With its historic bridges, religious monuments, azulejo-covered facades, narrow streets in the old town, and wine cellars, Porto is a city full of charm. We explored the city on foot for several days and were surprised by the variety of atmospheres, from the Ribeira neighborhood to the heights of the Torre dos Clérigos. The city is perfect for both a short getaway and an extended stay.
Check out our selection of the best attractions in Porto, illustrated with photos that will make you want to go there. Bonus: useful tips and additional activities.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Map of Porto’s Top Attractions
To help you find your way around, here is a map featuring our selection of the best attractions:
If you’re short on time: take a stroll through town, cross the upper deck of the bridge, and visit the cathedral!
1. Dom Luís I Bridge
Why visit?
The Dom Luis I Bridge connects Porto to Gaia and has two levels: the lower deck, at water level, and the upper deck, reserved for the metro and pedestrians. We especially recommend walking across the upper level, which offers an unobstructed view of both banks of the Douro. You’ll enjoy the view of the rooftops of Ribeira on one side and the wine cellars of Gaia on the other. We found the climb a little daunting for those who are afraid of heights, but the experience is still suitable for the whole family.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: Allow about 10 minutes to walk across the upper deck, and 30 to 60 minutes if you stop to take photos.
- Hours: Bridge open 24 hours a day
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Disabilities: The upper deck is flat and paved, accessible to wheelchairs and strollers despite some unevenness in the old paving.
- Prices: Free admission for pedestrians
- Access: The upper deck is accessible on foot from the Sé (via the stairs on Rua Augusto Rosa) or from the Jardim do Morro on the Gaia side, which is also served by Metro Line D; the lower deck is accessible on foot from Cais da Ribeira
2. Porto Cathedral
Why visit?
Porto Cathedral overlooks the city and is well worth a thorough visit: we recommend that you don’t stop at the nave, but continue on to the cloister and the chapter house. From the square next to the building, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the rooftops of the old town and the river below. We especially loved the coolness of the cloister with its azulejos in a striking shade of blue.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: Allow about 1 hour for the cathedral, the cloister, and the adjoining areas
- Hours: April through October from 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., November through March from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (closed for lunch depending on the season); closed for Christmas and Easter
- Admission: Free admission to the nave; admission to the cloister, museum, and Casa do Cabido is approximately €4; free for children 10 and under
- Latest news on the official website here
- Directions: Terreiro da Sé, just a short walk from the São Bento metro station (Line D)
- Book your guided tour with a skip-the-line ticket or a regular admission ticket now to save time
3. A walk along the river
Why visit?
We recommend taking a walk along both banks of the Douro, on both the Porto and Gaia sides. The promenade runs alongside the old warehouses, the moored rabelo boats, and the terraces facing the water. We especially enjoyed the stroll at sunset, a time when the waterfront really comes alive. You can alternate between the Ribeira side, which is more touristy, and the Gaia side, which is quieter and higher up, with a view of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
Practical advice
- Opening hours: accessible at all times
- Accessibility and Challenges: Flat, accessible platforms; stairs in some places to reach the higher parts of the city
- Rates: free access
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
- On the banks of the Douro:
Casa Zogbi Hotel – Check photos and availability
Eurostars Porto Douro Hotel – Check photos and availability
- Upper part of the old town:
NOLIA Boutique Hotel – Check photos and availability
Casa Falcão Boutique Hotel – Check photos and availability
- For luxury:
GA Palace Hotel – Check photos and availability
See our selection of the best hotels in Porto
4. Old Town and Azulejos
Why visit?
You can explore Porto’s Old Town by wandering through its narrow, often steep alleys, which open onto small squares or the river. We recommend that you look up from time to time: many facades are coveredwith azulejos—the traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles—featuring blue or colorful patterns, depending on the building. We enjoyed getting lost on purpose in this neighborhood, without a specific route, to spot the most ornate facades. It is one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal.
Practical advice
- Directions: The historic center is within walking distance; the nearest metro stations are São Bento or Aliados
- A guided tour is available if you’d like to learn more about the history of this craft. Book your ticket here now for the guided tour of the azulejos
5. Culinary Experiences
Why visit?
