25 Best Things to Do in Porto
Porto rewards slow travel — a lot of its best moments are free, and the rest rarely require much planning. Here's a well-rounded list to build a few days around.
Riverside & historic center
- Walk the upper deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge for skyline views
- Take a six-bridges cruise from the Ribeira docks
- Explore Porto Cathedral (Sé) and its cloisters
- Browse Livraria Lello, one of the world's most photographed bookstores
- Climb Clérigos Tower for a 360° city panorama
Food & drink
- Tour a port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Try a Francesinha, Porto's signature sandwich
- Browse the restored Mercado do Bolhão food stalls
- Sip coffee at the Art Nouveau Café Majestic
Coast & nature
- Ride Tram 1 along the river to Foz do Douro
- Watch sunset at the Felgueiras lighthouse
- Walk the Foz–Matosinhos coastal promenade
- Visit Serralves Museum and its modernist gardens
Day trips
With an extra day, the Douro Valley's terraced vineyards and the beach town of Espinho are both reachable within an hour by train, making Porto a great base for slower exploration beyond the city itself.
Hotels Mentioned in This Guide
Avis Guesthouse
Ribeira, Porto
A restored 18th-century townhouse steps from the Douro riverfront, blending exposed granite walls with contemporary Portuguese design.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast included
- River-view terrace
- Air conditioning
9.2 · 812 reviews
Check AvailabilityResidencial Albergaria
Aliados, Porto
A classic city-center residencial on the grand Aliados Avenue, offering reliable comfort within walking distance of everything in Porto.
- Free Wi-Fi
- Breakfast buffet
- Elevator
- 24-hour front desk
8.7 · 1 024 reviews
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