Porto Travel Guide: 25 Best Things to Do in Porto

1. Visit Porto Cathedral

Porto Cathedral is one of the city’s most important historic landmarks. Built in the 12th century, it has been changed over the centuries, so you can see a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.

Make sure to visit the Gothic cloister, which is decorated with beautiful blue and white azulejos depicting religious scenes. The cloister is one of my favorite parts of the cathedral and is absolutely worth your time.

The cathedral’s interior features impressive ceilings, ornate altars, and centuries-old religious artwork. Take some time to look closely at the details, as each area reflects a different period in the building’s long history.

Considering the popularity of the cathedral, it gets busy, so you will want to enter right at the opening time. You can get an entrance ticket online, but you will still need to make the line. I recommend visiting both the cathedral and the cloister.

2. Admire the Igreja do Carmo

The Igreja do Carmo is one of the most recognizable churches in Porto, mainly because of its beautiful tiled facade. The side wall is covered in traditional blue and white azulejos depicting scenes from the founding of the Carmelite order.

The frontal facade looks completely different from the tiled side wall with more traditional Baroque appearance. Take your time to admire both sides, and wait for one of Porto’s historic trams to pass in front of the church.

Right next to it is the Igreja dos Carmelitas. The two churches look almost like one building, but look closely and you’ll notice the narrow Casa Escondida, or hidden house, between them, which was built because churches could not share a wall.

3. Explore Bolsa Palace

Palácio da Bolsa is one of Porto’s most impressive historic buildings, and it was a hidden gem when I first published this article. 

Back then, we were the only people there, which made the experience feel even more special. It is not exactly a hidden gem anymore, but it is still worth visiting.

The palace was built in the 19th century and has a fascinating mix of architectural styles, with some beautifully decorated rooms. One of the highlights is the Arab Room, inspired by Moorish architecture and covered in unique details.

The only way to visit Bolsa Palace is by joining a guided tour. Tours are available in Portuguese, Spanish, French, or English and takes around 30 minutes. After the tour, you will have some free time to wander around and take pictures.

And don’t worry if you’re looking for places that are still off the usual tourist trail. We’ll get to Porto’s true hidden gems later in this guide.

4. See São Bento Station

São Bento Station is probably the most beautiful train station I have ever seen, and you don’t even need to be taking a train to visit it. 

The main hall is covered with around 20,000 traditional azulejos, depicting important moments from Portuguese history and everyday life.

One of the most impressive scenes shows the Battle of Valdevez, while other panels depict the arrival of King João I and Queen Philippa of Lancaster in Porto.

The station is right in the center of Porto, so it is easy to include in your sightseeing route. But I recommend visiting early to avoid group tours and commuters.

5. Visit the Church of Saint Ildefonso

The Church of Saint Ildefonso is one of the most recognizable churches in Porto, mainly because of its beautiful blue and white azulejo facade. 

The tiles were added in the 1930s by Jorge Colaço, the same artist responsible for the famous azulejo panels inside São Bento Station.

The church stands above Praça da Batalha, with its tiled facade clearly visible from the surrounding streets. 

I would also recommend stepping inside, although the interior is quite small and simple compared to some of Porto’s grander churches. It won’t take long to see, but it is worth making the short stop.

6. Walk along Cais da Ribeira

Cais da Ribeira is one of the best places to experience Porto, so I recommend taking your time here rather than simply walking through it. 

Start around the Fonte do Cubo and walk along the waterfront toward the Dom Luís I Bridge, enjoying the colorful buildings, restaurants, and views across the Douro River.

Don’t just stick to the waterfront, though. Get lost in the narrow alleys of Ribeira and explore the older streets behind the main promenade. One of my favorite ways to enter this part of the neighborhood is through the small passage near Chez Lapin.

If you want to enjoy a meal with a view in Ribeira, I recommend walking as far as Cais da Estiva. Muro do Bacalhau and Grupo Desportivo Infante Dom Henrique are both are great options if you want to sit down and enjoy the atmosphere of the riverfront.

