Porto’s charms are numerous, and the city’s laid-back vibe provides travellers to Europe with a much-needed respite from the faster-paced, museum-packed towns nearby.
In Porto, you can enjoy stunning views of the Rio Douro while strolling across the Dom Luis I Bridge, the beach landscape on the city’s western coast and the vibrancy of the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira District.
Those interested in history and culture will appreciate visits to the Porto Cathedral, the So Bento Railway Station, and the Stock Exchange Palace. Meanwhile, art lovers can visit the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis or the Serralves Foundation’s contemporary art museum to see paintings, sculptures, and other works.
13 Most Amazing Things to Do in Porto
1. Livraria Lello
It is one of the country’s and the world’s most iconic bookstores. It is located in the heart of Porto and is part of the city’s historical heritage.
It was founded in 1906 at 144 Rua das Carmelitas. It has remained there today, with its neogothic architecture, carved wood, golden columns, and ornate ceilings that serve as a distinctive calling card. However, this historic structure is not only there to be admired – many famous and rare books are shelved in this iconic library.
2. Royal Cocktail Club
The Royal Cocktail Club is a speciality cocktail bar in Baixa in a historic building.
The house’s signature cocktails are idealised and prepared by four bartenders with extensive experience: Daniel Carvalho, Tatiana Cardoso, José Mendes, and – the most well-known and awarded – Carlos Santiago. There are also non-alcoholic alternatives, known as mocktails. On the lower level, where entry is only by reservation, board games involve alcohol and a fun time with friends.
3. Clérigos Tower
It is one of the city’s most prominent and iconic sites. And a trip through Invicta would be incomplete without a stop at this monument.
Nicolau Nasoni, an architect, proposed a bell tower project in 1753. Construction began the following year and took nine years to complete. The inauguration occurred in 1763 after the iron cross was installed on top, and the image of Saint Paul was placed in the niche above the door. This tower was built in the Baroque style on an uneven street.
One of the city’s best views can be found at the top of this 75-meter-tall tower. But there are 225 steps for you to get there – but it is undoubtedly worthwhile.
4. Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
The Porto Cathedral (the Sé) is on a hilltop overlooking the city. It is known to feature a lot of architectural styles, including Baroque, gothic and Romanesque. The church, similar to a fortress, is the city’s most prominent and one of the city’s oldest monuments; twin towers flank it.
The Sé has a simple stone facade, but inside this place lies an outstanding stained-glass rose window, a silver altarpiece used as the bishop’s study and a collection of centuries-old sculptures.
You can walk along the terrace outside the church and admire the views of Porto’s terracotta-coloured rooftops below.
5. Café Santiago
If you visit Porto, you must try Francesinha. This decadent, over-the-top meat-filled sandwich is a must-try in Porto. The meat, bread, cheese, and gravy dish is suitable for any time of day.
Francesinha was created by Daniel da Silva, a Portuguese citizen, and means “little Frenchie” in French. A Francesinha is a sandwich that consists of various meats, cheeses, and bread. After that, the dish is topped with an egg, beer sauce, and fries.
Many restaurants and bars now claim to have the best Francesinha in Porto. While there are many places in Porto where you can try Francesinha, Café Santiago is the best bet.
6. Ponte da arrábida
The Arrábida Bridge, also known as the Ponte da Arrábida in Portuguese, is an arch bridge that spans the Douro River gorge between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal. The bridge, completed in 1963, carries a six-lane roadway 25 meters (82 feet) wide and is supported 52 meters (170 feet) above the river.
Its overall length of 493 meters (1,617 feet) includes a 270-meter-long (885-foot) reinforced concrete arch, the largest in the world at its completion. Since 2016, tours have allowed pedestrians to traverse the archway while wearing safety equipment.
7. Dom Luis I Bridge
The Dom Luis I bridge is a landmark in Porto. Between 1881 and 1886, the bridge was built next to an existing bridge that was later replaced by it. The original granite pillars of the bridge still stand like gate posts on the Ribeira.
