Things To Do In Porto

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and is located in the northwest of the country. It’s the perfect destination for a city break, with plenty of sights, activities, and delicious food to explore. Whether you’re seeking a cultural experience or some relaxation, Porto has something for everyone and is sure to give you an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best things you can do while in Porto.

Explore the Old Town

The Old Town of Porto is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and some of the city’s most iconic monuments. The historic center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a great place to spend a day exploring. Start at the Torre dos Clérigos and make your way around the winding streets to discover some of the city’s most iconic spots, including the São Bento train station and the Church of San Francisco.

Visit the Port Wine Cellars

Porto is world-famous for its port wine, and no trip to the city would be complete without a visit to one of the port wine cellars. There are plenty of tours available, where you can learn all about the history of port wine and even sample some of the different varieties. Tour operators like Viator and GetYourGuide offer guided tours of the cellars, where you can really get to know the city’s iconic drink.

Go on a River Cruise

Porto is situated on the banks of the River Douro, so taking a boat cruise along the river is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are plenty of river cruises available, from one-hour trips to the more luxurious six-hour cruises. Most cruises will take you past some of Porto’s most famous landmarks, such as the Ponte de Dom Luis I bridge, the Ribeira district, and the Palácio da Bolsa.

Explore the Beaches

Porto is a great destination for beach lovers too, as there are plenty of beaches close by. From Matosinhos beach to the Praia das Maçãs beach, you’ll find plenty of options for soaking up the sun. The beaches are just a short tram ride away from the city center, and they offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Go on a Shopping Spree

Porto is a great destination for a shopping spree, with plenty of local markets, boutiques, and shops to explore. Start at the Mercado de Bolhão, where you can get some great bargains on everything from clothing to souvenirs. Then make your way to the Praça dos Poveiros, where you’ll find a variety of vintage and modern shops. You’ll also find plenty of stores in the city’s pedestrian zones, such as Rua de Santa Catarina and Rua dos Clérigos.

Sample the Local Cuisine

Porto is known for its delicious cuisine, with plenty of dishes to sample. Start with Francesinha, a sandwich filled with steak, cheese, and a spicy tomato sauce. Other local delicacies include bacalhau (salted cod fish), caldo verde (green soup), and pastéis de nata (custard tart). You can also try some of the city’s traditional dishes like tripas à moda do Porto (tripe with white beans) and arroz de pato (duck rice).

Visit the Museums

Porto is home to a variety of museums, from modern art galleries to historical exhibits. Start with the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, which houses some of the city’s most important works of art and artifacts. Then, visit the Igreja de Santa Clara and the Museu de Arte Contemporânea, where you can explore modern art and sculptures. The city also has plenty of smaller museums, such as the Museu da Música, the Museu Militar, and the Museu do Carro Elétrico.

Additional Tips

When visiting Porto, make sure to pack comfortable shoes, as many of the attractions are located in the city’s old town, which is filled with cobblestone streets. Also, as the city is on the Atlantic coast, it can get quite chilly, so make sure to pack a jacket. Finally, make sure to have some euros on hand, as most places in the city don’t accept credit cards.

Porto is a great destination for a city break, with plenty of sights, activities, and delicious food to explore. From exploring the Old Town to visiting the port wine cellars, there are plenty of things to do in Porto. Be sure to sample some of the local cuisine, explore the beaches, and visit the museums too. With all these activities, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in Porto.