Best things to do in Porto
Dramatically situated at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a massively atmospheric place to visit.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Clérigos Tower: The best vantage point in the city centre for spectacular views is from the top of the Baroque Clérigos Tower, which towers 75m above the streets below. Having puffed up the 200-odd stairs, you can enjoy the sweeping panoramas (you can rent binoculars at the ticket desk).
Miradouro da Vitória: One of Porto’s beloved viewpoints, it offers spectacular views across the city’s colourful rooftops, the Dom Luís I Bridge and the Douro River. It’s free to visit.
Jardim do Morro: Located across the Dom Luís I Bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia, this hillside garden gives postcard views of Porto’s skyline and is one of the city’s favourite photo spots.
The best districts
Ribeira: Porto’s waterfront – known as the Ribeira – is the city’s most touristy quarter and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The arcaded quayside, the Cais da Ribeira, is one long run of restaurants and cafés looking across the river to the port wine lodges on the other side.
Vila Nova de Gaia: The riverfront of Vila Nova de Gaia has a long line of cafés, bars and restaurants; cruise boats dock along the esplanade. But Gaia, of course, is completely synonymous with the port wine trade – you can’t miss the dozens of company lodges and warehouses (known as caves), some in business for more than three centuries.
Cedofeita: Known for its trendy boutiques, street art and cafés, this up-and-coming area is where you’ll find Porto’s creative scene.
Historical monuments
Porto Cathedral: Porto’s cathedral, the Sé, is an architectural mix of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles, and one of the oldest buildings in the city. The cloisters feature beautiful azulejo tilework, and the view from the terrace – of the old-town streets tumbling down towards the Douro – is excellent.
Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace): For an indication of the wealth pouring into Porto from the 19th century, join a tour of the stock exchange, the Palácio da Bolsa, whose interior halls display an almost obscene level of richness. The extraordinary Salão Árabe – inspired by the Alhambra in Granada – is probably most famous for its stunning interiors.
Church of St Francis: The rather plain façade of the Church of St Francis, now deconsecrated, conceals a fabulously opulent, gold-covered interior, refurbished in the 18th century. It’s probably best known, however, for its bizarre Capela dos Ossos, the “chapel of bones” in the catacombs.
Day trips in the area
Douro Valley: Just an hour from Porto by train, the Douro Valley is one of Portugal’s premier wine regions. Take a boat trip up one of the loveliest river valleys in Portugal or enjoy a wine tour of the famous terraced vineyards, where you can sample top local wines.
Aveiro: Known as the “Venice of Portugal”, Aveiro’s canals and charming Art Nouveau buildings make it a lovely day trip from Porto. Float through the canals and lagoons on a brightly coloured boat!
Guimarães: The first capital of Portugal, Guimarães remains an atmospheric and beautiful university town. Its chief attraction is the hilltop castle, whose square keep and seven towers are an enduring symbol of the Portuguese nation.
Activities for families in Porto
Porto has no shortage of fun things for families to do, with attractions that’ll keep the excitement running all day long.
Ponte Dom Luís I: Porto’s iconic double-decker bridge, Ponte Dom Luís I, provides one of the city’s favourite landmarks and photo opportunities. You can walk across either level and the upper level crossing especially (a nerve-jangling 60m above the water) is worth doing at least once. Kids will be thrilled!
River cruises: Porto’s stock-in-trade is the languid, scenic river cruise along the Douro. Services are daily and frequent in the summer season. Kids will love spotting the city’s many bridges and colourful buildings from the water.
Interactive museums: Families will enjoy the World of Discoveries, an engrossing interactive museum that brings Portugal’s Age of Discovery to life with hands-on exhibits, model ships and immersive displays.
Parks and gardens: The Parque da Cidade (City Park) is Porto’s largest green space, offering playgrounds, picnic areas and duck ponds. Cristal Palace Gardens boast an avenue of lime trees and lovely river views from a high vantage point. At several buildings sited within the park you’ll find exhibitions, workshops, summer concerts and children’s activities.
Free things to do in Porto
The city has a plethora of free attractions to offer, so you can make the most of your Porto holidays without breaking the bank.
Free events: Porto’s famous Festa de São João in June is the biggest event of the year, with street parties, parades and fireworks – all free to attend. Free outdoor concerts and cultural events are also held during summer months throughout the city.
Free museums: If there’s a must-see cultural attraction in Porto, it’s the contemporary art museum and overwhelmingly green park run by the Fundaçăo Serralves, 4km west of the centre. The good news is it’s free on the first Sunday of each month.
Free guided tours: Several companies offer tips-only walking tours of Porto, which are a fantastic way to learn about the city’s history and architecture.
