There's so much to do in Porto as the long-time rival of beautiful Lisbon, this magnificent city has long attracted visitors with its café culture, historic buildings and old-world charm. Rows of slender buildings are squeezed together along narrow cobbled streets, linen hangs from wrought-iron balconies, and locals enjoy the warmth of the day in open-air cafés sipping a delicious espresso.
For visitors, it's a place to indulge!
The city is full of chic gourmet restaurants and places serving tasty petiscos (small Portuguese plates, ideal for sharing). The city is small enough to show off in a few days, but complex enough to explore for weeks - and there's plenty to do for free.
Tourist map
If you're new to Porto, we suggest you stay in the Centre-Baixa. Much of this area is a World Heritage Site and is full of beautifully renovated historic buildings, designer boutiques and some of Porto's coolest hotels. It's all within walking distance, but if you want to explore the surrounding area, you can take advantage of the city's superb public transport network.
Ribeira is a fantastic choice if you want to spend your days getting lost in the charming alleyways before enjoying your evenings eating out in some of the city's best restaurants.
For a more relaxed holiday, consider Miragaia. Here, the streets are lined with fascinating antique shops, captivating art galleries, quiet cafés and beautiful historic buildings that many miss by limiting themselves to the tourist areas. You'll also find some of Porto's best boutique hotels in this district.
Monuments and architectural works
The capital and gateway to northern Portugal, Porto is the city that gave a name to a nation. With its splendid geographical location at the mouth of the River Douro and an architectural heritage of exceptional quality, Porto's historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The capital of the North and the country's second-largest city, Porto is a hard-working city, renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, which has always resisted outside pressure and foreign invaders, which explains why Porto is nicknamed the "undefeated" city.
As well as its history, any visitor to Porto will quickly be impressed by the strength of character of the city and its people. Seemingly carved out of granite near the mouth of the River Douro, Portugal's second city, known locally as Porto, dazzles with its wealth of cultural attractions. The historic heart of Porto is the Ribeira. This waterside bairro encourages you to lose yourself in the maze of its narrow streets and seek out some of the city's most precious architectural treasures. In fact, the buildings that make up this venerable quarter are so rare and precious that UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site.
Much of Old Porto can be described with a pronounced 18th-century accent. Extravagant Baroque churches and imposing neoclassical buildings dot the skyline, their most precious contents on display in world-class museums set in picturesque squares. The city's contemporary character, meanwhile, is evident in its thriving modern art scene and a surprisingly futuristic music venue. Crossing the great bridge into Vila Nova de Gaia is a highlight of the visit, as is a guided tour of one of the port pavilions. A cruise on the Douro is worth considering, and for a truly memorable panorama of the city, take a ride on the cable car that glides from one end of the quays to the other. These are the best sights to see and visit in Porto!
The Porto map - A must-have in Porto
Before we go into detail about the best things to do in Porto, here's one of our top tips: if you're planning to visit most of Porto's key sites during your stay, we absolutely recommend buying a Porto Card.
You can choose from 1, 2, 3 or 4-day cards, which entitle you to free public transport and access to 6 museums, as well as a discount of up to 50% (and priority to avoid queues) at most of Porto's main attractions, including the Igreja E Torre Dos Clérigos (Clérigos Tower) and the Palácio Da Bolsa, and at some restaurants.
It's well worth it if you want to see as much of the city as possible!
Gastronomy
For many tourists, a trip to Portugal begins and ends in Lisbon, but it would be a mistake for hungry travellers to overlook Porto, the capital's gourmet cousin to the north. The city is known for its enthusiastic eaters and its privileged location between the Atlantic, the River Douro and the mountainous countryside, which provide abundant ingredients from both land and sea. The locals are nicknamed Tripeiros, after the Port-style tripe served in a rich stew of beans, sausages and vegetables. This hearty meal is nothing compared to the city's other famous dish, the francesinha, a huge sandwich of sausage, ham, steak and melted cheese.
