Things to do in Porto
Porto, a stunning city in Portugal, is perfect for a weekend getaway as its only 2.5 hour flight from London. With its rich history, charming streets and a delicious food, it’s a destination you’ll fall in love with. This blog post gives you ideas of things to do in Porto and places to eat and drink.
1. Take a Boat Cruise
Book a cruise to admire the stunning views of Porto from the Douro River – sunset is particularly special. We booked a sunset party boat trip via Living Tours but there are plenty of options with Viator and Get Your Guide during the day and evening.
2. Visit Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral, also known as Sé do Porto, is one of the city’s oldest and most important monuments. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it combines Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles, offering stunning views over the historic center and the Douro River.
3. Indulge in Wine & Port Tasting
Porto is famous for its port wine. Head to Lavo Wines down by the river – a stylish wine bar and shop that showcases a curated selection of Portuguese wines and ports in a relaxed, contemporary setting.
4. Explore Porto on a Tuk-Tuk
Let Living Tours whisk you around the city in style with a tuk-tuk tour for less than £20.
5. Walk Across Dom Luís I Bridge
Take in breathtaking views as you walk this iconic double-deck bridge. Feeling tired? Hop on the Funicular Dos Guindais to the top for under 5 euros.
Admire the street art on the walk back down to the river front:
6. Relax at Jardim do Morro
Jardim do Morro is just on the other side of the Dom Luís I Bridge, and is a great hangout spot for sunset. Grab a drink, sit on the grass, and enjoy one of the best views over Porto.
7. Wander Along the Riverfront
Explore the lively Ribeira district with its colourful buildings, riverside restaurants, and cobbled streets. Stop off for a drink or a pastel de nata!
8. Stroll Through Porto’s Charming Streets
Porto’s classic blue and white architecture is one of its most enchanting trademarks. The city is famed for its azulejos – hand painted ceramic tiles that adorn churches, houses, and even train stations. These tiles, often in intricate blue-and-white patterns, tell stories of Portuguese history, maritime adventures, and religious scenes.
9. Take the Cable Car
Ride the cable car near the Douro River for another angle of the city’s picturesque scenery.
10. Climb Torre dos Clérigos
For panoramic views of Porto, climb this iconic tower – it’s totally worth the effort! The spiral staircase is a bit of a workout, but once you reach the top you’re rewarded with sweeping views of the entire city, from the red rooftops to the Douro
11. Pop into São Bento Station
This is no ordinary train station – it’s a masterpiece of Portuguese azulejos (the hand-painted tiles). The walls are covered in stunning blue and white scenes that tell the story of Portugal’s history, making it feel more like an art gallery than a place to catch a train.
12. Trip to the Douro Valley
If you’ve got extra time, take a day trip to this stunning wine region. It’s a must for wine lovers! The Douro Valley is all rolling hills, terraced vineyards, and winding river views, and most tours include relaxed tastings where you can try the famous Port and local wines right where they’re made.
13. Sip on Vinho Verde
This refreshing Portuguese wine is a must-try. And no, it’s not green! ‘Vinho verde’ actually means ‘young wine,’ and it’s light, crisp, and slightly fizzy — perfect for warm days or pairing with seafood
Places to eat and drink in Porto
Porto is known for its pastel de nata’s (creamy custard flaky delights) best enjoyed warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon. The city also takes pride in its hearty Francesinha, a legendary sandwich layered with steak, ham, and sausage, smothered in melted cheese and drenched in a rich beer-based sauce
We visited the following restaurants / food halls in Porto:
Rua Tapas Porto
The food at Rua Tapas merges Portuguese tradition with playful twists. You’ll find batatas bravas with chilli-paprika sauce, codfish risotto, and even pulled-pork tacos – all meant to be shared. If you’re into live music, it’s the perfect spot to pair tunes with tapas.
Impar Flores
Impar Flores is a charming, modern‑rustic restaurant tucked away on Rua das Flores. The menu is a mix of Portuguese and Mediterranean flavours.
Time Out Market
Time Out Market Porto is tucked into São Bento Station with everything from traditional Portuguese fish dishes and gourmet pastries to smash burgers and wood-fired pizzas, plus a sky‑high wine bar in the tower. It’s a brilliant spot for sampling local flavours.
Nicolau Porto
Nicolau Porto is a great brunch spot with a relaxed vibe and a menu full of colourful bowls, pancakes, eggs, and healthy options – there’s something for everyone. Their terrace is perfect for lazy afternoons with friends, sipping wine or cocktails in the sunshine.
Mercado Beira Rio
Mercado Beira‑Rio in Vila Nova de Gaia (other side of the river) is a vibrant riverside food hall which is a part traditional market, part modern eatery. You an grab fresh produce, wine, craft beer, and a global mix of tapas and restaurant-style dishes.
The following bars in Porto are recomemnded:
360 Rooftop Bar Porto
Head to Espaço Porto Cruz in Vila Nova de Gaia for drinks with a view – their rooftop 360º Terrace Lounge offers stunning riverside panoramas, and surprisingly reasonable prices (cocktails are only 8E).
Base Bar
Nestled in an urban garden near Torre dos Clérigos, Base Porto blends nature and city vibes. It’s a great hangout with laid-back beats, cocktails, beer, and great views of Porto’s skyline.
Cafe do Cais
Café do Cais is tucked right on the riverside at Cais da Estiva, making it a perfect spot to sip wine (or sangria) while watching boats drift along the Douro. Its cozy, glass‑and‑steel design and relaxed terrace give you a peaceful place to soak up Porto’s riverside charm.
Jardim do Morro
There’s a relaxed café-bar area at Jardim do Morro where people grab drinks and snacks, especially gorgeous at sunset. The atmosphere feels laid-back and the prices are pretty fair for such a prime riverside viewpoint.
Galeria de Paris & Cândido dos Reis Streets
These buzzing streets are lined with bars, including some fun spots like a karaoke bar called Once Upon a Time in Paris, and others like Mao Maria and Wall Bar.
Bar Ponte Pensil
Bar Ponte Pênsil is a riverside gem tucked beneath the old pylon of Dom Luís I Bridge. It has an amazing terrace with views over the Douro, live music at night, and a warm, friendly atmosphere.
Make the most of your weekend in Porto and enjoy everything this incredible city has to offer!
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