LivingTravelTop 10 things to do in Porto, Portugal

Top 10 things to do in Porto, Portugal

Home of Port Wine, the city of Porto offers much to do in a picturesque setting along the Douro River. Take a stroll along the historic riverside, while admiring views of Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto’s neighbor across the river, dine on some seafood or Porto’s gluttonous sandwich, the Francesinha, and see the famous azulejos and tiles from Portugal, while admiring all the churches throughout the city.

Try some port

Most of the best port producers in the city have a building in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto, and many are open for tours or tastings. Each tour generally includes a tasting of a white, ruby, and reddish port with the price of admission (which may be free at some wineries). The more you try, the more you will recognize your favorite style. Caves Ferreira remains one of the most popular with visitors, as it is the only house that has continued under Portuguese ownership since its founding in 1751.

After touring, visit Vinologia, an independent bar that specializes in learning to appreciate the port. Now hopefully you know the style of Port you like, you can compare that type between different producers. This is where you can really focus on finding your favorite port. Vinologia offers vertical tastings to sample different vintages and styles, and also horizontal tastings to help you explore the different producers of a unique port style.

Take a guided tour

Do you want to experience the city like a local? A guided tour, either privately or with a local, is a great way to do it. If you want to explore Porto at your own pace, try a hop-on, hop-off tour that will take you past the city’s attractions and historical sites, or try a food and wine tour, where you can sample classic Portuguese dishes like pasteis de nata (a tart egg cream) and bolinho de bacalhau (cod fritters).

Cross the Ponte Luis I bridge

Direction
Pte. Luiz I , 4000 Oporto , Portugal

Get directions

Probably one of the most iconic structures in Porto, not only does the Ponte Luis I bridge lend itself to the landscape, but it also allows for incredible views of both Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. You will want to cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, either to visit the port wineries or simply to enjoy the breathtaking views of Porto.

Stroll along the Ribeirinha promenade

Direction
R. da Ribeira Negra, 4000 Oporto, Portugal

Get directions

Porto, its many bridges and its neighbor, Vila Nova de Gaia, offer impressive views. One of the best places to see them? Ribeirinha, a promenade that takes you along the Douro River and passes many cafes and restaurants. Start near the Church of Sao Francisco, then head towards the river. You can have a cheap snack or drink and enjoy some of the views or continue to the Ponte Luis I bridge, where there are many restaurants. If you fancy trying some of Portugal’s great wines while sitting in Ribeirinha, check out Avepod. It has a good selection of wines and ports from small independent winemakers, as well as some delicious appetizers.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

Admire modern art at Serralves

Direction
Dom João de Castro 210 , 4150-417 Oporto , Portugal

Get directions

Telephone

+351 22 615 6500

Web

Visit the website

If you like modern art, then the Serralves Museum of Modern Art is a must-see. This museum has rotating exhibits and amazing gardens for when museum fatigue hits – don’t miss the art deco villa in the garden. The best way to get there is by local bus, and it’s easy to combine the trip with a visit to Casa da Música, as you can take the same bus to both.

Admire the Porto Cathedral

Direction
Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Oporto, Portugal

Get directions

Telephone

+351 22 205 9028

Web

Visit the website

The Porto Cathedral, or Sé do Porto in Portuguese, began construction in the 12th century, but was not completed until 1737. As a result, the cathedral has many different types of architectural influences, including Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque. The cathedral is also located among other sites, such as the Pelourinho statue, the Medieval Tower and an archaeological museum. In addition, you can enjoy beautiful views of Porto nearby.

Try a francesinha

Direction
R. da Armenia 16 , 4050-385 Oporto , Portugal

Get directions

Telephone

+351 22 205 8009

Web

Visit the website

Porto’s decadent Francesinha is a sandwich typically filled with various types of meat, topped with cheese, and then drowned in a beer-tomato sauce. Haute cuisine is not, but it is tasty. One of the best and most popular places for a delicious Francesinha is Verso em Pedra, not far from Sé do Porto, along the Douro River. It is better to share one, but if you go alone, you can order half.

Walk through the shady Jardim Palacio de Cristal

Direction
R. de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Oporto, Portugal

Get directions

Telephone

+351 22 532 0080

Web

Visit the website

A sports hall has replaced Porto’s original Crystal Palace, but the real attraction here is the grounds that surround it. As you head towards the river, you will see all the different gardens, designed in the 19th century by the German landscape architect Émile David. From these gardens, you get excellent views from different angles of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia. Not crowded with tourists, these gardens are a great way to relax, but you can still go sightseeing. They are also very well shaded, which helps you stay cool during the summer months. Be sure to explore all the terrain as it wraps around the river.

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

See Porto’s famous tile churches

Direction
Rua do Infante D. Henrique , 4050-297 Oporto , Portugal

Get directions

Telephone

+351 22 206 2125

Web

Visit the website

Porto has many beautiful churches, and almost all of them are free to enter. Visit a Porto tourist office for a free tourist map, which has the churches marked on it. Many of Porto’s sights are within walking distance, and many of the churches are dotted across most of the major tourist sites. Even if a church is closed, the exterior can be the best part. Many churches are adorned with azulejos , Portugal’s traditional painted ceramic work. Very often, the ones found in churches are blue and white and can represent different scenes. The most famous church is the Gothic church of São Francisco. While there is an entrance fee, it is well worth it.

Take a day trip out of town

Direction
Braga , Portugal

Get directions

While there is much to see and do in Porto, it is an ideal starting point for day trips. The landscape of the Douro Valley, the area where the port and other wines are made, is fantastic.

You can continue along the Douro River, either by boat, train or vehicle, and enjoy the beautiful terraces where the vineyards are located. You will see why anyone who goes to the valley cannot stop praising it.

Or head to Braga, which has many churches and a 12th-century cathedral. It is a pleasant and walkable city, where you can fill your day with places in the city. One of the biggest attractions in the area is the Bom Jesus do Monte, a sanctuary, which is located on the outskirts of the city but is easily accessible by local bus in Braga.

How to get from Porto to Coimbra, Portugal

Learn to visit Coimbra on your trip to Portugal. Get from Porto to Coimbra by bus, train, car or guided tour.

How to get from Porto to Madrid by bus, train and plane

If you are visiting Spain, it is obvious to squeeze a side trip to Portugal on your vacation. Portugal is much cheaper than Spain and culturally quite

The coveted and terrifying Rule of Rose for PS2, among the games that Onion...

Surely many of you have heard of him. Rule of Rose has become a cult title in recent years, thanks to its lurid setting ...

More