Stews and meat sandwiches can help to combat the cold winter days, but they also offer Tripeiros an excuse to gather friends and family around the table and enjoy treasured recipes handed down from generation to generation. The town has enthusiastically welcomed visitors from all over the world, while retaining a remarkable link with its gastronomic heritage. Many of the region's traditional dishes can still be found in the tascas, the popular neighbourhood restaurants where locals mingle around a table or counter while enjoying an inexpensive lunch. Even the city's most successful modern restaurants build on this culinary heritage, mixing modern touches with traditional ingredients and techniques.
40 great things to do in porto
Take a sightseeing cruise on the Douro River
We know, we know, sightseeing cruises in the city often have the potential to be super touristy. But here in Porto, where so much of the city's life exists and thrives on the banks of the River Douro, not enjoying the city from the water would be doing your stay a disservice.
Climb aboard a traditional rabello boat for this six-bridge tour of the city of Porto and discover the importance of the river to the city as you pass many of its famous bridges and landmarks.
You'll follow the old merchant route, pass under the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel, admire the beautiful houses of the riviera from the water and (hopefully!) soak up the sun.
The Ribeira district is also magnificent from the water, so be sure to sit on the edge of the boat.
Admire the view from the miradouro da vitória
Surrounded by abandoned buildings, the Miradouro da Vitória may look a little basic at first glance, but don't be fooled by the broken windows of the building next door. This is undoubtedly one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Porto.
From here, you have a perfect view of the River Douro and the medieval terracotta roofs that spill into it. Some of Porto's main attractions can also be seen from here, including the Episcopal Palace, Porto Cathedral and the Dom Luis Bridge.
The Miradouro da Vitória rises above the Praça da Ribeira district, on the banks of the River Douro; this is one of the city's oldest districts, with beautiful medieval buildings, winding cobbled streets and views over the river - be sure to take a stroll through the dimly lit streets.
Explore the neighbourhoods of ribeira, baixa and bolhao
The three suburbs of Ribeira, Baixa and Bolhão are Porto's most historic and touristy areas, and as a traveller, they're also where you're likely to spend most of your time. During your visit to Porto, strolling along the pretty cobbled streets that criss-cross these districts will be our favourite activity in the city.
Ribeira, with its rows of colourful houses and views over the river, is a lively and bustling district, full of cafés and shops where locals and tourists alike enjoy the atmosphere and the views over the River Douro and the famous Dom Luis I bridge.
This is where the 6-bridge Douro river cruises leave from (they often sell out, so book your ticket in advance) and, naturally, it's also the liveliest part of the city.
Above the Ribeira are the Baixa and Sé districts, where you'll find many of Porto's best attractions, including the Mercado do Bolhão, Majestic Cafe, Rua Santa Catarina, Palácio do Bolsa and many more.
We recommend that you spend a day (or at least an afternoon) in good walking shoes, without a map or telephone, and lose yourself in the charm of Porto's historic districts.
Eat all the pasteis de nata at the confeitaria do bolhão
Portugal is home to one of the best sweet treats you could hope to munch on, the small but mighty Pastel de Nata (Portuguese tart). These incredibly crisp, flaky, puff pastry tarts, filled with the creamiest of egg creams and sprinkled with cinnamon, are divine and utterly addictive.
One of the best things about being in the land of this delicious treat is that it's not only socially acceptable to devour sweet pastries for breakfast, it's actually expected. The Confeitaria do Bolhão, a magnificent 120-year-old patisserie, will help you fill up on pastries. It serves Porto's best Portuguese tarts, arrufadas (sweetbreads), croissants and other delicious treats.
So do as the locals do and grab a coffee, choose your pastry, and sit in the seating area at the back to enjoy it.
Explore Porto by tram
Porto's historic (and cute) tram system is a must, as it's both very touristy and a lot of fun.
While many travellers associate trams with Lisbon, it was actually in Porto that the first Portuguese tram network was built in 1895. Porto's trams are among the oldest electric transport systems in Europe and today you can still see the quaint little yellow cars that run on the three remaining lines.
