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Heading to Porto? Well, our guide will have you falling in love with this charming coastal city!
We love exploring the quaint, colorful streets of Porto, so we’ve compiled a guide to ensure that you enjoy it just as much as we do. On our various trips to Porto, we’ve discovered that the city is teeming with treasures, from port wine lodges to monasteries, churches, and gardens.
But we’ve also enjoyed some amazing day trips that you definitely need to know about. Basically, this top 10 list will ensure you get the most out of Porto’s beauty, culture, and cuisine, so let’s dive in!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!

The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Porto is this Douro Valley Wine Tour! We visited world-class wineries, basked in incredible scenery, had an amazing lunch, and even got to cruise along the Douro River!
- Don't Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Porto, Portugal
- 1. Go wine tasting in the famous Douro Valley
- 2. Explore waterfalls and lagoons in Peneda-Gerês National Park
- 3. Pedal around Porto on an e-bike
- 4. Visit the historic cities of Braga and Guimaraes from Porto
- 5. Explore Porto’s wine lodges
- 6. See Porto’s iconic sights on a private walking tour
- 7. Taste your way around Porto on a food and wine tour
- 8. Cruise along the scenic canals of Aveiro and Costa Nova
- 9. Try some of Porto’s local craft beer
- 10. Learn how to cook Pastel de Nata
- Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Porto, Portugal
1. Go wine tasting in the famous Douro Valley


- Price: €89
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 7:30 am or 8:10 am
- Highlights: Wine tasting at premium wineries, visiting beautiful viewpoints, learning about the area’s heritage, enjoying a traditional Portuguese lunch, relaxing Rabelo boat ride,
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), round trip transport from Porto, boat ride, lunch, local guide, two wine and port tasting sessions
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 10,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you only have time to do one thing in Porto, make sure it’s this Douro Valley wine tour! Although it’s a day trip that actually took us out of Porto, it was hands down the best thing that we’ve done here.
The drive out to the Douro Valley was super scenic and our guide, José, shared lots of fascinating stories about Portugal’s winemaking heritage with us. We pulled over to snap photos at a few different viewpoints, before pulling up to a stunning winery.
Here, we tasted incredible Douro varietals and learned about the intricacies of the winemaking process. We also had an authentic Portuguese feast for lunch out on the terrace with perfect wine pairings and amazing views of the terraced vineyards.
After lunch, we got to relax on a river cruise on board a traditional Rabelo boat. We loved the boat, and the views were just gorgeous! Then, we wrapped up the day at a lovely old-school winery in the heart of the serene Fologsa Village.
This tour took us on a deep dive into the soul of the Douro Valley, and we would do it again in a heartbeat. It impressed us from start to finish and we aren’t the only ones, just check out the THOUSANDS of 5-star reviews here!
Be sure to book this incredible wine tour before it sells out!
2. Explore waterfalls and lagoons in Peneda-Gerês National Park


- Price: €100
- Duration: 9-10 hours
- Time: 8:30 am
- Highlights: Visiting waterfalls and lagoons, exploring an ancient village, enjoying an authentic lunch with wine in a local restaurant, eco-friendly tour
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, round trip transport, English-speaking local guide, small group size, lunch with wine
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Nature lovers, you cannot miss the chance to visit Peneda-Gerês National Park while you’re in Porto! We booked this tour of the park in order to explore its lagoons and waterfalls.
The drive through the mountains to get to Peneda-Gerês was beautiful, but the real magic began once we climbed out of the 4×4 to start exploring. We enjoyed a series of short, accessible walks with our guide, which led us to hidden gems including a pristine waterfall, viewpoint, and a crystal-clear lagoon. And yes, we got to go wild swimming, so bring your bathing suit!
We definitely got our fill of nature with this tour, but we loved learning about Portuguese culture, too. We visited a centuries-old village, which truly seemed frozen in time. We met and made connections with local people, and it was so interesting to learn about cultural traditions and the meaning behind them.
Lunch at a local restaurant was another highlight. Every single bite was full of flavor, and we enjoyed chatting with our guide about how tourism actually helps preserve Peneda-Gerês National Park.
So basically, if you’re looking for an adventure near Porto, then booking this tour is a must. The only thing to note is that this tour sells out all year round, so make sure to grab your spot ASAP.
Book here to guarantee your spot and you’ll get FREE cancellation!
3. Pedal around Porto on an e-bike


