What Are The Top Things To Do In Porto, Portugal? A Porto Travel Guide
BY
Sibashree
Dec 2, 2025
Porto was on my mind for the longest time. It is the home to the best Port Wine, the beautiful Douro River, and colorful buildings.
Also, Porto has a crucial role to play in Portugal getting voted as the “Best Destination in Europe” at the World Travel Awards 2025. Porto itself has bagged the honor of the “Best Urban Destination of Europe.”
When I reached Porto, I found it very walkable. It is not as hilly as Lisbon. So, strolling was breezy, and the tram rides! Those rides were the highlights of my trip to Porto last year. I even found many adorable cat graffiti on the walls of the many buildings in Porto.
I met many volunteers at a hostel near the Old Town, and with such opportunities, Porto is now more open to budget travelers and backpackers. I also got a chance to meet many digital nomads and freelancers, and the most happening expat community.
While strolling across the Old Town and enjoying the tram rides are the activities I loved the most, there are many other things to do in Porto. I will talk about them in this Tour and Travel Blog guide.
How To Reach And How To Get Around Porto?
Porto is well-connected to the rest of the world through the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) or Porto Airport. It is just 11 km away from the City Center.
Thanks to the well-established public transport system, you will easily get a tram, metro, bus, cable car, or funicular to reach the City Center from the airport.
I took a tram ride from the airport to the City Center, living my ultimate Porto dreams.
Also, as I had done my research correctly, I bought a Standard Andante Card.
It was easier for me because I didn’t need to buy tickets separately for the train and metro rides during my days in Porto.
You can buy an Andante Card from any Andante Shop at airports or subway hotels. Also, check if the hotel you are staying in sells an Andante Card.
The Andante Card is rechargeable, and you can check the balance and recharge it at any kiosk at metro stations. The card will cost you 0.60€, and based on your travel plan, you will have to recharge the card.
What Are The Top Things To Do In Porto?
Porto once again drew the limelight with its signature Port Wine. The celebration of the Port Wine Day on 10th September 2025 included a “free-guided tasting,” a show of the vintage wine labels, and a one-of-a-kind tour of the Douro and Port Wine Institute (IVDP) building.
Yes, exploring the port houses and tasting the sweeter and richer versions of regular wines are some of the most delightful things to do in Porto. However, from the iconic tram rides to getting the amazing views of the city from the River Cruise, the city offers you endless options for exploration.
1. A Boat Cruise In The River Douro
Taking a Rabelo boat ride on the River Douro is the best way to enjoy a slice of Portuguese history. These boats were earlier used for the transportation of port wines and people.
Today, these are cultural symbols of Porto, with the annual boat race during the Festa de São João do Porto or St. John's Festival being a major attraction.
A rabelo ride exploring the major cultural sights visible from the river and the six iconic bridges cost me 20 Euros.
It was a slow-paced, relaxing, and enriching ride.
2. Enjoying A Ride In The Vintage Tram
The city I come from also has a story of tramlines and vintage trams, thanks to British Colonization. I am from Kolkata, the City of Joy, and Google says that the distance is 9,068 kms.
See how traveling brings two cities, thousands of miles apart, together.
The trams here usually run on two lines, and on special occasions, you will find trams running on three lines.
I took a ride on the Line 1 route, from the Ribeira neighbourhood to the Foz Area. The Foz Area has beautiful beaches, and here you will see the mouth of the Douro River.
I had to pay €8 for the round trip, and you can even book a one-way ticket at €6.
3. Exploring The Port Houses
Vila Nova de Gaia, connected to Porto through the Douro River, is home to the famous Port Wine. In fact, the strict rules of the 17th century said that for a wine to be qualified as Port Wine, it had to be matured and stored in the premises of Vila Nova de Gaia.
So, the Port Houses are concentrated. So, it is easier to explore most of them on foot. I was at Taylor’s a Port House celebrating a legacy of 333 years in Port Wine-Making. It is one of the Port Houses, still owned by a family.
The tour at Taylor’s was self-guided. So, I loved how I could appreciate each process of wine-making and tasting at my own pace.
Along with Taylor’s, you can also plan a wine-tasting tour at Cockburns, Ferreria, and Calem.
4. Visiting The Porto Cathedral, Se Do Porto
The Porto Cathedral, next to the remnants of the medieval walls, stands out with its fortress-like exterior. The cathedral remains open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, and it offers free entry.
However, you will have to pay €3 if you want access to the cloister.
Predominantly Baroque in its architecture, the cathedral also shows the influence of the Gothic and Neoclassical styles. It is because the cathedral was first constructed in the 12th century, and it has been renovated many times.
5. Visiting The Palácio Da Bolsa
Address: R. de Ferreira Borges 11, 4050-253 Porto
Hours Open: 9 AM to 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: €14 for Adults, €9.50 for Students and Seniors, Free for Children below 12 Years
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Palácio da Bolsa (@palaciodabolsa)
Palácio da Bolsa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is now home to Porto's Commercial Association. It was built on the ruins of St Francis Convent, which was engulfed by fire during the Liberal Wars.
The building was built in 1842, and it was opened in 1891. The Pátio das Nações, or the central courtyard of the palace, with a glass enclosure, ensures adequate lighting throughout.
You can explore its beautiful architecture and learn more about its history by taking part in a 30-minute guided tour.
6. Enjoying A Cable Car Ride
A funicular or cable car ride is the best way to enjoy amazing views of the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Douro River, and the Port cellars. The cable car or the Teleférico de Gaia in Porto connects Jardim do Morro with Vila Nova de Gaia.
This five-minute ride costs 6 euros one-way and 9 euros round-trip. For children aged 3 to 12, the ticket price is €3 for a one-way trip and €4.50 for a round trip.
You can use the Porto City Card if you are looking for discounts on this cable car ride.
7. Taking A Photo At The Dom Luís I Bridge
Théophile Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel, is behind the construction of the Dom Luís I Bridge. This bridge on the Douro River serves as a prominent transportation link and icon of Porto. It connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia.
I loved walking through the low point and along the top. I took some lovely photos there and enjoyed a panoramic view of the city.
For more fun, you can take a cable car ride to the top of the bridge and then walk to the Cathedral and medieval walls.
8. Visiting The Historic Bolhao Market
The Bolhao Market is not just a place to find fresh fish, vegetables, and other produce. It is important for the history of the city and the people living there. The market is as old as the mid-1800s, and once the two-story building opened in 1914, the market shifted there.
In 2022, the building underwent a major renovation, and it is now accessible to visitors. The market remains open from 8 AM to 8 PM, and it remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays.
The market also hosts many events, including opera performances and workshops.
9. Try Pastel De Nata: The National Pastry Of Portugal
Pastel De Nata, the century-old delicacy and the national pastry of Portugal, is the best dessert one can have in Porto. This dish has egg custard in a tart.
I had the best pastry at the Bolhão Market, and it cost me €1.50. I did not have much time. Otherwise, I would have loved to join a pastry-making class offered by many locals at their homes.
Food and attending cooking classes are some cool practices to break the ice and have an authentic cultural experience.
10. Indulging In The Quaint Little Charm Of The Time Out Market
After trying the best Pastel De Nata at the Bolhao Market, my next destination was the Time Out Market. I had some Caldo Verde soup and a Francesinha sandwich at the Time Out Market. These two items cost me €18.
The market opens at 10 AM and remains open till 11 PM (Up to 12 AM on Fridays and Saturdays).
Furthermore, if you want to try the best of the best in the Time Out Market, you can explore restaurants such as Padaria Ribeiro, Casa Inês, and Meia-Nau.
11. Exploring The Central Train Station Of Porto
The Central Train Station of Porto comes alive with the history of the city depicted through its blue and white ‘azulejo’ tiles. The main hall with 20,000 azulejo tiles is the main attraction of the architecture of this train station.
It was built in 1916, and you will get trains to the Douro Valley and other popular villages in the neighborhood from here.
The Central Train Station of Porto, or the São Bento Railway Station, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and previously it was the site of a Benedictine monastery.
12. Visiting Livraria Lello
Built in 1906, Livraria Lello remains the epicenter of Porto’s literary scene. It was named after prominent aristocrats and the founders, the Lello Brothers. And all the Potter Heads know this place as it inspired J K Rowling while writing Harry Potter,
Also, I was surprised knowing that I would need a ticket to enter this bookstore, the most beautiful in the world. The ticket costs 10 Euros, and the charge will be deducted from the price of any book you purchase.
Along with being a treasure trove of books, Livaria Lello stands out with its architectural magnificence. It has a stained-glass skylight, a unique staircase, and some brilliant woodwork.
13. Visiting The Chapel Of Souls
Location: R. de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-124 Porto, Portugal
Hours Open: Tuesday - Friday: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday: 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, Sunday: 7:30 AM to 13:30 PM, Monday: Closed
Porto made me fall in love with the iconic blue azulejo and white facade of the churches. Capela das Almas, or the Chapel of Souls, is another prominent structure, bearing these characteristics.
When I visited the chapel, it was in the afternoon, and the blue and white azulejos on its exterior looked more dramatic as the Sun changed color.
The beautiful facade of the building and its Neoclassical style are ideal for Insta-worthy photo ops. However, the place remains crowded, and the street is busy with cars.
So, I had a difficult time clicking the photos of the chapel.
14. Visiting The West Coast Of Portugal
It takes a bus ride and costs less than 10 Euros to reach the West Coast of Portugal from Porto. The bus ride takes just 15 minutes, or you can explore the route on foot.
I could not be there due to time constraints. However, Praia do Carneiro, the closest beach to Porto, offers the most relaxing beach experience. The esplanade is surrounded by palm trees, and the lighthouse and the 16th-century forts add to its historical significance.
Other popular beaches on the west coast of Portugal are Praia do Molhe, Praia de Gondarem, Praia dos Ingleses, etc.
