14 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Are you looking for the top things to do in Porto, Portugal? Porto is one of the most visited places in Portugal, so you can’t miss it on your Portugal Itinerary.

Wondering what to do in Porto? Catch the sunrise at Kitties Rock, try the famous Pastel de Nata, explore the Ribeira neighborhood, visit the Porto Cathedral, and take a sightseeing tour.

This ultimate guide to visiting Porto includes how to get there, where to stay, and the best things to do in Porto.

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Where is Porto?

Porto is located along the Douro River in northern Portugal and can easily be combined with the Douro Valley, Braga, Aveiro, and Guimarães.

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal.

Best Time to Visit Porto

Porto is the perfect all year round destination, with beautiful and sunny weather. The best time to visit Porto is in late spring (May and June) or early autumn (September), when temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing.

When we visited in September, the weather was quite cool, so bring a light jacket and jeans.

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In high season, we strongly recommend booking accommodation and tours in advance!

Recommended post → Ultimate Portugal Itinerary

How to Get to Porto

You can easily get to Porto by plane, train, bus, car, or ferry. Porto is the perfect place to end your Portugal trip.

One of the cheapest ways to travel within Europe is by FlixBus or a low-cost airline. Porto has an International Airport, the Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport (airport code OPO). You can get cheaper flights to Lisbon, as there are many direct flights to Lisbon from Europe, the UK, the U.S., and other international countries.

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Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights to Portugal.

The journey between Lisbon and Porto takes 3.5-4 hours by bus.

Get bus tickets via 12Go or Bookaway.

How to Get Around Porto

Getting around Porto is easy, as public transport is well-connected, and most attractions are within walking distance. Porto Airport is just a 20-minute metro ride from the city center. Buy a Zone 4 metro ticket for just 2 EUR.

The best way to get around the country and see the most popular attractions is to rent a car and explore it at your own pace. Once you arrive at Porto Airport, you can easily rent a car at the airport or pick up your pre-booked car. Book your car in advance to get the best price!

Check car rental prices and availability.

We recommend exploring the city by public transport, joining a tuk-tuk or sightseeing bus tour, and walking the charming neighborhoods on foot.

Andante Card

Buy an Andante Azul Card for 0.60 EUR, recharge it, and use it to discover the city. The card is valid for 1 year and is accepted on buses, metros, and trains. You can buy and recharge your Andante Card at any metro station ticket machine.

Single tickets cost with zones

Z2 cost 1,25 EUR (Valid from the first use for 1 hour.)
Z3 cost 1,60 EUR (Valid from the first use for 1 hour.)
Z4 cost 2 EUR (Valid from the first use for 1 hour 15 minutes.)

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Buy 10 tickets and get one free.

Another option is to buy an Andante Tour card.

The Andante Tour 1 card costs 7 EUR (valid for 24 hours after the first validation).
The other is the Andante Tour 3 card, which costs 15 EUR (valid for 72 hours after the first validation).

Porto Card

Save money and buy a Porto Card (tourist card), which gives you discounted access to monuments and free entry to some museums. There are two different Porto Cards.

Card with free and unlimited public transport for 1 day (13 EUR), 2 days 20 EUR, 3 days 25 EUR, and 4 days 33 EUR.
Pedestrian Card without public transport 1 day (6 EUR), 2 days (10 EUR), 3 days (13 EUR), 4 days (15 EUR).

Get your Porto Card.

Is it Safe to Travel to Porto?

Yes, it is one of the safest cities in Europe. But small thefts and pickpockets may happen in tourist areas. So always take care of your valuables.

Don’t forget to buy travel insurance! Travel insurance is the best way to avoid extra expenses due to unexpected accidents, cancellations, delays, loss of personal items, and emergencies.

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Hungariandreamers readers get a 5% discount on Heymondo.

Where to Stay in Porto

The area around Ribeira is a great place to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the riverside views. But if you want to be close to the sights or have limited time, you should stay around Sao Bento station. The accommodation options are available for all budgets. These are our recommendations.