- Price: €44 – €104
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Monastery of Serra do Pilar, historic centre of Porto, Cordoaria’s Garden, the Clérgios Church, Lello Library, Sao Bento Railway Station, Porto Cathedral
- Inclusions: Local storyteller guide, e-bike rental, helmet, liability insurance
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 2,650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you’re short on time in Porto, then make sure to book this e-bike tour to ensure you get to see the very best of the city! We actually opted to upgrade to a private tour for a more personalized experience, and it was worth every cent.
Having a guide focus solely on us made our experience so much more personal and flexible, not to mention efficient.
Porto’s steep, cobblestoned streets can be a challenge to cover on foot, but the e-bikes made it a breeze. We glided up to iconic sports like the Clérgios Tower, and São Bento Station, and we were able to relax and fully enjoy the views instead of fighting for breath!
Our guide, Miguel, was also a wealth of knowledge, and shared fascinating stories about Porto’s history and culture with us. Having a private tour also meant that we were able to linger for longer at our favorite spots, such as the Hogwarts-esque Livraria Lello.
Thanks to this tour, we got to see so much of Porto in just three hours. It was such a fun and easy way to explore, and Miguel’s attentive guidance really did make all the difference. So if you’re keen to get to know Porto better, make sure to book this tour – and ideally, go for the private option!
Read all the 5-star reviews of this tour and book it here!
4. Visit the historic cities of Braga and Guimaraes from Porto


- Price: €53
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 7:50 am
- Highlights: Funicular ride to the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, the Cathedral of Braga, Guimaraes Castle, church of Sao Miguel do Castelo, historic centre of Guimaraes, free time for lunch in Braga
- Inclusions: Return transport from Porto, admission tickets, complimentary Porto city walking tour the next day, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 2,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
For history buffs, this full-day tour of the Minho region is a dream come true! From the moment we departed, our guide, Castro, provided captivating insights into Portugal’s rich history, and we got to see some fascinating heritage sites.
Our first stop of the day was in Braga, where we rode the Bom de Jesus Funicular up to the sanctuary, which was stunning. Then, we visited the Braga Cathedral, which is the oldest in Portugal, for a glimpse into the nation’s medieval roots.
We then had some free time in Braga, where we could go and grab lunch by ourselves. Walking through its historic center made us feel as though we were stepping back in time, and we were grateful to be able to wander around it at our own pace.
After lunch, it was on to Guimarães, where we visited the castle, as well as the small church of São Miguel do Castelo, which is where the first king of Portugal was baptized. Castro told us lots of stories that really brought these ancient sites to life.
Basically, if you’re into castles, churches, and scenery, this tour delivers it all!
Check availability for this historic tour and book easily online!
5. Explore Porto’s wine lodges


- Price: €52
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 3 pm
- Highlights: Visiting several of Porto’s unique wine lodges, tasting different types of port, learning about the history and production of port, interactive port museum, exploring a traditional wine cellar
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, admission to port houses, 7 port wine tastings, port museum skip-the-line tickets
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
You can’t visit Porto without learning about port wine! So why not book this half-day tour which includes skip-the-line entry and guided tastings at some of the area’s top port lodges?
We loved strolling through the quaint streets of Vila Nova de Gaia with our guide, Alex. He was super charismatic and gave us a fantastic introduction to the history of port production, before taking us to our first wine lodge of the day. Here, we tried different types of port and learned to distinguish different varieties, such as white, semi-sweet, and tawny. Honestly, I had no idea that there were so many different kinds!
We also got to visit an interactive port museum, where we checked out different barrels, learned about cork production, and saw the rooms where port is aged. Then, we got to try a young ruby port, which was one of my favorite samples of the day.
The grand finale of the tour was the third wine lodge, where we took a workshop on how to pair port perfectly with different foods. This involved plenty of tastings and, better still, it took place on a terrace with gorgeous views of the city. We were very happy!
There’s no Porto without port wine, so this tour is a must. We had a blast and would definitely do it again!
Book this port wine tour here and don’t pay a cent until just before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. See Porto’s iconic sights on a private walking tour


