Portugal Vacation: 22 Tips for What to Do in Porto

It’s easy to fall in love with Porto. Breathtaking views, romantic streets filled with beautiful tiled buildings, and Port wine. I can guarantee that whether you spend three days or even a whole week here, you probably won’t get enough of this Portuguese port city.

But how to make the most of your time in Porto? In this article, I’ve compiled a list of the best things to do in Porto, what to see, taste, and where to go for a good coffee and a bite to eat.

How to get to Porto

If you don’t want to drive for three days like we did, the easiest way to get to Porto is by plane. You can read about how to find cheap flights in our article: 15 tips for cheap flights.

Generally, we recommend searching for flights via Skyscanner.

How to get to Porto City Center from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport

• From Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, you can easily reach the city center via the local metro’s purple Line E. The price depends on your exact destination, but to the city center, the usual fare is around two euros and the journey takes approximately 40 minutes. The metro operates from 6:00 AM until approximately 1:00 AM. If you’re interested in specific times, check the website Metro do Porto.

• To use the metro and city buses, you need to purchase an Andante card, which costs €0.60 and on which you always load individual zones. However, we comfortably walked around the city center. For trips to the beach and more distant points of interest, you can buy a single ticket or a day pass.

Note: The Andante card is not valid for cable cars and historic tram rides – you must buy individual tickets for those. A historic tram ticket costs 3.5 euros one way. A two-day ticket costs 10 euros.

Porto Accommodation: where to Stay in Porto

If you travel frequently and use discounts and benefits from Accor Group hotels, you’ll find several accommodations in Porto.

• Novotel Porto Gaia, which is further from the center but has good parking, excellent breakfasts, and a pool you can use in the summer. Next to Novotel, there’s also Ibis Porto Gaia (cheaper) and Ibis Budget Porto Gaia (cheapest).

• In the city center, you’ll find Ibis Porto Centro. At these hotels, we always had excellent breakfast, and they accommodated us with our dog. Breakfast is usually key for us when we go on shorter trips, so we don’t waste time looking for food in the morning.

• For those of you staying in Porto for a longer period, who want to cook for yourselves or try one of our recommended cafes in the morning (further down in the article), check out Vitoria’s Terrace Apartments, which are in the city center, as is Cozy Studio Apartment.

• For those looking for cheap hostel-type accommodation in Porto, The Passenger Hostel is very stylish and located in the iconic S. Bento railway station, which is a UNESCO site.

Weather in Porto: when to Go to Portugal?

Thanks to its coastal location, Porto is pleasant all year round. In summer, there aren’t extreme heatwaves (although now, as the planet warms, that’s changing quite a bit) and in winter, don’t expect sub-zero temperatures.

However, it rains heavily in winter (October – January), so the most ideal time to visit is spring, summer, and early autumn (May – September). We visited Porto in mid-February and had a beautiful 17 degrees Celsius and partly cloudy sky.

TIP: You can also walk the legendary Camino de Santiago de Compostela from Porto. A great place to start is the Camino pro radost blog.

Porto Guide: 22 Tips on What to See in Porto

The introduction is behind us, and let’s take a look together at what you definitely shouldn’t miss seeing in Porto. A map of all the places mentioned below follows.

1) Livraria Lello

Whether you love Harry Potter, are a bookworm, or simply an enthusiast of beautiful interiors, you probably won’t be able to resist this magical bookstore.

To get in, you need to buy a ticket. We recommend purchasing it online in advance. On-site, it’s purchased at the shop around the corner to the right of the bookstore. Admission costs five euros, and you can use the ticket as a discount on a book purchase.

When we were reading about Porto, many foreign travelers advised us to avoid the bookstore. It’s true that there are a lot of people there. Definitely don’t go during the day; we walked past about 10 times, and each time there was a queue of over 50 people.

If you wish to see the bookstore, come half an hour before opening time (it opens at 9:30 AM). We arrived at 9:07 AM and were fourth in line. We managed to explore the bookstore among the first and enjoy it to the fullest.

In the bookstore, you’ll find, for example, a first edition of Oliver Twist; on the second floor, on the books, you’ll find busts of various philosophers, artists, and writers, and you can buy special editions of classic works published directly by Livraria Lello.

