The Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal
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Here are the very best things to do during a visit to Porto.
Portugal is a fantastic destination to visit in Europe, known for its warm weather, fantastic dining scene, iconic Azulejo tiles, and so much more.
As the country’s second largest city, Porto has much to offer visitors. From wine tasting and cooking classes, to what is considered to be the world’s most beautiful bookshop, the city is packed with things to do - there’s even plenty of activities that don’t cost a penny.
I spent an excellent week here in the sunshine, strolling past the river and eating pastel de natas. Reliving my trip to write this post has been a lot of fun, and I want to make sure you have a brilliant time too.
Here is my list of the very best things to do in Porto. Enjoy!
Don’t have time to read this article?
Choose from a list of Porto’s best activities and excursions on the Get Your Guide website here.
Overview of the city
Go on a Wine Tasting Tour
This is an essential activity for wine lovers, and one of the most iconic things to do in Porto.
Book a tour of the Douro’s best wineries, and admire the vineyards that line the valleys. The tastings are typically led by knowledgable guides, who will talk you through the tasting notes and teach you about the history of winemaking in Porto.
This tour even starts with an hour long rabelo boat cruise and includes a lunch featuring the flavours of the region. If you’re interested in olive oil, then you’ll want to book this tour instead which includes two additional tastings.
Explore the City on Foot
A great way to learn about Porto while getting your steps in, there are many walking tours that you can join in the area.
This historic walking tour features a local guide, with stops at some of the most impressive landmarks: the Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station, and Sé Cathedral. The tour takes a total of two and a half hours, with small groups of up to eight people.
If you don’t fancy walking, then this electric ebike tour lasts three hours and covers a large portion of the city.
You can find more tours of Porto on the Get Your Guide website here.
Visit The Livraria Lello Bookstore
If there’s one thing you should know about me, it's that I try to visit the local bookshops wherever I go.
The Livaria Lello was first opened in 1906, and is described as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Inside, the whole setup feels otherworldly with gleaming wooden bookshelves and a red carpet that leads to a dramatic grand staircase. If you’re a bookworm like me, then you’ll want to visit the Livaria Lello for yourself.
Keep in mind that the bookshop can get pretty busy during the day, and there’s often a line outside to get in. The shop does charge a small entry fee, but the good news is that the price of the ticket can be taken off any purchases made inside.
Read my in-depth review of my visit to the Livaria Lello here.
Don’t forget to book your ticket in advance!
Ride the Teleférico de Gaia (cable car)
This low cost activity was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
This cable car runs across the Douro River, offering excellent views, and to me, it felt very safe. Tickets cost 10 euros per person for the return journey and can be purchased on arrival.
It’s worth considering that it is a short trip, and some people find it to be expensive for what it is, so it all depends on your priorities.
Visit Clérigos Church and climb the tower
Located in the centre of the historic city, the Clérigos Church dates back to the 1700s and is a beautifully preserved example of baroque architecture.
The church is free to enter, and makes a great place to take a break from the sunshine.
For an additional 10 euros you can also climb the tower, which offers fantastic views over the city. It’s 76 meters tall with around 200 steps, so you will need a reasonable level of fitness in order to ascend.
Book your ticket here to avoid disapointment.
Attend A Traditional Portugese Music Concert
Also known as a fado concert, these emotional performances are traditional and usually feature lyrics about love and longing.
While you can find these concerts dotted all over the city, you may wish to book tickets in advance. This concert takes place in a stunning 19th century manor house and includes a glass of port wine in the price of the ticket. The show itself lasts about an hour, featuring fado musicians who are held in high regard.
This activity is a must for music lovers looking for a unique experience while in Porto.
Book a ticket on the Get Your Guide website here.
Take a Cruise Down the Douro River
A river cruise is always an excellent choice during a sunny city break.
There are lots of options to choose from, and I’ve selected a few of the best ones. Book this sailboat tour for a charming cruise which starts at the Luis I Bridge and ends when it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. The trip lasts for two hours, with daytime, sunset and private options available.
