In a nutshell
- Finding your way around Porto on your first visit can be hard. We’ve already been there and will show you the best things to do in Porto.
- This is not just any old list, but a selection of the 9 most important attractions in Porto that you really have to see.
- For every attraction, you’ll get our own personal tips. And as an extra, there’s also a list of additional recommendations: what to do in Porto when it rains, the best viewpoints, food markets, and great day trips from Porto.
- If you’re looking for a hotel for your trip to Porto, check out our Porto hotel recommendations.
Porto Attractions on a Map
Before we dive into the must-see attractions in Porto, let’s give you a quick orientation. This will help you get a sense of how the city is laid out.
The old town of Porto sits on the northern bank of the Douro River and is where you’ll find most of the city’s top sights.
On the other side of the river lies Vila Nova de Gaia, which is actually its own city. Some of the attractions in Porto extend here too, and we’ll cover them in this guide.
Both cities are linked by the Ponte Dom Luís I bridge.
The Best Things to Do in Porto
Porto has a lot to offer, but if you want to focus on the highlights, our list is relatively short.
These are our top attractions in Porto:
- The historic old town of Porto
- The Ribeira waterfront
- The Ponte Dom Luís I bridge
- The Porto skyline from Vila Nova de Gaia
- São Bento train station
- Livraria Lello e Irmão bookstore
- The view from Torre dos Clérigos
- A port wine cellar
- Trying a Francesinha, a local specialty
Why these nine? For us, these attractions in Porto give the best first impression of the city. They’re iconic, unique, and really capture the spirit of Porto.
We’ll go through each attraction in detail, so you know exactly what to do in Porto, and how to plan your visit.
Of course, there are plenty of other things to see in Porto. If you have extra time or want to explore beyond the highlights, we’ve added some additional attractions at the end.
Old Town of Porto
What do you need to know?
The Old Town is Porto’s historic center and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It stretches up a hill from the Douro River, and wandering its streets is one of the best things to do in Porto.
Why visit Porto’s Old Town?
The old town itself is an attraction in Porto. Walking its streets is an experience: colorful houses, scenic viewpoints, small shops, and cozy cafes.
Most of the city’s top attractions are here, but what really makes the old town special is the atmosphere—the streets and squares as a whole.
Our tips for Porto’s Old Town
Start your day here. Mark the sights you want to visit on a map and explore the streets in order.
Our personal top 3: Torre dos Clérigos viewpoint, Estação Sao Bento train station, and Lello e Irmão bookstore.
Wear comfortable shoes—there’s lots of walking up and down hills and stairs.
Ribeira: Lively Neighborhood on the Banks of the Douro
What is the Ribeira?
Ribeira is the neighborhood along the river in Porto’s old town. The waterfront Cais de Ribeira is the most famous part, but the streets above are worth exploring too.
Why visit the Ribeira?
It’s packed with restaurants and cafes, perfect for taking a break from all the walking. You’ll also get a stunning view of the Douro River and the impressive Ponte Dom Luís I.
Our tip for the Ribeira
Stop at the Wine Quay Bar right on the river. Tapas and wine are excellent and reasonably priced—our top pick for a relaxed riverside experience.
The Ponte Dom Luís I
What do you need to know?
This iconic bridge is 385 meters long, almost 60 meters high, and opened in 1886. It connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank.
Why visit the Ponte Dom Luís I?
It’s a must-see in Porto due to its size and striking design. Walking across the bridge is one of the best things to do in Porto.
You can take either of two paths: the lower path along the road next to cars, or the upper path next to the metro tracks.
Our tip for the Ponte Dom Luís I
If you have time, try both paths. Short on time? Take the upper path for the best views. If you’re nervous about heights, the bridge provides a natural adrenaline rush—especially on windy days.
Vila Nova de Gaia: View of the Porto Skyline
What do you need to know?
Once you cross the bridge, you’re in Vila Nova de Gaia. It may not feel like a different city, but with over 180,000 residents, it’s the third largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto.
Is Vila Nova de Gaia worth visiting?
Absolutely. The panoramic views of Porto’s old town are breathtaking and perfect for photos. The best viewpoint is along Avenida do Diogo Leite.
And don’t forget: Gaia is home to some of the most famous port wine cellars—an attraction in Porto you don’t want to miss. More on that soon.
Our tip for Vila Nova de Gaia
Take the Teleférico de Gaia cable car from the river up to the Ponte Luis I bridge. The ride takes about 5 minutes and costs 7 euros one way, or 10 euros round trip.