When Rowling lived in Porto, she reportedly came here very often, and Livraria Lello bookstore became a great inspiration for her. Today, there is one room in the bookstore dedicated specifically to Harry Potter.

• Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
• Admission: 5 EUR (this is a voucher that you can deduct from a book purchase)

2) Igreja Do Carmo Church

The Baroque Igreja do Carmo church will likely catch your eye on your way to Livraria Lello with its magnificent tiled facade. Upon closer inspection, you’ll realize it’s not one church, but actually two. Only a narrow one-meter alley separates it from Igreja dos Carmelitas.

3) Igreja E Torre Dos Clérigos (Church and Tower)

If you’re in Porto for several days and dedicate one morning to Livraria Lello, dedicate another to the view from the Clérigos Tower. The viewpoint is very popular, so by 10 AM, you’ll be squeezing in with a large group of people at the top.

Admission is 6 euros; if you’re here on Valentine’s Day, you might get 1+1 FREE admission, just like we did. The admission also includes a tour of the church and a small exhibition about the construction of the tower and the Baroque church.

• Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Admission: 6 EUR

4) Taste Pasteis De Nata at Manteigaria

It’s hard to avoid the traditional egg custard tart, pastel de nata, in Portugal. But you won’t easily find one as delicious as at Manteigaria, not far from the Clérigos Tower. Although I was on a low-carb diet in Porto, I had to break it for once, and I was glad I did.

The traditional dessert is perfected to true mastery here. The puff pastry along with the filling will simply melt in your mouth. Plus, you can watch the bakers in action as they make pasteis de nata.

One piece will cost you 1.30 euros.

5) Sao Bento Railway Station

Those who are crazy about blue tiles will have to visit Sao Bento station. The blue paintings on the tiles depict historical events of the country, and you’ll also find rural scenes from the regions here.

Their author is Jorge Colaco, and he completed them in 1916. The station itself was built only 12 years earlier, in 1904.

6) Mercado De Bolhao

Lukáš and I love going to markets all over the world (even at home, in fact, since we live close to Holešovice Market). Nothing tells you as much about a place as its food.

Mercado do Bolhão was temporarily moved to another provisional location in February 2020 because the market building is undergoing reconstruction. If it’s still ongoing during your visit, don’t be discouraged!

At the market, you’ll find fruits, vegetables, and you can buy freshly caught fish and meat. If you prefer vegetarian or vegan food, definitely stop by the NaturaBolhao Cafe stall, where they have a great selection of vegan food. We had an excellent spinach quiche and a tempeh wrap.

7) Capela Das Almas

Near Mercado do Bolhão is the city center’s main pedestrian shopping street: Santa Catarina. You’ll find many shops, restaurants, and cafes here, and it will also lead you to the Capela das Almas church, which is decorated with 16,000 blue tiles. On them, you’ll find depicted the death of Francis of Assisi.

8) Santo Ildefonso Church

It’s hard to miss the Church of Saint Ildefonso, which is adorned with magnificent blue and white tiles.

The church was built in the 18th century in Baroque style, and the altar was created by the Italian artist and architect Nicolau Nasoni, who contributed to many other buildings in Porto, for example, designing the Clérigos Tower and Church.

9) Sé Do Porto Cathedral

Porto’s main cathedral was built in the 12th century, and Portuguese kings resided here. It was here in 1387 that the parents of the famous King Henry the Navigator, John I and Philippa of Lancaster, were married.

Henry the Navigator was baptized here in 1394. There’s also a magnificent view of the city from the cathedral.

10) Mercado Ferreira Borges

In Praça do Infante D. Henrique square, there’s a building where you can discover a small market with local products. From what I’ve read in reviews, it’s not always there, but when we were there, they had jewelry, spices, clothes, and also handmade dreamcatchers.

Everything was stylish and at a good price. However, I can’t guarantee that the same vendors will be there when you go. But definitely take a look when you’re in the area.

11) Palácio Da Bolsa

A magnificent palace that you’ll only truly appreciate once you step inside. You’ll find breathtaking interiors here that were very richly furnished.

The most beautiful part of the entire tour is the magnificent hall decorated in an Arabian style with stucco work reminiscent of the Alhambra and Moorish-style furnishings. It was built in the 19th century as a stock exchange palace.

