In a nutshell
- Getting your bearings in Porto without having been there before is seriously tricky. We’ve been there and we’ll show you what’s truly worth your time — and what you can skip.
- No generic laundry list — just our pick of the 9 most important Porto attractions you absolutely have to see.
- For each highlight, you’ll get our very personal tips — plus a bonus section covering what to do in Porto when it rains, the best viewpoints, market halls, and great day trips.
- Looking for a place to stay for your Porto city trip? Check out our Porto hotel recommendations.
Orientation: Porto Attractions on a Map
Before we dive into what to do in Porto, let’s give you a quick overview of how the city is laid out. It’ll make navigating so much easier once you’re there.
The old town of Porto sits on the northern bank of the Douro River. This is where you’ll find most of the highlights.
On the other side of the river lies Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s technically not part of Porto but an independent city in its own right — and it has several great spots we’ll cover in this article too.
The two cities are connected by the impressive Ponte Dom Luís I bridge.
Which Porto Attractions Are Absolute Must-Sees?
Porto has no shortage of things to see. But if you ask us which ones truly matter, the list is actually pretty short.
These are the Porto attractions you absolutely have to see:
- The historic old town of Porto
- The riverside district of Ribeira
- The Ponte Dom Luís I bridge
- Porto’s skyline as seen from Vila Nova de Gaia
- São Bento train station
- The bookstore Livraria Lello e Irmão
- The view from the Torre dos Clérigos
- A port wine cellar
- Eating a Francesinha, a truly unique Porto specialty
Why these nine? For us, they simply capture the essence of what makes Porto special. They’re the experiences that stick with you long after you’ve gone home.
We’ll walk you through each one in detail and tell you everything you need to know.
Of course, there’s even more to discover. If you have extra time or specific interests, we’ve also put together a compact list of additional places worth visiting at the end.
Porto's Old Town: A Sight in Itself
What do you need to know?
The old town is Porto’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It climbs up a hillside from the banks of the Douro River.
Why is Porto’s old town worth seeing?
Porto’s old town is a massive attraction in and of itself.
You could easily spend hours just wandering through it. What will you see along the way? Colorful buildings, narrow alleyways, stunning views, small shops, cozy restaurants, and cafés.
And of course, many of Porto’s most important sights are located here. For us, though, it’s not any single church, building, or landmark that makes Porto so special — it’s the old town as a whole. That’s why the historic center tops our list of Porto’s must-sees.
Our tips for Porto’s old town
Make the old town your first stop. Before you go, mark the spots you want to visit on your map and use them as waypoints as you wind through the streets.
Our personal top 3 are the view from the Torre dos Clérigos, the main hall of Estação São Bento, and the Lello e Irmão bookstore.
Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. The old town is built on and around a hill — you’ll be tackling plenty of steep streets and staircases.
Ribeira: A Lively Neighborhood on the Banks of the Douro
What is the Ribeira?
The Ribeira is the neighborhood right on the banks of the Douro. It’s part of Porto’s old town. The most well-known spot is the riverside promenade Cais de Ribeira, but the streets further up the hill are also part of the Ribeira.
Why is the Ribeira worth seeing?
The Ribeira is packed with countless restaurants and cafés where you can recharge after all the ups and downs of the old town. And you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the Douro with the massive Ponte Dom Luís I bridge as a backdrop.
Our tip for the Ribeira
The Wine Quay Bar, right on the riverfront promenade, serves delicious tapas and excellent wine at truly fair prices. For us, it’s the best value for money right on the waterfront.
The Ponte Dom Luís I Bridge
What do you need to know?
385 meters long, up to 60 meters high, and opened in 1886 — those are the facts behind this truly impressive bridge. It connects Porto with the city of Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank of the river.
Why is the Ponte Dom Luís I worth seeing?
The Ponte Dom Luís I is absolutely fascinating for its sheer size alone — there’s no way you’ll miss it.
You can cross the bridge on foot and you even have a choice of two routes: the lower deck puts you alongside the cars, while the upper deck runs next to the metro tracks.
Our tip for the Ponte Dom Luís I
If you have plenty of time, try both routes. If you’re short on time, we recommend the upper route next to the metro. And if you’re afraid of heights — well, crossing the bridge will throw in a free adrenaline rush. It can get especially exciting in strong winds.
