24 Best Things to Do in Porto
- Shal & James
- Sep 11
- 12 min read
Updated: Dec 6
Discover the best things to do in Porto, Portugal—from glittering, golden churches and sweeping viewpoints to dazzling tiles—in a city that’s far more than just port wine and custard tarts.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
This post has affiliate links, which means we may earn a teeny commission if you book through them – at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we’ve road-tested, adored, or nearly booked ourselves (and yep, we’re brutally honest about the duds too). Your support helps keeps our adventures going – thank you. 💙
24 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PORTO
We’ve included opening hours, prices with currency conversions based on current exchange rates, and what we paid for the best things to do in Porto—but things can change (things to do, hotels, the lot), so it’s always worth double checking to dodge any last-minute surprises.
Activities follow the most efficient walking route, with items 21 to 24 included as flexible add-ons.
CHAPEL OF SOULS
RUA DE SANTA CATARINA
MERCADO DO BOLHÃO
CHURCH OF SAINT ILDEFONSO
SAO BENTO STATION
PORTO CATHEDRAL
CHURCH OF SANTA CLARA
RUA DAS FLORES
PALACIO DA BOLSA
CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS
MIRADOURA DA VITORIA
DOM LUIS I BRIDGE
GAIA WATERFRONT
TAYLOR'S PORT CELLARS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
JARDIM DO MORRO
MIRADOURO DA SERRA DO PILAR
CLERIGOS TOWER & CHURCH
LIVRARIA LELLO
JARDIM DAS OLIVEIRAS
TRY A PASTEL DE NATA
FADO SHOW
1 | CHAPEL OF SOULS
Mon-Fri 7:30AM - 5:30PM, Sat-Sun 7:30AM-12:30PM + 4:30-5:30PM
Free
The Chapel of Souls—also known as Capela das Almas or the Chapel of Santa Catarina—is one of Porto’s most photographed churches, and for good reason. Its exterior is a showstopper, clad in nearly 16,000 blue-and-white azulejos that were added in the 1920s, depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. You’ll find it on the busy Rua de Santa Catarina, and while the inside is simple compared to its jaw-dropping facade, the sheer scale and detail of those tiles make it an unmissable stop.
2 | RUA DE SANTA CATARINA
Walk the elegant street, Rua de Santa Catarina and stop wherever catches your eye, which is likely to be Majestic Café with its Art Nouveau glamour and gigantic queue. After it opened in 1922 it quickly attracted the city’s intellectuals, artists, and high society. With its ornate mirrors, plastered ceilings, and leafy conservatory, it has long been celebrated as one of Porto’s most iconic cafés and a living snapshot of La Belle Époque charm.
That said, it’s a serious tourist magnet, and we found the menu ridiculously overpriced compared to the amazing food you can find elsewhere in Porto. Our top tip? Stick to a solid de nata (though don’t expect bakery-level perfection) and a glass of port, and time your visit for 5–7 PM when a live piano player fills the room.
3 | MERCADO DO BOLHÃO
Mon-Fri 8AM - 8PM; Sat 8AM - 6PM; Sun closed
Free
Bolhão Market is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks—a sprawling fresh produce market that’s been at the heart of city life for over a century. Occupying an entire downtown block, it’s as much a cultural monument as it is a foodie haven, recently restored to blend history with modern flair. Inside you’ll find 79 produce stalls, plus restaurants and shops, making it a true hub for locals and visitors alike. Sadly, when we turned up on our last day in Porto ready to explore, it was closed for a public holiday—gutted doesn’t even begin to cover it!
4 | CHURCH OF SAINT ILDEFONSO
Mon 3-5:15PM
Tue & Thu 9AM-12:15PM + 3-6:30PM
Wed & Fri 9AM-12:15PM + 3-5:15PM
Sat 9AM-12:30PM + 3-6PM
Sun 9-11AM
€1 pp; converted: £0.90 / US$1.20)
The Church of Saint Ildefonso is one of those Porto landmarks that makes you stop in your tracks. This graceful Baroque beauty, built in the early 18th century, dominates Praça da Batalha with its twin towers and dazzling facade clad in blue-and-white azulejos depicting scenes from the life of St Ildefonso and allegories of the Eucharist. We tried to peek inside, but its erratic opening times had other plans. Still, the exterior alone is worth the visit—it’s one of the city’s most striking tiled facades.