The bridge’s passing resemblance to its neighbouring Dona Maria Pia Bridge is likely no coincidence. Both bridges are massive and intricate ironwork structures with an enormous arch that supports the transitway. It’s unsurprising given that Gustave Eiffel, the man behind the Paris Tower, designed the D. Maria Pia bridge!
The two levels of the Ponte Dom Luis I, one on top of the arch and the other suspended beneath it are one of its most notable features. Both decks were built to carry road traffic, but the top now houses Porto Metro trains and a pedestrian walkway. Crossing on the upper level is worthwhile, though, at 60 meters (190 feet) above the Douro, it may not be for everyone!
8. Miradouro da Vitória
Miradouro is the word used in Portuguese for ‘viewpoint‘, and the Miradouro da Vitória is one of the most well-known in Porto.
The scenic view present over the Ribeira is one of the great ways to take in some of the main sights of the city.
9. Igreja De São Francisco
On the outside, the Igreja de S. Francisco has a stone facade with elements of Gothic and baroque styles, but step inside, and you’ll see gold: lots and lots of it. The columns, vaulted ceilings, and walls of this church, which began to take shape in 1245, are adorned with an abundance of giltwood carvings.
The Tree of Jesse, a massive family tree sculpture that traces Christ’s genealogy and dates back to 1718, is a visitor favourite among the glitz.
Its interior is embellished with intricately carved panels covered in a layer of gold leaf. It’s a stunning work of art that took decades to complete. The magnificent structure hasn’t always been decked out in these opulent gold accents.
10. Rua das Flores
The Bishop of Porto built the Rua das Flores in the early 16th century. By the nineteenth century, the street was known to have some of the most luxurious and expensive shops in the city, including goldsmiths.
Nowadays, the street is filled with restaurants, chic cafes, souvenir shops, and hip boutiques that lead down to the Museu da Misericórdia do Porto, the Igreja da Misericórdia, and the Largo Sao Domingos.
In the summer, the street is generally pedestrianised and is usually crowded with tourists. It, in turn, draws street performers and musicians to entertain the crowds.
Some of the buildings have beautiful tilework and wrought-iron balconies. If you want to stay close to this trendy street, try the Myo Design House or Casa dos Lóios Boutique Guesthouse. Both are housed in renovated historical buildings with modern amenities.
11. Caves Sandeman
Caves Sandeman is housed in an 1811 granite building in Vila Nova de Gaia, overlooking the river and facing Porto’s historic centre.
During this tour, you will learn about the Sandeman wine tradition and the ageing process and have the opportunity to taste some Ruby and Tawny wines in a contemporary room or a private room where you can admire our antique bottle collection.
12. Douro river
The Douro (many believe the name is derived from the Portuguese for “golden”) is the third-longest river on the Iberian Peninsula, flowing westward from its origins in north-central Spain. It forms part of the border between Spain and Portugal, then cuts across northern Portugal to the Atlantic coast, emptying into the Atlantic at Porto.
A cruise down the Douro River is one of the most popular things to do in Porto. The river flows through five provinces of Castile and León in Spain, while its Portuguese section forms the heart of the Alto Douro wine Region, a UNESCO Heritage Site and the birthplace of the world-famous Port wine.
13. Majestic cafe
Majestic Cafe is a very fancy cafe in Porto’s city centre, which was built in 1921. Its attractiveness and significance in Porto led to its designation as a public interest location in 1983. Furthermore, it is designated as a cultural heritage site.
J. K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, spent a lot of time in this cafe while living in Porto and working on her first Harry Potter book.
This cafe used to be a gathering place for the city’s elite. Writers, politicians, artists, and philosophers. You name it, it’s there. At the time, the city’s elites met in various cafes around town to exchange ideas and discuss topics over coffee or a glass of absinthe.
The Last Destination
So, have you decided what amazing things to do in Porto? With these fun, educative and fantastic activities in Porto, you are sure to have a holiday that you will never forget.
Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Joshita
