When you think of the top things to do in Porto, many things come to mind: a tour of the iconic tiled locations that tell captivating stories, a tasting of their unique Porto wines, a stroll along the Ribeira while admiring the Douro River with the Luís I Bridge, and countless other experiences. But Porto is much more than that. It’s a place where you can feel the charismatic and friendly essence of its people.

 

Porto is a place to savor delicious dishes and wander through its quaint streets, each leading you closer to discovering its soul. And that is exactly what traveling is about, not just seeing what’s highlighted in guidebooks or on social media, but feeling and uncovering what makes each place special. So, beyond the recommendations I’ve shared in this article, I encourage you to find Porto’s essence on your own.

 

What you should see in Porto

 

1. Stroll through the Ribeira District

The Ribeira district is one of the most vibrant and picturesque areas of Porto. Strolling along the promenade offers the pleasure of taking in the stunning panorama of Vila Nova de Gaia, with its renowned wineries on the opposite side of the Douro River. The atmosphere comes alive with street performers enlivening the promenade. At the same time, the bars and restaurants add a charming touch to the experience, all set against the backdrop of the magnificent Luís I Bridge. Although it is a highly touristy area, Ribeira remains a must-visit for anyone exploring Porto, offering an essential stop on your journey through the city.

 

2. São Bento Railway Station

You may question what visits a train station special, but São Bento is truly remarkable. Often considered the most beautiful station in Europe, its charm is found in its iconic tiles. These stunning azulejos illustrate the city’s history, featuring scenes of battles, pastoral landscapes, coronations, and landings. In my opinion, it boasts the most breathtaking tile work in all of Porto.

 

3. Bolhão Market

The Bolhão Market is one of the most aesthetic, clean, and well-maintained markets I’ve ever visited, thanks to its recent remodeling, which has completely transformed the once-abandoned appearance it used to have. The fruit and vegetable stalls are so perfectly arranged that they almost look artificial. On the lower level, you’ll find aisles filled with various businesses, from sardine and canned fish vendors to florists, cod sellers, fresh produce stalls, beverage shops, cafés, butchers, and more. Meanwhile, the upper level is home to bars and restaurants offering a range of culinary specialties.

 

4. Cruise the Douro River

After a long day exploring the ups and downs of Porto, a relaxing way to unwind is by taking a boat ride on the Douro River. This 50-minute journey takes you through the six bridges that connect Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, with the iconic Luís I Bridge being the highlight. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy multilingual commentary that shares the history of each bridge, as well as insights into some of the historical monuments visible along the way.

 

5. Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

One of my favorite experiences was visiting a wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. We chose to tour one of the most iconic wineries: Cockburn’s. Although I have toured several wineries in different countries, this visit felt truly special. It stood out not only because it was the oldest winery I’ve ever visited, but also due to its fascinating history, particularly the evolution of how wine was transported down the river, and the traditions it continues to uphold. Remarkably, it is the only winery that still crafts its barrels. The wine cellar is steeped in history, housing vintage wines that date back to the 1800s, although these are not for sale. Of course, the highlight of the visit was tasting their unique Porto wines. Sweet and rich, these wines offer a variety of aromas and flavors depending on the type.

 

6. Sunset at Luís I Bridge (Ponte de Dom Luís I)

The Luís I Bridge, with its striking iron structure, is the most iconic image of Porto. Built-in the late 19th century by Téophile Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel (the creator of the Eiffel Tower in Paris), its design has often been mistaken as Eiffel’s work due to its similar iron construction. The bridge stands out for its unique dual-level structure and arch: the lower level accommodates pedestrians and cars, while pedestrians and trams share the upper level. Watching the sunset from the bridge is an absolute must during your trip, offering breathtaking views of both cities and the shimmering reflection of the sunset on the Douro River.

 

7. Climb the Torre dos Clérigos

The Torre dos Clérigos is the bell tower of the Clérigos Church and the tallest landmark in Porto. It offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Standing 75 meters tall and with 225 steps to climb, it’s visible from almost every corner of Porto. Reaching the top rewards you with an unparalleled perspective of the city’s charm.

 

8. Visit the Cathedral and other important churches

A distinctive feature of many of Porto’s significant churches is their unmistakable Baroque style, often complemented by tile-covered façades.

We begin with the Cathedral and its stunning cloister. This church showcases Baroque elements but began as a Romanesque structure, which you can still see in its minimally decorated interior and the rose window on its façade. The religious complex also boasts a magnificent cloister, adorned with Porto’s signature white-and-blue tiles. These tiles beautifully depict scenes from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, and this captivating detail makes the cloister, in my opinion, the most fascinating part of the entire site.

 

Continuing the route of Porto’s tiled churches, we must highlight the Capela das Almas. Dedicated to the Virgin of Souls, this church stands out because its exterior tiles depict scenes from the lives of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis, making it truly remarkable. In addition, at the top of the city, we find the Church of Saint Ildefonso, whose impressive façade features 11,000 tiles illustrating the life of Saint Ildefonso and moments from the New Testament. Similarly, the Church of Santo António dos Congregados features a façade adorned with tiles portraying scenes from the life of Saint Anthony. Finally, perhaps the most photographed of all is the Church of Carmo, where its stunning tiles beautifully narrate the legend of the Carmelite Order.

 

9. View from Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

One of the most breathtaking views of Porto can be enjoyed from the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river. This vantage point offers a more complete and panoramic perspective of the city from across the Douro. It’s the perfect spot to visit at sunset, allowing you to unwind and take in the stunning scenery after a busy day of exploring.

 

10. Taste the typical specialties of Porto

One of the top things to do in Porto is to indulge in its delightful gastronomy. Let’s start with the iconic codfish, which is prepared in various ways, including the famous codfish croquettes. Traditional taverns and the renowned Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau (Portuguese House of Codfish Cake) offer these croquettes as a starter on their menus.

Next is Porto’s number one fish: the sardine. You can savor it roasted or canned, with options available throughout the city.

Porto also features a variety of seafood stews, such as the flavorful seafood rice stew, as well as rice dishes featuring octopus or duck, among others. However, one of the most iconic and indulgent dishes, the Francesinha, combines two types of Portuguese sausages, ham, beef fillets, melted cheese, a fried egg on top, and a generous coating of slightly spicy sauce.

Finally, we come to dessert: the legendary Pastéis de Nata. These puff pastry tarts are filled with creamy, baked custard and are a must-try. While you’ll find them in cafés all over the city, the ideal place to enjoy them warm is at Manteigaria.

There are many well-known places to sample these specialties, but I encourage you to explore and discover your personal favorites. Venture beyond the heavily touristy areas to uncover hidden gems and unique spots cherished by the locals.

 

Bonus: Trips in the area to Matosinhos

If you have some extra time, consider taking a short trip to the Matosinhos beach area. This vibrant destination offers a variety of activities, including beach volleyball, tennis, and surfing. You can also enjoy a relaxing stroll along the shore while taking in the beautiful views. One of the main attractions of Matosinhos is the opportunity to savor its delicious grilled fish. It is the perfect place to enjoy freshly grilled sardines, with most restaurants serving a wide selection of grilled dishes featuring fish and seafood, as well as options for meat lovers.