• The tour lasts 45 minutes
• Admission: Adult 11 euros / Student / Senior 7.5 euros
• Children under 12 free

12) Igreja Monumento De São Francisco

Next to the stock exchange palace, you’ll find the 14th-century Franciscan church. It is Porto’s most significant Gothic building and one of the most important religious churches in the city. The church is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

13) Cais Da Ribeira Promenade

Lukáš and I joked that this is a much better riverside embankment than the one in Prague. Your visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a stroll along the Douro River.

The boats sailing on the river directly invite you to pay for a ride, while the colorful houses make you constantly raise your camera, making you realize right then that you’ll have to come back several times to fully absorb the beauty.

Take your time to admire the view of the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Douro River, and the opposite bank of Vila Nova de Gaia.

14) Dom Luís I Bridge (Ponte De Dom Luís I)

After walking along the Cais da Ribeira promenade, you’ll reach the beginning of the Dom Luís I Bridge, which strikingly resembles the Eiffel Tower in Paris with its construction. The bridge was designed by his student, Théophile Seyrig.

When I was looking for information about the bridge, I found out that originally, another bridge was designed here by Gustave Eiffel himself, but his proposal was rejected.

The bridge has two decks, and you can reach the upper deck either on foot or by cable car. If you have a dog with you, you can certainly take it on the cable car. There’s a great view from the upper deck of the bridge, so I recommend walking across it one way on the top and the other way on the bottom.

15) Claustros Do Mosteiro Da Serra Do Pilar (Serra Do Pilar Monastery)

On the other side of the bridge, at the top, you’ll find the Serra do Pilar Monastery, which offers a magnificent view. However, also dedicate your time to the monastery building itself.

This is another building that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It dates from the 17th century and was built at the intersection of Renaissance and Mannerist styles.

16) where to Go in Porto: Porto Cable Car – Teleférico De Vila Nova De Gaia

If you enjoy cable car rides, or if you’re a bit tired, a short distance from the Serra do Pilar Monastery, there’s a cable car that can take you to the end of Av. de Diogo Leite promenade.

From the cable car, you have a view of the Douro River, and you can buy a ticket in combination with a boat trip. However, the cable car is somewhat expensive for a ride that only lasts a few minutes.

17) Port Wine – where to Go for It

If you like Port wine or wine in general, you should definitely dedicate at least one evening to visiting the local cellars or wine bars located in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Among the most famous are: Cálem, Taylor “s”, Grahams, Porto Cruz, Offley, Quevedo, Ferreira, and Ramos Pinto. Cellar tours and wine tastings are not expensive; prices don’t vary much and range between 10-20 euros.

If you don’t feel like taking a cellar tour, but would like some wine, don’t worry. Every restaurant has a wine list, and usually a glass of wine costs around 3-6 euros.

18) Day Trip to the Douro Valley

Day trips are also organized from the city to the wine region around the Douro River. If you go with an organized tour, wine tasting is always included in the price. However, expect to pay tens of euros per person.

However, you can organize the trip yourself, with your own or a rented car. We fell in love with this picturesque, hilly wine region during our drive and plan to return. It’s a magical winding valley where vineyards alternate with villages of clean white houses and churches.

19) Beach Trip

Although the beach isn’t directly in the city center, you can easily reach Praia de Matosinhos beach by bike, car, or public transport.

It’s up to you whether you spend the day swimming, surfing, or just come here for the sunset.

You might be interested in: Surfing in Portugal

20) Jardins Do Palacio Cristal

An oasis of calm and greenery, where we experienced a beautiful sunset, it’s located a bit further from the city center. If you have more time or your own car, definitely come here for a pleasant walk.

The gardens are large enough to accommodate many people, so even when they’re busy, you’ll always find a quiet spot for yourself. Admission is free.

21) Casa Da Musica

A modern building located far from the city center, offering city-wide views from its roof. If you appreciate modern architecture, it’s definitely worth a visit. The ground floor houses a cafe with frequent live music, and there’s a restaurant on the upper floor.

Tours are also available, though I couldn’t find their times online; they are posted on the building’s ground floor.