Sadly, the tram's popularity plummeted in the 1960s, as cars and buses became a faster and more convenient way of getting around the city.
For travellers, however, trams remain a picturesque and easy way to explore the city.
Tram no. 1 is probably the most popular tourist route. It leaves the famous and stunning Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St Francis) in around 20 minutes, skirts the rustic facades of Ribeira and reaches the Passeio Alegre garden at the mouth of the Douro River in Foz.
Alternatively, take a lesser-known route and hop on board circular tram no. 22, which serves the Clérigos district (and the iconic Clérigos Tower - buy tickets for the bell tower here), the lively Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies), passing the magnificent São Bento station and the lively Batalha district with its cafés, museums, shops and houses.
Discover the FC Porto museum
FC Porto is the second most successful club in Portuguese football, having won the league 25 times and the cup 16 times.
Add to that two Champions Leagues/European Cups and two UEFA Cups/Europa Leagues and you have a heritage worthy of a museum.
If you don't know much about FC Porto, you'll soon realise what the team means to the city, and if you're already a fan, you can take a trip down memory lane, remembering greats such as Deco, Mário Jardel and Teófilo Cubillas.
The museum is located in the Estádio do Dragão's east stand and celebrates iconic players, matches and titles using interactive technology and multimedia.
Visit the Palácio da Bolsa and admire its interiors
The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) was built between 1842 and 1910, and is a tribute to the city's wealthy merchants of the past and present.
Built on the ruins of the cloisters of the nearby Church of Saint Francis of Porto, the neoclassical building is where the Portuguese stock exchange once operated.
Already magnificent from the outside, the building is also absolutely breathtaking inside: the Pátio das Nações (Hall of Nations), with its intricately designed glass dome, the grand Escadaria Nobre (Noble Staircase) and the Salão Árabe (Arabic Hall), to name but a few.
If you want to explore all the rooms in the palace, hop on one of the 45-minute guided tours, which leave from the main entrance every 30 minutes.
Lunch in Piazza Ribeira
In the age of instant itineraries and long to-do lists (which we've written and you're reading!), it's easy to forget the pleasure of spontaneity when travelling.
On one of your afternoons in Porto, you can sit down for a quick meal in the Praça Ribeira. The atmosphere is perfect: sunny streets, dozens of people enjoying themselves and a Charlie Chaplin impersonator who is really fun to watch and is often there.
This is probably one of the only times we'll recommend an area that's too touristy, but the general atmosphere around this square is too good to pass up in this case!
Watch the sunset from the Dom Luis I bridge
Sunsets in Porto are absolutely magical, so head to the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, designed by Gustav Eiffel, and watch the magnificent spectacle over the Ribeira district.
The bridge, ranked No. 1 of things to do in Porto on Tripadvisor, becomes the heart and soul of the city in the late afternoon, as locals and tourists come out to walk and cycle along the bridge or simply enjoy the view.
Visit the livraria lello, Porto's most beautiful library
They say it's the most beautiful bookshop in the world, and we can guarantee that Livraria Lello lives up to its reputation.
The bookshop was officially opened by the Lello brothers in 1906, and was designed by Francisco Xavier Esteves in a neo-Gothic style. With its grand spiral staircase, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, finely carved Gothic woodwork and stained-glass skylight, it has been beckoning visitors ever since.
The splendour of Livraria Lello also has another (huge) claim to fame: rumour has it that the bookshop (along with some key locations in Scotland) inspired the magic of Hogwarts in JK Rowling, who spent two years in Porto teaching English.
You really do feel as if you've bumped into Harry or Ron on one of these shelves!
If you want to delve deeper into Harry Potter's secret history in Porto, this three-hour tour with direct access to Livraria Lello is well worth it. You'll see the café where JK Rowling wrote the beginning of the series and some of the places that inspired her novels.
