Things to Do in Porto
Visiting Porto? Portugal's second biggest city remains somewhat underrated as a tourist destination, certainly compared to the nation's capital. Read on in our guide to discover all that this fascinating city has to offer.
Featuring one of the most beautiful train stations in the world, a bookshop said to have inspired J.K Rowling when writing the Harry Potter Saga, a deeply rooted wine culture and so much more, Porto is a city which surprises at every turn. In this guide, we'll discuss the very best things to do and see in the city, as well as give you some practical tips to help you get around the city with ease and save some money so that you can get the most out of your trip.
Porto Must-Sees
Porto, with its historic churches, charming wine cellars, bustling markets and exquisite cuisine, offers a wealth of experiences for visitors. While the Sé Cathedral of Oporto, dating back to the 12th century, is perhaps the city's most well-known landmark, there's plenty more to the city worth exploring. We recommend a tour of the neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa, a visit to the stunning São Bento station adorned with traditional Portuguese tiling (azulejo tiles), and a leisurely stroll through the Ribeira district to take in the breathtaking views of the Don Luis I bridge. You can get a feel for the city's major landmarks on our free walking Tour of Porto. Or, for a more comprehensive visit of the city, check out our Complete Porto Tour, which includes tickets to the monuments visited.
Porto's Top Attractions & Experiences
The city walls, the Church of San Francisco, the avant-garde Casa da Música, the Crystal Palace Gardens—with Porto's extensive cultural heritage, it's no surprise that it was declared the European Capital of Culture in 2001.
The Lello e Irmão bookshop is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe and it has a curious connection to J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter franchise—serving as an inspiration for the author, who once lived in this very city. Porto is well known for its celebrated music and wine culture. While you're there, consider combining the two by attending a Fado show at the Cálem Winery, an unforgettable experience! If you're passionate about marine life, you're in luck, as one of Milan's top attractions is SEA LIFE® Porto, an incredible aquarium with more than 3000 species of aquatic plants and animals.
Porto's Finest Museums: Enjoyable for the Whole Family
Porto is also home to a wide selection of museums, which are well worth checking out. Home to galleries and collections such as the Casa Guerra Junqueiro, which was the home of this Portuguese poet of the same name. For those more photography-inclined, the Portuguese Centre of Photography has a great exhibition, housed in a former prison! You also have the Museu do Vitral (Stained Glass Museum) and the Casa do Infante, among several others! To make the most of your visit (and save some money) keep in mind that several of these museums & galleries are included in the Porto Card—a fantastic tourist card with lots of great deals.
If you're travelling with children, you might book a ticket to the WOW Porto museum or the World of Discoveries. These institutions offer a more interactive experience which can be enjoyed by the whole family, and are also educational!
Where to taste the best Port wines?
Portugal's winemaking tradition goes back centuries. However, one of its most famous and exported creations is Port wine, whose grapes are grown in the Douro valleys. This fortified wine has a higher alcohol content than regular wine, and has a distinct richness, so it is regularly enjoyed as a dessert wine after meals.
To enjoy an exquisite glass (or several) there's no better place to taste this delicacy than in a Port wine cellar. At a cellar, you'll gain an insight into how these wines are produced and also learn how to discern the nuances of flavour.
Porto will never go out of fashion. Its bridges, its history, its charming cafés and, of course, its incredible wine are timeless! Whether it is winter, spring, summer or autumn, any time of year is a good time to travel to this fascinating city and enjoy the many excursions, guided tours and activities on offer.