Vila Nova de Gaia: Views of Porto's Skyline
What do you need to know?
Once you’ve crossed the bridge, you’re no longer in Porto. Even though it doesn’t feel that way, the other side of the Douro is actually a different city: Vila Nova de Gaia. With over 180,000 residents, it’s even the third-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto.
Is Vila Nova de Gaia worth visiting?
Absolutely! A visit is worth it for the stunning panoramic view of Porto’s historic center alone. It’s simply the postcard view of Porto. The best spot to photograph the old town is along the Avenida do Diogo Leite.
But that’s not all — one of the region’s greatest highlights is waiting for you in Vila Nova de Gaia: port wine. Feeling thirsty already? Hang tight, more details are coming up shortly.
Our tip for Vila Nova de Gaia
For a great vista over the city, take the Teleférico de Gaia cable car. It runs from the banks of the Douro up to the Ponte Luís I bridge. The ride takes about five minutes and costs €7 one way or €10 round trip.
We recommend buying your tickets online in advance. That way you can hop right on without waiting in line.
Estação São Bento: A Dream of a Train Station
What do you need to know?
Estação São Bento is one of Porto’s two train stations and is located in the eastern part of the old town.
Is São Bento station worth seeing?
A train station as a tourist attraction might sound a little odd at first.
But the main hall of São Bento is truly one of a kind. It’s decorated with over 20,000 azulejos, the iconic Portuguese tiles. An impressive stucco ceiling crowns the whole thing beautifully.
It’s genuinely one of the most beautiful train stations in the world and one of our absolute top picks in Porto. Beautiful churches can be found everywhere, but truly stunning train stations are a rarity. Don’t skip this one.
Livraria Lello e Irmão: A Stunning Bookstore
What do you need to know?
In a city where a train station ranks among the top things to do in Porto, anything is possible. Like a bookstore making this list too.
The Livraria Lello e Irmão has been around since 1869 and is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The British Guardian named it the third most beautiful bookstore on the planet. The number one spot, by the way, goes to a store in Maastricht — also a lovely destination for a city break in Europe.
Is the bookstore in Porto really worth seeing?
One thing is clear: Livraria Lello e Irmão is anything but an under-the-radar spot. There’s often a long line out front, and inside it’s always packed.
Don’t expect to simply stroll in and leisurely browse the shelves.
That said, the bookstore with its towering wooden shelves and sweeping central staircase is truly a showpiece. If you love bookstores, this is a real highlight. It’s worth it!
If the pictures don’t make you swoon, a visit probably isn’t for you.
How to get tickets for Livraria Lello e Irmão
Admission costs €10. If you buy a book, the fee is applied toward your purchase — but this only applies to books, not souvenirs or stationery.
Tickets are only available online, not on-site. You book a time slot, but you’ll still have to wait in line. Every 30 minutes, a large group of people is let into the store.
Buy tickets for the bookstore online
Our tips for saving time
If you don’t want to wait in line forever, go right when it opens at 9:30 AM. If you arrive a few minutes early, there’s a good chance you’ll get in with the very first group. Alternatively, late afternoon is also a good time to get in with a shorter wait.
The fastest option of all is a Gold Ticket. With that, you can skip the line entirely at any time.
A Priority Ticket bundles your entry with a book. Depending on which book you choose, it costs around €17. The books are genuinely beautiful special editions of literary classics.
Torre dos Clérigos: The Best View Over Porto
What do you need to know?
At the northern end of the old town stands the Igreja dos Clérigos, one of the many churches in Porto’s historic district.
Here you can climb nearly 300 steps up the 76-meter-tall tower and be rewarded at the top with what is arguably the best panorama over Porto’s old town.
Is the climb up Torre dos Clérigos worth it?
Even though it gets a little tight at the top, the climb is absolutely worth it. You’d probably only get a better vantage point from a helicopter. To take photos without the crowds, head there right at opening time in the morning.
The tower has two observation platforms. You can walk all the way around each one, giving you a full 360-degree view of Porto.