Porto is a great destination for culinary experiences: wine tastings, cooking classes, food tours, or a visit to a Port wine cellar in Gaia. We decided to do a Port wine tasting right at a winery, which gave us a better understanding of the production process. You can also choose a cooking class to learn how to prepare local dishes, or a guided culinary tour of the markets and restaurants in the city center. These experiences are usually booked in advance.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: between 1.5 and 3 hours, depending on the package you choose
- Access: usually starting from the historic center or the Gaia wine cellars
- View options for local culinary experiences and their availability
6. Boat Tour on the Douro River
Why visit?
The boat tour on the Douro River offers a chance to see the city from the river, from a different perspective than that of the riverbanks. We chose the “Six Bridges” cruise, which passes under each of the bridges connecting Porto to Gaia. You’ll see the Dom Luis I Bridge, as well as the other bridges—some newer, some more unassuming—that shape the urban landscape. We recommend this activity as a complement to a day of walking, so you can rest your legs while continuing your tour.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: The Six Bridges Cruise lasts about 50 minutes
- Schedule: Departures every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April through October; every 50 minutes from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from November through March
- View options and book
7. Carmo Church
Why visit?
The Carmo Church is located right next to another church—almost right up against it—which creates an interesting visual contrast when viewed from the street. We recommend that you stop for a moment in front of its facade, which is adorned with azulejos on one side of the building. You’ll notice that the building is one of the must-see sights in the historic center, along the path leading to the Clérigos Tower.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: about 20 to 30 minutes for the church
- Hours: usually from around 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.
- Admission: Free admission to the church
Or a sightseeing tour that includes the catacombs and Casa Escondida for €7 - Directions: Praça de Gomes Teixeira, a few minutes’ walk from the Clérigos Tower and the Lello Bookstore
8. Chapel of the Souls of Saint Catherine
Why visit?
The Santa Catarina Chapel is known for its facade, which is entirely covered in blue and white azulejos—one of the most photographed in Porto. We recommend stopping by in the late morning, when the street is quieter and you can enjoy the building without too many people around. You can admire the religious scenes depicted on the tiles, which cover the entire exterior walls. We found this contrast between religious architecture and decorative art to be particularly representative of the city.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 15 to 20min
- Hours: Weekdays from at least 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., mornings on weekends
- Rates: free access
- Directions: Rua de Santa Catarina, next to the Bolhão metro station
9. Lello Bookstore
Why visit?
The Lello Bookstore is one of the most visited attractions in Porto, recognizable by its central staircase and colorful glass roof. We recommend that you reserve your time slot in advance, as it gets very crowded year-round. You’ll usually have to wait in line, even with a ticket, because the place attracts so many visitors every day. We found the interior remarkable, but the time we could spend inside was limited because of the crowds.
Practical advice
- Tour duration: 20 to 30min
- Hours: Daily from 9:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.; last admission 30 minutes before closing; closed on December 25 and January 1
- Accessibility and Challenges: Not accessible to people with limited mobility
- Prices: €16 per ticket (deductible from the price of a book purchase)
- Directions: Rua das Carmelitas, a few minutes’ walk from the Aliados metro station
- Get the latest news and buy tickets on the official website here
- Or purchase a combined ticket through the foundation
10. Clérigos Tower
Why visit?
The Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks and can be seen from many parts of the city. We recommend going all the way to the top if your legs can handle it; the climb involves a narrow spiral staircase. You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the rooftops, the old town, and the river in the distance. We found the climb to be physically demanding, but manageable for an adult in good shape; it’s less suitable for young children.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: 30 to 45 minutes, including the ascent and descent
- Hours: Daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on weekends, according to some sources), except December 24, 25, and 31, and January 1; last admission 30 minutes before closing—see the official website here for the latest information
- Challenges and Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility: 225 steps on a narrow spiral staircase; not accessible to people with limited mobility; not recommended for people with claustrophobia
- Prices: €10 for an adult; ticket includes admission to the church and the Clercs Museum
- Directions: Vitória neighborhood, Rua de São Filipe de Nery, a 5-minute walk from the São Bento metro station
- Save time by buying your ticket
11. Saint Francis Church
Why visit?