Note | With this fame came worldwide recognition, and the library is now more of a theme park than a quiet space. Has it lost its lustre? Well, given that you have to pay and queue to get in, maybe a little. But it's still an incredibly beautiful place to visit in Porto.
Admire the Clérigos church
The 75.6 metre high tower of this Baroque church can be seen from most parts of Porto and was the tallest building in the country when it was completed.
It is a magnificent monument, with delicate carvings at the very top and a clock so tall that you have to take a few steps backwards to read it properly.
It was the last section of the church to be completed and dates back to 1763, with a design inspired by the campaniles of Tuscany.
If you don't mind queuing up and climbing the 240 steps, you'll be rewarded with a sublime and comprehensive panorama of the city from the top.
Admire the view from the clérigos tower
For centuries, Porto's Torres do Clérigos (Clérigos Tower) has been one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, towering over the city since 1763 from its position atop the Clérigos church.
Today, visitors can still reach the top of the bell tower via the 230 steps (a very narrow, claustrophobic and cramped staircase!), the top of which offers an epic panoramic view of Porto and beyond.
Try to plan your visit around the hourly ringing of the bells - the cramped nature of the tower means that if you're caught off guard when the bells start ringing, you're in for quite a scare!
Spot porto's many amazing azulejo tiles
First introduced to Portugal from Spain (Seville) in the 15th century by King Manuel I, azulejos have been a common feature of the Iberian Peninsula since the Middle Ages.
Introduced by the Moorish invaders centuries earlier, their name actually comes from the Arabic al zulaycha, "the polished stone", and they were initially very simple geometric shapes. Over time, and as they were adopted in Portugal in the 16th and 17th centuries, the tiles began to represent Portugal's trials and triumphs, religious histories and cultural events.
Today, they are a fascinating record of history, culture and people, as well as a beautiful way to decorate empty spaces in buildings.
Although tiles are a ubiquitous feature of the city, we recommend that you take the time to discover them at the following sites:
Igreja de Carmo
São Bento railway station
Porto Cathedral
Iglesia de San Ildefonso (Church of Saint Ildefonso)
The Chapel of Souls
Eating Porto's most famous dish, francesinha
You've probably already heard the adage that calories don't count on holiday, and that's just as well, because the next dish we're going to suggest is a monstrous meal that explodes calories and arteries: Francesinha.
Traditionally, Porto's famous Francesinha was a meal strictly reserved for meat eaters. Somewhere between a grilled sandwich and a gluttonous meat burger, it consists of thick layers of steak and ham, topped with melty, gooey cheese, drizzled with a tomato-based sauce and topped with an egg (in case you haven't had enough protein yet!), all accompanied by crispy chips.
For meat lovers, we recommend Café Santiago, Cervejaria Brasão and O Afonso for a taste of this delicacy on a plate.
Fortunately, these days, travellers of the vegetarian persuasion can still sample this notorious dish, with vegetarian and vegan options popping up all over the city.
To get your fix, we recommend the vegetarian and vegan Francesinha at Cervejaria Brasão, Lado B and Francesinhas Da Baixa.
Visit são bento station
European railway stations are distinguished by their elegance and grandeur, but one stands out from the rest: Porto's irresistible São Bento.
São Bento station is much more than just a transport hub for the people of Porto; on the walls of the main entrance, 20,000 azulejo (traditional painted tiles) depict the history of Porto with breathtaking beauty.
The story of its royalty, its various battles and its transport routes unfolds on the beautifully painted blue and white tiles, and when the afternoon sun hits the right spot, a soft golden light bathes the room in pure magic.
In short, if you visit Porto and miss São Bento, you've got it all wrong.
Admire the Igreja do Carmo
Known as the church with two heads, Igreja do Carmo is interesting for its magnificent tiled façade and unusual construction. If you look closely, you'll notice that the building is actually two adjacent churches. The one on the left is the Carmelite church.
Due to a complicated law, two churches could not share the same wall, so a small house was built, wedged between the two churches. The house was occupied until around 20 years ago.