5 | SAO BENTO STATION
Mon-Fri 8AM - 6PM, Sat 9AM - 4:30PM, Sun closed
Free
Even if you’re not catching a train, São Bento Station is worth a stop. Its grand hall is covered in more than 20,000 azulejos (blue-and-white tiles), hand-painted in the early 1900s by Jorge Calaco, that tell the story of Portugal’s history—from epic battles to rural life scenes. It’s basically a free open-air museum disguised as a train station.
6 | PORTO CATHEDRAL
Daily 9AM - 6:30PM; 5:30PM close during winter months; closed xmas & Easter
£2.60 pp; converted: €3 / US$3.50 via Tiquets
Perched on the highest point of the city, Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is one of the city’s most important and impressive landmarks. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s a fascinating mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles that tells the story of Porto’s evolving history in stone. Step inside for soaring arches and gilded chapels, then wander the cloisters, where every wall is lined with stunning azulejos (blue-and-white tiles). Beyond its beauty, the cathedral also offers panoramic views over the city and the Douro—making it both a spiritual and scenic highlight you can’t miss.
7 | CHURCH OF SANTA CLARA
Daily 9AM - 12:30PM + 2-5:30PM; Tue & Sat closes 30 mins early at 5PM; last entry 30 mins before close
€4 pp; converted: £3.50 / US$5
Igreja de Santa Clara may look modest from the outside, but step inside and prepare to be gobsmacked. Its lavish Baroque interior is one of Portugal’s largest displays of gilded woodwork—a jaw-dropping contrast to its humble exterior. Built from 1416 for the nuns of the Order of Poor Clares, the church was completed in 1457. The convent closed in the 19th century, and the last nun left in 1901, but today Santa Clara stands as a stunning cultural gem and a photographer’s dream—unlike the Church of Saint Francis, you can snap away inside.
8 | RUA DAS FLORES
Rua das Flores is one of the prettiest little streets in Porto, with colourful buildings, small boutiques, and cafés that are ideal for a slow wander. There’s usually a bit of music in the air and plenty of people-watching, making it a simple, lovely spot to settle into the city.
9 | PALACIO DA BOLSA
Daily 9:30AM - 1PM + 2-5:30PM
€14 pp; converted: £12 / US$16.50
The Palácio da Bolsa is a must-see in Porto—but note, you can only explore it on a 30-minute guided tour in Portuguese, Spanish, English or French, and tickets can be bought online or the on-site ticket office.
Built in 1842 on the ruins of a former convent, this neoclassical gem once served as the city’s stock exchange and now houses the Porto Commercial Association. The showstopper is the Arab Room, inspired by the Moorish Revival style and paying homage to the Islamic art and architecture of the Iberian Peninsula—especially the Alhambra in Granada. Its intricate geometric patterns, Arabic inscriptions, and gilded plasterwork reflect the Moors’ cultural influence and the 19th-century fascination with exotic, historic styles—utterly mesmerising.
10 | CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS
Daily 9AM - 8PM
€9 pp; converted: £8 / US$11
13th century Igreja de São Francisco may lure you in with its Gothic exterior, but it’s the jaw-dropping Baroque interior that will stop you in your tracks. Think walls dripping in nearly 300 kilos of gold leaf—so much bling it’s nicknamed The Golden Church. Don’t miss the catacombs either, where you’ll find bones on display beneath a glass floor (macabre yet mesmerising). The only catch? Photography is strictly off-limits—so you’ll just have to etch the gold overload into your memory. And between us, this was Shal’s absolute favourite historic sight in Porto.
11 | VINTAGE TRAMS
VINTAGE TRAM LINE 1
Daily 9AM to 8PM
€7 one-way / €10 return (converted:£6 / £9 / US$8 / US$11) [cash]
MUSEU DO CARRO ELÉCTRICO
Tue - Sun 10AM - 1PM + 2 - 6PM
€9 pp (converted: £8 / US$11)
If you want a nostalgia hit with a river breeze, hop aboard Porto’s Vintage Tram Line 1. This wooden 1920s beauty rattles along the Douro from the historic Ribeira waterfront to Foz do Douro, giving you postcard views the whole way. Windows down, gulls overhead, and the unmistakable clatter of old tram wheels.Hop on at the Infante tram stop (the starting point for Line 1) is just a short, flat walk away from the Palácio da Bolsa and Church. of Saint Francis. Buy tickets on-board in cash.
