What to Do in Porto
Portugal is a country with many tourist spots. But the favourite city is one of the most historic, and the one from which the country gets its name; that is why we will show you what to do in Porto.
This city amazes all its visitors with its stunning architecture, which sets it apart from any coastal city; its imposing bridges are an everlasting source of inspiration for those who visit, and its wine production is one of the most fascinating.
Tradition is an important part of Porto and its people, so as you walk through it you will breathe the historic air that surrounds this fishing city. How much you enjoy the city depends on the time you have, but the food, wine and places will delight you; April or September are the best months to discover this destination.
What to do in Porto outdoors
As a coastal and fishing city, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Among the things to do in Porto, walking is one of them, so we recommend bringing comfortable clothes and shoes to enjoy the city to the full.
Historic centre of Porto
It is always a good idea to visit a place declared a Cultural World Heritage Site by UNESCO; that is Porto's historic centre, built on the hills of the Douro river.
Walking this historic space is ideal for strolling through the small streets of this colonial setting; as you do, you can enjoy the streets full of little cafés where you can sit down for a lovely afternoon and see the houses full of merchants spread across the centre.
The development of the historic centre is due to the beauty and greatness of the sea, which can be enjoyed from the medieval district; sitting in one of those cafés you can take in that view that turns into one of the magical places. Remember that from the historic centre you can reach all the other monuments of the city.
Porto viewpoint
One of the features of this city is its romanticism, which is why many couples visit it and look for what to do in Porto.
The viewpoint offers you a much more complete view of the city, as well as letting you enjoy a magical sunset here, where you will be able to capture magical photographs. If you are a couple looking for a place full of romance, this is it.
As you visit, you will find many people who, like you, are enjoying it, photographing it, and living the moment.
Dom Luís Bridge
The bridges in Porto are one of the icons of the city, as they are so monumental, besides being an architectural gem. The Dom Luís Bridge is one of the most outstanding and visited.
This is because it was built by the partner of the famous Gustave Eiffel, who designed the tower of his name in Paris, France. This viaduct connects Porto with the town of Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can enjoy the best vineyards.
The Dom Luís Bridge has two levels, one for cars and the other to cross on foot. The latter is one of the wonders you can enjoy, especially at sunset, while the sun sets over the sea and welcomes the night, when you can enjoy another moment of the city.
Ribeira do Douro
The Ribeira do Douro is a place where you can enjoy the colonial feel of the hundreds of houses painted in very colourful tones. If you ask anyone about what to do in Porto, the first thing they will tell you is to taste the wine or go to a vineyard.
From the Ribeira you can visit the vineyards and get top-quality wines and drink them straight from the barrel; it is a completely different experience that you cannot miss.
3 must-do things in Porto
As a historic city, it is a must in your routine of what to do in Porto to visit the monuments of the city, built many years ago and carrying a lot of tradition that marks the identity of the citizens.
Porto Cathedral
Porto Cathedral is one of the places you cannot miss in the city. It is one of the most visited monuments in the city, as it is the main and oldest church. It has also been declared a National Monument of Portugal.
The structure dates from the 12th and 13th centuries with a blend of architectural styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque; which makes it all the more interesting to see, as it is a complete spectacle of art.
The Cathedral is a great work of art, from the main altar to the great number of paintings by great artists of the time. Remember that this church is a sober place and respect should be maintained, as it is a religious site.
São Bento Station
Among the monuments to visit there is a railway station. Yes, a station…
But this place holds many secrets, as it is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe, because it is one of the most important architectural works of the 20th century and was built by the architect José Marques da Silva.
The most striking feature of this station is the 20,000 tiles that cover the atrium. Visitors prefer to go in the afternoon when the sun makes the tiles shine.
At the station there is also an art gallery by the painter Jorge Colaço that you should not miss.
Clérigos Tower
When you visit this city, there are many things to do in Porto. Visiting the monuments is a must; one of the most emblematic is the Clérigos Tower, one of the tallest in the country.
This work was a reference point for boats for many years; its height means it can be seen from any point, as it is 78 metres high and dates from the 18th century. Anyone who wants can climb to the highest point and take in the wonderful view this place offers.
Romantic things to do in Porto
Remember that, being one of the most romantic cities in Portugal, it is one of the favourite places for many new couples; among the favourite activities of what to do in Porto are:
Cruise
The river is an essential part of Porto as a coastal city. So you can take advantage of the six-bridge cruise and enjoy each of the architectural wonders of the city.
You can take it from the cellar area on the Vila Nova de Gaia bank. You can do it at night for a much more romantic evening. This cruise has become a favourite spot for new couples who want to spend a moment alone or are celebrating their anniversaries or any special date.
Wine cellars
Visiting the wine cellars and vineyards is the first thing to do in Porto if you are a lover of this drink. Wine is one of the most special drinks in this city, so there are different cellars to visit.
In these spaces you can learn the whole wine-making process, ending in a tasting of everything produced there. You can also spend a whole day at a vineyard, where you can learn all about wine extraction.
After visiting these cellars you will become an expert wine taster — and not just of any wine, of the best from Portugal.
