Explore Porto, Portugal: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, the capital of the Porto District, and one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. In Portuguese, the name of the city includes a definite article: o Porto ("the port" or "the harbor"), which is where its English name "Oporto" comes from.
Probably best known as the birth place of Port wine, Porto has so much more to offer than just port win (luckily, since I am not a fan… blasphemy, I know).
I visited Porto the first time in 2021, where I was lucky to have friends come visit and explore the city with for about 10 days. Returning in January 2024, I visited Porto on my own, returning to some favorite spots and exploring some new ones.
Here You Will Find
Porto Highlights & Things to Do
Vila Nova de Gaia
Wine Cellars
How to Get to Porto
From Lisbon:
🚆Train - This is the most common mode of transportation from Lisbon to Porto and takes approximately 3½ hours. The Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the official train service and tickets can be purchased via the CP website or app. Tickets range in price depending on how far in advance they are purchased, date, and time.
The origin station in Lisbon is Lisboa - Oriente and Porto has 2 options: Campanha and Sao Bento.
Sao Bento is the more central station, however; requires a transfer at Campanha. Depending on your accommodations or if you want to avoid the transfer, you can choose Campanha as your final stop and walk or take an Uber or Bolt to your accommodations.
Train schedules and tickets are generally posted 90 days in advance and can be purchased here
🚗 Drive - The drive from Lisbon to Porto is quite scenic and there are several small towns to stop in along the way. Having a car in Lisbon and Porto can be very difficult with very limited parking and changeling streets to navigate. Be mindful of tolls along the route.
🚕 Hire a private transfer - There are many options for private drivers from Lisbon to Porto that range in price range depending on number or passengers, times, date, and company. Many private transfers can also cater a tour incorporating stops along the way.
Sights such as Viator and Get Your Guide have several options for private transfers and tours.
🚌Bus - The bus is often the most affordable option, with tickets as low as 8€, and takes approximately 3½ hours.
Bus tickets can be purchased through Rede Expresso, Omio, or FLixBus.
The bus is also a great option in the event or train issues.
✈️Fly - There are numerous flights daily from LIS to Porto. Flights are under 1 hour and vary in price depending on season. Many International flights to Porto transit through LIS.
For a complete guide to how to get from Lisbon to Porto, click here.
Porto Neighborhoods
Porto is a very walkable city and is well connected by public transportation, so you really can’t go wrong with whichever neighborhood you choose for your visit. These are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Porto:
Rebeira
The narrow, cobbled streets of Ribeira are dotted with small bars and eateries serving classic Portuguese fare like grilled sardines. Beside the Douro River, Praça da Ribeira square is lined with colorful 18th-century townhouses, while the neoclassical landmark, Palácio da Bolsa, is known for its ornate interiors. Hard Club hosts rock gigs and club nights in a restored market building.
Ribeira is one of the most popular area for tourists and has been described as “feeling like you are in a post card”. With it’s stunning views, easy access, and numerous bars and restaurants and is an ideal location for many visitors.
The “grand center of Porto”, Baixa is where many of Porto’s classic hotels will be found and is a great base for a visit to Porto with its central and accessible location.
Cedofeita
Cedofeita is one of the neighborhoods that shapes Porto’s downtown. The favorite neighborhood of many in the city (including us at Guiajando). It mixes traditional architecture with a younger atmosphere and new cafes and restaurants that have expanded the local offer.
Described as a “local, yet touristy neighborhood”, Cedofeita is one of the neighborhoods shaping Potos’s downtown and offers an eclectic vibe with fun bars, restaurants, shops and things to do.
Boavista
Upscale Boavista is a largely residential district, home to cultural venues like the striking, contemporary Casa da Música, with eclectic performances, and the Fundação Serralves, a cutting-edge art museum and villa in lush wooded gardens. The area also has high-end shops, trendy cafes and unpretentious eateries serving Porto’s classic francesinha, a meat sandwich with melted cheese and tomato sauce
Boavista has been described as the “New Downtown of Porto” and is becoming an increasingly popular area for tourists. This areas also boasts the best museums, relaxing gardens, taverns, restaurants, brunch and beautiful spas.