- Price: €25-€80
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am – 6 pm
- Highlights: Customizable itinerary, Clerigos Tower, Sao Bento train station, Dom Luis I Bridge, Lello bookstore, personalized recommendations
- Inclusions: Private guide, local drink or snack
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 930+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Exploring a new city with a local guide is a really effective way to peel back the different layers and see the city’s true character – and this private tour certainly did that for us.
From the moment we met our guide, Katerina, we knew we were in for a great experience, and we bonded with her straight away over our mutual love of travel and craft beer!
Our tour began at São Bento Station, which is way more beautiful than your average train station! From there, we made our way to the Clérigos Tower. Katerina gave us the option to climb it, and of course we had to because we couldn’t resist those views! But at the same time, there’s no pressure if you don’t fancy climbing up 240 stairs.
What we loved about this tour was that Katerina tailored the route to our interests. She took us to see the whimsical Rua das Flores, and strolled across the Dom Luis I Bridge to enjoy views of the Douro River. And of course, we wanted to see the Livraria Lello, which has to be one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops – it’s basically the Hogwarts library!
This tour was about more than just sightseeing, it was about experiencing the real Porto through the eyes of a local. It was like having a friend show us their favorite spots.
If you’re looking for an authentic, personal tour, don’t hesitate to book this one!
7. Taste your way around Porto on a food and wine tour


- Price: €74-€134
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am or 3 pm
- Highlights: Tasting regional specialties, visiting heritage bars and cars, tasting port, exploring a local market, strolling through some of Porto’s most scenic neighborhoods
- Inclusions: Lots of food tastings, port, English-speaking guide, small group size
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 1,770+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you love food, wine, and discovering new flavors, then book this Porto food tour before it sells out! We were lucky enough to snag a spot on this tour, and it was an absolute blast from start to finish.
Our guide, Fabio, did an incredible job of bringing the city’s culinary heritage to life, and he introduced us to some amazing new dishes.
We kicked things off with a rich coffee and a pastel de nata. These creamy custard tarts are one of Portugal’s most iconic dishes, and this tour ensured we got to try the best ones that Porto has to offer!
Then, we continued onto Bolhāo Market, which is a must-visit while you’re in the city. We enjoyed exploring with Fabio, and sampling local delicacies as we weaved through all of the different stalls.
My favorite stop of the day was for bifana at a century-old deli. These tender pork sandwiches were delicious, and we got to wash them down with cold beer! Then, we went to an old-school cafe to try codfish cakes and Beirão liqueur, before enjoying a port tasting at a cozy bar. Finally, the tour wrapped up a family-owned tavern for tapas, which was truly the cherry on top of a fantastic time.
To eat, drink, and be merry in Porto, book this tour ASAP!
8. Cruise along the scenic canals of Aveiro and Costa Nova


- Price: €41
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 7:40 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Cruising through the waterways of Aveiro on a traditional boat, admiring the Costa Nova buildings, trying a famous local dessert, learning about Aviero’s history from a knowledgeable guide
- Inclusions: Local guide, molicerio boat ride, return transport from Porto, complimentary Porto walking tour the next day
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Aveiro is a super picturesque little town just an hour down the road from Porto, so exploring is a must while you’re here! We booked this scenic tour to see the best of the city without having to organize anything for ourselves and let me tell you, it was an absolute delight.
Our first stop was the picturesque Costa Nova beach. We loved the colorful striped houses here, which looked as though they were made of candy! We grabbed a coffee, and then headed onto Aveiro, aka the “Venice of Portugal”.
We rode through the scenic canals on a Moliceiros, which is a bit like a brightly painted gondola. As we glided along, our guide, Pedro, shared engaging stories about Averio’s history, adding some depth to the already stunning scenery.
Of course, no visit to Aveiro would be complete without sampling some of the city’s famous ovos moles, which are sweet egg pastries. We also had some free time to wander around the historic city center at our own pace, which we appreciated.
This is a very relaxed day trip that showcases the best of Portugal’s culture and charm, so we highly recommend booking it if you’ve got the time. It’s one of those tours that suits everyone, whether you’re a couple, a family, or even flying solo.
Book this scenic day trip here!
9. Try some of Porto’s local craft beer


