Planning a European adventure and looking for the ultimate mix of ancient history, world-class wine, and drop-dead gorgeous coastal views? Porto, Portugal is the place to go! Located dramatically along the Douro River in northern Portugal, this vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city is gorgeous with its colorful tiled facades and legendary port wine cellars.
Use this guide to explore Porto, packed with local highlights, secret vantage points, top food spots, and easy day trips. Grab your walking shoes, and let’s dive into the best of Porto!
Top Things to Do in Porto: Must-See Attractions & Views
Porto is a charming, compact city full of beauty. Those steep, charming cobblestone hills are no joke. Here are the absolute best sights and experiences to add to your list:
- Take a walking tour: I always start a trip with a walking tour to get oriented, check off the top landmarks, and dive into the city’s history. I ended up booking Hi Porto Walking Tours after looking up the best options, and I’m so glad I did. It was a bigger group than I usually go for, but the guide kept it super engaging and we covered a ton of ground. We loved our guide so much we even went to his restaurant Porta 4 (get a reservation), which was amazing!
- He also recommended an amazing Bifana spot (traditional Portuguese sandwiches) that served elevated bifanas with yummy wine. Check out A Bifana Portuguesa!
- Taste Authentic Port Wine in Gaia (Caves Ferreira): You cannot visit Porto without crossing to Vila Nova de Gaia to tour historic port wine cellars. There are many different options to choose from, however, we loved our tasting at Caves Ferreira. Founded in 1751, it offers incredible port samples and a deep dive into authentic Portuguese wine history. Watch out though: the port wine is very concentrated and super sweet!
- Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge: Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, this iconic double-deck metal arch bridge connects central Porto to Gaia. Stroll across the upper deck at sunset for breathtaking 360-degree views of the Douro River. I’m afraid of heights and did just fine walking on the top deck of the bridge.
- Explore the Historic Ribeira District: Get happily lost in the narrow medieval alleyways of the waterfront Ribeira quarter. Pull up a chair at a riverfront cafe, admire the pastel merchant houses, and soak in the lively street performers. It is a bit of a walk back up to town, so make sure to wear your comfy shoes before making the trek.
- Livraria Lello: Known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, it features a grand staircase, stained-glass ceilings, and intricate wood carvings. We decided to opt out of this stop as it was super busy. Tip: Buy your ticket online in advance to skip the massive line!
- Snap the Azulejos at São Bento Station: Step inside São Bento Railway Station to admire over 20,000 blue-and-white ceramic tiles covering the walls, painting a dramatic picture of Portugal’s royal history.
- Climb Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos): Ready for a quick cardio session? Climb the 225 steps to the top of this 75-meter baroque bell tower for panoramic city views. Our walking tour guide warned us that the stair case was a bit cramped, I didn’t feel that way at all. It’s worth the steps!
- Check out Chapel of Souls & Saint Ildefonso: For the ultimate Instagram shot, visit the Chapel of Souls along Rua de Santa Catarina! Its exterior is completely wrapped in blue tile murals.
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Escape the bustling streets in these lush, terraced gardens. Enjoy views of the river, quiet shaded paths, and resident peacocks roaming free.
- Ride a Vintage Rabelo Boat: Hop aboard a classic wooden rabelo boat (historically used to haul wine barrels downriver from the Douro Valley) for a breezy 6-Bridges river cruise.
Unforgettable Porto Food & Drink Experiences
Don’t leave town without trying these local specialties:
- Francesinha (The Ultimate Comfort Sandwich): Porto’s legendary culinary creation. It is a beast of a sandwich stuffed with steak, wet-cured ham, and fresh sausage, blanketed in melted cheese, with a spiced beer-and-tomato sauce, and topped with a fried egg. Grab a fork and dive in at local favorites like Cafe Santiago or Brasão.
- Pastéis de Nata: You can never eat too many! Treat yourself to warm, flaky Portuguese egg tarts dusted with cinnamon. Grab them fresh out of the oven at Manteigaria (my fave!!!) or Castro.
- Cachorrinhos (Spicy Porto Hot Dogs): Forget regular hot dogs, because these crispy, toasted baguettes are stuffed with spicy sausage, melted cheese, and a fiery hot sauce.
- Vinho Verde: Refreshing and crisp “Green Wine” from northern Portugal pairs perfectly with fresh seafood on a warm afternoon.
Insider Travel Tips for Visiting Porto
- Best Time to Visit: May through June or September through October bring warm, sunny days, vibrant festival vibes, and far fewer crowds than peak July/August.
- Getting Around: Porto’s metro system is clean, fast, and easy to use. However, most central sights are easily reachable on foot. Make sure you’re packing comfortable shoes to tackle the unforgivable stairs. I was in really good shape when I visited, but tackling that hill was still a feat.
- Airport Transfer: Porto Airport (OPO) sits just 20 minutes outside the city center. You can jump directly on Metro Line E for a cheap, seamless ride right into downtown.