Enjoy a delicious coffee in the Café Majestic
Opening its doors in 1921, the Café Elite, as it was originally known, was the belle of Porto's Belle Époque. The café enchanted Porto's upper echelon with its magnificent Art Nouveau design by architect João Queiroz.
Forgotten during the Second World War, the café almost disappeared completely. In 1983, the café was declared a "building of public interest", and finally, in 1992, 71 years after its opening, a massive two-year restoration began to make the Majestic Café the most elegant in Porto.
The Majestic Café, along with Livraria Lello, has earned its status as one of Porto's must-visit places, so expect prices to be much higher than the average café.
For example, an espresso coffee will cost €5, compared with less than a euro in a typical café.
If you want to treat yourself to a charming experience at the Majestic Café, tea is served between 3pm and 7pm - Cost: €25 per person.
Visit the church of Santa Clara
Listed as a national monument, the Igreja de Santa Clara was completed in 1457 to replace a medieval Franciscan convent.
Behind its discreet façade lies an impressive Baroque interior with gilded woodwork depicting angels, cherubs and saints.
The Igreja de Santa Clara belonged to the order of cloistered Franciscan nuns, the Poor Clares, until the nineteenth century, when the last nun of the order died.
Inside the church, you can still see the wooden revolving door used by the nuns to sell sweets to the public, as still seen in the closed convents of Seville.
As the nuns were forbidden to have contact with people outside the order, the revolving door was used to carry out transactions.
The church has just reopened after a meticulous restoration that will continue. It is forbidden to take photographs inside.
Visit the traditional grocery shop A Pérola do Bolhão
More than just an Art Nouveau façade, A Pérola do Bolhão is one of Porto's most popular institutions and landmarks.
Founded in 1917, A Pérola do Bolhão is one of those charming shops where you'll find the heart of culinary Porto. This traditional Portuguese grocery shop is packed with fresh and dried products that are typically Portuguese.
Let yourself be tempted by the olives and fresh mountain cheeses from Serra de Estrela.
The friendly owners will be delighted to guide you through the products and have been known to give valuable tips for visiting their town.
The front of the shop is adorned with Portuguese tiles dating from the turn of the last century, with unique depictions of two women on either side of the door, one holding coffee plants (café) and the other chá (tea).
See the sunset from the Jardim de Morro
One of the best things to see in Porto is the sunset over the city. On the Gaia side of the Luís I bridge, the Jardim do Morro offers live music, even in winter. The park is transformed into a mini concert stadium, with Porto at its most majestic.
Right next to the Jardim do Morro is the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, an impressive former monastery. From this slightly higher vantage point, you can enjoy other spectacular views of the city.
Take the 6 bridges cruise
For a fun tourist activity in Porto, take a 50-minute boat cruise on the River Douro, passing under the six famous bridges, one of which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, responsible for the Eiffel Tower.
These cruises, with commentary, leave regularly from Ribeira do Porto, near the Luís I bridge.
Visit Porto Cathedral
A visit to this 12th-century cathedral is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Porto for historians and lovers of architecture. The interior exudes a typical Porto atmosphere: the cloisters are adorned with blue tiles and, on the roof, you can see an impressive tile tapestry on the history of Portugal.
The highlight is undoubtedly climbing the tower to admire the view over Porto. The views are just as impressive as those from the Clérigos Tower. To kill two birds with one stone, pay €3 to visit Porto Cathedral.
Visit the Church of Sao Francisco
Although work on the Igreja de São Francisco began in 1245, it was destroyed by fire. The church we see today was built in the 1500s and was given a makeover in the 1700s when the interior was covered in 100kg of gold.
Take a look inside for €8. The exterior is simple compared to the decadent interior.
You'll find it near the Ribeira waterfront, close to the Bolsa Palace.
Find the famous street art rabbit
The mural of the half-rabbit can be found at 42 Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes, just behind the Mercado Beira-Rio.
