The best things to do in Porto

Porto is the most important city in the north of Portugal. With a small to medium size, it’s a charming and irresistible city, noted by its friendliness and warm character of its people, also known as “tripeiros”.

3 days are just enough for the best Porto sightseeing experience and to get a good understanding of the city, making it an ideal place for a short break. You'll have plenty of time to wander around the city without rushing, and you'll also have hours left over to visit the lesser-known sights and places of interest.

Discover what to see in Porto and which places you shouldn't miss.

The Ribeira: the most picturesque neighborhood to visit in Porto

 

The Ribeira is one of Porto's most beautiful and characteristic neighborhoods. Its beautiful promenade of Cais da Ribeira, is located next to the Douro River. This charming area is a collection of cobbled streets, cafés and colorful architecture, ideal for taking the best photos. It’s definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Porto.

A must-see is the Elevador da Lada (or the Ribeira Elevator) which takes you from Rua da Lada to Barredo in less than a minute for free. Here you can see the Alminhas da Ponte with sculptures by Portuguese José Joaquim Teixeira Lopes and listen to the nostalgic notes of Portuguese traditional music by attending some of the best fado shows in Porto.

There are several places at the Ribeira where you can listen to fado in Porto. Two highly recommended options are the Ideal Clube de fado, (Rua do Ateneu Comercial 32) or attend the fado concert at Casa da Guitarra (Av. Vímara Peres 49). 

 

 

As a last piece of information, and given that we promised you good places for photos, among the most "instagrammable" places is the Ponte Pênsil bar, which, due to its location next to the river, offers great views at sunset.

One way to enjoy the Ribeira at sunset is to take a panoramic tour with dinner and a fado show. If you prefer to wander the area on foot with the stories of an English-speaking guide, you may prefer to take the Essential Porto Free Walking Tour.

The Sé, the Cathedral of Porto

 

 

Porto Cathedral is one of the most emblematic buildings in the city. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it is a structure that represents the fusion of three styles: Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque.

As one of the must-see sights of Porto, it tends to be very crowded. To avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting it around midday.

From its square you have one of the best viewpoints. For a small fee you can visit the early 14th century Gothic cloister decorated with beautiful tiles. Another worthwhile attraction is the Treasure Museum which exhibits ancient vestments, bibles, crowns and altarpieces. 

You can visit the Cathedral and other monuments in Porto for free or at a discounted rate using the Porto Card.

Also, our must-see Free Tour of Porto starts at this point.

Lello Bookshop: the most beautiful bookshop in the world

 

 

Considered "the most beautiful bookshop in the world", the Lello bookshop is one of the most emblematic places in Porto. Inaugurated in 1906, it is located at 144 Rua das Carmelitas, in the center of Porto. 

It looks like something out of a fantasy world. It is said to be the place that inspired J.K. Rowling to create the Harry Potter universe when she lived in the city.  The stained glass ceiling, the striking red staircase, the trolley on rails that moves the books and the carved wooden reliefs make the Lello Bookshop a haven of inspiration. 

If you want to visit, we recommend visiting on weekdays very early in the morning or during the low season as it gets very crowded. 

You can reach the Lello Bookshop easily with the Best of Porto half day tour, with transport and English speaking guide included.

The Clérigos Tower, a must see in Porto

 

 

Clérigos Tower should be at the top of your list of what to see in Porto. 225 steps must be climbed to reach the top of the Clérigos Tower. An effort that is well worth it because the view from its 75-meter height is one of the best in Oporto.

Its marble and granite structure is a local symbol and one of the greatest exponents of the Baroque style in the city. As you ascend, you will see the 49 bells that make up its great concert carillon. 

 

The stunning entrance to the Clérigos Tower

 

You can discover more stories about the Torre dos Clérigos by taking the Free Tour Dark Porto: Mysteries & Legends, where you will see this and other sites such as the São Bento Station and enjoy the best views of the Douro while you learn the stories about the city’s most sinister characters.

The tower and its church form an architectural ensemble belonging to the Brotherhood of the Poor Clerics, who in 1753 presented the project for the construction, which was completed in 1763. For many years it was the tallest building in Portugal.

It can be visited every day from 9:00 to 19:00 (Sundays until 21.30).  Admission for adults is €6.

Crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge: one of the coolest things to do in Porto

Views of the Dom Luis I bridge and the Ribeira from the Serra do Pilar viewpoint.

 

One of the things to do in Porto is to cross the Ponte Dom Luís I bridge. It is the most famous of the 6 bridges in the city and connects with Vila Nova de Gaia. The metro runs on one level and vehicles on the other. 

In fact, a fun way to cross this bridge is to take a tuk tuk ride in Porto. You'll walk through the best places in Oporto and discover the main monuments of the city aboard a private tuk tuk.

It has lanes for pedestrians, so you can also explore it on foot. If you dare to take the pedestrian lane on the upper level, you will have great views of the Douro River, the Cathedral and the Clérigos Tower.

Vila Nova da Gaia: wineries and activities in Porto with kids

 

 

On the opposite side of the Ponte Dom Luís I is Vila Nova de Gaia, another town in the Porto district. The area is known for hosting most of the Port wine cellars that offer guided tours with wine tastings and tastings. 

If you want to learn more about the production, harvesting and types of Port wine, this is a must-see place to visit. One of the most prestigious wineries in Porto is Poças, where you can experience a Port wine tasting experience at a very attractive price.

If you are visiting Porto with children, this is where the Gaia Biological Park is located, which the whole family is sure to love. A giant dinosaur awaits you at the entrance and 35 hectares are home to some 700 animals and plants. This permanent environmental education centre is ideal for spotting deer, otters, herons and owls.  