The Church of Saint-François is notable for its richly decorated interior, which contrasts sharply with its very simple façade. We recommend that you take the time to appreciate the details—the interior decor is truly stunning in its richness. You’ll be able to see this contrast between the unassuming exterior and the ornate interior—a feature we’ve noticed in several religious buildings in the old city.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for the church, the museum, and the catacombs
- Hours: November through February, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; in the summer, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Latest news on the official website here - Difficulties and Access PMR: not accessible
- Prices: €9 for an adult; the ticket includes admission to the church, the museum, and the catacombs;
- Directions: Rua do Infante Dom Henrique, near the Bolsa Palace and the Ribeira
12. Gaia Cable Car and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar
Why visit?
The Gaia cable car connects the riverfront to the top of the hill, near the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. We recommend this option to avoid the fairly steep climb on foot on this side of the Douro. As you walk uphill, you’ll enjoy a gradually unfolding view of the Dom Luis I Bridge and the Ribeira across the way. We rounded out the tour with a visit to the nearby monastery, whose courtyard offers one of the best views of the city.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: approximately 5 minutes for the trip; allow 30 minutes, including waiting time and a stop at the nearby monastery
- Hours: generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the off-season, until 8 p.m. during the peak season; check the official website here for the latest information
- Prices: €7 one-way, €10 round-trip
- Directions: Lower station on the Gaia waterfront (Av. de Ramos Pinto); upper station at Jardim do Morro, next to the metro station of the same name
13. Waterfront: Beaches and Forts
Why visit?
Porto’s waterfront, at the mouth of the Douro River, offers a different view of the city, with its beaches and ancient forts. We recommend this outing as a complement to a visit to the historic center—it’s a nice change of pace after spending several days in the city. You can walk along the coastal promenade, which runs along the beaches to the estuary. We enjoyed the contrast between the hustle and bustle of the city center and the relative calm of this more residential and open area.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: a few hours to a half-day for the full tour
- Hours: The trail is open at all times;
- Castelo do Queijo is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: a flat, wooden walkway along its entire length
- Directions: Foz do Douro neighborhood, accessible by tram (Line 1) or bus from downtown
- Dining: cafes and snack bars at the Mercado da Foz and along the boardwalk
14. Saint Ildefonso Church
Why visit?
The Church of Saint Ildefonso is recognizable from a distance thanks to its façade covered in blue and white azulejos, one of the most striking examples of this type of decoration in Porto. You’ll notice the detailed religious scenes on the ceramic panels, which run the full height of the facade. We found this building to be particularly photogenic.
Practical advice
- Duration of visit: 10 to 30 minutes
- Hours: vary by day; generally Monday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and then from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and then from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Hours are subject to change depending on Mass schedules
- Latest news on the official website here
- Challenges and Access for People with Disabilities: Steps
- Prices: Free access to the façade; free admission to the church and museum (a nominal donation is suggested for the museum)
- Directions: Praça da Batalha, a few minutes’ walk from the São Bento train station
15. Fado performances
Why visit?
Attending a fado show is a great way to end a day of sightseeing on a different, more musical note. We recommend that you reserve your spot in advance, as several venues in the historic district host regular events. You’ll discover this traditional Portuguese song, often accompanied by guitar, in an intimate setting. We have fond memories of that evening—it was a pleasant way to round out our cultural exploration of the city beyond its monuments.
Practical advice
- Duration: The show usually lasts about 45 minutes, or longer if combined with dinner
- Access: several venues in Porto’s historic center
- Meals: Dinner is generally included in the package deals
- See options and availability
FUN THINGS TO DO IN: Porto
Things to Do in Porto: Other Ideas
Other Places of Interest in Porto
In addition to the must-see attractions, there are several places worth visiting if you have some extra time in Porto. We spotted several of them during our walks through the historic district. You can easily include them in your itinerary, as most are located near the main sites already mentioned.
- São Bento Station —a train station known for its entrance hall, which is entirely covered in azulejos depicting historical scenes
- The Bolsa Palace —the former Porto Stock Exchange building, known for its richly decorated Arab-style salon
- The Church of Saint Anthony of the Congregation (Igreja de São António dos Congregados)—a church in the historic center, also adorned with azulejos
- The Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão)—a covered market in the city center, featuring traditional stalls and small eateries
- Street art —you can discover many murals and street art pieces while walking through certain neighborhoods in the city center
Museums in Porto
Porto has many museums, some of which are quite unexpected. We’ve listed several of them so you can put together your own cultural itinerary based on your interests. You’ll find everything from classic collections to more original concepts, sure to satisfy every curiosity.