Miragaia
Picturesque Miragaia is known for cobbled streets lined with townhouses and small eateries serving classic Portuguese fare, plus views of the Douro River from its hillier parts. The Museu do Carro Eléctrico has 19th- and 20th-century trams, while jewelry, sculpture and paintings are on display at Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. Alfândega convention center hosts large-scale historical exhibits and conferences
This medieval maze of a neighborhood is a charming and authentic area of the city with classic Portuguese eateries, small local shops and many room rentals for travelers looking for a less touristy stay.
For top rated hotels to fit every budget, visit here
Public Transportion Porto
Public transportation in Porto can seem a bit overwhelming with many modes of transit, but once you get the hang of it, it is quite easy and efficient to navigate. Google Maps can be a big help.
This is some thorough and helpful information from a local friend and top Lisbon walking tour guide.
What is considered Public transportation in Porto?
Metro/Subway
Bus
Trams
Urban Trains in the Porto Metropolitan area
Funicular dos guindais
Operated by Metro do Porto https://en.metrodoporto.pt/ (Metro),
STCP https://www.stcp.pt/en/travel/ (bus and Trams)
CP https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en (trains)
What options are available?
Blue Andante card (single trips according to the zoning system)
Blue Andante card is a rechargeable option for occasional users when you can buy single trips and you can add multiple trips at the same time.
This card is valid for 1 year. In case you still have available trips after one year it’s still possible to use the card until trips are over. However you cannot check the balance at the machines, you can only check the number of trips available when validating.
The card will cost you 0,60€ and each trip price will vary according to the Zone that you’ll buy (Z2 to z9) and it’s also valid on 24h card option.
Can be bought in the machines at the Metro do Porto stations. Check the pictures to see the process.
Also in the pictures how to easily identify the zone you need in the metro station machines.
You can check the prices on the picture attached or here: https://andante.pt/en/purchase/blue-andante/
Tip: if you buy 10 trips, one will be offered.
After purchase, you have to tap the card on the validators available in the metro/train stations or inside the bus (front door).
Andante Tour card works in the options of 1 day and 3 days
The Andante Tour 1 is valid on the entire intermodal andante network for 24 consecutive hours after the 1st validation
This options costs 7€
The Andante Tour 3 is valid on the entire intermodal andante network for 72 consecutive hours after the 1st validation.
This option costs 15€
These cards cannot be topped up.
The Andante Tour Option can be bought at Andante shops, CP ticket offices with Andante sales and Payshop agents (identified with Tour card).
Note: It is not valid on Funicular dos Guindais, STCP Tramway and some Private Operators.
App ANDA (available only for Android): This App allows traveling in the public transports of Porto Metropolitan Area adherent to Andante system.
To use it you have to:
Install the App
Set an account
Choose a payment method (debit or credit card)
Once this is set it’s ready to use. Before using the transportation system, you just need to open the app, make sure NFC and Bluetooth options are on and put your phone close to the validator. Then you need to wait that the green light on the validator appears and that there is a message in the app saying that the journey has begun.
Visa card (contactless system) - pilot system that is not working in the full transportation system, only here:
Purple Line (E): Aeroporto, Senhora da Hora, Casa da Música and Trindade stations;
Lines A, B, C, D and F: Campanhã, Bolhão, Campo 24 de Agosto, São Bento and Aliados (city centre stations).
500 Bus Line (Praça da Liberdade – Matosinhos/Mercado
Note:(The card will only work in validators with contactless sigh)
It costs 2,15€ every time that you tap the card (equivalent to Z4 ticket). If you use it in 4 or more journeys in one day, a different fare will apply with a maximum limit of €7.00, equivalent to a daily ticket.
Porto Markets
Porto, and Gaia, have numerous markets to stroll through while taking in local sights, smells and tastes.
These are some of my favorites
Mercado do Bolhão
🗺️R. Formosa 322, 4000-248 Porto
🕰️Mon-Sat 8a-12a, Sun - closed
🥬 Vegetarian Friendly
From fresh seafood, endless cheese, mini charcuteries, sweet treats, and everything in between, Mercado do Bolhão really has something for everyone.