7. Discover Largo da Pena Ventosa

Largo da Pena Ventosa is one of my favorite little squares in Porto’s historic center. Tucked away among the narrow streets of the old town, it feels much quieter than the busy Ribeira waterfront and is a great place to relax.

The square is surrounded by colorful traditional houses and has a small cafe where you can stop for a coffee. If you are a photographer, you will certainly love discovering different angles of the square.

8. Enjoy the view from Miradouro da Rua das Aldas

Miradouro da Rua das Aldas is a small viewpoint near Porto Cathedral, but the view here is quite different from the city’s more famous viewpoints. The main highlight is the Igreja de São Lourenço.

Beyond the church, you can look across the rooftops of Porto toward the western side of the city, with the Douro visible in the distance. It is a particularly nice spot for seeing the older parts of Porto from a different perspective.

The viewpoint is just a few steps from Porto Cathedral, so it is easy to add to your walk through the historic center. Take a few minutes here before continuing down toward Igreja de São Lourenço, Largo da Pena Ventosa and the streets of Ribeira.

9. Admire the Chapel of Souls

At this point, you might be getting tired of reading about churches covered in azulejos, but trust me, they are all different. Porto has so many beautiful tiled churches, and even after countless visits to the city, I still can’t get enough of them.

The Chapel of Souls, or Capela das Almas, is one of the most recognizable examples. Its entire exterior is covered in around 15,000 blue and white tiles depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. 

The chapel is located on Rua de Santa Catarina, one of Porto’s main shopping streets. Make sure to walk around the building to see the tiled facade from different angles, and step inside for a quick look at the simple interior.

10. Visit the Episcopal Palace of Porto

The Episcopal Palace of Porto sits right next to Porto Cathedral and is one of the most impressive buildings in the city’s historic center. From the outside, however, it is not especially impressive, so it is easy to miss.

The palace was the residence of Porto’s bishops for centuries and was rebuilt in the 18th century by architect Nicolau Nasoni, who also worked on the nearby Torre dos Clérigos. 

Inside, you will find a beautiful staircase, decorated rooms, and amazing views over the historic center. There is a small collection of religious and historical objects, but I have to say that I wasn’t impressed.

Building itself, on the other hand, left me speechless. The staircase at the entrance will take your breath away but wait until you see the view of Dom Luís I Bridge and Ribeira at the end of your visit.

11. Walk down the Escadas do Barredo

The Escadas do Barredo are one of the best places to experience the old side of Porto. These narrow stone stairs wind down through the Barredo neighborhood, connecting the upper part of the historic center with Ribeira.

As you walk down, you’ll pass old houses, colorful facades, small doorways, and laundry hanging from balconies. It reminds me of my first visit to Porto back in 2016 when city was completely different.

12. Relax at the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal are one of my favorite places to escape Porto’s busy city center. The gardens are spread across a large area on a hill above the Douro, with plenty of quiet paths, viewpoints, and green spaces to explore.

One of the best viewpoints is Miradouro da Ponte da Arrábida, where you can see the Arrábida Bridge and the Douro River stretching toward the Atlantic. The Jardins Cénicos are another beautiful area, with landscaped gardens and views.

Don’t miss the Torreão do Jardim do Palácio, a small tower with another great viewpoint, or the Jardim dos Sentimentos, one of the more peaceful corners of the gardens.

13. Walk along the Pérgola da Foz

The Pérgola da Foz is one of the most recognizable spots along Porto’s Atlantic coastline. Built in the 1930s, the elegant pergola runs along the waterfront beside Praia do Molhe and is a great place for a walk with views of the ocean.

This is one of those places where I would not rush. Walk along the promenade, stop to watch the waves, and enjoy the different atmosphere of Foz compared with Porto’s historic center. The ocean views are especially beautiful around sunset.

You can also combine the walk with the nearby beaches and continue along the waterfront toward the Farol do Molhe. If you want to see a different side of Porto, away from the old town and its crowds, Foz is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

14. Visit Igreja de Santa Clara

Igreja de Santa Clara is one of the most breathtaking churches in Porto, and it is easy to miss from the outside. Tthe church has a fairly simple exterior, but step inside and you will find an incredible Baroque interior.

