Visiting Porto is a fantastic idea if you’re considering a trip to Portugal. Compared to Lisbon, the capital city, Porto offers a more laid-back vibe, making it a delightful and cosmopolitan destination. At Winalist, Porto is our preferred choice for a great weekend getaway! In this article, we’ve curated the top activities, our favorite spots, and insider tips to ensure you have an unforgettable experience in Porto.
Things to know before visiting Porto
When perusing our interactive map, you might speculate that our team perhaps indulged a bit too much in Porto wine while crafting this itinerary. However, it’s important to consider that Porto is a city nestled on a hillside, and attempting shortcuts can often result in navigating endless stairs or steep streets. Therefore, this itinerary is unanimously agreed upon to circumvent such mishaps, although they might occur during an extended stay in Porto. Nonetheless, it will surely balance out any indulgences in Portuguese culinary delights!
What are the best things do do in Porto ?
The Tower of Clerigos
Begin your Porto exploration at a central landmark, the Clerigos Tower. Serving as a perfect starting point, this square links all the city’s points of interest, making it an ideal neighborhood to kick off your visit.
While immersing yourself in the heart of the city, ascend the tower for a panoramic view from its summit! Standing at 76 meters tall, it offers a breathtaking 360° vista of the city’s iconic red rooftops. To reach the top, you’ll need to conquer 225 steps. Those prone to claustrophobia or vertigo should exercise caution, as the staircase and top platform are quite narrow.
From this vantage point, which you may revisit multiple times during your stay in Porto, you’ll have easy access to every corner of the city.
En route, you may have already passed (or will pass) through Praça De Lisboa park, situated at the tower’s base, where you’ll find the BASE bar. It’s an exceptional spot to unwind in the evening with electronic tunes setting the ambiance.
The Lello & Irmão bookstore
Founded in 1869, the Lello & Irmão bookstore stands today as one of the most exquisite bookstores globally! Entrance requires a fee of €5, which can be offset with the purchase of a book. Within its extensive collection, you’ll find titles in French and numerous shelves dedicated to the enchanting world of Harry Potter. Impressively, Lello Bookstore went the extra mile to procure the first large-format edition of the inaugural volume, for a humble sum of €70,000.
Porto’s Azulejos (Ceramics)
Continue your journey northward in the city toward the Igreja do Carmo. This baroque church, constructed in the 18th century, is renowned for its stunning exterior adorned with azulejos, the iconic Portuguese ceramic tiles. Step inside to behold magnificent sculpted altars, religious paintings, and intricately decorated ceilings. Moreover, the church is home to the famous Capela dos Ossos, adorned with skulls and human bones, offering a distinctive albeit slightly eerie experience.
If you find yourself in the neighborhood around lunchtime, you’re not far from indulging in the best Francesinha in Porto.
Mercado do Bolhao
Take a leisurely stroll along Rua do Almada, a quaint shopping street near Santa Catarina Street, and don’t miss the bustling Mercado do Bolhão. This vibrant market offers an authentic village atmosphere, brimming with locals, which adds to its undeniable charm.
It would be remiss to visit Porto without venturing further into the Douro Valley. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast like us or simply appreciate breathtaking landscapes, it’s an absolute must-visit destination!
Saint Ildefonso Church
Regardless of whether you’re a history enthusiast or not, a visit to this monument is highly recommended. Adorned with azulejos on its facade, the Church of Saint Ildefonso (Igreja de Santo Ildefonso) showcases a beautiful example of Catholic architecture in a proto-baroque style. Inside, you’ll find an impressive altarpiece created by the renowned Italian artist Niccoló Nasoni.
São Bento train station
Now, it’s time to descend the hill and venture towards the river. Start by making your way to the São Bento train station, where you can marvel at its grand historic entrance hall. Adorned with more than 20,000 azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) crafted by Jorge Colaço, this magnificent display depicts significant scenes from Portuguese history spanning the 13th to the 15th century.
Palace of Bolsa
The Palace of Bolsa, or the Palace of Trading in Portuguese (Palácio da Bolsa), is renowned for its iconic Arab Room, located just a stone’s throw away from the Dom Luis Bridge. Guided tours are available in French, lasting approximately 35 minutes. Within the palace, you’ll encounter two magnificent highlights: the Salon Doré, adorned in opulent gold, and the Moorish Room, inspired by the exquisite architecture of the Alhambra in Granada.
San Francisco Church
The stunning Cathedral of Porto, also known as São Francisco Church, boasts a baroque interior adorned entirely in gold, offering a breathtaking view of the Ribeira district. Admission is approximately €7.50.
