Things to do in Porto

Porto is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Douro River in northern Portugal. The city is the second-largest in Portugal and is known for its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and world-famous port wine. The people of Porto are friendly and welcoming, and the city has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that is sure to put visitors at ease. Porto’s geography is defined by its location on the Douro River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city is surrounded by hills and is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the stunning Parque da Cidade. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and beautiful natural surroundings, Porto is a destination that is sure to captivate and inspire visitors from all over the world. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top things to do in Porto.

Visit the Dom Luis I Bridge:

The Dom Luis I Bridge is an iconic symbol of Porto and one of the city’s most photographed landmarks. The bridge spans the Douro River and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Explore the Ribeira District:

The Ribeira District is one of the oldest and most picturesque parts of Porto. With its narrow, winding streets and colorful buildings, it’s a great place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere.

Tour the Port Wine Cellars:

No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to the Port Wine Cellars. These cellars offer tours and tastings, giving you a chance to sample some of the world’s best port wines.

Visit the Sé Cathedral:

The Sé Cathedral is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture and a must-see for any history lover.

Take a boat tour of the Douro River:

A boat tour of the Douro River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective and take in the beautiful scenery.

Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore:

The Livraria Lello bookstore is a stunning example of Art Nouveau architecture and a must-visit for book lovers.

Explore the Palácio da Bolsa:

The Palácio da Bolsa is a beautiful neoclassical building that once housed the city’s stock exchange. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and event space.

Visit the São Francisco Church:

The São Francisco Church is a stunning example of Gothic architecture and features beautiful Baroque interiors.

Explore the Casa da Música:

The Casa da Música is a beautiful modern concert hall and a great place to catch a performance or tour the facilities.

Visit the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis:

The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is the oldest public art museum in Portugal and features a wide range of Portuguese art.

Explore the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal:

The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal are beautiful gardens located on a hilltop overlooking the city. They offer splendid views and a peaceful escape from the city.

Visit the Clérigos Tower:

The Clérigos Tower is a beautiful Baroque bell tower that offers panoramic views of the city.

Take a stroll along the Avenida dos Aliados:

The Avenida dos Aliados is a beautiful boulevard lined with historic buildings, cafes, and shops.

Visit the Museu Serralves:

The Museu Serralves is a contemporary art museum located in a beautiful park. It features a wide range of exhibitions and installations.

Explore the Fundação de Serralves:

The Fundação de Serralves is a beautiful cultural center that offers concerts, exhibitions, and other events.

Visit the Igreja do Carmo:

The Igreja do Carmo is a beautiful Baroque church that features spectacular tilework.

Take a day trip to Guimarães:

Guimarães is a historic city located just outside of Porto and a great day trip destination. It features beautiful medieval architecture and a charming old town.

Visit the Mercado do Bolhão:

The Mercado do Bolhão is a historic market that sells fresh produce, meats, and other local goods.

Take a bike tour of the city:

A bike tour is a great way to explore the city and see its sights while getting some exercise. There are several bike tour companies in Porto that offer guided tours of the city.

Visit the Museu do Vinho does Porto:

The Museu do Vinho do Porto is a museum dedicated to the history and production of port wine. It features exhibitions on the wine-making process and the history of the Douro Valley.

Explore the Casa do Infante:

The Casa do Infante is a historic building once the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator. Today, it’s a museum dedicated to the history of the city.

Visit the Estação de São Bento:

The Estação de São Bento is a beautiful train station with superb tilework depicting Portuguese history scenes.

Take a day trip to the Douro Valley:

The Douro Valley is a beautiful wine region located just outside of Porto. It’s a great destination for a day trip and offers great scenery and wine tastings.

Visit the Mercado Ferreira Borges:

The Mercado Ferreira Borges is a historic market that has been converted into a cultural center. It features exhibitions, concerts, and other events.

Try the local cuisine:

No trip to Porto is complete without trying the local cuisine. Some must-try dishes include francesinha, a hearty sandwich made with bread, ham, sausage, and cheese, and bacalhau, a popular salt cod dish.

All in all, Porto is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its historic landmarks to its superb architecture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful parks and gardens, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Porto. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this list of the top things to do in Porto is sure to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.