13 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Last spring, I spent a few days in Porto before embarking on my Camino de Santiago. Nestled along the Douro River, this compact Portuguese city combines bustling city energy and intimate, small-town vibes, and offers lots of fun things to do. Whether you’re planning a trip to Portugal, or a full European summer adventure, Porto is a great destination to add to your itinerary! Keep reading to see the 13 best things to do in Porto, Portugal!

Why Visit Porto?

You might be wondering, why should you visit Porto when you can visit Portugal’s capital, Lisbon? Well, if you have a week to spend in Portugal, you should definitely visit both cities, because they’re both incredibly unique and have a lot to offer. But if you’re trying decide whether or not you should visit Porto, here are some reasons why you should:

• Porto is smaller and more intimate than Lisbon. Although it’s still a city, it felt more like visiting a traditional Portuguese town. You can walk to almost all of the attractions, so you won’t have to worry about public transit or taxis like you would in Lisbon.
• Porto is the birthplace of Port wine, so there’s lots to learn (and taste) about this interesting history. You can do a fun tasting at a wine cellar in the city or take a day trip a winery in the Douro Valley.
• Just like Lisbon, Porto is filled with architectural gems, breathtaking churches, and azulejo-covered landmarks. There’s no shortage of beauty and places to explore in Porto.

Is Porto a good for solo travelers?

Yes, Porto is a great destination for solo travelers. In fact, I think Portugal is the best country for beginner solo travelers because it’s safe and easy to navigate. It’s the first country I ever solo traveled to and I personally felt very safe and comfortable traveling around the country by myself. Most people you’ll come across in Portugal speak English which makes things easier for us English-speakers. Portugal is also relatively affordable compared to other western European countries (although its getting more expensive as it gets more popular).

As for Porto specifically, it is great for solo travelers because there’s so much to do within walking distance of the city center. Besides getting to and from the airport, you won’t need to use public transit or taxis since it’s a very compact city. You can walk to almost everything on this list. There’s lots of great hostels to stay in and opportunities to socialize, like doing a walking tour, wine tasting or river cruise.

How many days do you need in Porto?

Because Porto is a small, compact city, you really only need two full days to do everything on this list. However, I’d recommend spending at least three days so you’re not rushing through activities. And if you want to do a day trip to the beach or to a vineyard, add an extra day.

13 Things to do in Porto, Portugal

Explore the Ribeira District

The Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of Porto, where the narrow cobblestone streets and colorful facades meet the Douro riverfront. Stroll along the Cais da Ribeira, a street open to the river, to admire picturesque views across the water, the iconic boats and the bridge. It’s a great place for taking pictures, or just relaxing with a glass of wine at one of the riverside cafes. It’s a very lively area with a mix of tourists and locals. If you want to enjoy it with less crowds go in the morning, but I personally loved going around sunset when everyone was out.

Walk across Ponte Luis I to Vila Nova de Gaia

From Cais da Ribeira, walk towards the Ponte Luis I, which will take you across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia. From this neighboring city you’ll see the best views of Porto’s iconic waterfront!

The best thing about the Ponte Luis I is that it is a double decker bridge, with two ways to cross: from the top and from the bottom. Since you walked to Vila Nova Gaia on the bottom level, you should walk back to Porto on the top level, for a completely different view of the city. The path up to the top is a bit confusing and involves a lot of stairs, so I recommend using Google Maps to guide you. Walk towards Jardim do Morro metro station, which will place you right at the entrance to the top level of the bridge. The views from the top of the bridge are incredible at sunset!

Visit a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova Gaia

While you’re across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, there’s a few things you should do, including a wine cellar tour. Porto is known for its Port wine, and many of the famous cellars, such as Sandeman’s, Graham’s and Taylor’s can be found in Vila Nova de Gaia, right along the waterfront.

I loved doing a guided tour and wine tasting at Quevedo Port Wine, which I booked here on GetYourGuide. The tasting including 3 wines plus a cheese pairing, and during the tasting we learned all about the history of Port wine and how it’s made. If you don’t want to do a guided tasting, you can also just visit one of the cellars to try a glass of Port wine!

Watch the sunset at Jardin do Morro

If you’re visiting Vila Nova de Gaia during sunset, you must walk up to Jardim do Morro for the best sunset view in all of Porto! It’s a favorite spot among locals and tourists, so get there early and bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy while you’re waiting for the sun to set over Porto’s skyline.

If you can’t find a place to sit at Jardim do Morro, I recommend walking across the street to Miradouro da Serra do Pilar, where you’ll find an equally good panoramic view across Porto.

Take a Douro River Cruise

For a different perspective of the Douro River, take a river cruise under Porto’s 6 bridges. It’s a great way to see Porto from the water while learning about its history. Most tours depart from the Riberia waterfront and last about an hour, with an optional audio guide available. You’ll sail under the city’s 6 bridges and past the beautiful waterfronts of Porto and Villa Nova de Gaia. Tours can book up during the busy summer season, so book ahead of time here on GetYourGuide.

Climb Clerigos Tower

Back on land in Porto, head to Clerigos Tower, where you’ll find one of the best views in all of Porto. The tower is part of Clerigos Church, and at 75 meters tall, it was once the tallest structure in Portugal. Climbing the 225 steps to the top will reward you with breathtaking 360-degree views of Porto! Entry costs around €6, and I recommend going early in the morning for less crowds. I went in the middle of the day and the tower was very crowded, making it hard to walk up and down the narrow steps and passage ways.