Our tip: The light show at the Igreja dos Clérigos
Every evening, a pretty spectacular light and laser show with musical accompaniment takes place in the church that’s part of the tower complex. The show runs for about 30 minutes. You can buy tickets in advance online.
Buy tickets for the laser show
A Tour Through a Port Wine Cellar
What is port wine?
Port wine is a sweet, usually red wine produced exclusively in the Douro region around Porto — and it takes its name from the city.
Port wine has an alcohol content of 19 to 22%, significantly higher than regular wine. It’s typically enjoyed after a meal. If you want to dive deeper into the topic, we recommend the Wikipedia article on port wine. There you’ll find everything about the different styles and how it’s made.
Is a visit to a port wine cellar in Porto worth it?
When you’re in Porto, sooner or later it’ll be time for a glass of port. Sure, you can simply order one at a restaurant. But if you’d like to learn a bit more about it, a cellar tour is very much worth your while.
In Vila Nova de Gaia, port wine cellars line up one after another, and almost all of them offer tours. The best-known cellars include Cálem, Sandeman, Cockburn’s, Graham’s, and Burmester.
Which port wine tour in Porto is the best?
In general, the tours at all the cellars are quite similar. They typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. You’ll first learn about the production and aging of port wine, then get to sample various styles.
Here are the tours we recommend:
Burmester: Perfect if you’re short on time. The cellar is located right next to the Dom Luís I bridge and you can combine the tour with a boat trip.
Cockburn’s: Here we especially recommend the Vintage and Premium tours, where you can sample rare and expensive wines paired with cheese and chocolate.
Francesinha: You Have to Try It!
What is Francesinha?
Francesinha is a Portuguese specialty, but you’ll mainly find it in the Porto region. It’s a toasted sandwich filled with various types of sausage and meat.
The whole thing is topped with melted cheese and then smothered in a sauce made from beer and port wine. Sometimes a fried egg is placed on top, and it usually comes with fries on the side.
Do you really have to try it?
Admittedly, Francesinha doesn’t look particularly appealing, and the ingredients sound pretty adventurous. But it genuinely tastes better than it looks.
For us, Francesinha is the ultimate hangover breakfast — though it tastes great without a hangover too. It’s certainly not something you’d eat every day. But we think it’s simply part of the Porto experience. So be bold and give it a try!
Where can you find the best Francesinha in Porto?
Almost every restaurant has Francesinha on the menu, and honestly, everywhere we’ve tried it, we’ve enjoyed it.
The most well-known spot is O Alfonso (location on Google Maps). It’s seriously delicious there, and they also offer a vegetarian version.
For more tips on great Francesinha restaurants in Porto and a recipe to make it yourself, check out the article Francesinha – the legendary sandwich in Porto on the blog Tracks and the City.
Even More Sights in Porto
Of course, there’s even more to see in Porto. Here’s a quick rundown of additional Porto sights that are worth a visit — just not absolute must-sees in our book.
Historic Buildings in Porto
Capela das Almas: one of the most beautiful facades in the city
The Chapel of Souls is a clear case of small but mighty! It has one of the most beautiful facades in Porto. In the sunshine, the blue tiles practically glow from a distance. The interior, however, is rather modest.
Sé Catedral: the largest church in Porto
Porto’s cathedral par excellence. The cloister is especially worth seeing, decorated all around with blue-and-white azulejos. From the forecourt, you have a breathtaking view over the city.
Palácio da Bolsa: the magnificent stock exchange
The old stock exchange is highly impressive with its elaborate gold ornamentation. You can only visit it as part of a half-hour guided tour.
Porto Sights on a Rainy Day: Museums and More
Café Majestic: the most beautiful café in Porto
Porto’s most famous café has been around since 1916. Legend has it that J.K. Rowling wrote the first chapters of the Harry Potter series here. No wonder — the atmosphere inside feels like a little journey to another world. Coffee costs a bit more here than elsewhere, but the ambiance truly is something special.
Centro Português de Fotografia: photography museum
A large photography museum at the upper end of the old town. The location itself is particularly remarkable — the building was once a prison. Admission is even free.