There is an entrance fee to visit the church, but I think it is absolutely worth paying. The amount of detail inside is impressive, from the carved wooden altarpieces to the detailed decorations covering almost every surface.

15. Discover Casa da Música

Casa da Música is one of Porto’s most recognizable examples of contemporary architecture. Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, it opened in 2005 and quickly became a symbol of modern Porto.

The building’s unusual white, angular shape looks almost like a giant irregular stone, making it very different from the historic buildings you will find throughout the city. The interior is just as impressive, with unique spaces and details that are worth seeing.

You can attend one of the events held here or book a guided tour for €12. I would recommend taking the tour if you are interested in architecture, as it gives you a chance to see more of the building from the inside.

16. Shop at A Pérola do Bolhão

A Pérola do Bolhão is one of the most beautiful traditional shops in Porto and a great place to stop if you want to bring home something local. 

The shop has been open since 1917 and is instantly recognizable by its beautiful Art Nouveau facade, decorated with colorful tiles and a large sign above the entrance.

Inside, you will find shelves filled with traditional Portuguese products, including canned fish, olive oil, wine, cheese, sweets, and other local foods.

The shop is located near Mercado do Bolhão, a popular market that many tourists love. However, in my opinion, it is far too overpriced. Mercado Bom Sucesso is a great alternative if you want a similar atmosphere with more local food and better prices.

17. Find the Joana Vasconcelos azulejo panel

If you are looking for something a little different from Porto’s traditional blue and white azulejos, head to Praça de Guilherme Gomes Fernandes to find this colorful mural by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos. 

The panel covers the facade of a building and is one of her largest public artworks, measuring around 20 meters long and made with approximately 8,000 hand-painted tiles.

The colorful design was inspired by Portuguese traditions, including the patterns of Viana do Castelo embroidery and filigree, but with a much more modern, colorful style. It is a fun contrast to the historic tiled churches.

18. Walk along Passeio das Fontainhas

Passeio das Fontainhas is one of my favorite places for views in Porto. This quiet promenade sits above the Douro and offers a beautiful perspective of the city, especially around sunset.

From here, you can see the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Douro River, and the colorful buildings of Porto stretching along the hills. It is much quieter than the busy Ribeira waterfront or Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Also, you might have seen the photos of the staircase overlooking Dom Luís I Bridge, but it is no longer accessible. However, you can still enjoy the views from Passeio das Fontainhas.

19. Climb the Torre dos Clérigos

The Torre dos Clérigos is one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks and one of the best places to get a view over the city. Built in the 18th century by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the Baroque tower rises high above Porto’s skyline.

You can climb the 225 steps to the top, where a small viewing platform offers panoramic views over Porto, the Douro River, and Vila Nova de Gaia. The staircase is narrow in places, so it can feel a little challenging when the tower is busy, but the view is worth the climb.

The tower is part of the Igreja dos Clérigos, so take some time to look at the church as well. I recommend coming earlier in the day if you want to avoid some of the crowds, as the viewpoint can get quite busy.

20. Spot the Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados

The Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados is another beautiful azulejo-covered church in Porto, located near São Bento Station. Its blue and white tiled facade is the main reason to stop here.

The church dates back to the 17th century, although the facade you see today was added later. Take a moment to look at the details of the azulejos and the ornate stonework around the doors and windows.

The church is almost always closed when I visit, so I would not plan your itinerary around seeing the interior. Instead, admire the facade and take a few minutes to appreciate yet another example of Porto’s beautiful azulejo tradition.

21. Discover Porto’s hidden gems

If you have already seen Porto’s main attractions, there are plenty of lesser-known places that are worth adding to your itinerary. I have visited Porto countless times, and these are some of the spots I discovered along the way.

Fernando de Castro House-Museum is one of the most interesting hidden gems, especially if you enjoy historic interiors and art. Saint Lawrence Church is another place worth stepping inside, with its beautiful interior and impressive views.

