With cobbled lanes, clinking glasses of tawny port, and houses stacked like watercolor tiles along the Douro River, Porto will draw you in slowly, like a story told over a delicious glass of red wine.
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer wander, these ten adventures will help you capture the essence of Portugal’s second city, rooted in centuries of trade, resilience, and beauty.
Explore the Ribeira District
Ribeira is Porto’s soul. This riverside neighborhood, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates back to Roman times. It flourished in the Middle Ages as a hub of merchants and shipbuilders, and the colorful facades you see today were once warehouses that stored salted cod and barrels of wine.
Today, you can wander through the narrow alleys before lingering at Adega São Nicolau, a local favorite for grilled octopus and fresh sardines. If you want to stay close to the water, see if you can book a few nights at 1872 River House. It’s a 4-star boutique hotel with Douro-facing balconies that beautifully capture the morning light.
Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge
Completed in 1886 by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, this iron bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. Its double-decker design once carried cars and pedestrians and, today, the upper level is a footpath filled with panoramic views.
Plan to walk across it at the golden hour, when the whole city glows. Then, head down to the lower level and cross back into Porto for dinner at Cantinho do Avillez, where Portugal’s celebrity chef José Avillez puts a playful spin on traditional dishes.
Visit Livraria Lello
Often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello burst onto the scene in 1906 with great flourishes of art nouveau flair. Its carved wood, stained glass, and red staircase seem suspended by magic. Though its ties to Harry Potter are debated, the place does feel like the start of a story.
Entry requires a ticket, but the fee can be applied toward a book. When you’re done, you can sit down to read your book at Majestic Café on Rua Santa Catarina, where 1920s glamour lingers in all the mirrors and teacups.
Tour the Palácio da Bolsa
The neoclassical Palácio da Bolsa, built by Porto’s Commercial Association in the 1800s, is a love letter to the city’s merchant class. Its crown jewel, the gilded Arab Room, once hosted dignitaries and royalty alike.
Be sure to book a guided tour for the finer details, then stroll over to Casa Guedes for a pork sandwich with Serra cheese that tastes far richer than it looks. Nearby, you’ll find a peaceful retreat in the heart of town at Torel Palace Porto, a beautifully restored mansion that oozes elegance.
Sample Port Wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
Though Porto gave the wine its name, the aging cellars are across the river in Gaia. British merchants settled here in the 1700s, building stone lodges to house their barrels of ruby and tawny port.
So, you might enjoy a tour of a few cellars. Graham’s, for example, has some of the most majestic views and a guided tasting that ends in their cozy vintage bar. If you’d like to stay nearby, The Yeatman is the only place to go. This five-star wine hotel has some of the best views in the city, plus a Michelin-starred restaurant on site.
Climb the Clérigos Tower
Built between 1754 and 1763 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the Torre dos Clérigos is nearly 250 feet high, and remains one of the city’s defining landmarks. The view from the top is worth the climb, especially on a clear day.
You can pair your visit with a stop at Café Candelabro, a bookshop-meets-bar where you can sip a vinho verde among vintage typewriters as locals chat over their coffee. It’s a hidden gem that will give you a true taste of Porto.
Stroll the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Though the 19th-century Crystal Palace is gone, its gardens remain. Designed by German landscaper Émile David, these hillside terraces have fountains, peacocks, and views stretching all the way to the Atlantic.
The best way to do it is to bring a pastry from Padaria Ribeiro, one of Porto’s oldest bakeries, your new book from Livraria Lello, and settle in under a tree. If you’d like a quiet stay nearby, Rosa et al Townhouse has managed to blend vintage charm with thoughtful luxury on a calm street in Cedofeita.
Discover São Bento Railway Station
Opened in 1916, São Bento is more than a train station. Its grand hall is covered in over 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles, each depicting moments from Portugal’s layered history. We’re talking battles, conquests, coronations, and rural life.
Spend a few quiet minutes tracing the stories across the walls, then walk to Café Progresso, just up the hill, for specialty coffee in a space that has been brewing since 1899.
Admire the Church of São Francisco de Assis
From the outside, this 14th-century Gothic church seems modest. Inside, it stuns. Almost every surface is carved in baroque detail and gilded with gold leaf – a dazzling contradiction to the Franciscan vow of simplicity.
It’s one of the most unforgettable interiors in Portugal. Then, just a short walk away, Taberna dos Mercadores will offer you a warm and intimate setting for dishes like cod with chickpeas or a bottle of Douro red.
Ride the Historic Tram No. 1
Hop on Tram 1 at the Ribeira riverfront and let it rattle west toward Foz do Douro, where the river meets the sea. These vintage cars, with wooden interiors and brass details, have been trundling through Porto since the early 1900s.
At the end of the line, take a stroll along the promenade. Then, enjoy a sunset meal at Cafeína, a stylish restaurant in Foz that blends Portuguese and international flavors. It’s the perfect end to what’s sure to be a series of perfect days.
A City That Unfolds in Layers
Porto isn’t the kind of place you rush through or do in a day. It sets the stage for slow mornings and long walks, conversations over wine, and detours down unknown lanes. It’s built on layers of history, flavor, color, and pride. And, the more you let it unfold, the more it will dazzle and delight you.
Before you make your European escape, head on over to our library of destination guides. We can help you expand your trip. Perhaps a little tour through Spain, France, or Italy? Either way, we wish you safe travels as you add new memories to your travel journal and hope to see you out there someday.