Top 10 Things to Do in Porto: Must-See Attractions & Local Tips

Porto, which is the second largest city of Portugal, is a lively city filled with art and history, and filled with gorgeous sights to behold. Starting with the famous Dom Luís Bridge, going to the scenic Ribeira District, Porto is an ideal place for historic sites, local food, and even river views.

You can spend your time discovering the world-renowned bookshop of Dom Luís, Livraria Lello, trying the legendary Francesinha sandwich, or seeing the Douro Valley, and to be sure of one thing, Porto is going to be an unforgettable experience. Find out the best attractions to see and things to do in Porto.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the top 10 things to do in Porto, ensuring that your trip will be filled with unforgettable memories. We'll also include specific locations so you can easily plan your itinerary.

Things to Do in Porto

From the historic Ribeira district to famous port wine cellars, explore the best things to do in Porto, Portugal. Your ultimate guide to an unforgettable trip to Porto.

1. Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge

Address: Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto, Portugal

Dom Luís Bridge is definitely one of the most recognisable landmarks of Porto. Stretching across the Douro River, this is an iron bridge of two decks linking the city of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It was conceived by Thophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, so the bridge is an engineering masterpiece. The architecture is magnificent and the panoramic sceneries at the top are magnificent with an overview of the main historic center of the city as well as the beautiful riverside.

Dom Luiz

Things to do:

• Cross the bridge to enjoy the landscape beauty of Porto.

• Capture a great photo of the river, the colorful buildings of Porto, and the magnificent bridge.

• Appreciate the sight of the riverfront neighborhood as well as the several boats plying the Douro.

Tip: You might want to do it in a more casual way, take a tram over the bridge and then walk along the river.

2.  Muralha Fernandina

Address: Rua Arnaldo Gama, Porto, Portugal

Muralha Fernandina is one of Porto’s best-kept historical gems. Built in the 14th century during the reign of King D. Fernando I, this medieval wall once served as a strong defensive barrier for the growing city. Today, sections of the wall still stand proudly, offering a unique glimpse into Porto’s past and fantastic views over the Douro River and Ribeira district.

Where to try it:

• Climb the stairs near the Cathedral (Sé do Porto) and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

Tip: Go in the late afternoon to catch the sunset and avoid the mid-day heat.

3. Explore the Historic Ribeira District

Address: Ribeira, Porto, Portugal

The Ribeira District is the historic heart of Porto and is considered one of the most beautiful residential neighborhoods in the city. Ribeira a UNESCO World Heritage site is crammed with cobbled streets and colorful architecture as well as cafes facing the river. The moment you walk in its miniature streets, you will find cute shops, dainty restaurants, and pubs where you can have delicious Portuguese food and wine.

Things to do:

• Walk and sightsee the Douro River along the Cais da Ribeira ( Riverside ).

• See such major historical sites of the district as the Palacinho (Stock Exchange palace) and the Church of Sao Francisco.

• Having lunch on one of the numerous coastal wedding restaurants, e.g. Douro Marina on Rua da Reboleira that allows stunning panoramas.

Tip: Ribeira District is the best way to spend a laidback afternoon or a date. Be sure not to miss the colorful buildings that adorn the streets and remember to take pictures of them.

4. Visit Livraria Lello – Beautiful Bookstores

Address: Livraria Lello, Rua das Carmelitas 144, Porto, Portugal

Livraria Lello has been claimed to be one of the most beautiful bookstores that exist in the world, is rumored to have inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. This bookstore has an elaborate wooden staircase, stained-glass windows and neo-Gothic style, and it is a worth visit just in case you are interested in literature as well as buildings.

Things to do:

• Visit the place on a guided tour to understand the history of the Livraria Lello, as it is closely related to J.K. Rowling, as she was inspired by this bookstore in creating the Harry Potter books.

• Sit back and take a stroll through the numerous book titles, from Portuguese literature to foreign classics.

Tip: You should buy a ticket to enter because when it gets busy, it is packed like a bookstore with visitors.