We recommend buying tickets online in advance to skip the line.
Get your ticket for the cable car
Estação São Bento: a Stunning Train Station
What do you need to know?
Estação São Bento is one of Porto’s main train stations, located on the eastern edge of the old town.
Is the São Bento train station worth visiting?
A train station as an attraction in Porto might sound unusual, but the concourse of São Bento is truly special. It’s covered with over 20,000 azulejos, the iconic Portuguese tiles, and topped with an ornate stucco ceiling.
It’s easily one of the most beautiful train stations in the world and a must-see for anyone exploring Porto. Beautiful churches are everywhere—but a train station like this is rare. Definitely one of the top things to see in Porto.
Livraria Lello e Irmão: a Beautiful Bookstore
What do you need to know?
In a city where a train station is a top attraction, a bookstore being on the list shouldn’t surprise you.
Livraria Lello e Irmão has been enchanting visitors since 1869 and is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The British Guardian even ranked it the third most beautiful bookstore globally. For reference, the top bookstore is in Maastricht—also a great city for a city trip in Europe.
Is the bookstore worth visiting?
One thing is certain: Livraria Lello e Irmão is not an insider tip. Expect long lines and crowds inside.
But it’s worth it. Stunning wooden shelves, a curved staircase in the center, and the overall atmosphere make it a must-see attraction in Porto. Book lovers should definitely add it to their list of things to do in Porto.
How to get tickets
Entrance costs 10 euros, which is deductible if you buy a book (not for souvenirs or stationery). Tickets must be purchased online in advance—you book a time slot, but still may wait. Groups are let in every 30 minutes.
Get your online ticket for the bookstore
Our tips for saving time
Arrive at 9:30 a.m. to get in with the first group. A few minutes earlier might even help you get straight in. Late afternoon is another quiet option.
The fastest way in is a gold ticket, which includes a book and lets you skip the line. Prices are around 17 euros depending on the book, which are special editions of literary classics.
Torre dos Clérigos: The Best View of Porto
What do you need to know?
At the northern edge of the old town stands Igreja dos Clérigos. Its 76-meter tower has almost 300 steps leading to one of the best viewpoints in Porto.
Is the climb worth it?
The climb is narrow at the top, but the view is unmatched. For fewer crowds, visit early in the morning. There are two viewing platforms, offering a full 360-degree panorama of Porto.
Our tip: Light show in the church
Every evening, the Igreja dos Clérigos hosts a light and laser show with music, lasting about 30 minutes. Tickets are available online in advance.
Book your ticket for the laser show
Guided Tour of a Port Wine Cellar
What is port wine?
Port wine is a sweet wine, usually red, made exclusively in the Douro region. It’s named after Porto and has an alcohol content of 19–22%, typically enjoyed after a meal. For more details, see this Wikipedia article on port wine.
Is visiting a port wine cellar worth it?
Yes! You could just have a glass in a restaurant, but a guided tour teaches you about production and storage. Most cellars are in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Some of the most famous cellars are Cálem, Sandeman, Cockburn’s, Graham’s, and Burmester.
Which port wine tours are best?
Tours typically last 30–60 minutes, starting with an introduction to production and storage, followed by tastings.
Recommended tours:
Burmester: Ideal for those short on time. Right next to Dom Luís I Bridge, you can combine it with a boat tour.
Cockburn’s: We recommend the Vintage and Premium tastings, which include rare wines, cheese, and chocolate pairings.
Francesinha: Try it!
What is Francesinha?
Francesinha is a Portuguese specialty mostly found around Porto. It’s a sandwich with various meats and sausages, topped with cheese and covered in a beer-and-port wine sauce. Sometimes it comes with a fried egg and is usually served with fries.
Do you really have to try it?
It might look adventurous, but it’s surprisingly tasty. For us, Francesinha is the perfect indulgence, even without a hangover. It’s definitely one of the must-try things to do in Porto.
Where to get the best Francesinha in Porto?
Most restaurants serve it well, but the most famous is O Alfonso (Google Maps location). They even offer a vegetarian option.
More Places To Visit in Porto
Of course, there’s more to see in Porto. Here are some additional attractions in Porto that are worth a visit, even if they’re not must-sees.
Historical Buildings in Porto
Capela das Almas: a stunning facade
The Chapel of Souls may be small, but it’s a real showstopper. Its facade, covered in shimmering blue tiles, is one of the most beautiful in Porto. Inside, the chapel is modest, but the exterior alone is worth a quick stop.
