Recommended things to do in Porto

The second largest city in Portugal, Porto is a city full of fantastic things to see and do. It’s a city that’s big enough to keep you busy and small enough to be able to easily walk around and appreciate it.

You’ll be sure to find many things, small and big, to love in this lively city. Porto is one of my favourite cities I have visited and a city I love coming back to.

Amazing sights, an intriguing history, beautiful views, a fascinating culture, delightful food and wine – you’ll find it all here. No matter your travel budget, you can experience Porto in a way that is uniquely yours.

Here are some top recommended suggestions for you to do and see while in Porto.

Synonymous with Portugal and Porto, Port is a fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley in the northern provinces of Portugal where summers are hot and dry; Port wine can only be truly Port if it is from Port! It is usually a sweet, red wine, often served as a dessert wine. There are also dry, semi-dry, and white varieties.  

If you’re a lover of wine or want to learn how this famous wine is made from start to finish in detail, a walking tour in a Port cellar is recommended. Some tours are guided and some are self-guided.  

I went on a self-guided audio tour at Taylor’s, a Port producer dating back to 1692. With an audio guide in 11 languages, this tour is great as you can take your time and immerse yourself in the art of Port wine making  – you also get to try two of Taylor’s iconic Port wines in a beautiful garden with a roaming peacock!  

To learn more and to book an audio tour at Taylor’s, click here.

While small, its neo-gothic grandeur is anything but. One of the most beautiful libraries in the world, Livraria Lello is striking in its neo-gothic design with a magnificent staircase in a timeless cultural space full of books in multiple languages. 

You need a paid ticket to get into the library – don’t line up at the library entrance thinking you can buy a ticket there! Tickets can be purchased at Armazéns do Castelo, a small distance away (left side of the library if you’re looking at it). Online tickets are also available. Children under three years old can go for free. 

If you decide to buy a book or two at the library, the price you paid for the ticket will be deducted from the total price of the book(s). 

To learn more about the library, click here.

To buy an online library voucher/ticket, click here.

Get that people-free photo!

Visit Livraria Lello at the earliest time or at the latest time before closing. 

If you want to get a photo of the beautiful staircase with less or hopefully no people in it, go at the earliest time (09:30) or latest time before closing (20:00). 

As soon as you walk on Luís I Bridge and see the magnificent views below and around, you won’t help but be amazed by the astounding panoramic views of the Douro river and of the beautiful buildings and districts below. 

You’ll find more beautiful views at Miradouro da Serra do Pilar.

A visit to Porto should involve a walk along the Douro river on both sides. Cais da Ribeira is vibrant and bustling with cafes, bars, restaurants, street performers, charming buildings, and boat cruises. On the other side is Vila Nova de Gaia, an area full of port wine cellars and a promenade full of market stalls, bars and restaurants. 

Nevermind its reputation as a place where JK Rowling supposedly wrote the first few chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, if you love art nouveau style architecture and luxurious design in a fine dining atmosphere, you’ll love Majestic Café. Its menu is quite varied with plenty of delicious options to choose from, whether it’s sandwiches, soups, salads, grilled meats, and desserts.

I’ll admit it is expensive to dine here. If you’re going to come here, I would recommend having a dessert that can be nicely paired with a complementing Port wine.

It is often busy with locals and tourists so be prepared to queue or make an advanced reservation. 

To view the menu and/or to make an online reservation, click here.

You cannot leave Porto without trying some of its local pastries, such as the Portuguese pastel de nata (egg custard tart)! You’ll find delicious Portuguese pastries at Confeitaria do Bolhão, one of the most renown bakeries in Porto.

If you fancy a relaxing river cruise with beautiful views, consider a Douro river boat cruise on a Portuguese traditional wooden boat called a Rabelo boat (used to transport people, food, especially Port wine). Prices are around 15 Euros and typically last around 50 minutes. It is recommended that you book online to avoid physical queues.

If you’ve been to Porto and know of other amazing things to experience, let other travellers and myself know in the comments below!

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