You don't have to take the tram as far as Foz, you can hop off at the Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico) just up the road, a cavernous former power station packed with beautifully preserved trams and quirky bits of Porto’s transport history. The museum also sells a 2-Day Tram Ticket, which gives you unlimited rides on all three historic lines. Handy if you’re planning a full vintage-tram moment. Your museum ticket often includes a free single ride or a discount on other tram tickets, so it’s worth checking what’s on offer when you arrive.
12 | MIRADOURA DA VITORIA
Daily 9AM - 9PM
Free
Miradouro da Vitória isn’t the most polished viewpoint in Porto, but it dishes up a cracking skyline for absolutely nothing. It feels a bit like you’ve wandered into a secret spot, just you and the rooftops stretching out below. That said, it’s on the scruffy side with overgrown grass and the odd bit of rubbish.
One of those hidden hazards turned out to be a spider that gave James a spectacularly swollen bite on his ankle for most of the trip. We did have antihistamines on hand for moments like this, but he was determined not to let anything interfere with his port tasting agenda.
13 | DOM LUIS I BRIDGE
24/7
Free
The Dom Luís I Bridge is pure Porto magic. Completed in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig, a partner of Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel!), it was once the longest iron arch bridge in the world. Two levels make it perfect for exploring: the upper deck for the metro and pedestrians, and the lower deck for cars, buses, and more strolling. By day, the views of Porto and Gaia are breathtaking; by night, the bridge lights up, transforming into a glittering spectacle that shows off its intricate ironwork and the riverside buzz in all its glory.
14 | GAIA WATERFRONT
24/7
Free
After crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, you’ll land in Gaia, home to all of Porto’s famous port wine cellars. The riverfront is a lovely spot for a stroll or a drink while people-watching, but don’t miss the quirky Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau. This cavernous eatery serves codfish croquettes stuffed with creamy Serra cheese, but even if cheesy fish isn’t your thing, the whimsical décor and a grand 19th-century pipe organ that occasionally serenades diners, makes it a delightfully surreal stop.
You may also want to check out Mercado Beira-Rio which has been feeding locals (and tourists) for over a century. From its open-air beginnings in 1868 to the iconic 1904 building and bustling fish market, it’s evolved with the times, adding fruit and veg stalls by 1937 and a modern makeover in 2017 with trendy food stalls, wine bars, and craft beer.
15 | TAYLOR'S PORT CELLARS IN VILA NOVA DE GAIA
10AM - 5PM; book timed tickets in advance
From €25 pp; converted: £22 / US$30
While there are a number of cellars to choose from, Taylor’s Port Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia is a solid choice for wine lovers and history buffs alike. Founded in 1692, Taylor’s is one of the oldest and most respected Port houses, and the only one of the original British-founded Port cellars to remain independent, still run by the same families since the 1830s. British merchants dominated the Port trade in the 18th century, which is why so many cellars in Gaia are British-owned, but Taylor’s stands out. Nestled across the Douro from Porto, the cool, humid climate of Gaia is perfect for ageing Port in huge wooden casks, all sourced from the Douro Valley vineyards upstream.
We loved the self-guided tour and wandering their 300-year-old cellars on the self-guided tour, surrounded by hundreds of barrels—including one gigantic vat—and discovered we actually prefer tawny over ruby. The grand finale? A tasting in their rose garden, with chickens and peacocks wandering around, and of course, a pastel de nata—Taylor’s twist is a chocolate-lined custard heaven. Delicious!
16 | JARDIM DO MORRO
24/7
Free
Jardim do Morro is where Porto comes to play at golden hour. Perched just across the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia, it’s a breezy hilltop garden with sweeping views over the Douro and the terracotta rooftops. By late afternoon it turns into a little sunset party, with locals sprawled on the grass, street musicians setting the mood, and the whole city glowing in front of you. It’s relaxed, effortlessly pretty, and the perfect spot to catch your breath between tastings of, well… more port. We didn’t actually make it up there in the end because we were far too busy soaking up the views at the Miradouro da Serra do Pilar.
