Top 10 things to do in Porto, Portugal
Portugal’s vibrant northern capital offers something for everyone, whether you’re a foodie, interested in vibrant culture, or an adventure-seeking traveler. Not only is Porto a UNESCO-listed old town, but it is also home cutting-edge museums, lively neighborhoods, and some of the country’s best seafood. Winding through it all is the Rio Douro River; its banks dotted with the port wine cellars that have made this city famous throughout the world.
To mark the launch of our new kayaking itinerary on the Rio Douro, we’ve curated a list of the top 10 things to do in Porto for guests looking to spend a few days before or after in this enchanting city. Whether you love Baroque architecture, bustling markets, or botanical gardens, Porto is sure to leave a big impression.
1. Explore the historic district
Stretching from the downtown area to the picturesque Ribeira riverfront, this well-preserved neighborhood is home to an abundance of historic landmarks that provide a window into the city's past. It’s here that you’ll find one of Porto’s most beautiful buildings, the Bolsa Palace, which stands as a testament to the city’s prosperous mercantile history.
Also not to miss is the imposing São Francisco Church, with its elaborately decorated interior, and the grand São Bento railway station, renowned for its tiled depictions of historical scenes. No tour of Porto’s historic district is complete without a visit to the impressive Sé Cathedral or the striking Clérigos Tower, whose 225 steps afford panoramic views over the city's terracotta rooftops.
2. Visit a port wine cellar
Porto is well known for its sweet, fortified wine, and visiting a port wine cellar is high on most visitors’ itineraries. For centuries, the city’s prime location along the Rio Douro River has made it the ideal hub for the production and distribution of port, which was transported downstream to be aged and bottled across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river are an abundance of historic port cellars, each offering their own tours and tastings. While it may require a little research to select the experience that suits you best, all provide a unique perspective on this quintessential Porto product.
3. Enjoy the views from Ribeira
Set along the banks of the Rio Douro River, historic Ribeira is a UNESCO-listed area and one of the oldest parts of Porto. It’s backed by colorful, medieval-era houses seemingly stacked atop one another and cascading down the hillside towards the waterfront promenade. Ribeira is particularly atmospheric in the evenings when tourists and locals alike come to dine at the area’s restaurants, accompanied by views of Porto’s twinkling lights.
Arching gracefully over the river is the iconic Ponte de Dom Luís I, an impressive feat of cast-iron engineering that connects Ribeira to the city's higher elevations. Moored in the water below are traditional Rabelo boats - flat-bottomed vessels that for generations have ferried the region's renowned port wine downriver.
4. Admire the beautiful Livraria Lello
This historic bookshop has long been revered as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world - and it's even rumored to have been an inspiration behind the Harry Potter series. Constructed in 1906 by Xavier Esteves, the Livraria Lello’s Neo-Gothic facade immediately captivates the eye, adorned with an array of whimsical paintings.
Step through the ornate entrance and you’ll find yourself transported into a literary wonderland, with a stained-glass ceiling that casts colored light across the space and a double spiral staircase as the centerpiece. Beyond the main floor, a hidden room houses the shop's rare and antique book collection, a treasure trove for bibliophiles and scholars alike.
5. Visit the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
As the oldest public museum in Portugal, this impressive institution is housed within a grand 19th-century palace, its stately façade and ornate architecture immediately setting the tone for the treasures that lie within. Upon stepping inside, you’ll discover everything from ancient Roman artifacts to 20th-century paintings, with the museum's diverse holdings showcasing the evolution of Portuguese art.
Highlights include the azulejo tilework, delicate porcelain pieces, and masterful sculptures, several of which are by António Soares dos Reis, after whom the museum is named. Beyond the permanent collection, the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis also hosts a rotating schedule of special exhibitions, providing opportunities to discover emerging talents and contemporary artistic movements.
6. Shop with the locals at the Bolhão Market
Constructed in the mid-19th century, this Neo-Classical structure is an architectural gem, with an ornate facade and elegant columns that exude an air of timeless grandeur. Designated a building of public interest in 2006, the Bolhão Market has long been revered as a crucial part of Porto's cultural fabric, a place where locals have gathered for generations to shop and socialize.
Once inside, you’ll be immersed in a sensory wonderland, with vivid produce stalls overflowing with the freshest fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. Even if you’re not in need of groceries, the lively banter of vendors and the aromas of traditional Portuguese delicacies make the Bolhão Market well worth the visit.
7. Feast on seafood at Matosinhos
Situated just a stone's throw from Porto is Matosinhos, a quintessential Portuguese fishing town that offers an authentic seafood experience. Each morning, the local fishermen head out to lure the daily catch, which is swiftly delivered to one of the numerous restaurants and eateries that line Matosinhos' seaside promenade.
On the menu is everything from grilled sardines to tender octopus and fish prepared in a traditional Portuguese style. After indulging in some of Portugal’s freshest seafood, you can walk it off with a stroll along Matosinhos’ golden beach or around its picturesque harbor.
8. Discover the Serralves Foundation
Situated on a sprawling 18-hectare estate, the Serralves Foundation is dedicated to promoting contemporary art and its associated disciplines. At the heart of the grounds lies the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, a Modernist building that houses cutting-edge temporary exhibitions showcasing the works of avant-garde artists from around the world.
Beyond the museum, there’s an expansive park that offers ample opportunities for exploration, with numerous walking paths winding between picturesque ponds and the Serralves Villa, an Art Deco manor that dates back to the 1930s. In the warmer months, the grounds host a program of outdoor concerts, performances, and cultural events.
9. Stroll along Rua das Flores
Translating as “Flower Street”, this 16th-century thoroughfare derives its name from the colorful blooms that have traditionally flourished along its route. Today, it remains one of the most captivating streets in the city, lined with the stately facades and ornate balconies of aristocratic homes.
In recent years, the city has restored the Rua das Flores, transforming it into a delightful pedestrian zone, complete with quaint cafes and independent boutiques. Keep an eye out for the Baroque-style Igreja da Misericórdia Church, designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and home to a small museum filled with 15th-century artworks and artifacts.
10. Ride the cable car to the Jardim do Morro
Perched atop a hilltop in Vila Nova de Gaia, Jardim do Morro offers the perfect vantage point to watch sunset over the gently winding Rio Douro. It’s located on the south side of the river and can also be reached by crossing the Ponte de Dom Luís I.
As you ascend to this oasis, you'll be greeted by winding paths that lead through landscaped flower beds and past an elegant bandstand. Perch yourself on one of the park's many benches and gaze out over the cityscape below, taking in the pastel-hued houses that cascade down the hillsides.
Porto - a city with something for everyone
With its rich heritage, striking architecture, and engaging museums, it's easy to see why Porto is a must-visit city in Portugal. Our kayaking itinerary on the Rio Douro offers a unique way to experience this beloved destination, ideally combined with a few days to explore at your leisure before or after.