The visit is mainly divided into 3 parts:
- The church itself
- The museum
- The catacombs located underground
The Ribeira riverfront
You’ve finally reached the water’s edge! This is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening drink or indulge in a delicious meal. While this neighborhood exudes authentic Porto charm, it also tends to attract tourists. If you prefer a quieter, more “local” atmosphere, you may want to explore elsewhere if it gets too crowded.
For lunch or dinner, make sure to check out Adega São Nicolau. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverfront and meander through its vibrant medieval streets. Ribeira is undeniably the most picturesque part of Porto, with its plethora of cafes, quaint shops, and the numerous artists who entertain along the river at dusk. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Porto!
Sé do Porto
The cathedral is undeniably one of the city’s must-see attractions and is definitely worth a visit. Even if you’re not particularly fond of churches or cathedrals, it’s hard to visit Porto without seeing this monument. Beyond its typical cathedral features, the cloister steals the show. Adorned with stunning azulejo tiles, the cloister is truly breathtaking. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Gothic-style cloister. The square where the cathedral is situated, Terreiro da Sé, offers a magnificent panorama of the city.
Depending on your available time, the weather, and the time of day, several options can be chosen from to continue your discovery of Porto.
- Continuing your journey by heading towards Porto Cathedral, also known as Sé do Porto, that will allow you to head up one of Porto’s hills and arrive at the begining of the iconic Porto Bridge to cross the river.
- You can opt to take a taxi boat from the Ribeira docks or walk under the bridge to cross the river and reach Vila Nova de Gaia directly by skipping the cathedral. On your way back to Porto, you’ll be able to cross the bridge, ideally at sunset and see the cathedral. Keep in mind that while option 1 involves climbing some steep streets, it’s the easiest route. Alternatively, you can take the Porto metro, which crosses the bridge.
Luis 1st Bridge
It would be a shame to miss crossing the Douro by not going over the Luis bridge. Once you’ve crossed it, make sure to stop at the Esplanada bar for a refreshing drink! In Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll find a cable car that takes you up to the bridge.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Located on the other side of the Douro River is Gaia. Getting there is quite simple – just cross the Douro via the Luis I Bridge. The district of Vila Nova de Gaia is renowned for being a prominent hub for the production of the famous Portuguese wine: Vinho do Porto!
Visit a traditional Porto winery
Among the most popular wineries, you’ll find Winalist’s selection of the best Porto wine cellars to visit. Appreciated for centuries, Porto wine has greatly contributed to the city’s reputation.
Visiting the Porto wine cellars can be the main reason for a getaway in the northern capital of Portugal for some, while for others, it’s one of the many activities to do during the weekend. In any case, it is a recommended stop!
Espaço Porto Cruz
Welcome to one of Porto’s trendiest destinations, rich in the city’s history: the Porto Cruz visit. This project was established to honor the culture of Porto wine, seamlessly fusing modern style with tradition. Here, you’ll discover a range of experiences centered around Porto wine.
Taylor’s Port
Taylor’s Porto is one of the oldest houses in the founding city. It is entirely dedicated to the production of Porto wine, especially its most refined styles. Taylor’s invites you to an exciting and informative visit to its famous cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Discover the history of Porto wine and its production today, the Douro Valley, and the Taylor’s house. It’s a must-visit during your trip to Portugal!
Fonseca Port Wine Cellar
Housed in centuries-old cellars (still in Vila Nova de Gaia), the Fonseca Porto experience offers an opportunity to explore the distinctive character of Porto and wines from the Douro Valley, as well as the significant role played by the Fonseca Port house in sustainable viticulture and Port wine production. Book your tour now to delve deeper into this fascinating journey.
Porto Cálem
Visiting the Calem cellars in Porto offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Established in 1859, this traditional port wine house provides guided tours of its historic cellars, where you can learn about the process of making Porto wine and explore its rich history. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to sample a variety of award-winning Porto wines in a welcoming and authentic atmosphere. Set against the backdrop of stunning views of the Douro River, the Calem cellars also offer a picturesque setting.
Graham’s Porto
Head to the end of the dock in Vila Nova to visit the Graham’s Port Lodge. Owned and operated by the Symington family, with ten members involved in the business (four from the 4th generation and six from the 5th generation of Port wine producers), the magnificent Graham’s cellars were constructed in 1890. Here, you’ll find an invaluable collection of Port wines aging in oak barrels and bottles. You can savor a tasting of these exquisite wines while immersing yourself in the historic surroundings of the lodge.
