Nestled on the banks of the Douro River in northwest Portugal, Porto is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new. The ancient Ribeira district, with its narrow cobbled streets and the stunning interiors of the Porto Cathedral, are just a few of the historical and cultural highlights that visitors can enjoy. The Palácio de Bolsa, a 19th-century building that was once a stock market, is an impressive sight to behold, and the city's stately bridges are a marvel of engineering. There are endless things to see throughout one of the best cities in Portugal.

Those looking to relax can head to one of the many beaches in the area, while those seeking a taste of Portugal's famous port wine can visit one of the many cellars scattered throughout the city. With its rich history, delicious food, and stunning scenery, Porto is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. Harry Potter was even inspired by this magical city, so there's certainly a charm to it.

UPDATE: 2023/09/13 07:15 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Top Things To Do In Porto

Porto might be better known for its iconic port wine and historic Ribeira District, but there are more beautiful gems worth discovering. This refreshed article highlights extra Porto things to do for a gratifying Portuguese vacation.

Things To Do in Porto, Portugal

Whether travelers want a laid-back trip to Porto or prefer a full day of stops and attractions, there will be something for everyone. The beautiful coastal city of Porto has many things to do: start here.

Related: Why Portugal Is Considered The Friendliest Country In The World

1 Porto Cathedral Is Worth A Visit

Visitors to Porto may want to experience the city's cathedral. They can explore the Roman Catholic Church in the city's historical center. The Porto Cathedral was also built at one of the highest points in the area, giving people a stunning view.

It's also worth noting that this church is the oldest monument in Porto and is considered an incredibly sacred spot for residents. Therefore, being as quiet and respectful as possible while visiting is a good idea.

• Admission: Free
• Hours: Open daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM (except on Wednesdays, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Guests wishing to enter the cathedral's inner section and floor above will have to pay a $3.22 fee.

2 Walk Along The Luís I Bridge

Another place to visit while in Porto is the Luís I Bridge. This is a focal point of the city, offering tourists a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Walking the Luís I Bridge is one of the many free things travelers can do while visiting Porto, Portugal.

• Can tourists walk across the Luis 1 bridge in Porto? Absolutely, pedestrians can walk on the lower and upper levels in a path separate from cars.

The best way to experience the Dom Luis Bridge is to stroll along the upper platform, 40m above the Duoro River, which spoils guests with sweeping water views.

3 Explore The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The next stop while in Porto is Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. This stunning garden features one of Porto's best-loved escapes: a botanical garden above the Douro River.

Here, visitors can walk the 8-hectare landscaped gardens.

• Admission: Free
• Hours: 8 am - 9 pm

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal has free WiFi for visitors.

4 Casa da Música

For those who love music, exploring Casa da Música may be worth the adventure. In this famed concert hall, guests can tour the property and see a show if one is in town. This music/concert hall was designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and opened in 2005, and has since become a staple of the city.

It's stunning; modern architecture vastly differs from the nearby historic buildings, which is perfect for photographing.

• Casa da Música location: Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal

Go to the Casa da Musica website to check the schedule, times, and ticket prices.

5 Tour Parque de Serralves (Including A Museum)

Another great spot to check out while in Porto is Parque de Serralves. Here, tourists to the city can experience a unique urban space and a cultural institution. This park has a modern vibe, water features, art, and many beautiful local plants.

A contemporary art museum on-site allows travelers to escape the heat and head indoors to witness beautiful art from around the city and country. Álvaro Siza Vieira designed the museum, which has since become one of the most popular in Portugal.

• Admission: $21.50
• Hours: 10 am - 7 pm

The $21.50 is a general ticket fee granting access to the park and museum. But for partial tickets, either for the park or museum, the fee is $13.98

6 Shop At Mercado do Bolhão

For people wanting to shop while in Porto, heading to Mercado do Bolhão could be a fun day trip. Here, people can shop at various stores, much like a market in the US. Travelers can find fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, and seasonal treats from local vendors.

Porto is known for its fresh food and wine, and Mercado do Bolhão is among the best markets in Portugal for this. A one-stop-shop for many people, it is also centrally located, near the city's downtown area.

Mercado do Bolhão is open daily from 8 AM to 12 AM, excluding Sundays. The market is closed one day per week, so consider that before planning a trip.

7 Take A Tour Of Palácio de Bolsa

Another indoor attraction in Porto to visit is the Palácio de Bolsa. Here, guests can step back in time and see what used to be the city's stock exchange building. This structure was built in the 19th century by the city's Commercial Association in Neoclassical style and is located in the Infante D. Henrique Square.

The Palácio de Bolsa is also a designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Admission: Adults $10.70, Students and Seniors $7, Children under 12 free
• Hours: 9 am - 6:30 pm

Bolsa Palace is one of the most visited sites in Porto and can only be accessed through guided tours. So book in advance before heading to the venue.

8 A Must Visit: The Romantic Museum Of Quinta da Macieirinha

Checking out the Romantic Museum might be worth it for couples traveling to Porto, Portugal. Here, people can experience a house museum displaying period art & furnishings and gardens offering scenic river views.

This is often considered one of the more romantic attractions in the city, as it looks over the river and is centered around romance in the area.

• Admission: $2.40
• Hours: Open daily (except Monday),10 AM to 5:30 PM.

This museum may be a nice choice for those looking for romance in Porto. The Romantic Museum has stunning views of the city and nearby Douro River, adding to its charm.

9 Take In Clerigos Church And Tower

Another thing to see and do while in Porto is checking out the Clerigos Church and Tower. This monument features a 75-meter bell tower and is one of the most famous spots in the city.

Notably, The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church and is one of Porto's many holy sites.

• Admission: Free to enter the church, but $6.70 to climb the tower
• Hours: 9 am - 7 pm

Visitors and locals alike can also attend mass on Sundays at this church.

10 Stroll Through The Picturesque Avenue Of The Allies (Avenida dos Aliados)

Situated in the heart of the city and just south of the popular Bolhao Market, Avenida dos Aliados is Porto's main corridor, lined with a string of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, banks, and boutique stores. These are all housed in gorgeous buildings with impressive architecture.

The area was named "Avenue of the Allies" to honor the 14th-century alliance between Portugal and England and hosts numerous exciting sights, including the city's imposing granite and marble town hall and Liberdade Square.

At the center of the square, tourists can enjoy free shows by street performers and freelance artists or even attend a festival.

Bring a camera to capture the spectacular scenes in the area, from the unique architecture to the vibrant street with performers entertaining people.

11 Experience Porto's Wine Culture With Port Wine Tastings & Tours

While there is more to Porto beyond its famous Port wine, visiting the city wouldn't be complete without stopping by the iconic export port. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of Porto's wine trade and the production of the sweet drink.

Guests can tour the Port Wine Museum for interesting facts about the industry and pop into one of the many top wineries in the area to sample their creations.

Additionally, they can explore multiple winemakers within walking distance of one another, including Offley Cellars, Ferreria, and Sandeman, each with a unique history and great-tasting wine. Some of these display photographs, paintings, antique bottles, and other memorabilia, offering a look into the history of the establishments.

Wine tours at Port Wine cost about $17, including tastings, and can be conducted in English upon request. But tourists must liaise with the wineries to confirm the time.

12 Explore The Vast Porto City Park (Parque da Cidade do Porto)

Spanning over 200 acres, Porto City Park is one of northern Portugal's biggest parks, providing adventures and explorers with a fantastic playground. It hosts numerous fun attractions, including six miles of walking and biking paths and lush scenic spots perfect for family day outs.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful flora within the park as animal lovers gravitate towards Sea Life Porto, a privately operated aquarium housing thousands of cute sea creatures. The sprawling park stretches to the Atlantic, allowing parkgoers access to scenic beaches and a dip in the warm sea waters.

• Admission: Free
• Hours: 10 am - 10 pm

Although the Porto City Park is free to enter, visitors will pay $18.20 to access the Sea Life Porto.

13 Get Cultured At National Museum Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis)

Art connoisseurs will have a wonderful time combing through the National Museum Soares dos Reis exhibits. Established in 1833, it is the country's oldest public art museum and houses a vast collection of art pieces, mostly by artist Antonio Soares dos Reis.

His iconic marble creation, "The Exile" ("O Desterrado"), is just one of the venue's highlights, but guests will appreciate other 16th and 20th-century sculptures and paintings by various Portuguese artists. The museum is also home to intricate jewelry, glassware, and furniture that will leave visitors in awe.

• Admission: Adults $5.50, Children & Seniors $2.75
• Hours: Tue to Sun, 10 am - 6 pm

Take advantage of free admissions on Sundays until 2 p.m.

14 Best Time To Visit Porto, Portugal

One of the best times to visit Porto (and other places in Portugal) is in late spring (May/June) or early fall (August). During these times, the city will be at its prime: featuring fewer tourists and perfect weather conditions. Porto is a busy vacation spot in Europe, as many out-of-towners head here for vacation.

This Portuguese city's beach and water quality are some of the best around, hence why crowds flock here during national holidays and long weekends. Therefore, if someone wants to experience Porto in a slower, calmer time: they should head to Portugal in the early fall or the later spring.

Regardless, the unique city of Porto will be stunning throughout the year.

Related: More Than Lisbon: 10 Small Towns To Visit In Portugal

15 Best Ways To Get Around Porto

• The best way to get around Porto is via metro, bus, or walking.
• It might be better to stay in the city center or historic district for people wanting to walk.
• Porto, Portugal, is a walkable city overall.

For those traveling to Porto, Portugal, some of the best ways to get around include taking the metro, hopping on a bus, or walking. Depending on where someone stays, the city can be walkable. For instance, many of the sites mentioned in this post are in the city center or historic district, meaning people could walk between them without an issue.

However, if one place is much further than another, hopping on a bus or riding the metro won't hurt. Especially for those only in Porto for a few days, they will need to prioritize what they see and how they can get there quickly.

16 Where To Eat In Porto, Portugal

There will be something for any palette when eating in Porto. One thing to note is that the menu throughout the city will feature seafood, as this is a coastal destination.

Portuguese food is delicious; whether it's pasta, meat, fish, or a mix: so regardless, everyone will be in for a treat. Although known for wine, Porto offers so much more for guests: so don't be afraid to try something new.

Here are some restaurants to consider while in Porto:

Breakfast Places in Porto

• Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker: $$ great brunch and good music
• Zenith: $$ brunch & cocktails

Lunch Around Porto

• Chama: $$ local eats near the Clérigos Church
• Taberna Dos Mercadores: $$ authentic Portuguese food

Dinner in Porto

• O Buraco: $ local seafood, casual dining
• Muu Steakhouse: $$$ upscale steakhouse

Of course, any food in Porto will be delicious but expect to see mainly fish and meat on most restaurant menus. Wine is also amazing here, so don't be afraid to do a pairing with a meal!

Related: Pastries To Grilled Sardines: Discover 10 Must-Try Street Foods In Portugal

Because Porto is known for its wine, it may be nice to tour a winery here. Many local restaurants also offer wine pairings alongside dinner, another way to enjoy the festivities.

17 Where To Stay In Porto, Portugal

Regarding hotels in Porto, Portugal, there are endless choices. Whether someone prefers a small, locally-run hotel or something larger than life: Porto is the place to be.

Here are a few top-rated hotels in the area worth considering:

Budget Picks in Porto

• NH Porto Jardim - Close to markets and the historic Ribeira area, in-room Nespresso machines, breakfast buffet, on-site restaurant & bar. Starts at $126/night.
• Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton - Centrally located hotel featuring a restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and river views. Starts at $170/night.

Mid-Range Hotels in Porto

• Torel Palace Porto - Upscale hotel featuring an outdoor pool, bar/lounge, restaurant, room service, free Wi-Fi, and in-room coffee and tea. Starts at $288/night.
• PortoBay Flores - Swanky hotel featuring an indoor pool, fitness center, spa & wellness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, and room service. Starts at $247/night.

Upscale Hotels in Porto

• Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel - Luxury hotel featuring a spa and wellness center, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, coffee shop, free Wi-Fi, and valet parking. Starts at $320/night.
• Torel Avantgarde - Central location, roundtrip airport shuttle, dry cleaning/laundry services. Starts at $330/night.

Related: 10 Things To Know About A Digital Nomad Visa In Portugal

18 Tips For Staying In Porto, Portugal

For people headed to Porto, Portugal, there are some things to remember. First, this city is a tourist hot spot, meaning restaurants, hotels, and attractions get booked far in advance. It is recommended to have everything lined up before coming to Porto, to avoid long waits or lack of space/room.

It's also worth mentioning that public transport is the best way to get around the city, so buying an Andante Card will be worthwhile. The summers in Porto can be hot, often uncomfortable for town guests. It is better to come here during spring or fall when the climate is more tolerable.

19 How To Spend The Perfect Day In Porto

Spending the perfect day in Porto, Portugal, won't take much planning given that there are so many fun things to do. The best way to start a day here is by walking along the Douro River, followed by breakfast or lunch at one of the city's various restaurants or cafés.

From there, visiting a cultural site, museum, or church in the city may be worth visiting. There are gardens to explore in the various districts, all featuring stunning plants and views of the nearby area. Dinner in Porto will be a wine lover's dream, featuring pairings of local wine and delicious Portuguese food.

Sunset at the beach is another idea to keep the party going, so don't feel inclined to stop enjoying the vacation once the sun sets!