World of Wine Porto: a truly unique wine museum
The World of Wine (WOW Porto for short) is a complex that brings several museums and restaurants together under one roof. Everything here revolves around wine. The museums are all very modern and engaging. It’s a great option for a rainy day in Porto, but well worth a visit in any weather. We recommend the combination ticket for multiple museums, which is cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Serralves Foundation: museum of contemporary art
A fantastic museum of contemporary art and the leading institution of its kind in all of Portugal. Rotating exhibitions, a sprawling park. An absolute must for art lovers.
Avenida dos Aliados: Porto’s main shopping strip
Porto’s grand boulevard par excellence. If it’s raining, grab an umbrella and head out for a shopping stroll along this elegant avenue.
Viewpoints in Porto
Jardim dos Sentimentos
The Jardim dos Sentimentos (Garden of Feelings) is still a genuine off-the-beaten-path find. A few peacocks roam through the relaxed park, and tourists are scarce. From up here you have a wonderful view over the Douro.
Porto City Hall
Beyond its impressive architecture, the city hall stands out for the 70-meter-tall tower at its center. You climb 180 steps on the way up and are rewarded for your effort with a one-of-a-kind view.
Jardim do Morro
A wonderful spot to watch the sunset surrounded by greenery. The Jardim do Morro is still a bit of a lesser-known gem and is especially popular with locals. From here you have a truly breathtaking view over the Douro and the entire historic district. You’ll find the garden right at the top of the cable car in Vila Nova de Gaia, making it easy to combine both in one visit.
The Most Beautiful Market Halls in Porto
Mercado de Bolhao
The Mercado de Bolhao is Porto’s largest market. In the sprawling market hall, locals mainly shop for fresh produce like fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables. But there are also stalls where you can grab something to eat on the spot.
Mercado Bom Sucesso
The modern Bom Sucesso market hall is a foodie’s paradise. You can indulge your way from one stall to the next. From appetizers to massive seafood platters to the most delicious sweets, you’ll find it all.
Mercado Beira Rio
Also a large market hall with food stalls. The Mercado Beira Rio is located on the other side of the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day Trips from Porto
Day trip to Miramar Beach
If you want to squeeze a beach day into your Porto trip, we recommend a day trip to Praia de Miramar. The long sandy beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. From Porto Campanha station, it takes just 20 minutes on the Aveiro line to reach Miramar station. From there it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the beach.
Day trip to the Douro Valley
If you have a bit more time, we highly recommend a day trip to the Douro Valley. There are excellent guided day tours that give you an up-close look at the wine region. In a small group, you’ll visit two family-run wineries, take a boat ride on the Douro, and enjoy outstanding food.
Book the Douro Valley day trip
Guided Tours in Porto
If you’d rather not explore Porto on your own, you can book one of the many guided tours in Porto.
From the huge range of options, we’ve picked out the best tours for you:
City tour including Livraria Lello e Irmão: A classic guided tour of Porto’s most important sights. The highlight: admission to the bookstore is already included, so you skip the line there.Really cool food tour: If you love eating your way through a city, this is the tour for you. You’ll discover ten culinary highlights and get to taste everything — including some spots well off the tourist trail. A fantastic experience!Tuk-tuk tour through the old town: A fun twist on the classic city tour. A tuk-tuk takes you to all the major sights while giving your legs a well-deserved break.
Lies auch:
Is the Porto Card Worth It?
If you’re researching Porto, sooner or later you’ll come across the Porto Card. With it, you can use Porto’s public transportation network. The metro in particular is super useful for visitors, since it also connects the airport to the city center.
In addition, the Porto Card gives you free admission to select museums and discounted entry to many other attractions.
Our take: The Porto Card won’t save you a ton of money. For the top highlights we’ve featured, the card won’t get you any savings at all. However, if you plan to visit lots of museums and historic buildings, the card is worth it.
The card also makes sense if you’ll be using public transportation frequently. Then you can just hop on without worrying about buying individual tickets. So the Porto Card is worth it mainly for the convenience.
You can buy the card online before your trip and simply pick it up on arrival.
Porto Attractions: Our Verdict
Porto is absolutely worth a trip. The city has a ton of charm and some truly special things to see and do. For a short trip of two to three days, Porto is a perfect destination.
Porto also pairs really well with other destinations. Check out our articles on the most beautiful sights in Portugal and a road trip through Portugal for even more inspiration.