22) What to Visit in Porto: where to Eat and Find Good Coffee

• Esquires Coffee Porto – A very modern interior offering comfortable seating, food, and good coffee. You can come here for breakfast or a light lunch, and if you’re looking for specialty coffee, they serve excellent flat whites and lattes.

• Zenith Brunch & Coctails Bar – A very popular bistro a short walk from Igreja do Carmo. Excellent, beautifully presented food attracts both locals and tourists, so queues often form, and you might wait up to half an hour for a table. They offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan dishes. No reservations.

• Moustache – A cafe located near Zenith. If you enjoy eggs for breakfast, they have a pretty decent selection. Their coffee is excellent, and alternative milk is a given.

• D Norte Café by Hungry Biker – A cafe with a hipster interior where you can enjoy waffles with your specialty coffee. It’s often busy, so be prepared for a short wait.

• Mesa 325 – Excellent coffee and breakfast. You can enjoy oatmeal or yogurt with fruit, a croissant, or even a light lunch here.

• Combi Coffee – You’ll find one of the best specialty coffees in Porto right here. Alternative milk is a given, and you can also try the Portuguese specialty pastel de nata.

• O Paparico – Those who want to experience Portuguese cuisine of the highest quality should make a reservation at O Paparico. This is a high-end establishment where it’s immediately clear what you’re paying for: high-quality, masterfully presented food, a beautiful setting, and excellent service.

Where else to Go for a Vacation in Portugal?

Our favorite destination in Portugal is Algarve, where we go every year for a whole month and still can’t get enough! However, we also recommend spending 2-3 days in Lisbon.

Day Trips from Porto

Porto is an excellent starting point for various trips around northern Portugal. You can head to the town of Guimarães, considered the cradle of the Portuguese nation, or visit historic Braga with the magnificent pilgrimage site Bom Jesus do Monte.

Wine lovers shouldn’t miss the Douro Valley, where they can taste the famous Port wine directly at wineries with breathtaking views. For a seaside getaway, consider a trip to the town of Aveiro, nicknamed “the Portuguese Venice”, or to the surfing paradise of Espinho.

You can find more day trips from Porto on the GetYourGuide portal.

Porto with Kids

Although Porto is known more for its history and wine, it also offers plenty of activities for families with children. Kids will enjoy interactive exhibits at the planetarium or at the World of Discoveries interactive science center, which transports them to the age of Portuguese explorers. Sea Life Porto is also a major attraction, where they can admire the underwater world.

If you’re looking for outdoor activities, it’s definitely worth visiting beautiful city parks like Parque da Cidade, or taking a ride on a historic tram to the beach.

Things to Do in Porto when it Rains

Rain doesn’t have to ruin your plans in Porto, as the city offers many indoor attractions. You can visit one of the museums, such as the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art or the World of Discoveries interactive museum. A great option is also a tour of the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can learn more about Port wine production and taste various types.

Literature lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the famous Livraria Lello bookstore, one of the most beautiful in the world. And if you’re looking to relax, traditional cafes and restaurants offer an ideal refuge from the rain, where you can enjoy local specialties.

Interesting Facts about Porto

We’ve compiled some interesting facts about Porto for you:

• Porto gave its name to the entire country: The name Portugal originates from Porto. In the Middle Ages, the city was known as Portus Cale, and it was from this name that the word Portugal evolved.
• The inhabitants of Porto are called “Tripeiros”: People from Porto are proud of their nickname “Tripeiros”, which means “tripe eaters”. The name originated from a time when the city’s inhabitants donated all their quality meat to the army and ate only offal themselves. To this day, tripas à moda do Porto – stewed tripe with beans – remains a traditional dish.
• The oldest wine appellation in the world: Porto is home to the famous Port wine, produced in the Douro Valley. In 1756, the world’s very first official wine region with regulated production rules was established here.
• Local cafes inspired J.K. Rowling: Writer J.K. Rowling lived in Porto in the early 90s and reportedly began writing the first chapters of Harry Potter here. She often visited Majestic Café, one of Europe’s most beautiful literary spots.
• Porto is a city of graffiti and street art: While Lisbon is known for its traditional tiles, Porto boasts a rich street art scene. Throughout the city, you’ll find magnificent murals and artistic graffiti by local and international artists, such as Hazul or Vhils.
• The city has its own version of the “French sandwich”: Porto is home to Francesinha, a sandwich filled with ham, sausage, and steak, topped with cheese and a thick beer sauce. It’s said to be the best hangover food, but also a real calorie bomb.
• Public transport includes funiculars and historic trams: In Porto, you can travel not only by metro or bus but also by the Funicular dos Guindais, which connects the city center with the riverside, or by historic trams, which add a retro atmosphere to the city.
• Porto was once the capital of Portugal: Although Lisbon is the capital today, Porto briefly became the capital in 1807. This was during the time when the Portuguese royal family fled to Brazil from Napoleon.
• Beer culture is growing, but wine is still king: Although Porto is primarily known for wine, more and more craft breweries have emerged here in recent years. Among the most popular are Letraria or Fábrica Nortada, where you can enjoy original Portuguese beers.
• Porto is a city of music and festivals: Every June, the São João festival takes place here, the biggest celebration of the year. People gather in the streets, grill sardines, dance, and playfully hit each other on the head with plastic hammers – a local custom that gives the festival a unique atmosphere.