This is a great place to sample so many Portuguese delights, take in all the sights and smells and just wander through the endless stalls.
Mercado Beira-Rio
🗺️Av. de Ramos Pinto 148, 4400-261 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Daily 11a-10p
Located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Mercado Beira-Rio truly has something for everyone. From wine tastings to tapas, hearty meals, and endless sweat treats, you will find something to satisfy every craving here.
It can get a bit busy, and seating can be limited, so it is advised to go during off hours if visiting during peak season.
Porto Bars and Restaurants
Porto is packed with bars and restaurants. From fine dining to casual, riverfront to tucked away in the narrow streets of the city, there are endless options to please every palette.
These were some favorites from my trips to Porto.
The Hungry Biker
🗺️Three location in Porot:
Rua do Almada 57/59 4000, 4050-036 Porto
Rua das Taipas 68, 4050-527 Porto
R. das Flores 146 148, 4050-263 Porto
🕰️Daily 8:30a-4p
💶€€
🥬Vegan and Veggie Friendly
🌈LGBTQ+ Friendly
🐶Dog Friendly
I went for a late brunch and had a great meal, delicious sangria, friendly service, and excellent people watching - what more could you want?
All three locations of this family-owned restaurant are highly rated, and if they are all as good as the one I went too, you really can’t go wrong with location.
STORY | brunch & cocktails
🗺️Rua dos Mártires da Liberdade 30, 4050-358 Porto
🕰️Daily 9a-6p
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
I met a new friend here for brunch and we had such a lovely experience. The food with fresh and delicious and the service was warm and friendly.
Tucked in to a little side street, this spot is perfectly located for outdoor seating and excellent people watching.
Esquires Coffee Porto
🗺️R. de 31 de Janeiro 215, 4000-543 Porto
🕰️Daily 8:30a-6p
💶€€
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
I came here solo one morning when my friend went to tour a museum and loved it so much, I went back and brought her.
The service is so kind and friendly, the atmosphere is cozy and relaxed; welcoming to digital nomads, families, groups and the menu has something for everyone.
I easily could have spent all day here.
Bilha Nova
🗺️R. do Dr. Barbosa de Castro nº.64, 4050-090 Porto, Portugal
💶€€
🕰️Tues-Sat 12p-3p, 7p-10:30, Sun 12p-3p
🥬Vegetarian Friendly
🌈LGBTQ+ Friendly
We stumbled into Bilha Nova by accident and it was the perfect place to catch up after 5 weeks! We stopped in for a “bite” and “quick drink” and ended up having several tapas and a delicious pitcher of Sangria. We enjoyed it, and the lovely staff, so much we returned several times. The rose sangria and tapas are reason to come back over and over.
Rio da Vila Guest House Bar
🗺️80 Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira - 4050-415 PORTO
💶€€
🕰️
This was also a happy accident that we found (looking for a W/C). We spotted this chic, but charming spot from across the street and thought we would grab an espresso, use the W/C and be on our way; but the atmosphere, friendly staff, and gorgeous cocktails kept us here for hours.
(The guest house itself also looks like a great place to spend a few days).
Majestic Cafe
💶€€–€
🗺️Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal
Is this an overpriced tourist attraction? Absolutely.
Do you need to go? Absolutely.
Even if just for an espresso (or one of the many coffee drinks offered) or a pastry, Majestic Cafe is something to experience on any visit to Porto.
*highly recommend the French toast
Brasão Aliados
💶€€
🗺️Rua Ramalho Ortigão, 28 Baixa Porto 4000-035
Two words: vegetarian francesinha. Two more words: Blooming onion.
I was ready to give up 25 years of not eating red meat and pork to indulge in a francesinha sandwich after taking a bite of the bread, cheese, and sauce of a friend’s, until I discovered that Brasao has a vegetarian option. That alone was worth the visit for me, but everything else on the menu was just as exceptional, and the warm inviting atmosphere and incredible service just make this a must visit on any visit to Porto.
Reservations strongly suggested.
Cantinho dos Bragança
🗺️ Praça dos Poveiros, 4000-507 Porto, Portugal
Great lunch spot! I worked from here one afternoon and had a solid sampling of tapas, sangria (noticing a theme here…) and live music from different performers that passed by. Fun and friendly servers made this a perfect spot to spend an afternoon… in to happy hour.