- La Casa do Infante —the presumed birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, now an archive and exhibition center
- The Serralves Foundation —a contemporary art museum surrounded by a park— book your admission ticket
- The Museu do Carro Electrico —a museum dedicated to the history of Porto’s electric tram system
- The FC Porto Museum —a museum and stadium tour dedicated to the local soccer club. Book your ticket
- The Museu das Marionetas —Porto’s Puppet Museum— book your ticket
- The Soares dos Reis National Museum —a collection of Portuguese paintings and sculptures— book your ticket
- Wondersense – Museum of the Five Senses: Book Your Ticket
- World of Discoveries —an interactive museum dedicated to Portugal’s great discoveries. Book your skip-the-line ticket
- The Vinho do Porto Museum —a museum dedicated to the history of Port wine
- The Fun 3D Art Museum —a museum of optical illusions and trompe-l’œil artworks— book your ticket
- The Sex Museum —a museum dedicated to the art and history of sexuality, for adults only— book your ticket
Things to Do in Porto with Kids
We’ve written a full article on family-friendly activities in Porto, with our recommendations based on the children’s ages. There you’ll find relevant ideas and practical recommendations for planning your trip.
Things to Do in Porto When It Rains
If it rains, many of the activities listed above are still available: museums, the Lello bookstore, the cathedral, or one of the culinary experiences, such as a cooking class or a wine tasting at a winery. We recommend that you book these indoor activities first if the weather looks uncertain during your stay.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Day Trips Around Porto
From Porto, there are several day trips that allow you to explore the area around the city. We’ve selected four of the most accessible ones that can be visited in a single day. You can book them directly online based on your availability.
The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley stretches inland, between terraced vineyard slopes. We recommend this tour as a way to further explore Port wine in the very heart of its production region. Book your tour of the Douro Valley.
Braga and Guimarães
Braga and Guimarães are easy to visit from Porto in a single day. We found these two cities to be complementary—the first for its religious heritage, the second for its historic district, which is a designated heritage site. Book your tour of Guimarães.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park is perfect for nature lovers and hikers. There, you’ll find mountainous landscapes quite different from those along the coast—perfect for a day of relaxation away from the city.
Aveiro
Aveiro, sometimes called the Venice of Portugal, can also be visited on a day trip from Porto. We recommend this tour so you can explore its canals and colorful moliceiro boats. Book your tour in Aveiro.
Is the city of Porto worth a visit?
Yes, Porto is worth a visit. We enjoyed the variety of activities on offer, from religious heritage sites adorned with azulejos to historic hillside neighborhoods, Port wine cellars in Gaia, and excursions along the Douro River. You can alternate between cultural tours, relaxing by the river, and culinary discoveries at your own pace.
EXPLORE Porto
- Attractions in Portimao
- Best hotels
- Best excursions
- Itineraries: 1 day – 2 days – 3 days
Helpful Tips for Visiting Porto
Where is Porto?
- In northern Portugal, on the coast
- From Porto to Lisbon = a 5-hour, 15-minute drive
- From Porto to Faro (Algarve) = by road
- Here is a map to help you find your way:
How do I get to Porto?
Porto is served byFrancisco Sá Carneiro Airport, located about 12 km northwest of downtown, in the municipality of Maia. We recommend taking Metro Line E (the purple line), which connects the airport directly to Trindade Station, right in the city center, in about 25 to 30 minutes. You can also take a bus (lines 601, 602, or 604), a shuttle, or a taxi; a taxi ride to the city center costs around €35. Subway trains run every day from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Parking in Porto
The historic center of Porto is largely pedestrian-only, which makes driving around a bit tricky. We recommend using an underground parking garage—which costs a little over €20 for a day—rather than parking on the street. You’ll also find paid parking spaces with parking meters in Zones I through IV, generally Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Zone I; parking is free outside of these hours.
Getting Around in Porto
To get around Porto with ease, one option is to take the hop-on, hop-off tourist bus, which stops at the city’s main attractions. We found this to be a convenient solution for days when we wanted to cover several neighborhoods without having to walk between each stop. You can get on and off as often as you like at any stop. Book your hop-on, hop-off bus ticket.
Otherwise, there are buses and trams running on both sides of the Douro.
Visiting Porto in Winter
We do not have specific information about visiting Porto in the winter for this article; this information still needs to be added. You can still include museums and culinary experiences in your itinerary if the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities.
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