- Travel Enthusiast
- Oct 20
- 7 min read
Updated: Oct 28
THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTO - PORTUGAL
Porto is a city that instantly draws you in – a place of steep hills, colorful tiles, and river views that never get old. Its beauty lies in the details: the rhythm of daily life in Ribeira, the echo of footsteps on cobbled streets, and the mix of old charm and modern creativity that defines its spirit.
This guide showcases the 10 best things to do in Porto, Portugal – from iconic landmarks and scenic viewpoints to local experiences that give you a true feel for the city.
Want to make the most of your time? Our day-by-day Porto itinerary brings these highlights together in an easy, well-paced route that lets you experience the best of the city without feeling rushed.
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DISCOVER THE RIBEIRA DISTRICT
Ribeira is Porto’s riverside heart and one of its most atmospheric neighborhoods. A maze of narrow cobbled lanes, colorful facades, and lively squares opens onto sweeping views of the Douro and the Dom Luís I Bridge. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s both historic and full of life, with a character that captures the essence of Porto.
Along the riverbank, you’ll find cafés, bars, and restaurants where you can pause to enjoy the scenery while local musicians add to the lively atmosphere. You can spend hours in the Ribeira district, wandering through its narrow alleys or simply sitting by the water and taking in the charm.
Best walking route – Start in the backstreets around Rua da Fonte Taurina to see one of Porto’s oldest lanes, then make your way to Praça da Ribeira, the neighborhood’s lively square. From there, stroll along Cais da Ribeira to enjoy the colorful riverfront before crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge for the classic view of Porto from Vila Nova de Gaia.
Tip: Take time to look up at the tiled facades and iron balconies as you wander. Many of Ribeira’s buildings are centuries old, and their details tell the story of Porto’s past.
EXPLORE PORTO'S CITY CENTER
Just uphill from Ribeira, Porto’s city center combines grand architecture with everyday life. Start near Clérigos Tower and continue toward Avenida dos Aliados, framed by elegant buildings and crowned by the Town Hall. From there, follow the crowds toward Rua de Santa Catarina, the city’s main shopping street, lined with local boutiques, international brands, and the historic Café Majestic – a beautifully preserved Belle Époque café that’s worth a stop even if just for a coffee.
Along the way, the Capela das Almas stands out with its striking blue-and-white tiled façade – one of the most photographed spots in Porto. The whole area captures the rhythm of modern life surrounded by traces of the past.
Tip: Visit in the late morning when shops are open and the streets are lively. Stop at Café Majestic for a coffee or pastel de nata – it’s a quintessential Porto experience.
TAKE A DOURO RIVER CRUISE
A cruise along the Douro River is one of the most scenic ways to experience Porto. The popular “Six Bridges” route lasts about 50 minutes and takes you past Ribeira’s colorful riverfront, the wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, and under the city’s famous bridges – including the striking Dom Luís I. From the water, Porto’s steep hillsides and tiled facades look even more dramatic, giving you a fresh perspective on the city.
The Douro has shaped Porto for centuries, once carrying the flat-bottomed boats that transported wine barrels from the valley to the cellars in Gaia. Today’s cruises echo that tradition, linking the modern city to its river-born past.
Tip: Sunset departures are especially beautiful, with golden light on the facades and the skyline glowing as the city lights come on. Booking ahead is highly recommended.
WALK ACROSS DOM LUÍS I BRIDGE
The Dom Luís I Bridge is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, spanning the Douro with its graceful iron arch. Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel in the late 19th century, it links Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and offers two levels to cross: the upper deck for pedestrians and the metro, and the lower for cars and pedestrians. Both routes provide impressive views, but the upper level is the most striking, with panoramic perspectives of the river and the Ribeira district.
By day, the bridge shows off its bold engineering, and by night it becomes one of the city’s most photographed sights as it glows against the illuminated skyline.
Tip: If you’re not comfortable with heights, choose the lower deck instead – it’s closer to the river and still offers excellent views of Porto’s waterfront.
TOUR THE PORT WINE CELLARS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
Across the river from Ribeira, Vila Nova de Gaia is where Porto’s world-famous port has been stored and shipped for centuries. Historic lodges such as Sandeman, Graham’s, and Taylor’s open their doors to visitors with guided tours that explain the history of the trade, the aging process, and the traditions that made this fortified wine central to the city’s identity.
Many lodges also feature panoramic terraces with beautiful views over Porto’s skyline, making a visit as much about the setting as the heritage.