Visit Livaria Lello

Just a short walk away from Clerigos Tower, you’ll find Livaria Lello, named one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. It’s not only a bookstore, but an architectural marvel with ornate woodwork and a grand staircase. JK Rowling, who lived in Porto for a time, supposedly found some inspiration here for Harry Potter, making this a popular destination for Harry Potter fans. Entry cost €5, which you can put towards buying a book. I really loved the book selection they had, with special editions of classics that you can only find at Livaria Lello.

Be aware, Livaria Lello is a very popular attraction and gets very busy. Even with the timed ticket system that they have, you will likely spend a 30+ minutes waiting in line before you are let in. Once you’re inside, you’ll find it’s extremely crowded, with most of the pathways and stairways blocked by people stopping to take pictures, and with long lines to check out if you’re buying a book. The whole experience took about 2 hours and honestly I didn’t love it.

So that being said, unless you are a big fan of books and Harry Potter, consider skipping Livaria Lello and doing something on this list in Porto! If you do go, book *in advance* the first time slot of the day, so you’ll hopefully avoid the midday crowds.

Walk through Sao Bento Station

While you’re in the city center, visit Sao Bento Station, which is both a transportation hub and masterpiece of art and history. The walls of the main hall are covered in over 200,000 blue and white azulejos, or tiles, depicting scenes from Portugal’s past. Even if you’re not going there to catch a train, its worth it to stop and admire the architecture and azulejos.

Eat a Pastel de Nata

While you’re near Sao Bento Station, head to the famous Pastel de Nata shop, Fabrica de Nata, which is located right across the street. Pasteis de Nata are Portugal’s most famous dessert, a simple custard tart which has become one of my favorite desserts in the world. If you’ve tried them in another country, I promise they are better in Portugal, where they are always served warm, and with a sprinkle of cinnamon and powdered sugar if you’d like.

Fabrica de Nata is one of the most popular Pastel de Nata shop in Porto so there is often a line. Some other great bakeries include Castro, Mercador Cafe and Manteigaria.

Explore the Porto Cathedral

Heading back toward Ribeira, stop by the Sé do Porto, or the Porto Cathedral, which is one of the city’s oldest landmarks. Entry is €3, and gives you access to the cloisters, where you’ll find azulejos depicting biblical scenes. If you don’t want to enter, the square surrounding the cathedral offers great views of Porto. You’ll likely find some pilgrims collecting their first stamps on their Camino de Santiago.

Walk up to Miraduoro da Vitoria

There are countless amazing miraduoros throughout Porto, but my favorite one was Miraduoro da Vitoria, which is just a short 10 minute walk up from Cais da Ribeira. The viewpoint offers unobstructed views of the Douro River, the Ponte Luis I, the Porto Cathedral and the city’s endless terracotta rooftops.

Relax at Jardins do Palacio de Cristal

After a day of visiting all of Porto’s most popular landmarks, I came to Jardins do Palacio de Cristal to relax away from the city’s hustle. This lush park offers beautifully manicured gardens, fountains and panoramic views of Douro River. You’ll also find some peacocks walking around the park! I packed a picnic and book (which I bought the day before a Livraria Lello!) and found a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the view.

Jardins do Palacio de Cristal is about a 30 minute walk from Ribeira, with much of it being uphill. If you’re not up for the walk, there are a few bus lines that will take you to the neighborhood, or you can take a quick 10 minute taxi or Uber ride. I did the walk, which was really nice and took me through a different part of the city that I wouldn’t have otherwise visited. On the way back to the city center, I took an Uber.

Take a Day Trip to the Beach

Porto’s coastline, which is just about a 30 minute drive from the city, is lined with beautiful beaches, perfect for a summer day trip. Praia de Matosinhos is the closest beach and is easily accessible via metro. In Matosinhos you’ll find soft sand, clear water, and a lovely, laid-back surfing town. If you’re interested in learning how to surf while in Portugal, this tour picks you up from Porto and takes you to Matosinhos for a surfing lesson!

Walk the Camino de Santiago

If you’re feeling adventurous and have two weeks to spare, you can explore more of the Portuguese coastline by walking the Camino de Santiago, all the way to Santiago de Compostela Spain

Of course this is a bit far fetched for most travelers, but I had to include it in this list since it is the reason I visited Porto! I started my 2 week and 170 mile journey on the coastal Camino de Santiago Portugués in Porto, which is a popular starting point for many pilgrams doing this route. This route will take you through small Portuguese beach towns and village, through vineyards and forests, and across the border to Galicia, Spain, where you’ll eventually arrive in Santiago de Compostela.

If you want to know more about walking the Camino de Santiago on the coastal Portuguese route, check out some of my blog posts about it!

• Everything I Wish I Knew Before Walking my First Camino de Santiago
• Walking the Camino de Santiago Alone: My Solo Camino Portugues
• Camino de Santiago Packing Guide: The most important essentials

More things to do in Porto

If you’re looking to explore Porto and the surrounding region of Portugal, check out these tours, that will take you to local vineyards and smalls towns.

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