- Price: €69
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 4:15 pm
- Highlights: Visiting locally beloved beer hotspots, enjoying popular Portuguese bar snacks, friendly small-group tour
- Inclusions: English-speaking local guide, 4 food tastings, 7 different local craft beers
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
If you think that Porto is all about port wine, then think again! We love craft beer, and make a point of trying the local brews everywhere we go, so we couldn’t resist this craft beer tour. It was a real highlight of our time in Porto!
We kicked off our tour at a local beerhouse. Most tourists miss this place, which is such a shame because it’s an absolute gem, with an electric vibe and tons of unique beers on offer. Then, we had so much fun visiting Mercado do Bolhão. We had visited before, but we had missed the cool craft beer spots, where we got to drink and eat bar snacks alongside the locals.
After that, it was onto a cozy brewpub, where we enjoyed beer straight from the source! We loved the beers here, but the food was just as delicious. Then, we ended at another locally beloved beer shop, where we got to enjoy a tasting flight that really showcased the depth and creativity of Portuguese breweries.
On this tour, we got to try everything from stout to sour beers, and we also loved exploring Porto’s coolest neighborhoods on foot. It was such a great way to see the city, and the small group size made this tour feel really intimate and special.
This tour almost always sells out, so make sure to book this tour now!
10. Learn how to cook Pastel de Nata


- Price: €35
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 2 pm, 4:30 p,
- Highlights: Baking pastels de nata from scratch, eating the tarts with Porto wine or coffee, small group class
- Inclusions: All ingredients and equipment, English-speaking instructor, local wine or tea and coffee
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 175+ reviews)
- Free cancellation: Yes
Taking this pastel de nata workshop in Porto was hands-down one of the most fun experiences we’ve ever had in the city! Pastel de natas are probably the most iconic Portuguese food item, so learning how to make them is too good of an opportunity to pass up while you’re in Porto.
From the moment we arrived, our lovely hosts made us feel really welcome. We got hands-on to make the creamy custard filling. We learned how to get the flavors exactly right, and how the filling should compliment the crispy, flaky dough. Once in the oven, the tarts smelled incredible, and we couldn’t wait to sit down and tuck in!
And the fun didn’t end there, because we got a glass of port to wash down our tarts with. We got a dessert variety, and it paired perfectly with the custard, so we truly couldn’t have been happier. But for those who aren’t port fans, there was plenty of coffee instead.
We also loved learning about how the humble pastel de nata became so popular in Portugal, and hearing stories about the local culture. This workshop was a wholesome experience from start to finish, and we highly recommend it for anyone who’s a fan of Portugal’s iconic sweet custard tarts – which is everyone, right?
Easily book this popular baking workshop here!
Where to Stay in Porto, Portugal

Now that you’ve explored all the incredible things to do in Porto, it’s time to choose where to stay! This vibrant city has accommodations for every traveler, from luxury hotels with stunning views to charming boutique guesthouses and budget-friendly options.
Whether you’re here for the culture, cuisine, or historic charm, finding the right place to stay will enhance your experience. To help you decide, I’ve rounded up the best places to stay in Porto for every budget and travel style below!
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking to treat yourself, the GA Palace Hotel & Spa is the place to do it! Set in a stunning 19th-century villa in the heart of Porto, this 5-star hotel combines classic elegance with modern amenities. You can unwind in the spa, relax in the sauna, take a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool, have a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, or keep active in the fitness center. Plus, its prime location puts all of Porto’s best restaurants and attractions just steps away!
Prices vary depending on the season and room category you select but usually range from around €300 – €500 per night. Check all the options and book this luxury stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
If you’re after a stylish and comfy stay without breaking the bank, the Catalonia Porto is a fantastic choice! Set in a beautifully restored historic building, this 4-star hotel perfectly blends old-world charm with modern comforts. With spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, a relaxing spa, and an on-site bar, it has everything you need to unwind. Plus, its prime location in the heart of Porto puts you just steps away from the city’s best sights, shops, and restaurants!
Prices start as low as €85 per night for a standard double room and €200 for a room with your own private pool! You can check availability for your travel dates on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re traveling on a budget but don’t want to miss out on style and comfort, the Lost Inn Porto Hostel is a perfect pick. Located in the heart of Porto, this trendy hostel offers bright and modern dorm rooms as well as private options, all designed with a cozy, minimalist vibe. The communal spaces, including a shared kitchen and lounge, make it easy to meet fellow travelers, and the friendly staff is always ready with local tips. Plus, its central location puts you within walking distance of Porto’s top attractions!
Private rooms start at around €70 per night, while a dorm bed is around €20. Visit Booking.com to make your reservation.
For more options, see all of Porto’s hotels listed here!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!

I hope our guide has you ready to explore the best of Porto! This is such a beautiful place and I know checking off a couple of activities on this list will make your time here even better. It’s one of our all-time favorite places in Europe!
If your travels are taking you further, check out all our blogs on Europe or other areas of the world here. We have lots of travel inspiration, tour reviews, and tips to share based on our experiences.
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