5. Tour Porto’s Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

Porto is famous throughout the world because of its port wine, and a visit to the city could not be complete without going to check out the wine cellars. On the other side of the Douro River (in Vila Nova de Gaia), some of the oldest and most famous port wine cellars await you, places like Graham, Sandeman, and Taylor.

Things to do:

• Get a guided tour through the wine cellars and acquire knowledge regarding the history of port wine and how it is made.

• Spread a wine tasting experience and taste the various kinds of port wine, ranging from the young and fruity form to the rich and aged.

Tip: Take your camera because cellars are a wonderful chance to see a nice view of Porto.

6. Climb the Clérigos Tower for a Panoramic View

Address: Clérigos Tower, Rua de São Filipe Nery, Porto, Portugal

The Clerigos Tower will provide the best views in Porto. Many of the beautiful carvings on the outside of the church date back to its construction in 1763, making it an important place of prayer. This 76 meters baroque tower is among the tallest in the town. At the end of its 240 steps, the sight inside rewards you with a panoramic view of the attractive rooftops and streams of Porto, the Douro river and the foothills.

Things to do:

• Ascend to the Clrigos Tower and enjoy the splendid views from the tower.

• Visit the Church of Clérigos, a baroque masterpiece located at the base of the tower.

Tip: Try to visit early in the day to avoid crowds and to enjoy a quieter experience.

7. Visit the Serralves Museum and Park

Address: Serralves Museum, Rua D. João de Castro 210, Porto, Portugal

If you are a lover of modern art, you should visit the Serralves Museum. The museum is dedicated to contemporary art and situated in a beautiful park offering both temporary and permanent exhibitions of international artists.

Things to do:

• Discover the museum architecture that is unique and the innovative art exhibitions displayed in the museum.

• Take a walk in the huge Serralves Park which is a serene nature that is composed of gardens, lakes, and sculptures.

Tip: The park is an ideal destination where one can take a break and forget about city commuting.

8. Take a Scenic River Cruise on the Douro

Address: Douro River, Porto, Portugal

One of the best ways of viewing Porto is by river cruise along Douro River. They tend to depart at the riverside in Ribeira and float along the river providing spectacular views of the Dom Luis I Bridge, the hills of Porto and the scenery of the magnificent Douro and valley.

Things to do:

• A traditional rabelo boat cruise offers an opportunity to experience the region's historical charm. These are boats, which used to carry port wine.

• Spend an afternoon on the river drinking port wine.

Tip: A special experience is to claim a tour of Douro Valley (with wine tasting in the vineyards and a river cruise).

9. Explore the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

Address: Palácio da Bolsa, Rua de Ferreira Borges 4, Porto, Portugal

The Palacio da Bolsa is a beautiful neoclassical palace, which was once the stock exchange of Porto. It is a tourist attraction nowadays famous because of its grand Arab Room with its details of Moorish decor.

Things to do:

• Make a guided tour to get to know the interesting history and architecture of the building.

• It cannot be missed that the Arab Room can be viewed as one of the most beautiful rooms in the city.

10. Visit Mercado do Bolhão

Address: Mercado do Bolhão, Rua Formosa, Porto, Portugal

Mercado do Bolhau is among the most cherished ports of Porto, as well as the oldest. It is a noisy, crowded venue with racks selling fresh vegetables, fish, meat, flowers and local snacks.

Things to do:

• Take a stroll in the market and feel the energy of the food specialties of Porto.

• Go shopping to buy local items, including cured meats, cheeses and traditional Portuguese sweets.

  
  

Tip: It is an ideal location to purchase the souvenirs or the picnic supplies at the market.

The city of Porto is extremely rich in culture, nature, and history. Whether it is the beautiful scenery on top of the Clericos Tower or the centuries-old vista of Ribeira, the exotic city has something to please everyone. Be it feasting on a Francesinha, taking in the scenery with a drink of port wine or venturing to the art scene at the Serralves Museum, Porto is a walk that you are never going to forget. Be sure to visit at least some of the top 10 things to do in Porto and find yourself getting wrapped up in the unique life of the city!