The artist, Bordalo II, is known for his murals that create animals from recycled materials. This work was created from rubbish collected in the city, demonstrating the wastefulness of our society.
Discover the episcopal palace (bishop's palace)
Once the residence of the Bishop of Porto, this impressive palace stands high above the city, close to the cathedral. Depending on where you're coming from, it may take a few steps to reach it, but it's well worth exploring this Baroque/Rococo building designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni.
Visit the church of Santo Ildefonso
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is another popular spot in Porto for tile lovers. This 18th-century church is covered in thousands of blue and white azulejos and contains an altarpiece by Nicolau Nasoni. Admission is free.
Next, take a stroll through the neighbouring Jardim Marques de Oliveira district, where you'll find many of Porto's famous restaurants, such as Café Santiago.
Stroll along Rua das Flores
Rua das Flores is one of Porto's most beautiful and atmospheric streets. Traditionally, flowers were sold on the right side and jewellery on the left, due to the direction in which the sun struck in the morning.
Many of the best things to do in Porto can be found near Rua das Flores, which has therefore become a hub for shops, restaurants and live music.
The most beautiful Mcdonald's in the world
We bet you didn't expect a McDonald's to be one of Porto's main attractions, did you? McDonald's Imperial on the Praça da Liberdade has been voted the most beautiful McDonald's in the world.
The door is flanked by a huge stone eagle and the interior is no less decadent with its chandeliers and Art Deco stained glass windows. The mural behind the counter, depicting a man and woman drinking coffee, was painted by the Portuguese artist Ricardo Leone.
This was the former location of Café Imperial, which opened in the 1930s. McDonald's took over the place in the 1990s but left the interior intact. Even the menu has been improved: try the pastel de nata and the bolo de berlim (egg cream fritters).
Finding a peacock in the Crystal Palace Gardens
The Gardens of the Crystal Palace are one of the best places in Porto to enjoy a little peace and quiet. The architect, Émile David, named these gardens after a palace that once stood here. Look out for the living peacocks, the real owners of the park.
Relax in the Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha
Behind the Superbock Arena and linked to the gardens of the Crystal Palace, this large park offers beautiful views over Porto and the River Douro.
Inside the park you'll find the Almeida Garret Library, a café and the Romantic Museum. Bring a picnic to Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha at sunset.
Discover the Parque de Serralves
The Parque da Fundação de Serralves is a hidden gem not far from the centre of Porto. This cultural institution houses a pink Art Deco mansion, two art galleries, a tree-lined walkway and even a farm.
Count Carlos Alberto Cabral commissioned French architect Jacques Grébe to design the gardens between 1932 and 1940, while other architects such as José Marques da Silva (responsible for São Bento station) have played a part in this wonderful property.
Enter via Rua Dom João de Castro and start at the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. Then explore the gardens and treetop walk before finishing at the pink Villa Serralves, which houses art exhibitions.
Admission costs €20, making it one of the most expensive things to do in Porto.
Take the 502, 207 or 201 bus from Porto.
Enjoy the view from the Torreão do Jardim do Palácio
In the Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha (behind the Superbock Arena), this stone tower offers magnificent views at sunset and at any other time of day. You'll find the Torreão do Jardim do Palácio at the rear of the park, overlooking the river.
The observation platform at the top is tiny, so arrive early on a clear, sunny day when others have the same idea.
Take in a fado show
Fado music, which originated in the Alfama district of Lisbon, is about fate or destiny. Although this melancholy music about the lives of the poor (among other subjects) is not the most cheerful, it is a treasure of Portuguese culture.
The best places in Porto to watch fado are the Galerias de Paris and the Casa da Guitarra.
Visit the Soares dos Reis National Museum
Porto's National Museum is a must for anyone with even a passing interest in the history of Portuguese art.
The museum's vast collection stretches from the 16th to the 20th century and includes paintings, porcelain and even furniture. To name but a few.
If you find it's raining in Porto during your visit, this is the perfect place to pass the time while you wait for the rain to stop. You see, there are even things to see in Porto when these downpours occur.