Lisbon or Porto

Sophie’s Choice – Lisbon or Porto? Deciding between Porto and Lisbon isn’t easy, as both cities have their charm. Lisbon is larger, busier, and sunnier, while Porto gives a calmer and more authentic impression.

If you’re looking for nightlife, wide boulevards, and iconic trams, Lisbon will be a better choice. However, Porto is ideal for those who want romantic walks along the Douro River, exploring historic districts, and tasting Port wine. Moreover, Porto is more compact and easier to navigate.

What to See in Portugal

And since Portugal isn’t just about Porto and Lisbon, let’s take a look at what else to see in Portugal.

• Lisbon – a vibrant capital
  Lisbon will charm you with its atmosphere, iconic yellow trams, and the narrow streets of the Alfama district. Don’t forget to visit Belém with the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The best city views can be enjoyed from the Miradouro de Santa Catarina viewpoint.
• Porto – city of wine and bridges
  Portugal’s second-largest city offers magnificent views of the Douro River and famous wine cellars in the Vila Nova de Gaia district. Stroll through the historic center, visit the beautiful São Bento railway station hall with its azulejos, and stop by the unique Livraria Lello bookstore.
• Algarve – a paradise for beach, surfing, and nature lovers
  The southern coast of Portugal is known for its stunning beaches with dramatic cliffs. Among the most beautiful places are Praia da Marinha, Benagil Cave, or the coast around Lagos. If you enjoy an active holiday, try surfing or dolphin-watching boat trips.
• Sintra – fairytale palaces and nature
  Just a short distance from Lisbon lies Sintra, a town full of magical palaces. The most famous is the colorful Palácio da Pena, which looks like something out of a fairytale. Also worth seeing is the mysterious Quinta da Regaleira with its labyrinths of underground passages and wells. The surrounding forests and hills are ideal for hiking.
• Coimbra – a university city with soul
  Coimbra is home to one of Europe’s oldest universities. The main attraction is the magnificent Baroque Biblioteca Joanina library. In the city, you’ll also find beautiful old churches and can enjoy the traditional Portuguese musical style of fado.
• Madeira – island of eternal spring
  This island in the Atlantic Ocean is ideal for nature lovers. It offers magnificent hiking trails along levadas (irrigation channels), breathtaking views from the Cabo Girão cliff, and exotic vegetation. The capital, Funchal, is known for its gardens and tropical fruit markets.
• Azores – wild nature and volcanoes
  The Azores are a hidden gem of Portugal. Here you’ll find green volcanic craters, thermal springs, and amazing whale-watching spots. The main island, São Miguel, is home to the famous twin lake Sete Cidades.

FAQ

How Long to Visit Porto?
3 to 4 days are ideal, during which you’ll manage to see the main sights and take day trips to the surroundings.

Is Porto Expensive?
Compared to Lisbon, Porto is a bit cheaper, especially regarding accommodation and dining.

Is English Spoken in Porto?
Yes, in tourist areas, most people speak English, especially in restaurants and hotels.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Porto?
The best time is spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is pleasant and there are fewer tourists.

Is Porto Safe?
Yes, Porto is among the safest European cities. However, it’s advisable to watch out for pickpockets in tourist areas.

Portugal Travel Tips and Tricks