Best hotels in Porto

Luxury: The Yeatman
Mid-Range: Hotel Cristal Porto
Budget: Selina Porto

more hotels in Porto

Best things to do in Porto, Portugal

1. Enjoy the Magical Sunrise at Kitties Rock

Are you looking for the best viewpoint in the city? One of the most famous views in Porto is from Kitties Rock, the perfect place to watch the sunrise or sunset.

In fact, this viewpoint has no official name, usually called Kitties Rock. You can reach this beautiful viewpoint just a short walk from the Jardim do Morro subway station. As you will have to climb up the rock, you should wear clothes and shoes that allow you to climb safely.

Buy an eSIM and data package for Portugal.

2. Visit Porto Cathedral

One of the best things to do in Porto is to visit the Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral). It is the most important religious building in the city, located in the Batalha district, at the highest point of Porto.

The Cathedral is free to visit, and the entrance fee to the Cloister is just 3 EUR per person.

Porto Cathedral is open from April to October from 9 AM to 6:30 PM and from November to March from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.

Keep reading → Sintra Castles and Palaces

Take a few hours to explore the building, take beautiful photos of the arches and the iconic blue tiles, and then continue exploring sightseeing.

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The views from the area are fantastic, so it’s worth walking down the stairs from the Sé do Porto to enjoy one of the best viewpoints.

Join a sightseeing tour by tuk tuk.

3. See Livraria Lello Bookstore

The best thing to do in Porto is to visit the beautiful Livraria Lello bookstore. The bookshop is famous, you can take stunning photos and buy great souvenirs. There are usually long snaking queues at the entrance. So we recommend you purchase your ticket online and arrive in the early morning or late afternoon.

The Livraria Lello bookstore is open daily from 9 AM to 7:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 8 EUR.

Good to know
Previous rumors say that some scenes from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter stories were inspired by this place.

Keep reading → Best Lisbon Instagram Spots

4. Visit Igreja do Carmo

The iconic blue and white tiled side of the Igreja do Carmo is probably one of the most photographed places in the city.

Next to the Igreja dos Carmelitas is the Igreja do Carmo church, separated by a narrow house. It was built to prevent contact between nuns and monks.

As the Igreja do Carmo is located in a great area, you should spend a few hours walking around.

See also → Algarve Guide

5. Walk Over the Dom Luis I Bridge

One of the most popular attractions in Porto is the Dom Luis I Bridge. The double-deck metal arch bridge over the Duoro River provides a passage for cars (lower), pedestrians, and the metro (the top).

After walking across to the other side, don’t miss one of the iconic views and take a photo on the steep steps of the Escada dos Guindais.

Join a 3-hour guided walking tour.

6. Try Pastel de Nata

A must-do in Porto is to try the famous Portuguese dessert, the Pastel de Nata. It’s delicious and sweet, so it’s not to be missed.

The best places to eat Pastel de Nata in Porto are Nata Sweet Nata, Nata Lisboa, and Manteigaria. They usually cost 1.20 EUR each, but you can buy them cheaper in supermarkets.

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A Pastel de Nata will look perfect on your Instagram photos.

Join a Pastry-Making Workshop.

7. Visit the Chapel of Souls

One of the most photographed places in Porto is the azulejos-covered side of the Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas).

The Capela das Almas is a beautiful church decorated with blue tiles. You can take some fantastic photos and then visit the inside of the church.

Good to know
It’s not easy to take photos here, and we don’t recommend using a tripod as there are a lot of cars and people on the road.

8. Take a Funicular Railway

Are you looking for more things to do in Porto? Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the city from above and take a trip on the Porto funicular. A great way to get a comfortable ride between Ribeira and the Batalha district instead of a steep walk.

The opening hours are usually between 10 AM and 6 PM. During the high season, cable cars are open from 26 April to 24 September 2024, from 10 AM to 8 PM.