Tip 1: Book your visit online in advance, especially during weekends and high season. Some lodges also offer extended tours with museum-style exhibits or exclusive access areas.
Tip 2: Don’t try to cover too many lodges in a single afternoon. Exploring two or three at a relaxed pace leaves plenty of time to enjoy the riverside stroll between them.
VISIT LIVRARIA LELLO
Livraria Lello is more than just a bookstore – it’s a piece of art. The neo-Gothic façade draws you inside to a world of stained-glass skylights, carved wood details, and the famous sweeping red staircase that feels like something out of a fantasy novel. It’s easy to see why this place is often ranked among the most beautiful bookstores in the world and why it’s said to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she lived in Porto, when she was developing the early ideas for Harry Potter.
The store sells a range of books in multiple languages, and your entry ticket can be redeemed toward a purchase, making it a perfect souvenir stop.
Tip 1: Tickets must be purchased in advance (either online or at a nearby kiosk) and queues form early. A skip-the-line ticket is worth it for faster entry and less waiting around.
Tip 2: The bookstore is almost always busy, but the lightest crowds are usually just after opening or in the last hour before closing. These times give you a better chance to enjoy the staircase and stained-glass skylight without feeling too rushed.
EXPLORE CLÉRIGOS TOWER AND CHURCH
Clérigos Tower dominates Porto’s skyline with its soaring Baroque design. Built in the 18th century, it stands 75 meters tall and rewards those who climb its 200+ steps with sweeping views over the city, the river, and as far as the Atlantic on a clear day. The adjoining Igreja dos Clérigos, designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, is also worth visiting for its richly decorated interiors.
The tower was once used as a navigational landmark for ships arriving along the Douro River. Its design, both elegant and commanding, remains one of Porto’s most recognizable symbols today.
Tip 1: The climb is narrow and can get crowded, so it’s best to go early in the morning or around sunset for softer light and fewer people.
Tip 2: Entry to the church is free, but you’ll need a ticket for the tower climb. Tickets can be booked in advance to guarantee your spot – a smart idea since the tower is one of Porto’s most popular attractions.
ADMIRE SÃO BENTO TRAIN STATION
São Bento Station is often called one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The entrance hall is lined with more than 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles, created by artist Jorge Colaço in the early 20th century. Together they tell stories from Portugal’s past, from battles and royal ceremonies to everyday rural life, turning the station into a living gallery of history and culture.
Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth stopping in to admire the scale and artistry of the panels, which give a powerful first impression of Porto’s deep connection to tilework.
RELAX IN THE CRYSTAL PALACE GARDENS
The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal are one of Porto’s most peaceful escapes, a landscaped park that overlooks the Douro River. Although the 19th-century Crystal Palace that once stood here no longer exists, the gardens remain a favorite spot for both locals and visitors. Shaded paths lead past fountains, sculptures, and flowerbeds, opening up to terraces with some of the best viewpoints in the city.
Peacocks roam freely among the trees, and there are plenty of quiet corners for reading, strolling, or enjoying a picnic while taking in the river views.
Tip 1: Entry is free, and the gardens are open daily, making them a perfect place to recharge between visits to busier attractions.
Tip 2: Come at sunset to watch the light fade across the Douro and Porto’s bridges – it’s one of the most romantic spots in the city.
VISIT THE BOLHÃO MARKET
Mercado do Bolhão is Porto’s historic market and a true slice of local life. Recently restored, it has kept its traditional character while offering a fresh, vibrant space full of color and energy. Inside, stalls sell everything from fresh fish and seafood to fruits, vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, and flowers. You’ll also find small eateries where vendors serve hearty Portuguese dishes and snacks.
It’s a place where locals come for their daily shopping and visitors get to experience Porto’s food culture up close.
Tip 1: Look for regional products like cured meats, olives, and traditional sweets – they make great edible souvenirs to take home.
Tip 2: Combine your market visit with a walk along Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s main shopping street, just steps away.
START YOUR ADVENTURE
These 10 best things to do in Porto, Portugal will help you get to know one of Europe’s most atmospheric riverside cities. From tiled churches and historic bridges to scenic cruises and bustling markets, there’s plenty to see and experience. The city’s mix of tradition and creativity, along with its beautiful river views and timeless charm, makes it a place you’ll want to linger in. Take the time to explore its neighborhoods and landmarks to truly experience the spirit of Porto.
