24 amazing things to do in Porto, Portugal

Porto, Portugal, is the perfect destination for travelers looking for an affordable yet culturally rich destination. With budget-friendly accommodation, restaurants, and attractions, it offers great value compared to other major European cities.

Beyond its affordability, Porto captivates visitors with its charming streets, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere. Its UNESCO-listed historic center is a testament to the city's deep-rooted history, making it a must-visit for anyone eager to explore authentic Portuguese culture. 

If you're wondering about the best things to do in Porto, you'll find a mix of historical landmarks, scenic riverfronts, lively nightlife, and delicious local cuisine. From exploring the Ribeira District to tasting Port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia, there's something for every traveler to enjoy.

Practical Tips and Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

1. How to Get There?

Porto has an airport called Francisco Sá Carneiro, featuring modern architecture and a wide variety of airlines, including low-cost carriers. To get from the airport to the city center, the best options are:

• Metro: If you're traveling light, there's a metro station inside the airport, making access super convenient.
• Taxi: A good choice if you have a lot of luggage or prefer more comfort.

2. How to Get Around Porto

Public transportation in Porto works very well, so there's no need to rent a car while you're there. Simply purchase an Andante Tour card, which grants you unlimited access to the metro, trains, and buses for a set number of hours. For example:

• Andante Tour 1

This pass allows you to use public transport for 24 consecutive hours from the moment you first validate it. It currently costs 7,50 euros.

• Andante Tour 3

This pass allows you to use public transport for 72 consecutive hours from the moment you first validate it. It costs 16 euros.

Each person must have their own Andante Tour card, and you need to validate every trip to avoid fines. Validation machines are available at stations and inside buses.

You can find the Andante Tour card at Tourist Information Offices around the city and at the airport.

Where to Stay in Porto

The best neighborhoods to stay in Porto depend on your travel style. Ribeira is the most scenic, with stunning river views and a lively atmosphere. Baixa (downtown) is ideal for sightseeing, full of historic landmarks, shops, and restaurants.

Cedofeita is an artsy district with a more local feel, great for boutique hotels and cool cafés. Avenida da Boavista offers a quieter, upscale experience, with modern hotels and easy transport links. 

For budget travelers, Bonfim is an emerging favorite, offering affordable stays in a laid-back, authentic setting. Paranhos is another budget-friendly option, especially appealing to young people.

And did you know that you can get free accommodation in Porto while having an incredible experience living with locals and learning about daily life in the city? You can do this through Worldpackers, a platform where you exchange a few hours of work per day for free accommodation and other perks.

There are several hosts in Porto and other parts of Portugal, from hostels and guest houses to permaculture projects and NGOs. If the host is a non-profit, a weekly fee might be charged to cover your living expenses and contribute with the project.

Check out some of the volunteer opportunities in Porto:

3. Enjoy the wonders of Porto while helping out a hostel

This nice hostel is looking for volunteers for cleaning tasks and helping at the reception. The traveler will be asked to help for 5 hours a day, with 2 free days per week. They also accept it if volunteers wish to organize their own activities as long as they fit in with the hostel’s spirit. They have a very relaxed, zen, and warm environment and are not a party hostel. 

4. Be part of a coliving in Cedofeita

This host is looking for volunteers to collaborate with them in a friendly and peaceful environment in the heart of Porto. They are located in one of the best areas of the city, surrounded by history, culture, and vibrant life. Your help will be needed with house cleaning, making beds, bathroom cleaning, and guest reception.

5. Welcome to a vibrant planetary community

Located in Porto, this host is a vibrant community dedicated to freedom, happiness, and prosperity for all living beings. Operating in arts, self-knowledge, ecology, and organic food, the space hosts events, training, coworking, and more. They are seeking like-minded individuals in areas like permaculture, music, art, and therapy to join them in fostering social and ecological consciousness.

You might also like these articles:

• What it's like to do a work exchange at a surf camp in Portugal
• Teaching English in Portugal: a guide with all you need to know

Where to Eat in Porto

Porto offers a mix of Mediterranean and Atlantic cuisine, with dishes rich in vegetables, fish, and olive oil. With so many restaurants and taverns to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to eat.

We've listed some of the city's traditional dishes along with affordable restaurants, so you can enjoy local specialties without spending too much.

6. Francesinha

This is a delicious plated sandwich, a true Porto classic. It consists of two slices of bread filled with multiple layers of meat, topped with cheese, a fried egg, and French fries.

Where to eat it?

Café Santiago - This dish is a house specialty. If you don’t eat much, you can easily share a Francesinha with someone, as the portion is quite generous. Address: Rua de Passos Manuel, 226.

7. Pastel de Nata

The famous Pastéis de Nata are a must-try while exploring Porto. In case you don’t know them yet, pastéis de nata are traditional Portuguese custard tarts made with a crispy, flaky puff pastry shell and a creamy, sweet egg custard filling. 

They are typically baked at a high temperature, which gives the custard a slightly caramelized, golden-brown top. These pastries are often enjoyed warm, sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar. They are one of Portugal's most famous and beloved treats, perfect with a cup of coffee or tea.

Where to eat it? 

Fábrica da Nata - This charming spot lets you watch the entire process of making these delicious pastries. You can enjoy a freshly baked pastel de nata straight from the oven. Address: Rua de Santa Catarina, 331/335.