For a unique view of Dom Luís I Bridge, head to Escada dos Guindais, one of the old stairways connecting the upper city with Ribeira. 

If you love azulejos, don’t miss the Old Warehouse-Display Factory Ceramics Devesas. The building itself is worth seeking out for its unique tiled facade. You will also love my guide of the most beautiful azulejos in Porto.

Palácio Bijou is another hidden gem, while the rooftop at Experience Trindade is a great place to enjoy a different perspective of Porto. You can also visit Casa Allen, a beautiful historic house that is easy to overlook when exploring the city.

If you want some greenery, head to Parque de São Roque, a peaceful garden away from the busiest parts of central Porto. And finally, look for Capela de Santa Catarina e Senhora dos Anjos, a small and easily overlooked chapel.

22. Ride a historic Porto tram

Riding one of Porto’s historic trams is one of the best ways to see a different side of the city. The old wooden trams are still part of Porto’s public transportation system, but they have also become a popular experience in Porto.

There are several historic routes, but I particularly recommend Tram 1, which follows the Douro River from the city center toward Foz. The route takes you past Ribeira, the waterfront, and eventually out to the Atlantic.

Another option is Tram 22, which makes a loop through the historic center, passing some of Porto’s main sights. However, the route can be affected by service changes, so check the current schedule before planning your ride.

The trams can get very crowded, especially during the summer. If you want a more relaxed experience, go early in the morning or later in the afternoon.

23. Explore Porto on a vintage car ride

If you are looking for a private guide and want to discover Porto in a fun and more personal way, I highly recommend Peter’s Beetle Porto Tour. I have booked several tours with Pedro over the years and have always had a great experience.

What I like most is that the tours can be tailored to what you want to see. Of course, you can visit Porto’s main attractions, but Pedro can also take you to some of the city’s lesser-known places and share plenty of local stories and curiosities along the way. 

And there is another advantage: you get to explore Porto without spending the entire day walking up and down its steep streets. You can sit back in the classic Beetle while a local guide shows you around.

You will leave Porto with new memories and a local friend. If you have more time, you can even arrange a tour to the Douro Valley or explore the rest of Northern Portugal. Find all the tours here.

24. Taste Porto’s best food

After spending a lot of time in Portugal, I have noticed quite a few differences between the food in Lisbon and Porto. Of course, you can still find pastel de nata and plenty of bacalhau, but Porto has some dishes you should try while visiting.

Francesinha is probably the most famous. People often call it a heart attack on a plate, and I was skeptical before trying it. It is made with bread, meat, and sausages, covered with melted cheese and a rich beer-based sauce. 

For a good Francesinha, I recommend Cervejaria Brasão, but make a reservation in advance. They also have a vegetarian version.

Iscas de Bacalhau are crispy codfish fritters made with cod, wheat flour, and parsley. They make a great snack and are best enjoyed at a traditional Portuguese restaurant. And yes, calories do not count when traveling.

Caldo Verde is a much lighter option. This traditional soup is made with potatoes, kale, and garlic and sometimes served with chouriço. It is simple, comforting, and perfect after a heavier meal.

For the more adventurous, try Tripas à Moda do Porto, a traditional dish made with tripe, beans, and meat. There is a long-standing story behind it.

Locals supposedly donated the best food to ships preparing to sail, leaving themselves with the less desirable cuts. They made the most of what they had, giving Porto its famous tripe dish and the nickname tripeiros.

25. Taste Port wine

You cannot visit Porto without trying Port wine. This sweet fortified wine is produced in the Douro Valley and traditionally brought down the river to Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, where many of the famous wine cellars are located.

If you have never tried Port before, I recommend visiting one of the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for a tasting and tour (Porto Augusto’s is my favorite!). You can learn how Port is made, see the old cellars, and taste different styles of wine.

There are several types to try, including Ruby, Tawny, White, and Rosé Port, and they all taste quite different. I personally prefer Tawny, but it is worth trying a few to see what you like.