Mito Restaurant
🗺️Rua de José Falcão, 183 Porto
💶€€–€€€
“Casual Gourmet of Pedro Braga in Porto” Mito means “myth” in Portuguese, and that name is very telling. The goal of the proprietors at this Porto restaurant is to create a dream that sweetly infiltrates into reality. For a really cool, but casual, dining experience; Mito is perfect. It has a very elevated vibe with incredible food, that is truly an experience, while maintaining a lowkey and comfortable vibe.
Reservations strongly suggested
Porto Churches and Cathedrals
Porto is packed with stunning churches and cathedrals, and most are open to visitors. Many have been transitioned to museums or historic sites and come with a small fee, but are well worth the visit.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
🗺️R. de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542 Porto, Portugal
🕰️Open daily 10:00a-10:40pm (except Mon)
💶Donation
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is an eighteenth-century church in Porto, Portugal. The church is located near Batalha Square. Completed in 1739, the church was built in a proto-Baroque style and features a retable by the Italian artist Nicolau Nasoni and a façade of 1932 azulejo tilework.
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is an eighteenth-century church featuring ornate decor and beautiful tile work. Even for those that are not religious, it is worth a visit for the beautiful architecture and history.
Capela das Almas
Chapel of Souls
The Chapel of Santa Catarina, also known as the Chapel of Souls, is a chapel located on the shopping street of Rua de Santa Catarina, in the former parish of Santo Ildefonso, in the city of Porto, in Portugal. It is particularly noted for the blue azulejo tiles on its exterior walls.
🗺️Rua de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-124 Porto, Portugal
This beautiful iconic chapel boasts 16,000 blue and white tiles depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi.
Igreja do Carmo
The Carmo Church or Church of the Venerable Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is located at the intersection between Praça de Carlos Alberto and Rua do Carmo, near the Church and Tower of Clérigos, in the Portuguese parish of Vitória, city of Porto.
Of Baroque/Rococo style, it was built in the second half of the eighteenth century, between 1756 and 1768, by the Third Order of Carmel, being the project of the architect José Figueiredo Seixas. Construction of the hospital began later, and it was completed in 1801.
🗺️R. do Carmo, 4050-164 Porto, Portugal
One of the most famed sites in Porto. Connected to its twin church by a house, this baroque church has a well-known tiled side façade. The church is open to visitors and is beautiful both inside and out.
Cloisters at Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the historical centre of the city of Porto, Portugal. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important local Romanesque monuments
🗺️Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
🕰️Hours: 9a-6:30p daily
The entrance to the cloister is located inside the Cathedral, through a door to the right of the temple. The cloister dates back to the fourteenth century and is decorated with tiles painted with some of the scenes from the Bible.
Porto Highlights & Things to Do
São Bento Station
Per Wikipedia; São Bento Railway Station is a 20th-century railway terminal in the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, in the municipality of Porto, district of Porto.
Per me; it is absolutely beautiful. Even though the interior was under construction when I visited, Sao Bento Station was still stunning with it’s blue tiles and endless details.
🗺️Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto
This will be your first view of Porto if you take the train from Lisbon into Sao Bento. If you don’t take the train in or out, be sure to visit the station for the stunning architecture and tile work.
The Livraria Lello & Irmão
Lello Bookstore
🗺️R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Built in 1906, the stunning Lello Bookstore is one of the world’s oldest bookstores, recently made even more famous for inspiring Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling. The store is open for visits, but the line gets quite long, so get there to que early.
Torres dos Clerigos
Clerigos Tower
The church was built for the Brotherhood of the Clérigos by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect and painter who left an extensive body of work in the north of Portugal during the 18th century.
🗺️R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
🕰️Hours: 9a-7p daily (Sunday service 9:30p10:30p)
💶5€
The Torres do Clerigos, is the 75-meter-tall bell tower of the Clérigos Church and can be seen from nearly all of Porto. The church and tower are open to the public with entry to the church being free and the opportunity to climb 200 steps to the sweeping views of Porto.
On my first visit to Porto, my friends were not up for the climb and on the one day I tried to go solo, the weather was prohibitive to a view. I finally made the climb when I returned to Porto in 2024 and the views were worth every step.
Porto City Hall
This striking building, harking back to the architecture of the great communal palaces of the north of Europe, is set at the top of the Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies).
Construction began on this robust, imposing building in 1920, according to the design of architect António Correia da Silva, it was only fully completed in 1955.
At the centre, there is a 70m clock tower whose bells ring out as a symbol of the importance given by city citizens to civic life.
The statue in front, by sculptor Barata Feio, is a 1954 study of poet Almeida Garrett (1799-1854).
🗺️Praça Gen. Humberto Delgado, 4000-407 Porto, Portugal
Teleférico de Gaia
🗺️Rua Rocha Leão, 236 Vila Nova de Gaia 4430-210
💶9€
For the most stunning of panorama views, take a ride on the Teleférico de Gaia. This short ride is worth it for unmatched views of Porto and Gaia with those iconic terracotta rooftops.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Vila Nova de Gaia
A hub of the port wine industry, Vila Nova de Gaia is peppered with cellars offering tours and tastings. It’s also known for sandy beaches like Praia da Madalena, and the scenic riverside road Cais de Gaia, with its cafe terraces and expansive views across the Douro. Small restaurants serve grilled fish and seafood in the old fishing village of Afurada, where picturesque tiled houses line narrow streets (-Google)
Take a walk over the Luís I Bridge (those views!) or take a quick bus, taxi, or metro ride from Porto to Gaia and enjoy the wine cellars, great food, and numerous attractions.
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
The Monastery of Serra do Pilar is a former monastery located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, on the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto. The monastery is situated on an outcrop overlooking the Dom Luís I Bridge and the historic centre of Porto (wikipedia)
The views alone are worth climbing the hill to the Monastery, but I highly recommend going in to the cloisters for the full experience.
This is also an incredible viewpoint to catch a sunset over the Douro River.
Port Wine Cellars (Gaia)
There are so many options in Porto, it is not fair to claim any as the “best”, as they all have their unique history, charm, and flavor. I made it to a couple of cellars and a few tastings, and can speak on those, but there is a huge variety to choose from on your visit.
It is not appropriate for me to review the actual port wine, since I don’t like any of it, I know, <gasp!>
Caves Cálem
🗺️Av. de Diogo Leite 344, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open daily 10a-7p
We opted for the tour and tasting at Calem, however; there are several pairing options including food pairings and a tasting with Fado music.
Tours are offered in numerous languages and the guides are engaging and informative.
Burmester
🗺️Av. de Diogo Leite 344, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open Daily 10a-7p
We lucked out and got a tour and tasting at Burmester included in our Hop on, Hop off bus tour. The cellar is beautiful, the guide was friendly and informative, and the tasting room was lovely. Very reasonably priced “souvenirs” as well. Would definitely recommend taking a tour of this cellar on your visit.
Sandeman
🗺️Largo Miguel Bombarda 3, 4400-222 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open daily 10a-12:30p, 2p-6p
With its iconic sign and history, Sandeman is one of the most famous cellars in Porto. This cellar offers a more “high end” experience as far as tour and tasting than many of the other surrounding cellars. It also has a beautiful store and great outdoor space with drinks and bites (big thumbs up for the sangria!)
Kopke Wine House
🗺️4430 999, Av. de Diogo Leite 312, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open daily: 10a-1p, 2p-7p
The Oldest Port Wine House
This three story tasting house offers beautiful views of the Douro river and Porto’s Ribeira on the opposite bank.
A really great tasting experience (that included red and white wine, in addition to port) with a chocolate pairing, in a lovely environment.
Pro tip: eat something before coming in for a tasting, the pour at Kopke is no joke!
Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau - Gaia
🗺️Av. de Diogo Leite, 122, Vila Nova de Gaia
🕰️Hours: 10a-9p Sun-Thurs, 10a-10p Sat-Fri
Much like Majestic Cafe, this is a tourist trap worth getting caught in.
There is an organ player to enhance the experience, and watching the live preparation of the pastels is a show in and of itself.
