The 10 Best Things To Do In Porto
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.