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Porto, Portugal

Destination Guide

Porto

Portugal

Best things to do in Porto

60 curated attractions in Porto, Portugal. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

15°C/59°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Porto

Porto, Portugal's second city, is built around its riverside location at the mouth of the Douro River. The whole place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its historic architecture, which includes the baroque Church of São Francisco and the ornate Livraria Lello, a bookstore so that it has a queue of eager book lovers snaking out the door. This city is known for wine, specifically port, and the wine cellars across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia are where most visitors find themselves sampling the local produce. The cultural scene includes everything from Fado shows to the modern Casa da Música. While it's not as big as Lisbon, it compensates with its steep hills, which are a workout for anyone trying to explore without a taxi. People come for the port wine, the riverside views and the architecture that makes them feel like they’ve walked into a postcard, even if they have to climb a few hills to see it all.

Who it's for

Perfect for those who enjoy good wine, scenic views and a touch of history. The hills might not be ideal for anyone who prefers a leisurely stroll or has mobility issues. If you're looking for flashy nightlife, you might find this city a bit too laid-back for your taste.

Getting around

Public transport: Good

  • The city centre is compact enough to walk across in about thirty minutes
  • Public transport includes reliable trams and buses, but the metro is not as extensive as in larger cities
  • Taxis and ride-hailing apps are readily available for those steep climbs
  • The wine cellars are a short bus ride or a long walk along the river
Nossa Senhora da Serra do Pilar Viewpoint

Nossa Senhora da Serra do Pilar Viewpoint

Scenic viewpoints
Matosinhos Beach

Matosinhos Beach

Beaches
Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro

Streets & neighbourhoods
Praia do Molhe

Praia do Molhe

Beaches
Porto City Hall

Porto City Hall

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Ponte da Arrábida

Ponte da Arrábida

Bridges
Avenida da Boavista

Avenida da Boavista

Streets & neighbourhoods
Cedofeita

Cedofeita

Cultural & Heritage Sites
Igreja dos Carmelitas

Igreja dos Carmelitas

Churches & cathedrals
Guindais Funicular

Guindais Funicular

Observation decks & city views
Fado Show Experience

Fado Show Experience

Live music venues & clubs
Museu do Carro Eléctrico

Museu do Carro Eléctrico

Specialty & quirky museums
Lighthouse of Felgueiras

Lighthouse of Felgueiras

Monuments & memorials
Cais de Gaia

Cais de Gaia

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Boavista Square

Boavista Square

Squares & plazas
Church of Santa Clara

Church of Santa Clara

Churches & cathedrals
Church of Cedofeita

Church of Cedofeita

Churches & cathedrals
Lighthouse Passeio Alegre

Lighthouse Passeio Alegre

Fountains, statues & public art
Local Workshops in Gaia

Local Workshops in Gaia

Cooking classes & food experiences
Capela das Almas

Capela das Almas

Churches & cathedrals
Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Art museums & galleries
Jardim Botânico do Porto

Jardim Botânico do Porto

Botanical gardens
Serralves Museum

Serralves Museum

Art museums & galleries
Jardim do Morro

Jardim do Morro

City parks
Rua Santa Catarina

Rua Santa Catarina

Shopping streets & districts
Praça da Ribeira

Praça da Ribeira

Squares & plazas
Miradouro da Vitória

Miradouro da Vitória

Scenic viewpoints
Casa do Infante

Casa do Infante

Historic houses & mansions
São Bento Railway Station

São Bento Railway Station

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Estádio do Dragão

Estádio do Dragão

Stadiums & sports venues
Caves Sandeman

Caves Sandeman

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Largo dos Lóios Square

Largo dos Lóios Square

Squares & plazas
Porto Wine Museum

Porto Wine Museum

Specialty & quirky museums
Mercado Ferreira Borges

Mercado Ferreira Borges

Local & craft markets
Ribeira

Ribeira

Streets & neighbourhoods
Vintage Photobooth

Vintage Photobooth

Arts and Entertainment Venues
Cockburn's Lodge

Cockburn's Lodge

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Fado music performances

Fado music performances

Live music venues & clubs
Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Scenic viewpoints
Dom Luís I Bridge

Dom Luís I Bridge

Bridges
Fundação de Serralves

Fundação de Serralves

Art museums & galleries
Rua das Flores

Rua das Flores

Streets & neighbourhoods
Porto Cathedral

Porto Cathedral

Churches & cathedrals
Graham's Port Lodge

Graham's Port Lodge

Breweries, distilleries & food makers
Clube de Minigolfe do Porto

Clube de Minigolfe do Porto

Sports and Recreation Venues
World of Wine (WOW)

World of Wine (WOW)

Specialty & quirky museums
Clérigos Tower

Clérigos Tower

Observation decks & city views
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

City parks
Casa da Música

Casa da Música

Concert halls
Pérgola da Foz

Pérgola da Foz

Coastal walks & sea cliffs
Avenida dos Aliados

Avenida dos Aliados

Streets & neighbourhoods
Igreja dos Congregados

Igreja dos Congregados

Churches & cathedrals
Passeio Alegre Garden

Passeio Alegre Garden

City parks
Igreja do Carmo

Igreja do Carmo

Churches & cathedrals
Mercado do Bolhão

Mercado do Bolhão

Food markets & food halls
Palácio da Bolsa

Palácio da Bolsa

Historic houses & mansions
Mercado Bom Sucesso

Mercado Bom Sucesso

Food markets & food halls
Marina de Vila Nova de Gaia

Marina de Vila Nova de Gaia

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Church of Santo Ildefonso

Church of Santo Ildefonso

Churches & cathedrals
Church of São Francisco

Church of São Francisco

Churches & cathedrals

Where to eat in Porto

The places worth planning a meal around.

Café Majestic

Café Majestic

Portuguese · $$

★ 4.1 · 24,065 reviews

Casa Guedes

Casa Guedes

Portuguese · $

★ 4.5 · 19,967 reviews

Feast at Café Santiago

Feast at Café Santiago

Portuguese · $$

★ 4.4 · 18,370 reviews

Brasão Cervejaria Aliados

Brasão Cervejaria Aliados

Portuguese · $$$

★ 4.6 · 17,116 reviews

Capa Negra II

Capa Negra II

Portuguese · $$

★ 4.1 · 13,125 reviews

Conga

Conga

Portuguese · $

★ 4.4 · 11,728 reviews

Things to do in Porto

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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