17 | MIRADOURO DA SERRA DO PILAR
24/7
Free
While you’re in Gaia, don’t miss a climb up to Serra do Pilar. The view from the top is spectacular—spanning the Douro, the colourful rooftops of Porto, and the charming streets of Vila Nova de Gaia.
18 | CLERIGOS TOWER & CHURCH
Tower + museum 9AM - 7PM €10 pp; converted: £9 / US$12
Tower 7-11PM €5 pp; converted: £4 / US$16
The Clérigos Tower and Church an iconic Baroque duo, was completed in the mid-18th century and has been turning heads for centuries. The 75-meter tower was Portugal’s tallest building for ages, and a climb up its 240 steps rewards you with sweeping city views. Down below, the church wows with an elliptical floor plan, gilded woodwork, and a gorgeously ornate façade—a perfect snapshot of Porto’s religious heritage and architectural flair.
19 | LIVRARIA LELLO
Daily 9AM - 7:30PM
€10, 16 or 50 pp; converted: £9, 14, 44 / US$12, 19, 59
J.K. Rowling once lived in Porto, and rumour has it Livraria Lello's fairytale staircase helped inspire Hogwarts (reality check: she's never stepped foot in the shop!). One look and you get it, it’s pure wizardry. Did we actually pay VIP prices to enter… a bookshop? Yes. Do we regret it? Not a spell.
We went Gold at Livraria Lello, and it was totally worth it. For €16 per person, you get priority entry and a gorgeous book from Lello’s Collection—think classic red hardcover with gold-edged pages. Silver (€10) gives entry plus €10 store credit, while the indulgent Platinum (€50) ups the ante with priority entry, a guided Gemma Room tour where you can gawk at all the beautiful rare editions, and €50 store credit.
20 | JARDIM DAS OLIVEIRAS
24/7
Free
Tucked right next to the iconic Clérigos Tower, Jardim das Oliveiras is a peaceful, yet surprising little rooftop oasis. Established in 2001, it’s home to around 50 ancient olive trees—the oldest over 650 years old!
21 | TRY A PASTEL DE NATA
No trip to Porto is complete without trying a pastel de nata—the flaky, custardy little tarts that are basically Portugal in dessert form. We couldn’t resist sampling a few, and each bite was a sweet little revelation. Curious about the history of this iconic treat and where to eat them? Check out our dedicated post to natas: Pastel de Nata Porto: Our Top 4 Spots for the Perfect Custard Tart.
22 | FADO SHOW
6-7PM or 7:30-8:30PM
€21 pp; converted: £18 / US$25
Fado is Portugal’s soul set to music—haunting, heart-tugging, and best experienced live with a glass of wine in hand. We loved the show at Fado Maior do Porto, a cosy spot where dim lighting and hushed anticipation make the music even more spine-tingling. If Fado Maior do Porto is sold out, click here for other highly rated fado shows.
There’s no assigned seating at most fado shows, so get there early to snag a table near the stage—you’ll thank yourself when those first haunting notes hit and you’re front and centre for the full effect.
23 | TILE TREAUSRE HUNT
If Porto had an official colour, it’d be blue — tiled, glazed, patterned, and proudly wrapped around entire buildings. The city is basically an open-air gallery, and its azulejos (ah-zoo-LAY-zhos) are the stars of the show. These painted tiles have been telling stories for centuries, from heroic sailors to very enthusiastic cherubs, and Porto wears them beautifully.
If you’re ready for a little tile-spotting adventure, we’ve rounded up where to see the best Porto tiles. If you’d prefer a guided walk or fancy painting your own azulejo, there's options for that too.
24 | DAY TRIPS FROM PORTO
Porto makes day tripping almost too easy, with options ranging from vineyard-draped valleys to medieval hilltop towns and colourful coastal escapes. Think Braga’s grand churches, Aveiro’s candy-striped canals, Coimbra’s scholarly charm and the breezy shores around Foz. For our getaway, we zeroed in on two favourites: UNESCO-listed Douro Valley for wine-soaked scenery and UNESCO-listed Guimarães, the “birthplace of Portugal.” If either is on your list, check out our full DIY day trip guides — they break down how to get there, what to do and offbeat finds that make each trip special.
Pin this for later!
FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST
