Unlike Lisbon’s potential summer swelter, Porto enjoys a more temperate climate, cooled by Atlantic breezes. The city is 2x smaller than Lisbon, making it a perfect visit for a long weekend or just a few days. Don’t know what to do in Porto? Whether savoring local cuisine, meandering through historic streets, or enjoying a glass of port wine, there is plenty to explore in Porto, Portugal.
Nestled on Portugal’s northwest coast, Porto attracts visitors with its traditional allure, a refreshing contrast to its cosmopolitan big sister, Lisbon. Compact and walkable, the city unfolds its rich history through landmarks like the Dom Luís I Bridge and the medieval Ribeira district. Plan your itinerary and discover what to do in Porto for an unforgettable weekend getaway or a delightful addition to your Portugal itinerary. Planning a larger trip to Portugal? Check out my other blogs on Portugal to help plan your trip.
Porto Weather
Porto’s weather is generally pretty dry and moderate. When Lisbon becomes sweltering hot, Porto, though only two hours north of Lisbon, doesn’t suffer from the weather.
The best months to visit Porto are anytime between May and September. You’ll see plenty of blogs and travel guides recommend the best months as May and September. We visited Porto in May and the weather was great! Like most European countries, the hottest months will be July and August. Below are some temp highs and lows of the recommended months to visit Porto:
- May: High of 68ºF/20ºC and low of 54ºF/12ºC
- June: High of 73ºF/23ºC and low of 57ºF/14ºC
- July: High of 77ºF/25ºC and low of 61ºF/16ºC
- August: High of 77ºF/25ºC and low of 61ºF/16ºC
- September: High of 75ºF/24ºC and low of 57ºF/14ºC
Similar to Lisbon, Porto’s rainiest months are October and November. If you do choose to visit outside of the recommended months, this is something to keep in mind.
Transportation in Porto
Porto is an extremely walkable city, with many main sights and attractions in the historic city center. We walked everywhere and I don’t think we took one Uber or taxi during our 4 day stay in Porto. Like Lisbon, Porto is a bit hilly (though not nearly as hilly as Lisbon), so make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes. Walking is the best way to explore the city, so good, comfortable shoes will be your best companions!
Porto Metro
We used the Porto Metro to go to and from the airport. The Porto airport is connected to the E metro line, and arrives every 20 minutes from 6am to midnight. When buying metro tickets, buy a Z4 ticket, since technically the metro journey from the airport to Porto city center passes 4 zones. This should cost you about 2.25€, plus another .60€ for the reusable Andante card. Depending on your stop, the metro should only take about 30-45 minutes to get into the city center.
Note: be sure to validate your Andante card before getting on the metro. To validate your card, tap the validation machines that are usually present on the platforms. Once validated, the ticket lasts 75 minutes. If you switch lines, you will have to revalidate your ticket!
What To Do in Porto – 10 Things To Do in Porto
#1 Dom Luís I Bridge
I’m starting my What To Do in Porto list with Dom Luís I Bridge, a double-deck iron bridge that crosses the Douro River and connects the Ribeira district with Vila Nova de Gaia.
The Dom Luís I Bridge is an iconic symbol of Porto, Portugal. Completed in 1886, it was designed by Gustave Eiffel’s disciple, Théophile Seyrig. Its arched spans rise dramatically, offering panoramic views of the city and river. The lower deck accommodates pedestrians and trams, while the upper deck caters to vehicular traffic. Lit up at night, the bridge becomes a luminous spectacle, creating an enchanting ambiance in Portugal’s second-largest city.
#2 See Porto’s Iconic Azulejo Tiles
You’ll find Azulejo tiles, a hallmark of Portuguese artistic heritage, all over Porto’s architecture. Originating from Moorish culture, azulejos became prominent in Portugal after the Moorish invasion in 711 AD. It wasn’t until the 16th century, however, that Azulejo tiles gained prominence in Portuguese culture. King Manuel I, inspired by the tile designs in Seville and Granada, imported them to his palace in Sintra. This sparked a rapid growth in popularity, with the monarchy and church commissioning numerous pieces.
One of the most notable spots to see the azulejos is the São Bento Railway Station, where approximately 20,000 Azulejo tiles create panoramas of Portugal’s history. The tiles narrate tales of battles, royalty, and daily life, captivating visitors with their vivid colors and detailed craftsmanship.