Les Caves Poças
Escape the crowds and renowned waterfront houses of Porto and downtown Vila Nova de Gaia to explore the more intimate Caves Poças. The onsite team offers tastings of three different wines.
Visit the best wine museum in Europe
If you find yourself in Porto, make sure to visit the WOW – World of Wine! It’s not just a museum; it’s the most entertaining wine-themed museum in our opinion at Winalist! Whether you’re on a weekend getaway to Porto with your partner, family, or friends, this enjoyable excursion can be complemented with a wine tasting on the terrace. Book your tickets now!
The Gaia Cable Car
The cable car, situated along the quays of Gaia, offers a scenic ride up to the Ponte Luis. The view is truly breathtaking, making it a perfect spot to enjoy a drink, and the sunset. It’s a popular gathering place for locals at the end of the day, with a genuinely friendly atmosphere.
Taking the cable car also provides access to the monastery of Serra do Pilar, a former monastery featuring a circular cloister. It served as a fortress during the Siege of Porto in the 1830s.
Experience a cruise on the Douro river
If you’re craving more of the Douro River after your boat taxi ride, we highly recommend exploring the Douro Valley by cruise. It’s the perfect day-trip filled with wine and sunshine! You’ll have the opportunity to visit numerous vineyards, experience the best Douro Valley wine tours, and discover Vinho Verde wineries. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll embark on a tour of the Douro’s most iconic spots, including Peso da Régua, Pinhão, charming villages, and much more. Secure your spot now by booking your tour!
Best places to eat in Porto
The best Francesinha of Porto
Have you heard about the Francesinha? This dish’s origins trace back to the French invasions in Portugal during Napoleon’s time. French troops would eat bread with various meats and plenty of cheese. However, what set the Francesinha apart was the addition of a special sauce by the people of Porto. While admittedly calorific and far from traditional French cuisine, at Winalist, we relish in discovering the culinary treasures of the regions we explore. After some searching and a few extra pounds gained, we finally found it—the best Francesinha in Porto—at Cafe Mar Azul! This local gem, where neither English nor French may be spoken, serves up the finest rendition of this dish. Tucked away from the tourist hubbub, this restaurant also does not accept card, so make sure to bring cash!
Where to taste Portuguese pastries in Porto?
For a quick snack, head to Café Majestic in Porto. It oozes elegance and draws a diverse crowd of politicians, intellectuals, artists, and writers. This is where J.K. Rowling worked on the first book of the Harry Potter series. Enjoy your coffee or hot chocolate with a local treat like the delicious pastel de nata, a small round custard tart on flaky pastry typical of Portugal.
Next, visit the nearby grocery store, A Pérola do Bolhão, where you’ll find an incredible variety of Portuguese products stacked behind the beautiful art nouveau facade. In Portugal, locals and visitors alike appreciate the art of petiscos, small portion dishes.
Among the many excellent restaurants in Porto, Mito stands out with its extremely delicious cuisine served in a simple and warm atmosphere. Their slogan? A restaurant for friends.
Extend your evening at an iconic spot in Porto’s nightlife: Galeria de Paris, home to a series of bars popular with local youth on weekends. Among them, Café au Lait is a cult favorite in Porto. It offers a relaxed atmosphere, affordable prices, and quality programming, making it a hit with everyone.
What are the best restaurant in Porto?
Adega São Nicolau
Be sure to book a reservation to savor the traditional Portuguese dishes at this renowned restaurant. Situated just a short distance from the Ribeira waterfront, you can indulge in a variety of dishes, from coq au vin to tripe, all paired perfectly with national white and red wines.
Bilha Nova
This charming bistronomic restaurant in Porto serves delightful home-cooked meals paired with wines sourced from across Portugal, all within a romantic ambiance. And don’t fret, bistronomic doesn’t always equate to expensive here.
Best brunch in Porto
If the sun is shining, head to Zenith – Brunch & Cocktails and try their eggs benedict!
Where to stay in Porto?
Finding accommodations in Porto is hassle-free, as the main cities in Portugal offer a variety of options on Airbnb. Accommodations are often convenient, well-located, newly renovated, and available at a good price.
- If you prefer to stay in a touristy area, we suggest searching for accommodations near the Douro River. This will place you right in the heart of the city, with easy access to numerous restaurants. However, Porto can be quite touristy, so if you prefer to avoid crowds, we recommend exploring other neighborhoods.
