What to do in Porto? A Definitive Guide for 2021

Whether you’re after a short city break or looking for somewhere to stay long-term, the city of Porto, Portugal is a great choice. There’s so much to do and see in Porto, from exploring its vibrant culture to taking in its beautiful scenery. So, what can you do in Porto? In this guide, I’ll explore some of the top attractions and activities that Porto has to offer.

Porto’s Best Sightseeing Attractions

Porto is known for its beautiful architecture and cobblestoned streets, so it’s no surprise that some of the best attractions are around sightseeing. Some of the top sights in Porto are:

• The Dom Luis I bridge – Built between 1886 and 1888, this double-decker iron bridge spans the Douro River and offers fantastic views of Porto. You can either drive or take a walk across the bridge.
• The São Bento railway station – The exterior of this 20th-century station is decorated with gorgeous azulejos tiles, making it a fantastic photo opportunity. Inside, you can admire more of the beautiful tilework.
• Ribeira Square – This cobbled square in Porto’s Old Town is a great spot to relax and watch the boats go by as you enjoy a meal or a glass of wine at one of the many cafes in the area.
• Tower of Clérigos – The Tall Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. Climb all 230 steps to the top and you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the city below.
• Caves of Vinho Verde – Located in nearby Aveiro, these underground caves are home to some of Portugal’s finest wines. Visiting the caves makes for a great day trip from Porto where you can learn all about Portuguese wine culture.

Exploring the City on Foot

Many of Porto’s top attractions are within walking distance from each other, so if you’re looking for a more immersive experience, I’d highly recommend exploring on foot. Not only will you get to see more of the city, but you’ll also get an understanding of its culture and its people. Popular walking routes include:

• A tour of Porto’s main squares – Enjoy a pleasant stroll through Porto’s main squares, including Praça da Batalha, Praça da Ribeira, Praça do Liberdade and Praça dos Poveiros. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings and understand how the city is laid out.
• Exploring the Market District – Visit one of Porto’s most beloved neighbourhoods and explore the Rua de Santa Catarina and Mercado do Bolhão markets. You can browse the stalls and chat to vendors to get an authentic taste of Porto life.
• A walk along the Douro River – Take a stroll along the banks of the Douro River from Ribeira District to Cais da Ribeira Nova. Enjoy great views of Dom Luis I bridge as well as plenty of bars, restaurants and terraces along the way.

Things to do in Porto for Foodies

If you’re a foodie, then you’ll be pleased to know that Porto has plenty of culinary delights on offer. From restaurants specialising in traditional Portuguese dishes to bars serving exquisite wines and craft beer, there’s something for every palate. Here are some ideas on where to eat in Porto:

• Try PORTOauthentic – PORTOauthentic is a craft beer route where you can learn all about how Porto’s craft beers are made and sample some of them too! Or if wine is more your thing, why not go on one of their port wine tours?
• Eat seafood at one of Porto’s top restaurants – With its close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, seafood features prominently on the menus at Porto’s restaurants. Head to places like Restaurante Deus e o Diabo or A Taberna dos Mercadores for delicious dishes such as sardines and octopus.
• Sample street food in Mercado do Bolhão – Wander through Mercado do Bolhão, a 19th-century market in the heart of Porto, and sample some of the local street food such as francesinhas (a sort of sandwich) or Francesinha com Sotelo (a variant with pork).

Conclusion

Whether you love sightseeing, exploring on foot or indulging in delicious food and drinks, there’s something for everyone in the city of Porto. So, if you’re looking for a short break or even somewhere to stay long term and want to see all that Portugal has to offer, then make sure you add this wonderful city to your list!