You’ll see azulejos all over the city, but there are a few spots where the azulejos are particularly amazing. I recommend setting aside time to check out the tiles on the following:
- Igreja de Carmo
- São Bento Railways station (#5 in my “what to do in Porto” list)
- Porto Cathedral
- Iglesia de San Ildefonso (Church of Saint Ildefonso)
- Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls)
Love the azulejos? You can take a tile painting class and create your own! Below are a few tile painting classes that make great activities if you’re looking for additional ideas on what to do in Porto.
- Tile Painting & Cocktails in Porto – $41.95
- Tile Painting Workshop in Downtown Porto with Domus Arte – $43.05
- Porto Tile Painting Workshop in artist studio – $43.05
#3 Enjoy a Port Wine Tasting
Porto is renowned as the birthplace of Port wine, so a Port wine-tasting experience either in Porto or in the Douro Valley only makes sense. Port wine came about during the 17th century when British wine merchants began importing wines from Portugal. To withstand the long sea journey, the Portuguese fortified the wine with brandy. This process not only preserved the wine but also resulted in the distinctively rich and sweet flavor we have in Port wine today.
Depending on how much time you have in Porto, you can either opt for a wine tasting in Porto itself or go for a day trip to the Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is the primary wine-producing region for Port wine and is known for its stunning terraced vineyards along the Douro River.
My biggest regret during our trip to Porto was that we did not do a day trip to the Douro Valley, and instead opted to do a wine tasting in Porto. Below I’ve listed a few Douro Valley day trips that are worth your while when visiting Porto:
- Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise – $109.29
- Authentic Douro Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise – $137.99
- Douro Valley Private Tour with Sommelier – $353.26
That being said, if you are tight on time during your trip to Porto, the wine tour we did was phenomenal and we learned a lot about the different Port wines and their history! We booked this Port Wine Tour with CD Porto Tours on Viator. We tasted about 7 different Port wines and visited 3 major wine producers in the Nova de Gaia area.
#4 Eat a Francesinha
In the 1950s, Daniel Silva conceived the Francesinha sandwich while living in France, supposedly drawing inspiration from the renowned French dish, the Croque Monsieur. Once he returned to Porto, Daniel enriched the dish with northern Portuguese flavors. The original recipe, featuring bijou bread and baked beef, gained swift acclaim across the city. Today, the Francesinha is one of Porto’s cherished culinary treasures. When exploring what to do in Porto, trying a Francesina is an essential experience, offering a delightful taste of Porto’s flavorful heritage.
The Francesinha is a hearty sandwich that features layers of cured meats, including linguiça and fresh sausage, sandwiched between slices of white bread, all generously smothered in a spicy, beer-infused tomato and chili sauce. Topped with a gooey layer of melted cheese and often accompanied by a fried egg, it is often served with a side of french fries.
For an authentic and memorable Francesinha experience in Porto, go to the historic Café Santiago. Make sure to come hungry to tackle this decadent Portuguese specialty.
#5 Visit São Bento Railway Sation
São Bento Railway Station is considered the most beautiful station in Portugal. This architectural gem stands as a testament to the city’s rich history and artistic grandeur. Constructed in the early 20th century on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, the station is renowned for its captivating Azulejo tile panels that adorn its walls. Totaling around 20,000 tiles, the tiles depict scenes from Portugal’s history, daily life, and transportation evolution.
The station’s name, São Bento, pays homage to the nearby Benedictine monastery and its patron saint. São Bento Railway Station is a vital transportation hub connecting Porto to other parts of Portugal. Today, São Bento remains a bustling transport center, welcoming visitors with its captivating tilework and preserving a tangible link to Porto’s past.
#6 Cruise Down the Douro River
As we were taking in the views from Dom Luís I Bridge, I noticed many small boats cruising up and down the river. One of my favorite things about Porto is its spectacular scenery, and where better to take it all in than from the perspective of the Douro River? If you find yourself wondering what to do in Porto, a sunset cruise on the Douro River would be a great cap to a long weekend spent discovering Porto. Below I’ve outlined a few boat tours that would be great options for cruising the Douro River.
- Porto: 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise – $18 (I typically would recommend a more private cruise, but I’m including this for you more budget-savvy travelers!)
