Things to Do in Porto, Portugal: 18 Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems

Porto is the kind of city that easily draws you in. When you combine the romance of the tiled walls, cobblestone streets, and all of the fabulous things to do in Porto, it’s easy to see why visitors (including us) flock to its sunlit riverfront.

Walking through Porto, you can’t help but feel the vibe of the city. It’s romantic, but without trying too hard. Whether you’re strolling through the medieval lanes, sipping port wine in a centuries-old cellar, or watching the sunset melt into the Atlantic, Porto is a city that truly makes you slow down and savor the good things in life.

We loved our 3 days in Porto so much that we thought we would put together this list of 18 things to do in Porto that will give you the perfect mix of famous landmarks along with a few local secrets, thanks to our friends who live in the area.

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Iconic Landmarks in Porto

Walk Across the Dome Luis I Bridge

No trip to Porto is complete without crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, the city’s most famous landmark.

Designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, its double-deck iron arches stretch dramatically across the Douro River, linking Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia.

We walked along the upper level, which offered the most breathtaking views. This level, which allows you to walk alongside the metro tracks, looks out over the rooftops, wine cellars, and boats below.

If you plan your walk just right, you can watch the sky turn gold and pink as the sun sets in the distance, and you’ll understand why so many travelers fall in love with Porto at first sight.

And the best part? It’s completely free!

For a guided tour of the city, consider these tours:

• Porto History, Culture and Tasting Tour

Explore the Ribeira District

Ribeira is Porto’s soul, and the area that helped us to fall in love with the city quickly.

This UNESCO-listed neighborhood sits right on the riverfront, with pastel-colored buildings stacked like dominoes and cobbled streets that feel like they haven’t changed in centuries. We rented an Airbnb in this area that had beautiful views of the river and was conveniently located, making it easy for us to walk to the riverfront. I highly recommend staying in the Ribeira neighborhood!

It’s the kind of place where you wander without a map—ducking into tiny wine bars, snapping photos of laundry flapping in the breeze, and sitting by the water with a glass of vinho verde in hand.

In the evenings, the promenade hums with music, chatter, and the clink of wine glasses, perfect to stroll hand in hand with the one you love!

Consider taking a Porto walking tour to learn all about the different parts of the city as you explore.

Visit the Clerigos Tower

Porto is full of viewpoints, but the Clérigos Tower is the city’s crown jewel and well worth the climb it takes to get to the top.

At 75 meters tall, this baroque beauty has been watching over Porto since the 18th century.

The climb—240 narrow steps—will test your calves, but the payoff is a 360-degree view of terracotta rooftops, the Douro River, and beyond.

We made the most of our visit and paid the entry fee to visit the adjacent church and museum, both of which we enjoyed.

Cultural & Historical Attractions

Step Inside Livraria Lello

It’s not often that I would recommend visiting a bookstore on your valuable vacation time, but once you step inside Livraria Lello, you will understand why we recommend this one.

Often named one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is full of carved wood, crimson staircases, and a stained-glass skylight that makes the whole place glow.

Of course, you can also buy books here, but this visit is truly about experiencing the building itself.

While there’s a ticket to enter (at the time of publication, the cost is €5, redeemable toward a purchase), it’s worth every cent.

If you would like, you can also look into a tour like this one that includes the bookstore in addition to other local attractions.

Pro tip: Buy your ticket online and arrive early, because by mid-morning the line often snakes around the block.

Marvel at São Bento Railway Station

Even if you’re not catching a train, you have to step inside São Bento Station.

It’s truly a living work of art, with 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles lining the walls, each one telling a story of Portuguese history—from royal battles to countryside life.

The best part is that it’s completely free!

This fun Tuk-Tuk tour takes you all around the city and is a great way to see some of the sights in Porto.

Step into the Bolsa Palace

From the outside, the Palácio da Bolsa looks elegant but understated. Inside, it’s jaw-dropping.

Built in the 19th century as the city’s stock exchange, it’s a showcase of neoclassical design, with grand staircases and opulent halls.

The guided tour’s highlight is the Arab Room—gold leaf, intricate patterns, and the kind of detail that leaves you speechless.

Guided tours at the time of publication are €12 and run multiple times a day.

Explore the Church of São Francisco

If you’ve been following us for some time, you know that we love to visit historic churches. So, of course, we had to include the Church of São Francisco on our list.

While the exterior boasts a traditional Gothic style, the interior is covered in over 400 kg of gold leaf, making it one of the most ornate churches in Portugal.

After gawking at the church’s interior, take time to explore the museum, which is included in the price of your ticket, and see the historic catacombs beneath the church.