15. Watching Sunset From The Guindalense Football Club
Address: Escada dos Guindais 43, 4000-337 Porto, Portugal
Hours: Tuesday to Friday - 10 AM to 11 AM, Saturday - 1 PM to 11 PM, Sunday and Monday - Closed
Entry: Free
The Guindalense Football Club is one of the best sunset points in the city. It also offers an amazing view of the river, Don Luis Bridge, and the city’s orange rooftops.
The food and beverages available at this club are reasonably priced. I talked to a few locals there, and the gentle breeze coming from the river made my sunset moments even more special.
16. A Day Trip To Braga And Guimarães
I loved the day trip to Braga and Guimarães from Porto. Braga is about 55 km from Porto, and Guimarães is about 48 km away.
I took a bus to Guimarães, and it took me less than an hour to reach Guimarães. I visited the Guimarães Castle and the historic center of Guimarães.
Braga is famous as the home to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, the Baga Cathedral is an important landmark.
17. Enjoy A Fado Show
Watching a Fado Show at Ideal Clube de Fado was something I was not prepared for. For instance, I'd know that a musical performance in Porto would make me feel the melancholy and the sprinkles of warm yellow lights like an autumn afternoon.
Of course, I did not understand word-for-word, but every note, depicting emotions such as sorrow, love, and sadness, stirred me. It was the people, culture, and history of Porto talking to me through music.
Furthermore, you can explore options such as the Fonseca Cellar Tour & Fado Show or visit Calém Cellars to enjoy a Fado Show with the best Port Wine.
My Days In Porto, Portugal: A 3-Day Itinerary
My days in Porto were a little rushed, I admit, and I had to cover many places. However, you make it more relaxed if you have a trip plan of 5-7 days.
1. Activities On Day 1: Exploring The Heart Of Porto
Morning Visiting Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) Morning Exploring the Old Town (Ribeira District) Midday Exploring the Bolhão Market Midday Lunch at Time Out Market Afternoon Vintage Tram Ride Afternoon Taking Photographs at Dom Luís I Bridge Evening Watching the sunset at the Guindalense Football ClubEvening Attending Fado Show at Ideal Clube de Fado
2. Activities On Day 2: Wine, Culture, And Scenic Views
Morning Exploring Port Wine Houses Midday Taking a Douro River Cruise Ride Midday Lunch in Ribeira Afternoon Reading and Buying Books at Livraria Lello Late Afternoon Visiting the Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas) Evening Cable Car Ride Evening Dinner and Late Night Riverside Walk
3. Activities On Day 3: Day Trips And Hidden Gems
Morning Day Trip to Braga & Guimarães Midday Lunch in Braga Afternoon Returning to Porto and Exploring the Central Train Station (São Bento) Afternoon Walking and Discovering Hidden Murals Evening Dinner and Leaving for the Airport
Is Porto In Portugal Safe For Women?
I found Porto safe and warm. Also, a vacation home booking portal, Holidu, has named Porto one of the safest cities in Europe for women digital nomads.
The portal has enlisted the safest cities after a data analysis from sources such as Nomads.com and Numbeo.
Furthermore, according to Numbeo, the crime rate in Porto is only 30.31, which is pretty low. In addition, the crime rating in “a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender, or religion” is just 13.61, which is very low.
Moreover, the rate of assaults is low in Porto, with a rate of 27.86.
Getting Lost Is The Best Thing You Can Do In Portugal
Nothing can be better than a city that allows you to breathe and get lost. Porto does exactly the same! I loved the Old Town area, especially where I could cherish the beautiful murals, the warmth of people, and the scent of freshly baked Pastel De Nata. Everything offered me a wholesome experience.
The more you walk through the alleys, the more you will discover cool buildings, architecture, and gardens. I am not sure whether you will agree with me because it’s not easy to put your mobile phone on flight mode while exploring a new country solo.
Still, I took the risk, and I carried my camera to take the photos. People talk about free things to do in Porto, I would say that it was something that did not charge me a penny, yet was priceless! Eu amo-te, Porto!
Also, this walkability factor adds a lot of soul to the city’s character. The “human-scale streets” keep reminding you that the city was built long before cars were invented. And as you walk through these streets, there is no barrier between you and the experience you soak in.
In the end, you have a story that is deep and personal.
Tourism In Porto Is More Than Being A Popular Destination
With the World Travel Awards conferring the title of “Europe’s Best Tourist Destination, 2025,” Porto is emerging as more than a popular tourist spot.
The city’s big win shows what the travelers truly value these days. As travelers, we love a city that is walkable, sustainable, authentic, and culturally rich. Also, you have to remember that the city has left names like Berlin, Barcelona, and Amsterdam behind to win this laurel.
The layered heritage of the city has played a major role in making it so rich in experience. You will love the Baroque churches, the Ribeira Riverfront, arty neighborhoods, and medieval lanes. So, despite rapid growth, the city has been careful to protect its heritage.
In addition, as major cities such as Venice and Barcelona struggle with overtourism and its impact on the environment and local communities, Porto is showing the way to low-impact travel. Walkability and tram rides contribute to the city's low-impact tourism.
Overall, the win shows that authenticity is preserved and respected, and it is not a performance or a show. It also shows how successful the city has been in balancing authenticity with amenities, growth with sustainability, and mobility with walkability.
Related