- Porto: Daytime or Sunset Sailboat Cruise on the Douro River – €45
- Porto: Shared boat tour with sunset option – $54.09
- Private tour in the Douro (1 to 4 people) in a boat just for you – $165.59
#7 Take in the View From Clérigos Tower
This What To Do in Porto list would not be complete without including Clérigos Tower, one of Porto’s main landmarks. Completed in 1763, this tower was commissioned by the Brotherhood of the Clérigos, a group of priests who wanted to build a monument that would serve as a symbol of their religious devotion. The tower reaches a height of 76 meters, and if you climb to the top, you can catch a panoramic view of the city and the Douro River. It is 240 steps to the top of the tower, so come prepared to climb!
Clérigos Tower is quite a popular attraction when visiting Porto, so it’s best to book your ticket ahead of time as the lines to purchase a ticket can get long. You can book tickets to Clérigos Tower here. Aside from booking your ticket ahead, I also recommend visiting early in the day or more towards closing hours. I say this because the tower was never designed for large visitor numbers, so when it gets crowded, the stairs up the tower tend to get backed up with people going up and down. The tower is open every day from 9am-7pm, and the visit only takes about 1 hour to 2 hours max.
#8 Explore the Ribeira District
Sitting along the Douro River, this Ribeira District invites visitors to wander through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful, centuries-old houses. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, absorbing the lively atmosphere of riverside cafes and street performers. I’ll admit, the area is probably Porto’s most touristy area, but it’s still worth checking out. One thing I wouldn’t do here, however, is eat at any of the restaurants along the waterfront.
As you ponder what to do in Porto, Ribeira unfolds as a must-stop on your Porto itinerary. In the evening, Ribeira comes alive with the vibrant energy of local bars and Fado houses, where traditional Portuguese music echoes through the alleys. For a more leisurely experience, a boat cruise along the Douro will catch a great view of the Ribeira District’s beauty from the water.
#9 Livraria Lello
Another must-mention on this What To Do in Porto list is Livraria Lello, which is a bookstore that dates back to 1906. Stepping inside feels like entering a magical realm, with a grand red staircase, ornate wooden shelves, and a spectacular stained glass ceiling. The library has grown in popularity as J.K. Rowling supposedly drew inspiration for Harry Potter here. Livraria Lello boasts an extensive collection of books in multiple languages. It’s not just a bookstore; it’s a historic sanctuary for book lovers, a testament to Porto’s rich cultural tapestry.
I’ll warn you that some find a visit to this library to be overrated due to the crowds that gather in this library. This is one of Porto’s busiest attractions, so expecting crowds should be a given. However, you can partially avoid the crowds by visiting during the off-season, early in the morning, or on a weekday. Additionally, you can buy tickets ahead of time, which I highly recommend after seeing the crazy line during our visit to Porto. Tickets are €8, and can be redeemed against a book if you decide to buy a book there!
#10 Mercado do Bolhão
Dating back to the 19th century, Mercado do Bolhão is a sensory feast, featuring stalls adorned with fresh produce, aromatic spices, and local crafts. We stopped at this market after having a big lunch, and that was a mistake. There were stalls upon stalls with all types of food and Portuguese specialties to try, and unfortunately for us, we were too full from our previous meal to enjoy it! As you explore what to do in Porto, plan to have a meal at the Mercado do Bolhão— a vivid celebration of the city’s gastronomic and artisanal heritage.
Bonus #11 Try a Pastéis de Nata
A visit to Portugal in general warrants a stop for pastéis de nata, which are essentially Portuguese egg tarts. These egg tarts are sweet, and flavored with vanilla and cinnamon. Egg tarts are not usually my thing, but I can attest to the deliciousness of these creamy pastries. If you’re struggling to figure out what to do, or more so what to eat in Porto, you can’t go wrong with a few pasteís de nata, especially for breakfast. You’ll find these sweet treats in almost every bakery. Below is a quick list of some popular spots to grab a pastel de nata:
- Manteigaria – locations in Lisbon, Porto, and Paris
- Castro – locations in Lisbon and Porto
- Confeitaria do Bolhão – location only in Porto
- Natas D’ouro – flavored pastéis de nata, locations throughout Portugal and Spain
- Confeitaria Aquarela – a pastel de nata with a Kinder Bueno inside! (I didn’t try this myself, but found this in another blog while I was doing research for this trip.)
I’m no pastel de nata expert, so I recommend checking out this blog by Where Goes Rose? and this blog by Solo Travel Story comparing the various pastéis de nata institutions peppered throughout Porto.