The Gaia cable car one-way ticket costs 7 EUR, and a round-trip ticket costs 10 EUR.

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The magnificent “Half Rabbit” street art is just a 10-minute walk from the funicular, so you should visit it.

9. Visit Largo da Pena Ventosa

Don’t miss one of the best photo spots in Porto. Just a 5-minute walk from Porto Cathedral, you’ll find the beautiful Largo da Pena Ventosa.

You can easily spend a few hours wandering around the area, exploring the narrow cobbled streets and enjoying the charming cafés.

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Download Google Maps on your phone and mark the places you want to visit in the city.

10. Discover Ribeira District

If you’re looking for the best area, you should go to Ribeira, which has a fantastic atmosphere, great cafes, and restaurants.

As it is located on the river banks of the Douro, it offers fantastic photo opportunities, so don’t miss out on the most vibrant district of Porto and take beautiful photos of the colorful houses of Ribeira Square.

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If you have time, join a 6 Bridges Douro River Cruise and enjoy this beautiful city from a different perspective.

11. Visit Clérigos Tower

One of the must-do things to do in Old Porto is to visit the Clérigos Church and tower.

The Clérigos Tower is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, and the entrance fee is 8 EUR. You can get a discounted ticket with your Porto Card.

If you have enough time, be sure to see it, walk up the more than 200 steps, and enjoy the view from 75 meters high.

12. Take Photos in Sao Bento Station

Are you looking for free things to do in Porto? Then visit the São Bento station, which is free to visit. The train station, with its beautiful blue tiles and murals, is one of the most photogenic places to visit.

Did you know that Sao Bento railway station is a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

As it is a popular attraction and many people use the train for transport, it is always crowded. See the beautiful tiles and learn more about the history of Porto.

Here are all your hotel options in Porto.

13. See Santo Ildefonso Church

One of the best things to do in Porto is to visit the church of Santo Ildefonso. The area is home to many local vendors and charming restaurants.

As it offers a beautiful photo backdrop, we don’t recommend missing it, and you can visit the church for free.

Read our → Lisbon Guide

14. Enjoy the Sunset at Passeio das Fontainhas

Finish your perfect day in Porto by watching the sunset at Passeio das Fontainhas. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city, as you can take fantastic photos here and enjoy the scenery.

There is a small gate on the way to the stairs, but it was open when we visited.

Passeio das Fontainhas is free to visit, so it’s not worth missing out.

Map of the Most Instagrammable Places in Porto

Where to Eat in Porto

In Porto, you can find many local restaurants, vegan options, national foods, or trendy restaurants with all budgets. There are a lot of good places to eat in the city, and these are our recommendations.

Best restaurants in Porto

Nata Lisboa (Perfect breakfast spot)
Taberna Dos Mercadores (A restaurant you won’t want to miss in the city!)
DaTerra Baixa (Fantastic vegan restaurant)
Zenith – Brunch & Cocktails Bar (Popular brunch spot)
Jimão Tapas e Vinhos (Portuguese restaurant)
Nata Sweet Nata (Delicious coffee and Pastel de Nata)
Muu Steakhouse (One of the best dining experiences, heavenly steak)
La Ricotta (Ideal place for lunch or dinner with delicious food)
Vinhas d’Alho (Seafood with the best river view)
Majestic Café (The most popular café)

Book this top-rated food & wine tour.

How many Days do you Need in Porto?

Depending on how many days you will be in Portugal, plan your trip to spend at least 2 days in Porto.

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Add an extra day to your Porto Itinerary if you plan a day trip to the Duoro Valley.

We hope our list of the best things to do in Porto will help you plan your next trip to Portugal. If you have any questions or thoughts, let us know in the comment below.

Travel Resources

Hotels – Booking.com
Car Rentals – Discover Cars
Flights – Skyscanner
eSIM – Airalo
Travel Insurance – Heymondo
Tours & Attractions – GetYourGuide
Bus/Transfer – Bookaway

14 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal