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.
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. It took me waiting 10 minutes to get a shot of it 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 will loop 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 azulejo tiles. Thousands of them adorn city buildings, often in great murals depicting important historical events. Some of the best examples can be fount in the Sao Bento Railway Station, Igreja do Carmo, and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso.
Try the Francesinha Sandwich
Dubbed the “king of sandwiches” by locals, the Francesinha is the most iconic food of Porto. The francesinha consists of roasted meat between two pieces of thick white bread, topped with cheese and a fried egg, and smothered in a tomato-beer sauce.
Palácio da Bolsa
National Museum Soares dos Reis
Opera House Tour
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Lisbon may have a lock on egg tarts, but Porto has the best eclairs. Leitaria da Quinta do Paco is a dairy shop that began dabbling in eclairs around 50 years ago, and the world is better for it. While I was tempted to do a tasting of all eight flavors, I settled on toffee and classic chocolate, both filled with Chantilly cream. If you only have room for one, go for the toffee!
Church of Saint Francis
What are your favorite fun things to do in Porto?
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Fran Collins says
Am particularly interested in your blog on Madrid, Barcelona and key towns in Portugal- Porto & Lisbon.
Heather Hall says
Thanks, Fran! Be on the lookout for a new Lisbon post this week.
Gearoid McSweeney says
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!
Heather Hall says
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!