- IIf you prefer staying in a neighborhood frequented by locals yet still close to the city’s various points of interest, we recommend exploring around the Judicial Court of Porto (Tribunal judicial da comarca do Porto). This area grants access to some night bars along Passeio das Virtudes and authentic restaurants like Bilha Nova, which comes highly recommended.
- For a trendy neighborhood with bustling nightlife, consider the Oliveras neighborhood. Here, you’ll find the renowned Selina hotel, which is also popular in cities like Tulum. Just across from its entrance are numerous wine bars and concept stores!
- Lastly, if you prefer a luxurious hotel with breathtaking views, check out these options: Hotel Vincci Ponte de Ferro (offering an amazing view of the city near the bridge), The Rebello (nestled in the fishermen’s neighborhood), or Torel Palace Porto (located near the Porto market).
Enjoy your trip to amazing Porto!
FAQ and tips about visiting Porto
What to visit around Porto?
Take an excursion to the towns where the Douro passes (Amarante, Pinhão, Lamego), with tasting of local products, breakfast with a panoramic view. And a visit and tasting in the “Quinta do Tedo” vineyard.
Visit Aveiro, this city is a bit like the Venice of Portugal (located 30km south of Porto). It is known for the beauty of its natural water channels along the Portuguese coast.
Some of the things to do in the Douro Valley include:
– Walk in the historic center of Amarante (near the valley and on the road)
– Take the N222 road which borders the Douro between Peso da Régua and Pinhão which is the most beautiful part of the valley
Discover Pinhão, a charming village in the Douro
– Visit of a Port wine vineyard, a complementary discovery to that of the Port cellars. You can see the vines here but also enjoy a guided tour to learn more about the winemaking process. You can for example visit the Quinta do Seixo which is the estate of Sandeman wines. There is also a restaurant offering a superb view of the terraced vineyards and the Douro.
– Take advantage of the many viewpoints around the valley
– The small village of Tua, another charming place to walk around
Where to sleep in Porto?
We advise you to stay in the Ribeira district (old Porto), near the D metro line or near the Luis bridge to be clearer. The Carris Ribeira hotel is an ideally located address, perfect for going out and visiting Porto on foot. The House Ribeira Porto is also a good address well located, that is to say a stone’s throw from the Luis bridge in the Ribeira district. The prices are higher, but sometimes they offer discounts, so take a look, you never know! Located just 5 minutes’ walk from the Ribeira quays, you have the Being Porto hostel which has a good quality/price ratio. You also have the BlueSock hostel which is even better placed.
Where to go shopping in Porto?
Do you want to do some shopping while enjoying the atmosphere of the city? So, go to Rua Santa Catarina, the street to visit in Porto to make some nice finds. Take it from Batalha square, to admire the Santo António dos Congregados church on the way. As you stroll, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to shops.
And for a well-deserved break, sit down at Café Majestic. This cafe is a real institution in Porto, to visit without delay!
How to reach downtown Porto from the Airport?
Getting to Porto from the Airport:
The airport is called “Francisco Sá Carneiro”, once you arrive there, the E metro line, connecting the airport to the rest of the network, will allow you to get to the center of Porto. Ticket price: €1.60 for approximately 40 minutes of travel. The ticket is valid for 1 hour, so you can still use the “Andante” ticket to take another bus/metro.
Single ticket: from €1.60.
Metro timetable: 06:00 a.m. and 01:00 a.m.
11-trip booklet: from €12.
The price depends on the destination. 3-day pass: €15.
The ticket is recyclable, i.e. it is rechargeable.
How to get to Porto?
Traveling to Portugal from the US or European destinations is not a problem if you wish to reach the city of Porto – You’ll find many direct flights to the International Airport Fransisco Sà Carneiro Airpor; which is located 11km away from Porto’s city center. Once in Porto, you can travel easily around by public transportation (bus, metro, train, taxi, uber…).
How many days to visit Porto?
This is the question that we inevitably ask ourselves before going to a city that we are discovering for the first time. Visiting Porto in 3 days seems like a good compromise. It is in any case the minimum duration to seriously discover the city and its many places of interest.
When to go to Porto?
Clearly, Porto is a city that can be visited all year round. Of course, discovering the city in spring or summer will be more pleasant than in the middle of winter. But you should know that the temperatures remain mild in winter and that the sun can also be present!
The best months to visit Porto are from April to October. In general, in the afternoon, the temperature oscillates between 20 and 25 degrees. However, if you prefer to avoid the heavy tourist traffic, going there in the middle of winter remains a very good alternative. Daytime temperatures rarely drop below 10°.