You can also find Port wine throughout Porto, so you don’t necessarily need to book a cellar tour. Stop at a traditional wine bar and order a glass while enjoying the city.

26. Visit Porto’s historic cafés

Porto has several beautiful historic cafés, and stopping for coffee is an easy way to take a break while exploring the city. I have visited quite a few over the years, but these three stand out for different reasons.

Majestic Café is probably the most beautiful of the three. Its elegant Art Nouveau interior, large mirrors, carved wood, and ornate details make it feel like stepping into another era. It is also one of Porto’s most famous cafés, so expect it to be busy and a little more expensive.

Café A Brasileira is another historic café in the city center. It has an impressive interior and a long history, but personally, it is not my favorite. It is worth seeing, but I would choose Majestic if you only have time for one.

For something more local and casual, I prefer Confeitaria do Bolhão. Located near Mercado do Bolhão, this traditional café feels much less polished and touristy. It is a good place to stop for a coffee and a Portuguese pastry.

27. Walk along Rua das Flores

Rua das Flores is one of the prettiest streets in Porto’s historic center and one of the places I always enjoy walking through. The pedestrian street is lined with colorful historic buildings, small shops, cafés, restaurants, and plenty of beautiful architectural details.

The street dates back to the 16th century, when it was opened by King Manuel I to connect the area around São Domingos with the city walls. Today, it is one of the liveliest streets in the historic center and a great place to explore on foot.

28. Find the Miradouro da Vitória

Miradouro da Vitória is one of my favorite viewpoints in Porto and one of the best places to get a panoramic view of the historic center. 

From here, you can see the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Douro River, Vila Nova de Gaia, and many of Porto’s historic buildings, including the Sé Cathedral and Igreja de São Francisco.

The viewpoint is tucked away on a small street in the historic center, so it is easy to miss if you are simply following the main tourist routes.

29. Visit Livraria Lello

I visited Livraria Lello during my first trip to Porto, when the entrance fee was much lower and the crowds were nowhere near what they are today. Back then, it was an easy place to recommend, but things have changed quite a bit.

There is no denying that Livraria Lello is beautiful. The famous wooden staircase, carved details, stained glass ceiling, and old bookshelves make it one of the most impressive bookstores in Porto. 

However, considering how expensive the entrance has become and how crowded it can get, I would not say it is a must-do anymore. But I don’t want to stop you from visiting if Livraria Lello has been sitting on your bucket list.

If you simply want to see the interior, you can also take a peek through the entrance before opening time. It won’t give you the full experience, but you can get a view of the famous staircase and interior.

30. Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge

Walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge is one of the classic Porto experiences, and I recommend doing it at least once during your visit. 

The iconic double-decker iron bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and offers beautiful views of the Douro River and both cities.

You can cross the bridge on the upper or lower level. The upper level is shared with the Metro and has some of the best views, while the lower level runs directly between the waterfront areas of Porto and Gaia.

And don’t forget to explore Vila Nova de Gaia

One thing many visitors don’t realize is that Vila Nova de Gaia is actually a different city, located just across the Douro River from Porto. 

It is easy to think of it as part of Porto because the two cities are so closely connected, but Gaia has plenty of its own attractions and is worth spending at least half a day exploring.

Start at Jardim do Morro, one of the best places to enjoy views of Porto, especially around sunset. Right next to it is Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, where you can climb to the terrace for another beautiful view of Porto, Gaia, and the Douro.

Gaia is also the traditional home of Port wine. Visit one of the wine cellars for a tasting, and Augusto’s is one of my recommendations for a more relaxed experience. 

Afterwards, walk along Cais de Gaia and enjoy the riverfront views. If you don’t want to walk uphill, take the Funicular de Gaia.

For something different, look for the Half Rabbit by Bordalo II, a huge sculpture made from discarded materials. You can also head to Pedra dos Gatinhos for sunset. Technically, the area is not accessible, but locals still go there for the views.

Other places worth adding are Quinta da Boeira, The Yeatman, and Capela do Senhor da Pedra, a small chapel dramatically sitting on rocks along the Atlantic coast.