8. Tripas à Moda do Porto

This is the perfect comfort food for winter days or when you need something hearty. Since it’s a rich and heavy dish, people tend to either love it or hate it. 

It consists of tripe (cow’s stomach) slow-cooked with white beans, various types of sausages, pork, and sometimes chicken. The dish is well-seasoned with garlic, onions, bay leaves, and paprika, creating a flavorful stew.

Where to eat it?

A Cozinha do Manel - This restaurant specializes in authentic Portuguese cuisine, offering a cozy, traditionally themed atmosphere. Since the portion is quite large, it's highly recommended to share it between two people. Address: Rua do Heroísmo, 215.

Other Affordable Restaurants in Porto

9. A Casa Guedes

 Great for sandwiches and appetizers. Address: Praça dos Poveiros, 130.

10. A Sandeira do Porto

They have a lunch menu for €6, and snacks for €4. Address: Rua dos Caldeireiros, 85.

You might also like to read: 10 typical dishes to eat like a local in Portugal

Top Tourist Attractions in Porto

Porto offers a wide range of tourist attractions, from historical landmarks to scenic walks. We've listed both free and paid activities so you can choose your favorites and create a personalized itinerary.

11. The Douro River and Its Bridges

Exploring the Douro River on a small cruise is a must. The tour takes you under Porto’s six famous bridges and lasts about an hour. It's a great late-afternoon activity.

Price: €18

12. Church of São Francisco

If you appreciate Gothic architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see. Its intricate exterior and interior details are breathtaking.

Entrance fee: €7,50

13. Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

This is one of Porto’s most stunning buildings, but the entry is paid. Tickets must be purchased in advance on the official Palácio da Bolsa website.

14. Praça da Ribeira and Surroundings – Porto’s Oldest District

Wander through this medieval square, the oldest in Portugal, filled with restaurants, artisan shops, and historic Portuguese architecture. Known for its lively atmosphere and street music, it’s a great place to enjoy the city for free.

Tip: Stroll through the narrow streets of Ribeira and relax at one of the many bars and restaurants with outdoor seating and stunning Douro River views.

15. Porto Wine Museum

Located in Ribeira, this museum offers guided tours with wine tastings at the end.

Basic ticket price: €10 (varies depending on services included).

16. Crystal Palace Gardens

The perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon walk. These beautifully maintained gardens offer spectacular views of Porto and are also home to a botanical garden with diverse flower and plant species. Entry is free.

17. Vila Nova de Gaia

Known as the home of Port wine, this area is filled with wineries offering wine tastings at affordable prices in multiple languages. A great place to spend an entire afternoon, enjoying the relaxed, riverside atmosphere.

18. Serra do Pilar Monastery

Don’t miss this spot! The monastery’s hilltop location offers one of the most stunning views of the Douro River. Take the cable car from the Douro River banks for a scenic ride up.

19. Matosinhos Beach & Miramar Beach

Besides being a cultural destination, Porto is also popular for its beaches, perfect for hot summer days.

Matosinhos Beach is one of the most visited by tourists. It features a wide sandy shore that gets quite crowded in summer, along with a seafront lined with restaurants serving delicious Portuguese cuisine.

Miramar Beach offers a unique attraction: the Capela Senhor da Pedra, a seaside chapel built on a rock, which catches the attention of visitors passing by.

20. Baixa District

This area surrounding Avenida dos Aliados is home to several tourist attractions, activities, and must-visit spots. Take your time exploring the charming streets on foot.

21. City Hall (Câmara Municipal)

The Câmara Municipal do Porto (Porto City Hall) is an iconic building located in the heart of Porto, at the top of Avenida dos Aliados. It serves as the headquarters of the city’s municipal government and is one of the most striking landmarks in Porto, known for its impressive neoclassical architecture and its tall central clock tower, which stands at about 70 meters (230 feet) high. 

Tourists can visit the building and explore its grand interiors, but you need to book in advance.

22. Clérigos Tower & Carmo Church

If you love history and old architecture, these two sites are a must-visit. Clérigos Tower is an 18th-century, 75-meter-high tower offering a breathtaking 360º panoramic view of Porto from the top, and Carmo Church is a stunning Baroque-style church with intricate details both inside and out.

Entrance fee: €10.

23. Lello Bookstore

Harry Potter fans have probably already heard about this place. Legend has it that J.K. Rowling was living in Porto while writing the first book of the series and frequently visited the bookstore. Many believe that its iconic staircase inspired the moving staircases of Hogwarts.

Besides its connection to the wizarding world, Lello Bookstore is often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Due to its popularity, entry is controlled through advance ticket sales on the official Lello Bookstore website.

Entrance fee: €10 (the amount is deducted if you purchase a book).

24. Nightlife – Galeria de Paris Street

If you’re interested in Porto’s nightlife, this street is your best choice. Portuguese people have a fun tradition of grabbing a drink and socializing outside bars, making the street lively and full of energy, especially on weekends. There are always multiple events happening at the same time, making it a great spot to experience Porto’s vibrant nightlife.

Keep reading about Portugal:

• The best Portugal travel tips: all you need to know
• Exploring Portugal with a backpack: best itineraries and travel hacks
• Portugal travel itinerary: why you should go beyond Lisbon and Porto

Portugal is not only a fantastic travel destination to explore local culture and history but also ranks among the best study-abroad destinations with top universities in various fields. Now that you have all these amazing tips on things to do in Porto, it's time to start planning your trip to this incredible city!