitely not the fruit I handed to her. Perhaps because we were obviously tourists? This was the only smear on an otherwise great experience at the market.

There’s also a few vendors selling handmade crafts, and one that you should pick up as a souvenir is a Portuguese Rooster, or Galo de Barcelos.  

Location:  Mercado bolhao Loja 1
Website: Gooporto.com/mercado-do-bolhao

4 – Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria

Many locals, including our cooking class instructor (more on that below), recommended Manteigaira. Manteigaria is renowned for its exceptional Pastel de Nata, a beloved Portuguese custard tart with a flaky, buttery crust and creamy, caramelized filling.

Located near Mercado do Bolhao, Manteigaria offers a delightful experience with its open kitchen, where you can watch the tarts being freshly baked throughout the day. The combination of high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques ensures a perfect balance of textures and flavors in each tart. Paired with a cup of Portuguese coffee, enjoying a Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria is a must-do culinary experience!

5 – Pastel de Nata Pastry Class

Taking a Pastel de Nata pastry class with C&D Tours was an absolute amazing experience during our most recent trip to Porto! Guided by our instructor, Jose (Ze), we spent a leisurely afternoon, sipping vino verde and learning how to make these iconic Portuguese custard tarts.

The hands-on experience was fantastic – each of us taking turns with a different aspect of making pasteis de nata. From cutting the butter into the flour, rolling out the dough, and whipping up the rich, creamy custard filling. Ze shared his baking tips and tricks while also telling us stories about the history and cultural significance of Pastel de Nata, making the class both educational and fun.

It didn’t matter that we weren’t baking pros; the class was perfect for all skill levels. The best part? Tasting our freshly baked tarts at the end – they were heavenly! This class was a memorable culinary adventure that deepened my love for Portuguese cuisine.

6 – Ribeira District

Take a walk in the heart of the city’s historic center, the Ribeira District. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful tiled buildings and charming cafes. Stroll along the riverside promenade, enjoy a coffee at one of the outdoor terraces, and take in the stunning views of the Douro River and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. Don’t forget to explore the hidden alleyways and discover the local shops and artisan boutiques.

7 – Dom Luís I Bridge

Speaking of the Dom Luís I Bridge, this architectural marvel is a must-see. Designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, this double-deck iron bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. You can walk across the upper deck for panoramic views of the city and the river or take a leisurely stroll on the lower deck. For a truly memorable experience, visit at sunset when the bridge and the city are bathed in a golden glow.

8 – Jardim do Morro and Teleférico de Gaia

For a great view of the city of Porto, head to Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia. This park offers fantastic views of Porto and the Douro River, especially first thing in the morning and at sunset. From here, you can also take the Teleférico de Gaia, a cable car that offers a scenic ride over the river and down to the waterfront where many of the port cellars are located. It’s a fun and unique way to see the city from above.

9 – Vila Nova de Gaia

No trip to Porto is complete without crossing the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the famous port wine cellars. Take a guided tour of one of the many cellars, like Sandeman, Taylor’s, or Fonseca to learn about the history and production of port wine. Of course, the tour wouldn’t be complete without a tasting session. Enjoy a glass of this sweet, fortified wine while taking in the views of Porto’s skyline from Gaia’s waterfront.

10 – WOW District in Vila Nova de Gaia

The World of Wine (WOW) district in Vila Nova de Gaia is a fantastic addition to any Porto itinerary. This cultural district opened in 2020 and offers a fun blend of museums, restaurants, bars, and shops, all centered around the rich heritage of wine and the cultural history of Porto and Portugal. Plus, there’s great views of the Douro River and the city of Porto too. You could easily spend an entire day here.

We visited the cork museum, Planet Cork, as an excursion during our Avalon Waterways cruise. Portugal is the world’s largest producer of cork, and Planet Cork celebrates this versatile material. The museum highlights the history, production, and various uses of cork, from traditional wine stoppers to innovative applications in fashion and design. It’s a surprisingly fascinating subject that showcases Portugal’s global influence in the cork industry. You’ll actually never look at wine corks the same way again after learning more about them. 

After our tour through the cork museum, we walked from the museum to Fonseca cellars for a wine tasting experience where we got to watch them open a vintage port with heated tongs, and then of course taste it too!  

11 – House of Fado

I have to confess, I got tickets for us to sip wine while listening to fado on a whim while also thinking it was probably going to be really touristy. But it ended up being one of our favorite experiences and so professionally done.

As you step into the intimate venue, an 18th century wine cellar, the dim lighting and rustic decor set the stage for an unforgettable evening. We sat hip-to-hip on stools and tables made of old wine barrels and were served a glass of port while waiting for the musicians. And when they arrived and began to play the Portuguese guitar and sing, everyone was rapt in silence listening to the melodies fill the amazing acoustics in the cellar.  

The musicians introduced themselves and told us stories of how they met and their love of music. And even though we don’t speak Portuguese, we could feel the music and the stories of love, loss, and longing.  The experience is not just about listening to music but feeling the raw emotions and cultural heritage that fado embodies. It’s a captivating and unforgettable experience that we highly recommend.

12 – Clerigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, standing at 75.6 meters (248 feet) tall. Historically, there has been an informal understanding that no building in Porto should surpass the height of the Clérigos Tower. This unwritten rule reflects a respect for the city’s architectural heritage and the desire to preserve the prominence of this historic structure in Porto’s skyline.

For a great view of Porto, you can climb the 240 steps of Clerigos Tower. To be completely transparent, we didn’t climb to the top as we walked so much throughout Porto. But we did use the Clergios Tower as a guide to always know where we were in the city.

13 – São Bento Train Station

Even if you arrive to the city by plane, a visit to the century-old São BentoTrain Station is a must.  The hand-painted Portuguese tiles inside tell the history of Porto through pictures and it’s absolutely breathtaking.
Location: Praça Almeida Garrett
Website: Visitportoandnorth.travel/Sao-Bento-train-station

14 – Tour The Duoro River By Boat

Wine barrels used to be transported down the Duoro River to Porto on flatbed boats called a rabelo, and today, you can cruise along the river on one of these vintage wine vessels.  You can go out for a whole day, or just do a short cruise to view the city and hear the history about Porto’s famous bridges, one of which, the Maria Pia Bridge, was designed by Gustave Eiffel.  (Yes, THAT same Eiffel.) Website:  Roteirododouro.com

15 – Freixo Palace Hotel & National Monument

This palace-turned-hotel is nothing short of dreamy.  I had the opportunity to attend an event here while visiting Porto.  We arrived by boat, walked up their dock to a well landscaped courtyard worthy of royalty, and were welcomed by an exotic tune being amplified throughout the gardens.  It felt like I had stepped into a Madonna music video.   This is another grand hotel I’d recommend for a luxurious rest or for their exquisite cuisine at their Restaurant Palatium. The views of the river are breathtaking and dinner here will certainly be a memorable experience.
Location: Estrada Nacional 108, 206
Website:  pestanacollection.com

16 – Port Tonics At The Yeatman

Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, the other side of the Duoro River, The Yeatman has the best views of the city of Porto and is a perfect spot for sipping port tonics while watching the sunset. I haven’t stayed here, but their Bacchus Suite, with its copper bath tub and rustic fireplace, is definitely on my list for the next time I visit this city. Even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, I recommend treating yourself to dinner and a port tasting at The Yeatman overlooking the best view in Porto.

Location:  Rua do Choupelo 88, Vila Nova de Gaia
Website:  The-yeatman-hotel.com

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Originally posted in 2012. Updated 2024