Food & Drink Experiences

Taste Port Wine in Vila Nova de Gaia

Port wine is Porto’s claim to fame, and you can’t leave without tasting it where it’s aged: across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Stroll across the Dome Luis I Bridge and you will find dozens of cellars—like Graham’s, Sandeman, and Taylor’s—offer guided tours of their facilities.

These tours were a highlight of our time in Porto. Not only do you learn all about the wine-making process, but you also get to sample the city’s sweet, rich export.

Oh, and you have the opportunity to purchase a bottle from the cellar store as well!

Consider these tours:

• Delicious food and wine walking tour
• Taylor’s port cellar and tour tasting
• Port and Duoro wine walking and tasting
• Graham’s Port Lodge tour and vintage wine room tasting

Pro Tip: Book your cellar tour online in advance, especially during high season, as they do sell out.

Sample the Famous Francesinha

Porto’s most famous dish is not for the faint of heart.

The Francesinha is a sandwich piled high with steak, ham, sausage, and melted cheese, all smothered in a rich beer-based sauce and often topped with a fried egg.

It’s indulgent, messy, and completely worth it, but can be shared in our opinion.

Of course, taking a food tour is one of our favorite ways to get acquainted with the local culinary scene. Here are a few tours to consider:

• Eat Your Way Through Porto
• Taste of Porto
• Food and Wine Walking Tour with Port Wine Cave
• Evening Local Food Crawl with Drink Pairings

Browse Mercado do Bolhão

If you want to taste Porto’s everyday life, head to Mercado do Bolhão. Recently restored, this market is a sensory feast—stalls piled high with fresh fish, cheeses, olives, pastries, and flowers.

It’s the perfect spot to grab picnic supplies or wander and chat with the vendors.

Eat Your Weight in Pastel de Nata

Not knowing what a pastel de nata was before visiting Portugal, I must admit that I didn’t know what to expect.

Sure, I read the description. They are a “Portuguese egg custard tart,” but that didn’t mean anything to me.

Luckily for us, our Airbnb was located right across the street from one of Porto’s famous pastel de nata shops, Castro.

From the first bite, I was addicted. The crust is flaky and light, and the filling is a rich, creamy custard that is the perfect balance of sweet with a hint of spice. The top is perfectly caramelized and then dusted with either cinnamon or powdered sugar.

They are sheer perfection, and I ate them daily!

Scenic Views & Outdoor Spaces

Wander the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

If you need a break from sightseeing, the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal are the remedy.

Winding pathways lead you past sculpted hedges, fountains, and blooming flowerbeds, all with sweeping views of the river. I

t’s free, peaceful, and the perfect place for a picnic.

Watch the Sunset in Foz do Douro

At the point where the Douro River meets the Atlantic, you’ll find Foz—a breezy, beautiful escape from the city center. The beaches here are more for strolling than swimming (the Atlantic is chilly!), but the sunsets are incredible.

Grab a seat at Praia da Luz café and watch the waves turn gold.

Cruise the Douro River

Seeing Porto from the water gives you an entirely different perspective.

Traditional rabelo boats and modern cruises glide under the city’s six bridges, each with its own story.

A short 50-minute cruise is perfect for first-timers, but if you have a day to spare, take a full-day Douro Valley trip—vineyards, wine tastings, and a leisurely lunch await you.

Suggested boat tours:

• Daytime or Sunset Duoro River Sightseeing Cruise
• Duoro Sunset Sailboat Experience
• Charming Sailboat Sunset Cruise
• Private Cruise with Local Wine, Snacks, and 6 Bridges

Arts, Culture & Local Life

Experience Casa da Música

Casa da Música isn’t just a concert hall—it’s an architectural statement. Its angular white structure stands out from Porto’s older buildings, and the inside is just as striking.

Even if you’re not seeing a performance, the guided tours (€12 at the time of publication) offer a fascinating look at the design and acoustics.

Hunt for Street Art

Like many cities, Porto’s creative side comes alive on its walls. From massive murals to hidden stencil art, the city’s streets are a living gallery.

Rua Miguel Bombarda is known for its ever-changing art scene, but keep your eyes open—you never know what you’ll find down a side street.

Take time to explore the area and keep your eyes peeled for street art as you go or book a tour and allow a local guide to show you their favorite street art.

You can also consider booking a photo walking tour during your time in Porto.

Stroll the Serralves Museum and Park

Set in a sprawling estate, the Serralves complex blends modern art with nature. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions, the gardens are perfect for a quiet walk, and the pink Art Deco villa is an Instagram favorite.

Attend a Fado Show

The mesmerizing Portuguese musical genre is characterized by its combination of acoustic music with mournful song lyrics to tell a story.

Many songs are centered around themes of loss, longing, and inner sadness, making a Fado show a profoundly moving experience.

As a deep part of Portuguese culture, attending a show is a must-do during your time in the country.

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