Discover Casa São Roque
This sunny, yellow mansion on the east side of Porto was once owned by a wealthy family. When Maria Virginia de Castro, a member of that family, married António Ramos Pinto (a famous Port producer), he asked José Marques da Silva to refurbish the house.
With the São Bento architect on site, everything went smoothly!
Casa São Roque was eventually taken over by Porto Council and, in 2019, opened to the public as a contemporary art gallery.
Strolling along Pérgola da Foz
The attractive Pérgola da Foz runs along part of the Foz promenade. It's a pleasant place to take a stroll at sunset, enjoying the westward views of the sun sinking behind the waves.
Surfing on Matashinos beach
Matashinos is reputed to be one of the best surfing beaches near Porto. Board hire at Onda Pura costs €15 for two hours and you can opt for lessons if you're a beginner.
Visit the Praia do Castelo de Queijo (Cheese Castle)
If ever there was a place with an anti-climactic name, it's the 'Cheese Castle' in Matashinos.
It is said that the Praia do Castelo de Queijo got its name because the rock on which it is built resembles a piece of cheese.
In any case, entry costs just 50 cents. Climb to the top to admire the sea views and the period details, including the cannons used for defence.
Things to do around Porto
Aveiro
Just over an hour from Porto by train or bus, the small town of Aveiro is known as the 'Venice of Portugal'. Colourful moliceiro boats ply the rivers and take tourists on a ride for between €5 and €10.
Other things to do include sampling fresh seafood, visiting museums and religious buildings and sampling ovos moles, a typical dessert made from sweetened egg yolk.
Guimaraes
An hour's train journey from Porto is another of the most remarkable towns in northern Portugal. Guimaraes is famous for its medieval architecture and 10th-century castle.
A fun option on a day trip from Porto is to take the Penha cable car up to the top of the mountain for spectacular views over the city and countryside.
Getting around Porto
The best way to get around Porto is by metro, bus or on foot. Porto has an extensive public transport system run by the Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto (which includes the metro, buses and trams) that helps visitors reach the main attractions in and around the city. The metro lines are identified by different colours and letters, and many lines run above ground, offering splendid views of the city. Porto's extensive bus network can be a little confusing, and most of the major attractions can be reached by metro, but the bus is a great alternative for getting to some of the harder-to-reach places, including Foz, the Serralves Museum and Vila Nova de Gaia. Once you're in the city centre, you can explore to your heart's content.
On foot
Most of Porto's roads are narrow, cobbled and winding, so it's best to explore them on foot. Plan your time in advance and make sure you see the main attractions that are close together if you plan to use your two feet for transport - there are a few clusters where you can see many of the city's main sites without straining your legs too much.
Metro
Porto's metro has six lines that run daily from around 6am to 1am and are marked by letters and colours: lines A (blue), B (red), C (green), D (yellow), E (purple) and F (orange). There are more than 80 metro stations throughout the city, signposted with a wavy blue "M". The majority of lines serve Porto's best sights, and travelling by metro is an affordable option when visiting the city. Buying a Porto card gives you unlimited travel on the metro, buses and funiculars for a set period, as well as free entry to some museums and discounts on other museums and restaurants. Porto cards cost 13, 20, 25 or 33 euros (about $13.50, $22, $28 or $37) for one, two, three or four days respectively.
If you do not buy a Porto card, you must buy a rechargeable Andante blue card to use the metro. Cards cost 0.60 euros (about 70 cents) and one-way fares start at 1.20 euros (about $1.35) and vary according to the number of zones crossed. You must "validate" your card when you enter a station or change lines by pressing your card against the validation machine and waiting for it to light up green. Keep your card for the duration of your stay and continue to top it up as you travel; cards can be topped up at any metro station. Andante business cards are also available for €7 or €15 (around $8 or $17) for unlimited travel for 24 hours or 72 hours.
