10 Best Things to do in Porto, Portugal

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! 

Things to do in Porto, Portugal 

1. Go wine tasting in the famous Douro Valley

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!

2. Explore waterfalls and lagoons in Peneda-Gerês National Park

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.

3. Pedal around Porto on an e-bike 

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! 

4. Visit the historic cities of Braga and Guimaraes from Porto

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!

5. Explore Porto’s wine lodges 

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! 

6. See Porto’s iconic sights on a private walking tour 

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.

Related Read: If you’re planning a trip to Porto, don’t miss our 3-day Porto itinerary. It’s a deep dive into Porto’s best sights, bites, and experiences—perfectly planned to maximize your time.

7. Taste your way around Porto on a food and wine tour

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.

8. Cruise along the scenic canals of Aveiro and Costa Nova

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.

9. Try some of Porto’s local craft beer

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.

10. Learn how to cook Pastel de Nata

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?

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!

Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Porto, have a look at our detailed Where to Stay guide here!

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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