Sé Catedral: Porto’s main church
The Sé Catedral is one of Porto’s iconic landmarks. The cloister, adorned with blue and white azulejos, is especially beautiful, and from the forecourt you’ll enjoy an incredible view over the city.
Palácio da Bolsa: the majestic stock exchange
The old stock exchange is a masterpiece of architecture, filled with golden details. You can explore it on a half-hour guided tour, which you book online here.
What to Do in Porto on a Rainy Day: Museums and More
Café Majestic: Porto’s most elegant café
Since 1916, this famous café has charmed visitors—including J.K. Rowling, who is said to have written the first chapters of Harry Potter here. Coffee costs a bit more than elsewhere, but the magical atmosphere makes it a top thing to do in Porto on a rainy day.
Centro Português de Fotografia: Photography museum
Housed in a former prison at the top of the old town, this museum offers fascinating exhibitions. Entry is free, making it a great indoor attraction in Porto.
World of Wine Porto: wine like you’ve never seen it
WOW Porto combines multiple museums and restaurants, all about wine. The modern exhibitions make it perfect for a rainy day in Porto, but it’s worth visiting any time. We recommend the combo ticket for several museums to save on individual entries.
Serralves Foundation: Museum of Contemporary Art
Portugal’s top contemporary art museum, Serralves offers rotating exhibitions and a vast park. A must for art enthusiasts and one of the most interesting attractions in Porto.
Avenida dos Aliados: Porto’s shopping street
This famous boulevard is ideal for a shopping stroll when it’s raining. Grab an umbrella and explore Porto’s main shopping mile.
Viewpoints in Porto
Jardim dos Sentimentos
The Garden of Feelings is still a hidden gem. Peacocks roam the park and it’s rarely crowded. From here, you get a peaceful view over the Douro River.
City Hall of Porto
Not only is the architecture impressive, but the 70-meter central tower rewards visitors with a unique panoramic view after climbing 180 steps.
Jardim do Morro
A perfect spot for sunset, surrounded by greenery. Popular with locals, it offers breathtaking views over the Douro and the old town. The garden sits at the top of the Gaia cable car, which can be combined for an easy visit.
The Best Market Halls in Porto
Mercado de Bolhao
Porto’s largest market, filled with locals buying fresh fish, meat, and produce. You’ll also find stalls where you can grab a bite, making it a lively attraction in Porto.
Mercado Bom Sucesso
A modern food market ideal for foodies. Sample everything from small bites to seafood platters and decadent sweets.
Mercado Beira Rio
Another spacious indoor market with food stalls, located across the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Day Trips from Porto
Trip to Miramar beach
For a beach day near Porto, head to Praia de Miramar. This long sandy beach is one of Portugal’s most beautiful. From Porto Campanha station, take the Aveiro line for 20 minutes to Miramar station, then it’s a short walk to the shore.
Trip to the Douro Valley
If you have more time, a day trip to the Douro Valley is highly recommended. Small-group tours visit family-run wineries, include a boat ride on the Douro, and offer excellent local food.
Book a day trip to the Douro Valley
Guided Tours in Porto
If you prefer not to explore on your own, guided tours in Porto are a great way to see the city.
From the many options, here are the best tours we recommend:
City tour incl. Livraria Lello e Irmao: Classic walking tour to the main attractions in Porto. The bookstore entrance is included, so you skip the line.
Food tour: Taste your way through the city with 10 culinary highlights, including hidden gems away from the tourist crowd. A very fun and tasty experience!
Tuk Tuk Tour through the old town: A fun, different way to see Porto’s top sights while saving your legs.
Is the Porto Card Worth it?
If you’re researching things to do in Porto, you’ll probably come across the Porto Card. It lets you use public transport in Porto, which is especially handy for visitors taking the metro from the airport to the city.
The card also gives you free entry to some museums and discounted access to many other attractions in Porto.
Our take: The Porto Card doesn’t save you much money on the main highlights we covered earlier. But if your plan includes visiting a lot of museums and historical buildings, it can be worth it.
It’s also convenient if you’ll be using public transport a lot—you can just hop on without worrying about tickets. So for most travelers, the Porto Card is more about convenience than savings.
You can buy it online before your trip and pick it up easily once you’re in Porto.
Is Porto Worth it? Our Conclusion
Porto is definitely worth a visit. The city is full of charm and offers some truly unique attractions in Porto. For a short 2–3 day trip, Porto is perfect and can easily be combined with other destinations in Portugal.