Bus
More than 75 STCP bus routes are available throughout Porto and its surrounding areas, including Vila Nova de Gaia and Vila do Conde. Buses run regularly from 6am to around 9pm, with a limited service from 9pm to 1am. Both Porto and Andante cards operate on the buses, with one-way journeys starting at €1.20 for Andante card holders and varying according to the number of zones to be crossed. You can also buy a single paper ticket on board the bus for 0.60 euros plus the fare for your journey.
Tram and Funicular
STCP also operates three tram lines in Porto: Line 1, Line 18 and Line 22. Porto's trams (or cable cars) are a historic part of the city, dating back to 1872. Line 1 runs along the west coast and the River Douro from Matosinhos to Lóios. Lines 18 and 22 run circular routes near the Hospital Geral de Santo António in southern Porto and near São Bento station and Avenida dos Aliados in central Porto, respectively. Andante cards are accepted on trams (Porto cards are not); individual tickets on board cost 3.50 euros (about $4).
The single-track funicular runs up and down the hill from Porto's Ribeira district to the higher Batalha square. Tickets cost €2.50 (around $3) each way, and timetables vary according to the season.
Car
Porto being a small city, the congested roads are not ideal for driving, so hiring a car is not your best option for getting around the city. Forget the car, unless you plan to travel extensively to other parts of Portugal or Spain. If you need to hire a car, you can do so at the agencies at the airport or in town, which include Europcar, Avis and Sixt.
Taxis
Taxis in Porto are relatively cheap compared to other European cities, but that doesn't mean they're cheap. Fares generally start at around €2.50 (around $3) and increase for every kilometre travelled (just over half a mile). In most cases, taxi drivers are helpful and speak English, but you may want to make a note of your destination address to avoid confusion. Uber also operates in Porto.
When to go to Porto
The best time to visit Porto will largely depend on what you want to achieve from your holiday. The main factors to consider are climate, events, crowds and, of course, the weather.
Porto, like many European coastal cities, enjoys moderate temperatures. This makes it a great destination to visit all year round.
Whether you want to enjoy the bustling streets in high season or experience the magic in winter, a trip to Porto is always a winner.
Although Porto can experience a certain amount of rain in winter, the cost of visiting the city is significantly lower during this period.
Overall, the weather in Porto in September is the best, allowing you to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
How long do you need to visit Porto?
We think that 3 days is ideal to see Porto's main attractions on your first visit. Many tourists choose to spend just one night and leave the next day for other cities, but end up regretting it and vowing to book a longer stay next time.
Don't make the same mistake, because Porto has a lot to offer. And however long you spend here, you're sure to find fun around every corner.
Favourite
We assure you that it's impossible not to love Porto, city of the sea, inexhaustible source of energy, serenity and freedom. Porto is a city by the sea, an inexhaustible source of energy, serenity and freedom. It's the supposed therapeutic properties of its waters, the mansions of the middle-class families who began settling here in the 19th century, the fishing tradition that lives on in the 'Foz Velha', the unique charm of the Foz (Mouth of the River) district, a veritable treasure trove of the city, and much more.
FAQ What to do in Porto
Best way to travel from Lisbon to Porto?
The best way to get from Lisbon to Porto is to train which takes 2h 46m and costs €23 - €35. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €14 - €22 and takes 3h 30m, or fly, which costs €30 - €130 and takes 2h 56m.
Is there a beach in Porto?
Porto is close to a number of magnificent beaches. Portugal's second-largest city is best known for the River Douro that runs through its pretty old town, but there are also plenty of beaches in the area, both in the city and nearby.
Is Porto a city that can be visited on foot?
Yes, the best way to explore Porto's historic centre is by walking the narrow streets and alleyways, which you'll discover on our tours but which even sidecars can't use. Most of the historic centre is within a 4 km / 2 mile radius.
Is Porto worth visiting in winter?
Perhaps you're looking for a cheap winter break or you've decided to go somewhere you've never been before. Either way, here's why we think Porto is, in fact, one of the best European cities for a winter holiday!
