Things To Do
in Porto
Porto, Portugal sits along the Douro River with a dramatic mix of medieval alleys and riverside promenades. Its historic center is a UNESCO site, where azulejo tiles, tiled facades, and baroque churches tell stories of a wealthy port trade. The city thrives on seafood, francesinha sandwiches, and epic views of the Douro Valley from across the Gaia wine lodges.
Modern cafes, evocative bookshops, and vibrant nightlife sit beside timeless traditions, making Porto a photographer’s and food lover’s dream.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Portuguese breakfast at a local café, enjoying a pastéis de nata and a bica. Stroll through the historic streets of the Ribeira district, taking in the colorful buildings that line the Douro River. Visit the iconic São Francisco Church to admire its stunning baroque interior adorned with golden carvings.
After lunch at a riverside restaurant, head to the Palácio da Bolsa, where you can explore the ornate rooms and learn about Porto's trading history. Take a leisurely walk to the nearby Mercado do Bolhão, a bustling market filled with local produce and artisan goods. Don’t forget to pick up some unique souvenirs while mingling with the friendly vendors.
As the sun sets, enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Douro River, where you can see the city illuminated in golden hues. Afterwards, dine at a local restaurant specializing in Francesinha, a hearty sandwich that is a Porto specialty. End your evening with a glass of Port wine at a cozy bar, reflecting on your first day in this charming city.
Begin with a visit to Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, where you can admire its neo-Gothic architecture and stunning staircase. Spend some time browsing the extensive collection of books, including many by Portuguese authors. Capture the moment with photos as the morning light filters through the stained-glass skylight.
Climb the Clérigos Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Porto and the surrounding areas. After descending, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby café, sampling local dishes like bacalhau à Brás. Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Carmo Church, famous for its azulejos (ceramic tiles) depicting the Virgin Mary.
As evening falls, wander through the vibrant streets of the Cedofeita neighborhood, known for its art galleries and street art. Choose a trendy restaurant for dinner, where you can savor contemporary twists on Portuguese cuisine. Conclude your day with a visit to a fado house, immersing yourself in the soulful music of Portugal.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-15 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚆One-way public transport ticket | $2-3 |
| 🍷Glass of wine at a bar | $5-8 |
| 🏨3-star hotel per night | $100-160 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning Douro Valley views and riverside scenery
- Rich culinary scene with traditional and modern options
- Walkable historic center with impressive architecture
- Vibrant port-wine culture and cellar visits
- Accessible day trips to nature reserves and wine country
- Steep streets and hilly terrain can be tiring
- Certain tourist sites have long lines or queues
- Some markets and attractions may have seasonal closures
- Summer crowds can be intense in peak hours
- Occasional rainy spells in shoulder seasons
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Pode recomendar um prato vegetariano?" - Can you recommend a vegetarian dish?
- "A conta, por favor" - The check, please
Places to Visit in Porto
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic double-deck iron bridge with dramatic views over the Douro and across to Gaia; best at blue hour or sunrise.
Colorful houses, steep lanes, and reflections on the water create quintessential Porto scenes.
A stunning, neo-Gothic bookstore with a dramatic staircase; line may be long, but the interior offers evocative photo opportunities.
Baroque church with panoramic city views from the tower—worth the climb for a sweeping city shot.
Azulejo tile panels depict Portuguese history; a classic backdrop for architecture and travel photography.
Blue azulejo tiles depicting saints—perfect for color-based photography on a sunny day.
Serene gardens with overlook points of Porto and the river; great for wide-city panoramas.
Elevated vantage points over Porto across the Douro with sunset lighting.
Food in Porto
Porto Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty sandwich layered with cured meats, steak, cheese, and a rich tomato-beer sauce; best enjoyed at a traditional tasca or cafe.
Must-Try!
A comforting kale-and-potato soup with chouriço, perfect for a quick lunch or warming dinner.
A historic pork-tripe stew showcasing the city’s old mercantile spirit; rich and flavorful.
Shredded cod with potatoes, eggs, and onions—simple, satisfying, and widely available.
Cubes of pork fatteened and fried with garlic and paprika, often served with papas de milho or potatoes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market near downtown with fresh produce, seafood, deli stalls, and casual bites; great for people-watching and photos.
Modern market hall offering a variety of food stalls and casual eateries with indoor seating and wine options.
Seasonal stalls and bakeries around Baixa and Ribeira offer pastéis de nata and petiscos to-go for sunset snacking.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite greeting such as 'Bom dia' or 'Olá' goes a long way; handshakes are common in formal situations, cheek kisses are used among friends.
Table manners are relaxed but courteous; keep voices moderate in public spaces and show appreciation to staff with a simple 'obrigado/obrigada'.
Queue patiently, and be clear when requesting a stop or route; tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Safety
Tipping in Porto
Ensure a smooth experience
Service is appreciated but not always included. Consider rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service at restaurants; small gratuities for tour guides or drivers are common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still useful for markets and smaller shops. Contactless payments are common, and ATMs are readily available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days with plenty of sun; enjoy long evenings by the river, but stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Expect crowds in tourist zones and longer waits in popular venues.
Mild temperatures and golden light; ideal for walking tours and river views. Rain is possible, so carry a light layer and a compact umbrella.
Cool to mild with more frequent rain; fewer crowds but many festive lights in December. Layered clothing is recommended.
Pleasant temperatures and blooming streets; great for outdoor cafes and photography; occasional showers—carry a light rain shell.
Porto at Night
Hiking in Porto
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic wooden boardwalk along the Paiva River with forested sections and river views; a favorite day trip from Porto.
Northern Portugal’s premier national park offering dramatic landscapes, trails, and viewpoints within a couple of hours by car.
Hiking among terraced vineyards and dramatic river viewpoints in Peso da Régua, Lamego, and Pinhão areas—often combined with winery visits.
Airports
How to reach Porto by plane.
Porto’s international gateway, located near Maia; quick taxi or metro connections into the city center.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Portuguese with a growing presence of students, professionals, and families from across the country.
University of Porto and international programs attract students; expats from the UK, Brazil, and Africa contribute to a cosmopolitan vibe.
Year-round visitors drawn to riverside views, wine culture, and historic architecture.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Porto hosts two major clubs, FC Porto and Boavista, with strong local fan culture and stadium tours.
Douro and Atlantic coast offer opportunities for water sports and scenic regattas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Porto.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Porto restaurants offer vegetarian dishes; look for salads, grilled vegetables, and mushroom-based plates. When ordering meat-heavy dishes, ask for no meat broth and request olive oil-based dressings or butter instead of animal fats.