Bolhão Market: return of an icon

 

 

Originally designed by the architect António Correia da Silva in 1914, the Bolhão Market, declared a "monument of public interest", was closed for several years for renovations and was restored to its former glory in 2022. 

During the renovation, the general structure and the 80 or so traditional stalls selling fresh produce were preserved. Now, as well as being able to shop and browse one of the best places to see in Porto, you can also try a snack in the new cafés that were added for its reopening. 

Learn more about this iconic market in the Essential Free Tour of Porto.

Witness the hustle and bustle of Rua de Santa Catarina

 

 

Just steps away from the Bolhão Market is the busiest and most famous street in the city: Rua de Santa Catarina. Among all the things to do in Porto, a stroll along this street is a must: chain shops, the best restaurants and 1500 meters where classic buildings are combined with modern and striking premises. 

The restaurants Gruta (at n°447) and Esquina do Avesso (at n°102) are two of the most recommended places to eat. 

Other famous streets in Porto are Rua das Galerias de Paris, famous for its nightlife; we also suggest you get to know the typical charms of Rua de Cedofeita, Rua da Picaria, Rua do Almada, Rua das Flores and Rua de Arnaldo Gama, which offers a beautiful view of the city. 

São Bento Station

 

 

Very close to Porto Cathedral, you will find São Bento Station. Together with Campanhã, it is the main train station in Porto. You can visit it accompanied by an English-speaking guide on the Best of Porto full day tour, which also includes lunch, wine tasting and a boat trip on the Douro River.

The beauty of this structure will leave you speechless, not for nothing is it considered one of the most beautiful stations in Europe and the world. Art Nouveau in style, the 20,000 tiles in the hall tell the story of battles and historical moments in Portugal. If you're wondering, the station began operating in November 1896. 

Casa da Música: the modern side of Porto

 

 

With its avant-garde design and intense cultural activity, this piece of modern architecture is a famous concert hall.  Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the Casa da Música was criticized for breaking sharply with the traditional aesthetics of local architecture. 

You can visit the Casa da Música in Porto on days when there is no performance, although the best thing to do is to see a show in its halls. There is always something interesting on the bill and every year a country is selected and its artists are honored with workshops and concerts.

Palacio de la Bolsa, a must-see in Porto

The spectacular Arabian Hall at the Stock Exchange Palace

 

Every year, some 250,000 people visit the Palácio da Bolsa for its majestic architecture and beautiful interior. Located north of Ribera, on Rua Ferreira Borges, it was once the headquarters of the Porto Commercial Association and today houses the Porto Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Inside, the large and picturesque Arabian Hall stands out for its design and lighting and the Courtyard of the Nations, which has a beautiful glass dome. 

Church of San Francisco

 

 

This masterpiece of Gothic architecture was built between 1383 and 1410 and renovated during the 18th century. Upon arrival, be prepared to be dazzled by the interior of this amazing church: its three large naves, filled with ornate gilded carvings, are one of the best things to see in Porto. 

These structures of significant beauty are covered with between 300 and 500 kilos of gold dust brought from Brazil.

Through the Church of São Francisco you can access the catacombs where the remains of some of Porto's Franciscan friars and noble personalities rest. To the left of the church, in the Casa do Despacho, is the ticket office and a museum of sacred art and liturgical objects.

If you liked this temple, others worth visiting are the Church of Santa Clara and the Church of Carmen. 

Jardim do Morro: the hill garden

 

 

All travellers agree that you can't leave Porto without seeing the sunset from one of its viewpoints. The one we like the most, and the main one, is the Jardim do Morro.

A stone's throw away from the Dom Luis I Bridge, this green space overlooks the Douro River from Vila Nova de Gaia and offers a privileged panoramic view. On weekends you can usually find street food and artists.

Other viewpoints to see include the Crystal Palace Gardens, Cais de Gaia (our second favorite), Fontainhas and the Clérigos Tower viewpoint. 

The Douro River: boat trips from Porto

 

 

The Douro River is an important tourist, economic and ecological axis in the whole of northern Portugal. There are all kinds of activities on the Douro River, both in the city and in the Alto Douro region, one of the most recommended places to see near Porto.

A unique way to see Porto is from the river. The famous Porto's six bridges boat trip will take you to see the best of the Ribeira and the bridges that cross the city aboard a rabelo, the traditional boats that navigate the waters of the Douro River. 

You will discover the most famous bridges of the city such as the Dom Luis I Bridge and the Maria Pia Bridge, as well as other monuments of Porto from a different perspective.

The Douro Valley

 

 

On the other hand, the Douro Valley is a fertile region with very peculiar characteristics and climate that give rise to the prestigious Port wine. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in northern Portugal and a highly recommended excursion. 

The stunning guided tour to the Douro Valley includes walks through historic villages such as Amarante and Pinhão, a cruise on the Upper Douro River and a visit to two of the region's famous wineries and vineyards. It is worth noting that this wine-growing region was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The francesinhas of Oporto

 

 

Last but notleast, Remember to try the francesinhas, a type of sandwich that is very popular in Oporto.  Café Santiago, on Rua de Passos Manuel, has the tastiest ones. 

Other places to visit in Porto

There is not enough space to explain everything you can experience in this historic city. If you have more time in Porto, be sure to visit the Crystal Palace gardens, admire the Soares dos Reis National Museum, take in a show at the São João National Theatre, or have a picnic in the Virtudes Park.

Also, don't forget to check out Café Imperial (Praça da Liberdade 126), home to the world's most luxurious McDonald's.

 

Get to know these and all the attractions of the second most important city in Portugal, with the best activities in English.