What to do in Porto? An In-depth Guide

High on the top of anyone’s list of must-sees in Portugal should be the city of Porto. Located in the north of the country, this coastal city offers travelers an amazing array of activities featuring breathtaking views, delicious cuisine, exciting nightlife, and lots of culture and history. Whether you’re visiting for just a few days or planning a longer stay, read on to learn more about the best things to do in Porto.

Explore Porto’s Museums and Galleries

Porto’s museums and galleries are not to be missed if you’re looking for a cultural experience. Housed in a large, blue and white neoclassical building in the heart of the city is the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. One of the largest museums of its type in Portugal, its permanent collection is made up of nearly 4,500 works by some 500 different artists from all over the world. If you want to soak up some local culture, don’t miss a visit to the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis which showcases artworks from some of Portugal’s most celebrated artists.

Take in the Monuments and Churches

Porto has plenty of monuments, churches, and cathedrals to explore. The Clerigos São Nicolau is one such building—built in 1735 by architect Nicolau Nasoni, its tall bell tower can be seen from across the city. Another must-see is the Porto Cathedral that stands as a prime example of Romanesque architecture. It was built in the 12th century and features an ornate Baroque facade. Travelers can also explore one of the oldest monuments in Porto—the House of Absolutely Easy Sandoval Murals. Located in the bustling Baixa district, these stunning 15th-century tile murals make for a great photo op.

Taste Local Delicacies

No visit to Porto would be complete without sampling some of the local specialties. Vinho Verde is one of the must-try drinks—it’s a slightly sparkling white wine that’s grown in Northern Portugal and known for being slightly sweet and low in alcohol content. And be sure to order up some Francesinha while you’re here. This sandwich is made with meat (usually smoked ham, sausage and steak) and topped with melted cheese and a tomato-based sauce. It’s a traditional and creamy dream dish to be sure.

Take Part in an Exciting Adventure

If thrilling experiences are your thing, Porto has you covered as well. Have you ever seen a river that runs both above and below? In Porto, you can take an exhilarating boat ride through the Luís I Bridge that straddles both sides of the Douro River—it provides an amazing view of the city from this unique perspective. There’s also no shortage of breweries where you can sample crafted beer such as Bocca. And for an unforgettable adventure, why not join Porto Craft Beer Secrets and Wine Tour? This guided tour takes participants through some of Porto’s best craft beer locales where you can savor different flavors from all over the globe.

Visit Porto’s Beaches and Parks

The weather in Porto is fairly mild year round, making it a great destination for sun lovers. The beaches here aren’t as big as the ones on Portugal’s south coast but they make up for it in beauty. Matosinhos is one of the most popular beaches in Porto and it has a footpath with gorgeous views over the North Atlantic Ocean and an abundance of seafood restaurants to explore. There are also some spectacular parks and gardens that offer plenty of green space in an otherwise urban setting such as Crystal Palace Gardens and Dom Luis I park.

Shop Until You Drop

For those who love to shop, Baixa district is packed full of stores selling everything from Portuguese delicacies to artwork and trendy clothing brands. The twin cities of Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto are connected by six bridges, so it’s very easy to go back and forth to explore both sides. In Vila Nova de Gaia you can find sneakers stores like Origines Shoes, one of Portugal’s most important street wear shops, along with contemporary art galleries and independent clothing boutiques.

Enjoy Nightlife in Style

Come nighttime, Porto comes alive with bars and clubs filled with vibrancy and energy. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, check out any of the rooftop terraces like Doca de Salca—it has outdoor seating that offers stunning views out over the Douro River under stylishly modern lighting. For night owls, there are plenty of late-night spots like Indie Club, Hangar 5040 and Hard Club which each offer different genres of music to choose from.

From cultural explorations to thrilling adventures, Porto has something for everyone. Whether you love food, bars or catching some rays on the beach—or all three—it is full of activities that will keep you busy throughout your stay. All that’s left to do is book your tour on GetYourGuide and decide what memories you want to take away with you from your time in this beautiful city!