Porto is the second larges city in Portugal after Lisbon, and located on the opposite end of the coast. This important commercial center is mostly known for its port wine, but has plenty more to offer whether you plan to imbibe or not. From whimsical botanical gardens and bookstores to azulejo-covered churches and jaw-dropping views, here are twelve of the most unique and fun things to do in Porto, Portugal.
Port Tasting
Port wine is exclusively produced in the Douro Valley and shipped from Porto. It is a fortified wine, meaning brandy is added during the fermentation process. This step was initially taken to keep the wine from spoiling during long months at sea before it could be sold. There are nearly a dozen port cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank of the Douro River, and most offer tastings and tours.
I’ve visited several cellars over multiple trips to Porto, with Cockburn’s being the most recent experience. The tour was informative and well-paced, and the tasting was very enjoyable. I did the classic tasting and Late Bottled Vintage was my favorite of the three. Cockburn’s has several tour options available, and reservations are required.
Not sure which cellar you should visit? Conduct your own tasting at the Wine Quay Bar. Tucked along the north bank with a prime view of the Luis I Bridge, this is the perfect spot to research the four types of port (Ruby, Tawny, White, Rosé), as well as the best vintages and producers.
Luis I Bridge
This distinctive iron bridge was erected in the 1880s by a student of Gustav Eiffel, and named after Dom Luis I, who was King of Portugal at the time. It spans 170 meters across the Douro, connecting historic Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s a double-decker bridge, with car traffic on the lower level and trams up top. Pedestrians can cross on both levels.
On the Vila Nova de Gaia side, a cable car connects the upper level with the riverside promenade below. This is where you’ll find many of the port lodges as well as World of Wine, Porto’s newest attraction.
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Created for the 1865 World’s Fair, the Crystal Palace Gardens are one of the loveliest spots in Porto. From here you can see the Douro River wind through the city all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Colorful roosters, peacocks, and waterfowl strut around the gardens, much to my delight. It’s a bit of a hike from the historic center, but well worth the effort. Plus, entrance is free!
Livraria Lello
Bibliophiles and Harry Potter fans should head to Livraria Lello, the bookshop said to have been the inspiration for Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley. Upon entering, your eyes will immediately be drawn to the swirling staircase at the center of the store. Good luck photographing it, though. I waited 10 minutes to get a shot without any people in the way.
This is an extremely popular tourist spot and advance reservations are required. Ticket vouchers can be redeemed for books of equal value, and there are several price options to choose from.
Torre dos Clérigos
As narrow as an exclamation point, Clérigos Tower juts 75 meters in the air above the historic city center. Climbing its 225 steps will give you a panoramic view over Porto’s terra cotta rooftops. I imagine it’s absolutely stunning at sunset.
On the way up you’ll, the route leads you around the ornate interior of Clérigos Church. Coming down, you’ll exit through a small museum. The whole complex was built in the 18th century and restored in 2014.
Admire the Azulejos
Porto’s architecture is notable for its blue and white tiles. Thousands of them adorn city buildings, often in great murals depicting important historical events. Some of the best azulejos can be found inside the Sao Bento Railway Station, and on the facades of Igreja do Carmo and Capela das Almas de Santa Catarinao.
Try the Francesinha Sandwich
Dubbed the “king of sandwiches” by locals, the Francesinha is the most iconic food of Porto. This famous sandwich is packed with five different meats (including mortadella, sausage, and roast beef) and two types of cheese. These are stacked between two pieces of thick white bread, which is then toasted and topped with a fried egg. The finishing touch is a rich tomato-beer sauce poured over the top.
One of the best places to try a Francesinha in Porto is Café Santiago. Open since 1959, this place is a Porto institution. There will almost certainly be a long queue, especially at lunchtime, but it never disappoints. (And I appreciate that for a few extra euros, they let two people split one sandwich. This thing is massive!)
Palácio da Bolsa
The Porto Stock Exchange was built during the 1840s and its rooms were designed to impress Europe’s top bankers and traders. Its star attraction is the gilded Arabian Hall, which was inspired by the splendor of Spain’s Alhambra Palace. The only way to see the magnificent interior is on a guided tour, which lasts 30 minutes. Note that it’s often closed for special events, which was the case during my visit.
National Museum Soares dos Reis
Portugal’s first public art museum was founded by King Pedro IV in 1833. Its initial purpose was to safeguard the religious treasures confiscated after the dissolution of the country’s monasteries and convents, but grew to include paintings, sculptures, and other fine arts. The museum is housed in the palace of a former baroness and some of the original interiors remain intact.
Take a Tour of the National Theatre
Porto’s Teatro Nacional São João dates to 1798, though the original structure was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in the 1920s. Guided tours are offered at 12:30 pm five days a week. You’ll get to visit backstage areas including the rehearsal and dressing rooms. My guide even took me up into the rafters to see the pulley system for stage props and curtains.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
While Lisbon is known for its egg tarts, Porto has the best eclairs. Leitaria da Quinta do Paco is a local dairy that began dabbling in pastries over 50 years ago. I sampled four of their classic flavors, and the red berry and caramel eclairs were my favorites.
Be Dazzled by the Church of Saint Francis
Dating to the 13th century, the Church of Saint Francis is one of Porto’s most important cultural monuments. The interior is a Baroque masterpiece of intricately carved wood coated in 300 kilos of gold dust. Photos aren’t allowed inside which is tragic because everyone should see its beauty.
The former convent next door has been turned into a museum where you can see a little bit of that gold woodwork. There’s also a crypt and catacombs in the basement.
What are your favorite fun things to do in Porto?
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Am particularly interested in your blog on Madrid, Barcelona and key towns in Portugal- Porto & Lisbon.
Thanks, Fran! Be on the lookout for a new Lisbon post this week.
I had to click into your post. Porto is on the menu early in 2018 for me and your post definitely confirms my ideas! It looks like a beautiful city with plenty to do!
Thanks, Gearoid! I was very pleasantly surprised by Porto and wished I’d had more than three days to spend there. A return trip is in the works. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I did!