For a different vibe, consider booking a relaxing dinner cruise like this one here, which includes drinks at dinner and live music.
Admire The Sunset From Jardim Do Moro
Looking for free things to do in Porto? Here is a great option.
Head up to Jardim Do Moro just before sunset, which is right across the Dom Luís I Bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia. The view here is incredible, and would make the perfect end to a day of sightseeing.
The vibe is electric when the evening sets in, and people congregate here for a picnic with friends. That said, if you don’t have any dinner plans, grab something on the go, pick up a nice bottle of wine, and bask in the last sunlight of the day.
Take a Stroll Through the Botanical Garden
A fantastic option for anyone looking to keep costs down, the Jardim Botânico do Portois is free to enter and the ideal way to spend a sunny afternoon.
The garden itself is 4 hectares in size and contains a collection of 1300 individual species, ranging from native plants to cacti and succulents.
The Jardim Botânico do Portois is open every day apart from Christmas and New Year, from 9am to 7pm.
Make Pastel De Nata From Scratch in a Cooking Class
Known to be Portugal’s signature pastry, pastel de nata are a delicious custard treat that you’ll find everywhere in Porto.
While you’re in town, why not go the whole way and learn how to make them in a cooking class? Not only is it fun, but you’ll leave with a new skill too.
There’s no experience needed for one of these classes. The instructors are very friendly and will walk you through the process step by step, so you can make them when you get home as well.
The group class is very affordable, and this one includes a glass of wine to sip while you’re cooking.
View The City’s Azulejo Tiles
You know those blue-and-white tiles Portugal is best known for? They are called azulejos, and they’re nothing short of impressive.
There are plenty of places to see azulejos in Porto, and it’s an activity that won’t cost you anything. Make sure to check out the beautiful tiles in São Bento Station, which is the city’s main train station, as well as Capela das Almas, Igreja do Carmo, and the side of the Church of Saint Ildefonso.
Make sure you visit early to beat the crowds if you want to get that Instagram perfect shot.
Take A Surfing Lesson
Surfing is something that I usually associate more with the sandy beaches of Australia, not Portugal, but this is actually a great place to get some lessons. Why? The coast near Porto is said to have ideal conditions, making it a great place to learn.
This surf school is in Matosinhos, a smaller city that’s just down the coast from Porto. Here you’ll be able to learn from the best, at a school that has been in operation for 18 years.
At this class you’ll be taught by certified instructors, starting with learning standing techniques in the sand, and once you’re ready, a chance to hit the waves. Surfboard hire is included.
Plus the beach here is beautiful, and makes the perfect location for a day’s escape from the city.
Book a spot on the Get Your Guide website here.
Take a day trip to Santiago de Compostela
While there’s plenty to do in Porto itself, the city also makes a great base for day trips further afield.
This ten hour excursion will take you across the border to visit the stunning Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela, with a stop at the Portuguese Valença do Minho on the way. It’s a great way to experience two countries in one day for an affordable price.
Lunch is included and transportation is provided in an air conditioned mini bus. You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and private options are also available.
Book your day trip to Santiago de Compostela here.
Visit Aveiro, the Paiva Walkways, and Arouca Suspension Bridge
This unique day trip will whisk you away to the Venice of Portugal, with stops at one of the world’s longest suspension bridges and the Paiva Walkways trail.
The excursion lasts for ten hours, and is led by an English speaking guide in small groups of up to eight people. Lunch is included, and guests are transported in an air conditioned minivan.
Book a space on the Get Your Guide website here.
Enjoy a helicopter ride over the douro river
If you have the money to spend, then why not splash out on a fantastic helicopter tour of the Douro?
View Porto’s terracotta coloured roof tiles from above, and take in the local landmarks as you soar over the Historic Centre and the Serra do Pilar Monastery. The thrill of a helicopter ride is bound to be the most memorable part of your trip.
Book your helicopter ride here.
That concludes my list of things to do in Porto. I hope that you have a fantastic trip, and make sure that you book any activities early to avoid disappointment. Enjoy!